Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Adams.
Sierra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always connected with someone’s camera (mostly my mothers because she would be in charge of taking the family vacation photos). Finally, after always playing around with her camera, they bought me my own when I was about nine years old. At the time, I had a dog named Coco and when I would take him outside to play, I would bring my camera and take pictures of him running around the yard. In my beginning stages, I wasn’t very familiar with editing so all of my pictures, I would say now, weren’t that appealing. They were uneven, the white balance was off, the lighting, the angles, etc. But that was ok because we all grow as we master our craft with patience.
During sophomore year of high school, I thought it would cute to bring my brand new Canon Rebel T6i camera to school (without my parent’s knowledge) to be used for yearbook. And the unthinkable happened: someone stole my camera. I was distraught that someone took my camera, but I was even more scared of what was about to happen when my parents got ear of it. Let’s just say I learned my lesson because they refused to buy me another camera until two years later. Now, no one can touch my camera without signing a contract saying they are responsible for all damage/replacement fees (not really).
Within the two years that passed, I decided to dive deeper into the whole concept of photography. I began to research the various techniques, angles and their respective names, types of photography, how to adjust light settings and so much more related. I kept a file on my computer of my notes, mainly to reference back to and share with others (which I did). Another major realization, besides lack of information on my skill, was how I felt while my camera was gone. I constantly felt there was a part of me that was missing. I remember always thinking to myself how I wished I wasn’t so generous that day, and trying to figure out how I’m going to raise enough money to replace it.
Fast forward, I started college in Atlanta and this is where my creativity heightened. Much of my inspiration peaked when I discovered Cam Kirk Studios. Cam Kirk studios brought so much more vision, inspiration, and passion, from the studio itself to seeing all the creatives who worked there. Being a Houston native, I envisioned to have a studio for Houston similar to how Cam Kirk studios is the studio of Atlanta.
Currently, I work with clients in both Houston/ Atlanta and I plan to add more places in between and beyond.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not so much. But I have learned a great amount of patience and how to conduct business.
Many of my struggles that held me back had to do with consistency and patience. As an Aries, I am always making impulsive moves because I tend to get excited, especially when I come up with new concepts. I want the concept out of my head and into reality ASAP! But obviously any new idea requires at least some planning, finding the perfect model(s), and one of the biggest parts: editing. All of that requires patience, time and consistency.
Being a photographer, those are two of the things I truly appreciate learning. To master any craft it takes time and persistence. So that is what I remind myself every time I feel like slacking.
I’m still figuring this whole thing out but I am making progress.
Shots by Si – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My goal is to turn Shots by Si into a creative agency or incorporate it as an add on to my business. Sooner than later, I aspire to open my studio in Houston. I don’t want my photography business to be just a photography business. My vision is to have a place where all creatives can exercise their creativity, inspire others, be inspired, and share what they have learned. A lot of dreams seem impossible because many don’t believe they have what it takes to get to where they want to be. Most of this is due to a lack I knowledge and guidance or simply resources.
Shots by Si has a focus on telling peoples stories while capturing the essence of the living. My specialization at the moment is in portraits (lifestyle, family, children, etc) however my goal for the types of photography are creative portraits, fashion, and lifestyle.
Something that sets me apart from others is my ability to connect and understand the content that a client wants to portray. I like to understand the feeling, colors, and background of the concept my clients bring to me. Also, during all of my shoots, I play music chosen by my model. We all have that one song or artist that gets us in our head and make us feel like we’re in a music video.
My proudest moments are always to see my models smiling because they are happy with the results!
Pricing:
- Regular Portrait Sessions start at $140 (Family, Children, Couples, Headshots, etc)
Contact Info:
- Phone: (346) 329-1886
- Email: shotzbysi@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbysi/
Image Credit:
Sierra Adams
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