Meet Sian Siska

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sian Siska.

Hi Sian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My dad bought me my first camera when I was around 12 years old. He’s been into photography since he was a boy and was so excited I found curiosity for it. I started out taking photos at horse shows. I rode and competed in hunter jumper. My dad would bring along his camera and take photos of me, so of course, I had to follow in his footsteps and start doing the same! In high school, I started experimenting more with portrait photography. I always went to art schools, so there were plenty of volunteer models ready to experiment with whatever casual or outlandish concept I had in mind. It wasn’t until 2019 that I even considered wedding photography, but after the first wedding, I was head over heels in love. I found my dream job that day. Today I specialize in weddings and boudoir, and though things get busy between May-November, I make sure to still set aside time for creative shoots. This helps me to try new things with the camera, angles, prompts, etc. It keeps my passion fired up and creativity flowing for all present and future clients!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This journey has been anything but a straight path. There were long periods when I packed up my camera and didn’t reach for it for far too long. It wasn’t something I believed I could turn into a career. Frankly, it was something I wasn’t sure I was even good at. I just knew I loved it, and that love for photography is what kept me always coming back. I went full time in 2020. I don’t think I’ve ever stressed so much about a decision in my life. I spent a lot of days and nights thinking, “I made a huge mistake.” “What was I thinking. I jumped all in too soon.” “I’m not good enough to make this my career.” etc etc. I’d get urges to run from the challenge of building my dream business, but giving up isn’t what I do. I wasn’t just a photographer anymore, I was a full time business owner, and I had no idea how to be one yet, so I spent long nights, early mornings, and lots of weekends learning, building, practicing, and planning my next move. Honestly, I’m still doing that. I don’t think I’ll ever stop, because I can’t. I don’t want to. Running a business is scary and you dedicate a majority of your time and thoughts into it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer based in the Twin Cities. I specialize in weddings and boudoir but also offer senior photos and lifestyle maternity, newborn, and family photography. I’m most proud of my growth. I’ve worked very hard to find my style in both shooting and editing, and over the past two years really found mine. I’m not sure this ‘sets me apart’ from others, but I’m very confident in my ability to help guide clients and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. When I work with couples and families, I make sure my prompts for them complement their unique dynamic. When I work with boudoir clients, I offer clear direction and reassurance that I’m here for THEM. And as a wedding photographer, I’m there for them from the second they book me and every day after that. Whatever I can do to assist them in lightening the load/stress of wedding planning and the big day, I will do. It’s just such an honor to be trusted to capture people’s memories, families, and vulnerability. I don’t take that for granted.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I like to think I’m pretty transparent, so I can’t imagine there’s much that people who know me/my work would be surprised to hear. I guess the biggest thing is I can still fall into the trap of doubting my abilities quite a bit.

Pricing:

• Weddings – starting rate $2200
• Boudoir – $500
• Family/Maternity – $350
• Seniors – $450

Contact Info:

• Email: sianelizabeth.photo@gmail.com
• Website: www.sianelizabethphotos.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sianelizabethphoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sianelizabethphotos