Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Martinson
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?
How I got to where I am today is not particularly special. But my story is more exciting than the average person I suppose. I was born in Southern California and have since lived in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Northen California, and now Utah. My family moved around a lot. I come from an Italian and Scottish heritage. Pioneers and New York Mobsters are in my family. I guess you could say it makes up a large part of who I am. I am currently a photographer. I’ve been a professional photographer since 2022. I’ve loved it so far. I’m big on connection, which makes sense coming from a huge Italian family. And so capturing that for others is a special privilege and it makes my job so enjoyable. I recently became a mother in Dec 2024. And I have embraced this new chapter in my life with so much excitement. I got married to my sweetheart in October of 2020. He was born in Sweden, raised in Washington state and currently pursuing a finance degree at BYU. Living in Utah of all the places I have lived has been an interesting experience. Looking through the lens, there are so many beautiful places and people here. It made me fall in love with Utah in a way that I wouldn’t have without my job. But I’m eager to move and explore a new place, with new culture, people and heck even the weather. With how I grew up, it’s hard to not want to just take off and explore a new place- in an immersive way, not just visiting for a week and leaving. It’s an amazing experience I have had throughout my life, one of diverse culture that I wouldn’t exchange for anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving can naturally take its toll. Completely uprooting your life, friends, family, and having to constantly start over was hard.. especially being so young! I went to 5 different elementary schools, and 3 different high schools. It forced me to be outgoing, friendly and resilient. I also grew close with my family and found love with the consistent parts of my life, namely my family, my faith, and food. Sounds silly to name food as one, but in the Italian culture & living in such diverse places, food was a source of familiarity and always made where we lived feel like home. Now that I am starting my own family, I hope to continue those three foundations, because we don’t know what life has in store for us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do photography, and love my job so much! I specialize in couples families and I’m trying to get more into weddings. I’m at a transitional point in my work. My husband is joining my photography business, so we are switching our name and style to better match each other. Part of this change includes switching my camera brand. I just started shooting Sony recently, which sets me apart because usually Sony is used for film and movies, but it gives such a great cinematic look and feel. Although I’m just barely switching over so I’m still getting used to it. My husband does film photography which has had a large rise in popularity, and together we make a great team so far. Our new photography business together is called One Stone Photography, although it is still very much still in the works.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to work for free. This gives you content, experience, and networking abilities. The pay comes naturally. Find people you trust to ask questions. Invest in equipment that you trust early on and it will take you far. Good equipment is the most important part, and although it’s expensive, it will set your quality standard from the start.
Pricing:
- $2000 for 8 hr wedding day (400+ photos), including film photos of your special day (without film photos this package is $1800). This includes an engagement and bridal session before your wedding!
- $200 for family pictures 4+ members. This usually ends up being around 130-150 photos.
- $100 for couples, whatever the occasion: bridals, engagement, or just for fun!
- $80 for individuals: graduation, senior photos, self love session, boudoir, etc.
- $100 an hour for miscellaneous photography services (parties, events, etc)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Erra.photography
- Other: Erra.photography.info@gmail.com
