Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Gulde.
Hi Sierra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been enthralled with the camera, and freezing moments in time, so when I started high school I dove into photography and never looked back. I studied at the Art institute until they closed their doors for good, and wasn’t sure if I’d ever professionally do anything with photography after that. I was told “it’s too cut throat, a very difficult industry to be successful in”. Reluctantly I listened, but then 2021 came around, something in me decided to pick the camera back up, and start to advertise for myself to see if I could be successful. It was a hard year, doing sessions for pretty much nothing, over working myself to get my name out there, not knowing if I was doing right for myself or my family. Then something shifted, and I wish I could say what it was, but whatever it was it changed my life forever. Now in 2025 I’m a full time business, able to travel and make beautiful memories for couples who are eloping, create for other creatives, and freeze memories for growing families. It’s been a dream come true, I sit back and think about all the people who believed in me, who took a chance on me when I was nothing, and I’m so grateful for them all. My goals are far from over but if I was to tell 2009 Sierra that the hard work and perseverance paid off she’d cry her eyes out in disbelief.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was far from a smooth road, I didn’t have a plan, I just decided to try advertising for myself. It was really difficult doing sessions for almost nothing when I saw all of the seasoned photographers who had their websites, pricing sheets, portfolios, etc. I have three small boys who rely on me so it was almost too easy to just give up in the beginning. I so badly wanted to be successful in the VERY beginning, looking back that isn’t reality. Trying to find my style, my niche, my calling was incredibly challenging as well. You think you have an idea of what you want to do until you start to do it. You trouble shoot constantly until it just feels right. Traveling to beautiful places, meeting new people, and exploring with couples just felt right so I’ve leaned into that which helped significantly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in elopements but do a little bit of everything. Families, maternity, branding, maternity, I just love being behind the camera and being creative/making memories. I’m known for my vibrant edits and being quite a dorky individual. I’m proud of myself for never giving up, for putting myself out there when I never did before. But when you love something you do things you didn’t think you could before. I think what sets me apart from others is how personable I am, I’m not just a photographer, I’m your hype women, your dress fluffer, hair fixer, I’m here to hear you vent, I don’t just care about getting the pictures, I care about getting the pictures YOU want, bringing out your authentic personalities. No two people are the same and you can’t treat everyone like they are. You need to be able to pivot between each couple/family/individual and I feel like I do that beautifully.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being true to yourself so you can be true to your clients is so important for success in my opinion! You need to be true to yourself so you can be the best for the people who are trusting you to make the memories they hired you to make. If you aren’t a people person it can show and affect how you work/edit etc
Pricing:
- Elopements start at $800 for 2 hours of coverage
- Full day elopements (8 hours) start at $2,400
- Destination elopement/weddings start at $3,000
- Deluxe package for families, maternity, branding etc is $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SierraGuldePhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierraguldephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SierraGuldePhotography?mibextid=PtKPJ9
Image Credits
The photo of me was taken by @melschill.photo but edited by me
