An image-taking apparatus which captures object light to take an image includes: an optical device through which the object light is transmitted; an image pickup device which generates an image signal representing an object image; and a cleaning section which is deformed by receiving a predetermined stimulus, the cleaning section being brought into contact with, and being separated from, the optical device and/or the image pickup device to clean substances attached to the contact portion. The apparatus further includes: a stimulus application section which applies the stimulus to the cleaning section; and a control section which controls the deformation of the cleaning section by controlling the stimulus applied from the stimulus application section, and which thus causes the cleaning section to clean the contact portion.