Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Rustom.
Hi Sierra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey into photography at a young age. I can’t exactly remember the specific age. I just remember I was always taking photos on my phone and “editing” them just by the “photo” app settings. I quickly became obsessed with the idea of it, and started a photography page of my edits of scenery, flowers, animals, etc. I even took a photography class in high school.
When I was about 18, I bought a Nikon D3200 from my sister who’s also a photographer in Iowa, and quickly started learning more into it, which she helped me with. I then decided to file as a business at the age of 19 in the Summer of 2021 when I was in college.
I offered a bunch of free sessions to gain more practice, asked friends to model, took a college “photography” class in college etc. After I gained more experience and had a larger portfolio, I started charging for sessions. Quickly I started having people recommend me, and gained more of a clientele!
I booked my first wedding about 3 months into starting my business, and did a handful of weddings this year. I also booked quite a few more so far for next year and a couple for 2024! Which I am so grateful for
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting at this business when I was 19 wasn’t anything easy. I had lots of trials, failure, trying to find my style, figuring out my camera, editing software, and just trying to run a business as a whole all while going to college and working 1-2 other jobs.
However, none of that stopped me into doing what I love to do, and wanting to serve my clients in the best way possible, and with that motivation, it lead me to where I am at today!
I’m truly proud of how far I’ve come with just starting this business a little over a year ago, and I continue to learn, and expand my knowledge each session, and each day and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I’m working on making this business my full time career, and each day, each session, I get closer to that goal of mine.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize mainly in weddings!
Couples are by far my cup of tea, so when couples inquire with me for either just a couple session, engagement, or wedding I get super excited just from the first message! I continue that excitement leading up to and during the session.
I however love to photograph seniors and boudoir as well!
I do also photograph families too!
Each session I do with my clients, we always have an absolute blast. I tend to each of my clients’ needs to the best of my ability, help them feel comfortable up to & during their session, and truly care for each client I serve and want to give them the best possible experience.
I love to hype my clients up the whole time, make them feel comfortable and to not feel like they are just with me to do “pose after pose” I’m a true believer in candids, and “letting loose” and being comfortable during each session I do.
I treat my clients as friends, not just “customers” and that really helps build a connection with each client I service.
I don’t think of photography as me taking someone’s photo, I take it as connecting with so many different people and creating memories for each of my clients. Memories they can hang up in their house, put into photo albums, share, look at and cherish forever.
Knowing I helped create such joyful, happy memories and experiences for years on end for my clients, is truly the best feeling ever, and it’s what I live to do & it’s one of my favorite things about owning this business.
Pricing:
- Weddings: 4 hour package: $650 | 6 hour package $850 | 8 hour package $1,250 | 10 hour package $1,750
- Grads: Starting at $200
- Engagement: $300
- 1 hour packages: couples, maternity, boudoir, family etc. : $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sierrarustomphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @Sierrarustomphotography
- Facebook: @Sierrarustomphotography
Image Credits
@sierrarustomphotography
@sheaphotography (main photo)
