Meet Sierra Baldwin | Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra Baldwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sierra, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success as a wedding and lifestyle photographer is my faith in Jesus. From day one, I’ve believed that the same God who placed this dream on my heart would be faithful to provide the clients and opportunities I need—and He absolutely has. My business truly exists because of Him. That mindset has carried me through every season, from the excitement of going full-time right after college to the challenges that come with running a small business on your own.
But faith doesn’t mean sitting back and waiting. It’s also taken a lot of hard work—honestly, more than I ever imagined when I first started. There have been so many seasons where I’ve worked 60 to 80 hours a week, especially in the busy season. At one point, I was doing everything myself: shooting weddings and sessions, editing thousands of photos, managing emails, marketing on social media, updating my website, setting up client workflows, and learning how to run a business all at the same time. It was exhausting, but I was deeply invested in building something lasting. Now, I have learned the art of outsourcing and that is a game changer in terms of success.
There were late nights when I’d be up culling images long after everyone else had gone to bed, and early mornings when I’d be packing up my gear and heading to a shoot. I’ve worked weekends, holidays, and back-to-back wedding days without much time to breathe in between. And yet—I wouldn’t trade it. Every long day has taught me something. It’s grown my skills, sharpened my instincts, and helped me learn how to care for my clients in a way that truly reflects who I am.
On top of that, I’ve been incredibly blessed by the mentorship and community I’ve had around me. There are so many photographers—too many to name—who have taken the time to teach me, encourage me, and walk with me through growing pains. Whether it was sharing their editing workflows, talking through pricing and contracts, or just sitting down over coffee to listen and offer advice, their support has been invaluable. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.
So in short, my success has come from a blend of unwavering faith, relentless work ethic, and the generosity of others who believed in me. And I’m so grateful for all of it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When people ask me about my photography journey, they’re often surprised to learn that creativity actually came second for me. I’m the daughter of two entrepreneurs, and I studied business marketing in college—so the branding, strategy, and client experience side of things came naturally. I understood how to build something from the ground up, how to connect with people, and how to show up consistently. But the creative side? That took work.
Learning to actually use a camera, understanding editing software, studying lighting, posing, composition, and keeping up with the ever-evolving trends in the photography world—it was a whole new world I had to immerse myself in. In the beginning, I spent more time learning how to color grade, pose couples naturally, and curate galleries than anything else. Pinterest was my best friend, and I practiced endlessly until the artistic side started to feel intuitive. Now, I look back at those early days and smile, because what once felt overwhelming is now second nature—and such a joy.
What sets me apart, I think, is that blend of intentional artistry with a strong foundation in business. My goal has never been to just take pretty pictures. I want my work to mean something—to capture the heart of the moment and to serve my clients with excellence from start to finish. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a lifestyle session, or a brand shoot, I want people to walk away feeling seen, celebrated, and cared for. That’s what I’m most proud of: creating an experience that’s as memorable as the images themselves.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it. There were plenty of long nights, hard seasons, and moments of self-doubt. But I always knew I was on the path I was meant to be on. I leaned into mentorship, stayed open to feedback, and never stopped learning. Every challenge taught me something valuable—about resilience, about trusting the process, and about showing up with heart even when things feel hard.
If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that this business isn’t just about photos—it’s about people. It’s about telling meaningful stories with honesty and intention. It’s about capturing real connection, real joy, and real love in a way that lasts far beyond a single day. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do, and I’m so thankful for every step of the journey that’s brought me here.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Nashville for a week, here’s how we’d do it right:
Nashville has so much more to offer than just Broadway (though we’re definitely making a stop there too!). I’d want to show them a little bit of everything—my favorite cozy coffee shops, secondhand scores, local eats, and of course, some classic skyline views.
DAY 1: Welcome & Thrift Day
Morning coffee: Start the day slow with a latte at Land of a Thousand Hills—cozy vibes and great coffee to ease into the trip.
Thrifting adventure: Hit the best of the best—Music City Thrift, Southern Thrift, and if you’re down to get into the nitty gritty, we’re diving into the Bins (Goodwill Outlet). It’s a total whirlwind, but it’s always an experience.
Dinner: Head to Tailgate Brewery HQ for pizza and a local beer—bonus if it’s Wednesday, because pizza is half off and the vibes are on point!
DAY 2: Breakfast & Exploring the City
Breakfast: Around here, we take breakfast seriously. Start the day at Benji’s Bagels! Then head to Centennial Park for a relaxed walk, or if you’re feeling active, go for a run in Edwin Warner Park—the trails are stunning.
Evening out: Hit Broadway for live music and drinks. End the night with a walk across the pedestrian bridge—the skyline views are so worth it.
DAY 3: Southern Staples & Slow Moments
Breakfast: Make the drive to Loveless Cafe—it’s a Nashville must. The biscuits and Southern hospitality are unmatched.
Park time: For a peaceful end to the trip, spend time outdoors—another walk in Edwin Warner or a calm morning in Centennial if you didn’t make it earlier.
Coffee one last time: Wrap things up with a visit to Frothy Monkey!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to Beth Torrence Shearon at the Dream Doors Realty Group! Beth has been such a constant source of support through my move to Nashville, and I truly don’t know what I would’ve done without her. Not only is she incredibly kind and grounded, but she’s also a genius businesswoman—the kind of person who leads with wisdom, hustle, and heart.
Beth, thank you for walking alongside me in this season, for cheering me on, and for showing me what it looks like to build a business with both strength and integrity. Your guidance has meant the world to me, and I’m so thankful for you!
Website: https://www.sierradevinphoto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierradevinphoto/
Image Credits
Sierra Devin Photo LLC