Daily Inspiration: Meet Erika Roberts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Roberts.

Hi Erika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Erika Roberts. I am the owner and sole photographer with Erika Roberts Photo + Co.

I was born and raised in a small town in Connecticut and moved to Tennessee in 2013 because I craved a fresh start! So I packed my car with my clothes, valuables, and only $500 and drove south! I moved around a bit when I first got here + met some amazing people- including my husband. We started our family in Smyrna but ultimately moved to Murfreesboro in 2021.

Since I was younger, I’ve always thought the medical field was where I belonged. I lost my father in 2009 and that experience really pushed me toward the medical field. I thoroughly find happiness in helping and serving other people. I was a volunteer EMT in Connecticut and worked at various hospitals here in Tennessee as a Nurse Tech. Shortly after my son was born in 2016, I became a stay-at-home mom + wanted a way to document all of the memorable moments I would experience with him. My Christmas gift that year from my husband was a Canon Rebel T6.

Not only was I able to take photos of my son, but I also started branching out and taking photos of friends/family and found myself really enjoying the lifestyle that being a photographer gave! Unfortunately, I became too hard on myself and stopped abruptly in 2017. Flash forward to the beginning of 2022, I begged my husband for another camera because I yearned for the social, creative + serving aspects of being a photographer. I was burned out from the medical field and knew that it wasn’t where I was meant to be anymore. He surprised me with my new camera + the rest is history in the making!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having comes easy. I’ve had major “imposter syndrome” since starting my photography business again. At the beginning of this year, I was constantly comparing myself to other photographers’ work. I was discouraged from putting myself out there and in turn, gaining a clientele, because I thought considering I wasn’t from Tennessee, it would be hard to market myself.

I soon realized that the only way to “market” myself was to truly use social media as what it was– “social” media.
I began reaching out to other photographers instead of comparing my work to theirs. Not only introduce myself/ask questions but also offer my services as a second shooter! I signed up for a Content Day where I met other amazing photographers and was able to practice my skills. I’ve also utilized my community by letting people know what I do any time I get the opportunity to!

I am a firm believer that if you tell yourself you’ll be successful, you will become successful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a lifestyle photographer! I specialize in families, couples, engagements + lifestyle newborns! I am also dipping my toes – slowly but surely – into weddings. I hope by next year I will take on my first! I am truly most proud of how far my work has improved in just a few months and how stepping out of my comfort zone has allowed me to meet + photograph so many beautiful people.

My goal for every session is to make each and every client of mine feel comfortable, that’s how the best memories are made + true smiles come out. I’m constantly shouting– “CUTE, YES, I LOVE IT, DO THAT AGAIN!”

I may come to a session in sweats and my hair in a bun, or I may be completely put together, but I’m always my authentic, optimistic + energetic self.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
When growing up, I was REALLY into singing and playing the guitar. I took guitar and singing lessons for a couple of years. I think that is where I get my creative side from.

I’ve always been known as the witty + sassy friend who will hype you up at any time! I was always on the run doing something fun with family or friends. If I didn’t have them, I don’t know where I’d be!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erikarobertsphotoco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erikarobertsphoto.co/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/erikarobertsphoto.co

Image Credits
Erika Roberts Photo