Sierra Dolan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sierra, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have two solid answers to this one. Since summer is typically my slower season as a photographer in Texas, I have been dedicating a bit more time to reading. I have a large stack of books in my reading queue right now (mostly murder mystery) that I have been reading as I take little breaks throughout the day. My second answer, is that I have realized after being a full time photographer for 3 years, that a lot of photography is actually sitting at a desk. I spend many hours editing, answering emails, trying to keep up with marketing and social media. I didn’t realize my life before this, working in the service industry and as a substitute teacher, was keeping me in constant movement. I have recently gotten back into fitness and start my day with a workout of some sort. It has brought me a new sense of accomplishment and really puts me in a headspace to tackle the rest of my day head on. This has probably been one of my most productive summer lulls yet!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sierra Dolan, owner of Sierra Marie Photography. I specialize in wedding and “all things family” photography. My overall style of photography is a bit traditional and true to color. On a few occasions so far I have had the pleasure of photographing a couple’s wedding and then getting to capture them growing into a family. There is something special about being included in people’s most joyous moments of their lives. I feel as though my clients start to become my friends and I get to cheer them on from behind the camera.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed I was as stubborn as stubborn could be. That things always had to be done my way, and that was just the Torus in me. Haha. But as I have grown I’ve learned that taking a step back from that control is actually a strength. It can be very freeing and allow you to grow so much more. Putting myself in a service mindset, especially on a wedding day, has given me comfort in flexibility. Releasing my stubbornness has allowed me to be more open to change. There is so much I can learn from others in my industry and I never want to stop improving my skills. I want to leave every session, and every wedding day feeling like I did the best I possibly could for my clients. And if a client comes back to me I want to do even better the next time.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Starting your own business can be challenging, especially within the first couple of years. It takes a bit to get your name out there. You also hear people say “you get back what you put into it”. My first two years had me working non-stop. I felt like I had to be available to potential clients 24/7. It got to the point where my husband felt like he never got to see me and it honestly put a strain on my personal relationships. At one point I really did question if all the work I was putting in would show up in the way I needed it to to justify being a career photographer. The feeling of burnout can be scary. I am blessed to have now made a name for myself enough to set a healthy work/life balance. It’s still a lot of work, but I am much better at carving out the time I need for myself and my family.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think a big one is that you have to be popular on social media to be successful in the photography/creative industry. I do agree that it is a big marketing tool, and has become more important when marketing to this younger generation. But your number of followers does not equal your number of bookings. I may not have hundreds of people liking every post on Instagram, or sharing my reels, but I do have families that come back to me every year for their christmas card photos. Or I will go to a clients house to photograph their newborn baby and see the work I did for them on their wedding day hung up on their walls. That’s what I’m most proud of. That is what success is for me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I absolutely love my job. I enter every session with more excitement than nervousness at this point in my career. Ever since I picked up photography I have been much less stressed and much more fulfilled. I feel like I have found the perfect combination of purpose and creativity for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sierramarie-photography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierramarie.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierramarie.photographyatx
Image Credits
Images captured by Sierra Marie Photography, Amanda Lynn Photography, and Morgan Elise Photography. Three images associate shot for Emily Chappell Productions. All images edited by Sierra Marie Photography.
