We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sierra Rustom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sierra below.

Sierra, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think what it takes to be successful is hard work, dedication & determination.

For me I was determined to start a photography business and with all the hard work & dedication I had to form this amazing business was well worth it.

In order to be successful in something you want to do, or have a passion for, you got to have the dedication and determination to work to be successful in whatever you want to be successful in. Nothing will happen without putting work into it.

I didn’t really know I would be this successful into my business 2 years from starting it but here I am- and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I am still working hard & trying new things creatively and I still have that determination and dedication to increase my success into what I am aiming it to be!

Sierra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Sierra, and I am a wedding & elopement photographer. I am based in a town close to Duluth, MN and I am 21 years old.

I started my photography business at the age of 19 and I couldn’t of be more thankful of my decision at such a young age.

I do also do offer a variety of other photography services such as basic couple sessions, seniors, boudoir, family, etc.

I love animals, I am definitely a cat person- if I could own, cuddle and hug all the cats in the world, I would. I have 2 cats of my own, a dog, fish and bearded dragon. I always joke around with my bf that he will find a new animal every time he comes home because of my big heart haha.

I am a very artistic person, I like to say I’m also a minimalist. I love nature and watching sunrises/sunsets along with reading books. I also love to chat, get to know people and laugh. I love flowers, picnics, thrift shopping, hanging out with my animals, going to garage sales, small business shopping, and pasta.

I love to document everything in my life. I take photos of some of the smallest things in my own life but I have the mindset where one day, we will all grow old and our memories will slowly fade away. I want the photographs to look back at so I can see how great my life actually was.

One of the main things people always tell me what sets me apart from other photographers and why they choose me is how candid I am, and how I can really connect with clients.

People love how free, natural, true, emotional and documentary my work looks and I’m very proud of myself for that. I like to say I just don’t take photos, but I document the most special moments.

My main goal is for my clients to look back on their photos and feel like they’re reliving their big day, or session again and feel true emotion.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Connecting with clients. Connection plays a large factor, especially for a good client experience. If connection is awkward or not communicative it’s not fun or enjoyable for either party. Me being the photographer or for the client. Both parties being comfortable is a huge thing.

Word of mouth is a huge thing for a growing clientele, and that’s how I get a lot of my clients so I am a huge believer in treating my clients as people and a friend not a dollar sign.

I love to jam out to music, chat, laugh, grab a coffee all the above with my clients. I love to become friends with my clients and that’s one of the things my clients love about me.

I like to treat my clients session whether that be a mini 15 minute session or a 10 hour wedding day like a normal day. Not acting in front of a camera. I love movement, making my clients laugh, and to just have fun as a whole.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Posting a lot. Before I always thought if I posted frequently I would be annoying- but I had to learn as a business owner I have to post frequently to increase the chance of my work showing up out there.

Since I’m a wedding photographer I mainly post weddings/couples in general to my feed. Weddings & couples are my niche so that’s what I want to aim for my target clientele.

Another thing I learned is to show my face, and show my real life on my social media. Yes I’m a business owner but I am also a person and have a life like everyone else. Therefore I like to show that- which also brings me back to the connection with people topic.

Clients who book like to see my life and what I do, which gains one form of connection. I like to post what I do on vacations, chore “to do” lists, my animals, behind the scenes for when I’m working or anything fun I do. It really helps show who I am as a person and is one of the ways that has helped me build a following because either people like my work or they enjoy who I am as a person or both.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sierrarustomphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: Sierrarustomphotography
• Facebook: Sierrarustomphotography

Image Credits
All images are taken and edited by me (sierrarustomphotography)