Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Ferguson.
Hi Sierra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and Raised in San Diego, California I grew up adventuring the coast and fell in love with finding creative ways to capture my memories. I vividly remember forcing my little sisters to sit out in our front yard and take “tumblr” inspired photos. I began to grow my business while in high school but as I prepped for college, it became more of a hobby and passion project than job.
After moving to Oahu over 7 years ago to play volleyball and attend college , I was eager to find ways to continue to bring my love of documentation to my new life on the island. I first started by bringing my camera with me to the beach, and would take photos of my roommates/ teammates in order to slowly build my portfolio. Photography has always been a way for me to express the way I see the world and the people in it. It has grown and evolved with me as I have. I started with portrait work, which is the backbone of my business, but as I have continued to grow up I shifted into the couples photography space, event photography, fashion and brand work, and more. I don’t believe in picking a specific “niche” because I genuinely feel that all stories need to be told, and I want to tell them all!
Since 2016, I have continued to pursue this passion on the side as it has allowed creative freedom + expression for me. There is nothing more special than having the opportunity to pour into others and empower them. Despite all the changes in life, photography has been the one consistent thing I have carried through each season of life. It is so dynamic, intimate, and how I hope I can leave my mark on the world.
In October of 2023, I stepped away from my corporate position as I decided I wanted to attend grad school and pursue a Masters in Counseling. I was unsure of what my next step was as I was getting married in December of that year and planned to wait to find a “full time” job until we returned from our honeymoon. I felt it in my gut this calling to lean into this aspect of “trust” and letting go of my need to have every problem in my life solved. I am so thankful for my husband, Peter, and the patience, support, and love he has entrusted on me throughout this process. He is truly one of the main reasons I am able to do what I do. He works so hard to support us, while also finding small ways to support me and my small yet growing business. The blessings that came from that waiting period are indescribable, as I was able to receive a maxed out bookings month(s) for November and December before leaving for our wedding. We are now halfway through 2024, and it has been so amazing to see the amazing clients I have connected with this year and the projects I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of. I do not take any inquiry lightly as I know how important this role is.
Specializing in both Digital Film Photography, I am inspired by love, light, adventure. My goal with this art form is to empower others to see their true beauty and light. I believe that as a photographer, I am a vessel to help other feel their best and a form of therapy to continue to allow others to see parts of themselves that they can’t see on the regular basis. Through photography, I want to push you out of your comfort zones in order to achieve your dream vision and thankful for every clients trust in me.
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?
Never! It was always my “side” hustle, but now that I am exploring it for a more full time route, it has come with its ebs and flows. Some months I am struggling with burnout to meet TAT and deadlines, and other months I am struggling to book more than 2 couples. I try to stay in the present moment and remind myself that what is for me will come. It can be so easy to compare yourself to other photographers or individuals online, but I try my best to remind myself that doesn’t help and only effects me and my mental state. I like to think that all the clients I have been able to connect with over the last 8 years were meant to be and the right fits will continue to find me and my work.
This last year learning the business side has been such a learning curve, each client I learn something knew. Whether it’s how my process in place is working or how I need to find ways to advocate and protect myself. That is the fun part about owning your own business, it continues to evolve as you evolve. Rather than being stagnant in ways you that are not functional for the client or for me. After working in the corporate space for 3 years, I think having that sense of “control” is so freeing knowing that if something didn’t work for someone, I can change it to make it accommodate them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This year my goal was to dive into film photography. My grandma passed a few years ago, but left me her old film camera that I was too scared to learn on. This year, I decided not to let my anxiety take the lead, and push myself past the perfectionist mindset. I fell in love with film and it is something so special to me and my art. The nostalgic feeling is indescribable and the adrenal rush of not knowing what you’re shooting until after is high key thrilling. I love the timeless aspect to film photography and keep think leaping into it this year was the biggest blessing. I recently just shot my first full film swimwear campaign that will launch in September, and when I saw the scans come back my heart bursted with excitement.
Additionally, I recently launched a Photographer x Social Media Content Creator Collab with Maya Devi Socials. Our goal is to be the one stop shop for all creative needs. If you’re a brand looking to roll out your newest campaign, we provide both iphone video for IG, Tik Tok and photography services for branding, website images, typical use. This is also perfect for couples looking to elope or have iphone video footage throughout their special date coupled with the photographer side. I was able to book a content creator for my wedding and it truly made it so much easier to feel present throughout the day. The next morning, when I received all the video footage, I was able to look through it and relive our special day. This is what we want for our clients. Whether it is your wedding or your brand, we want you to be able to step back and enjoy the moment while we capture your vision. Our goal is to create price inclusive packages for the convenience of all while providing a service that is so needed!
What were you like growing up?
I have always been creative, adventurous, athletic, and outgoing. I am the oldest of 4, so I definitely am very type A and used to keeping everyone and everything in line. I have always been someone who is go go go and quite extroverted. Which is why this line of work is perfect for me. Every client I work I genuinely envision a long term friendship cherish our relationship me deeply!
Pricing:
- Couple Sessions Starting at $400
- Portrait Sessions Starting at $350
- Elopements and Intimate Weddings Starting at $900
- Fashion and Brand Work Starting at $400
- Social Media and Photography Service Starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sierra-lorraine-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierralorrainephotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierrapiester/
