Meet Sierra Sturt | Wedding, Couple and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra Sturt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by so many different things, but in my photography business what first inspired me was the beautiful landscape I am surrounded by here in Vail Colorado – winter and summer alike bring a total different vibe to photos. I started taking photography more seriously when I moved here, and ever since it has been my labor of love and my absolute passion. After a few years of landscape photography – what made this beautiful art form even better was getting to express myself through my lens AND socially. I am a type A extrovert who loves building relationships with people; all of the genuinely amazing people I get to work with and build relationships with is what makes the hard days of owning a business worth it. Oh, and what is better than getting to capture people’s best days of their lives?! nothing!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others? I believe the service I provide, and the exquisite attention to detail is what sets me apart and what I am most proud of. I am a true empath, and I genuinely care about everyone’s photos and wedding days as much as I would my own. I want to give my clients the best experience they could have, while also taking a documentary approach and stepping out and just letting people be when the moment is right.

How did I get where I am today professionally? It definitely wasn’t easy and being a photographer, it is a highly saturated market with tons of amazing artists. I think the biggest thing is to focus on the amazing people in the industry that want to lift you up and make you better – not to have a competitive mindset, but more so an abundant one. Working hard, head down, and just practicing a ton is what got me to where I am, oh and not being afraid to make a mistake.

I would love the world to know that you can provide an exceptional, luxury service without things needing to be stiff and stuffy. There is room for hard work and laughter. There is room for everyone, but especially for artists. I am here to capture the essence and beauty that surrounds me. I love making people feel beautiful and excited about their photos and capturing the aura of who they are and how loved they are. My brand phrase is “Photography that is authentic, photos that are timeless” – this is how I want to be viewed, as someone who provides a fun, genuine experience and timeless, exceptional photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man – this is a tough one, depending on how outdoorsy or adventurous they are. But, let’s say they are and let’s say it is summer time!

Sunday – Fly into Denver, grab your car and drive up into the mountains. Stop at Butterhorn Bakery in Frisco for some late lunch and don’t forget a treat for the road! Arrive at your airbnb and enjoy some refreshments in the hot tub!

Monday – Wake up and grab a quick breakfast before heading out for a hike up Beaver Lake Trail in Beaver Creek. Pack a lunch so you can sit and eat it at the lake, with the good company of overly friendly chipmunks (no seriously, they will steal your food). Head back to the airbnb for a shower, and get ready for dinner at Bully Ranch Restaurant.

Tuesday – Slow wake up, grab brunch at the Westside Cafe, and head into Vail Village to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to walk around and follow it up with one of the Hot Summer Nights free concerts at the amphitheater.

Wednesday – Head down to Glenwood Canyon for a white water rafting trip, follow it up by walking around the shops and grabbing a bite to eat in town, followed by some ice cream at Sundae downtown!

Thursday – Grab some breakfast at your Airbnb, and head up the rough and bumpy road to Piney River Ranch, rent some canoes and fishing poles, and enjoy the sunshine up in one of the most beautiful places. Grab a bite to eat there, or head back down to your airbnb for a night in.

Friday – Shopping day – Walk around Vail Village, Beaver Creek and River Walk for some great finds that you can take home with you! Follow it up by dinner in Minturn at the Minturn Saloon, Thai Kitchen or Kirby Cosmos, depending on the vibes!

Saturday – Head to Minturn for a coffee at Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, and enjoy walking around the quaint mountain town, then get in the car and do the stunning drive up to Leadville. Stop and take some pictures and videos along the way. Enjoy some lunch there, and head back to the airbnb to get ready for a fancy dinner at Matsuhisa Vail, followed by some drinks and games at Chasing Rabbits.

Sunday – Head to Denver to fly back home!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lauren Pippin (Lauren Pippin Photo) was a great inspiration to my photography success. I did a mentorship with her a few years back, and I am eternally grateful for what I learned. She helped me with the business side of things, taught me some tips on posing people, and just all around answered a lot of questions other people might not. Eden Warren (Eden Photo) was another one that took me under her wing and encouraged me to start this business and really deep dive into it. She let me second shoot my first wedding with her, and the rest is history! Both of these beautiful photographers are incredibly smart, artistic and inspiring women who are a joy to be around.

Website: https://sierrasturt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrasturtphoto/?img_index=1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierrasturtphoto/

Image Credits
All of these photos were taken by me.