I'm...
Sierra Cain
I shoot the world as I see it. Complex, fast-moving, beautiful. There's so much to observe and discover, the human eye cannot capture every detail...and life is full of delicate memories.
My photography is my version of the world.
Welcome to my World!
I have lived in Indiana most of my life. The world is too interesting to focus my love of photography on just a single subject. I like to capture the intricacies of Indiana, the special moments and milestones of people, even the ornate details through macrophotography. I am also passionate for the meticulous yet rewarding process of product photography, both creative and structured. I studied photography with the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) and earned the title as a Certified Professional Photographer in May of 2023. I was awarded this credential through the organization, Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
My goal is to capture special moments. Those special moments can be portrayed through events, creativity, love, and growth. Within everyone's individuality, I want to rediscover their image through the lens. Family portraits, senior sessions, events, out-of-the-box shoots...I photograph the world through my view, and I look forward to meeting you!
The Journey, The Gear
Every image on my site was taken by me. That includes images of me!
My Galleries and my Portfolio are filled with things that interest me the most. On early mornings when the dew is still fresh on the ground, I venture out to different parks in Indy like Cool Creek, Coxhall Gardens, Central Park, West Park, and more. There, I can capture nature in its most organic form. I can also watch the sun rise above the misted ground. Throughout the day, I take my camera and convey the individuality of human beings. Every person can be conveyed differently, how the world views them, how they view themselves, or how I view them. Evenings, I explore the city, and I focus the perspective to whatever catches my eye.
Throughout my journey, I've learned a lot through school and myself. Everyday is a new challenge and harder drive; I constantly find new opportunities to explore. Some of these opportunities included camera classes in which I was able to attend events and even test the waters with Astrophotography.
My journey with photographing people delves deeper every passing moment. There is no right or wrong way to photograph someone, for everyone is unique. I choose to capture people in a variety of ways; lifestyle, editorial, creative, and true. Whether props, special lights, natural light, fancy clothes, or eye-catching poses are used, I work to convey something meaningful to my subject.
I started out my career with a Nikon D3500 DSLR. For a while, I worked with two compatible zoom lenses, combined and they ranged from 18mm to 300mm. Later I bought a nifty-fifty capable of stopping all the way to f/1.8. This camera worked well for me, however, it was time to upgrade. I currently use a Nikon Z7ii Full Frame Mirrorless camera. Along with this body, I use an upgraded zoom lens ranging from 28mm-75mm with an f-stop of 2.8. I also have a Macro lens for this camera, for Macrophotography is a captivating subject. Because the World moves so fast, our eyes have to as well. There is so much that can be missed, but Macrophotography forces the eye to see something from a completely different and new perspective. A close-up, live view. I use both of my cameras and all of my lenses for different projects I work on.
While I love my camera gear, it equates to nothing if I cannot perform to my best abilities. I strive to become a better photographer every day. There isn't ever a time in my mind when I don't need to learn.
Beyond camera gear, I also work with studio setups. I am working to increase my studio gear, for I currently use cheap continuous lights. I also have mini lights called Lume Cubes. They can add specialized lighting as well as colored lighting. I use my studio gear depending on the effect and message I wish to portray in an image. I work with the mini lights for close-up portraits as well as for out-of-the-box product photography.
Product photography is a vast field to discover. The term can also be known as commercial photography. The World is surrounded by images, many of which maintain the purpose of persuasion, suggestion, action. Product photos convey all of those purposes and more. I started this ongoing project of product photography with a pair of soccer cleats. The action, the emotions, the drive, the sport, all of it captivated me, and I played for several years. Nike was a brand that was familiar to me, for it sported my cleats, training bags, uniforms, equipment, everything in the world of soccer. With my camera in hand, I placed my bright colored cleats on top of their shoe box, and I placed a black bag with the Nike symbol behind them. Using a flashlight and low exposure, I was able to capture a simple still life. Since my first practice with product photography, I've experimented with multiple products, different setups, and interesting lighting techniques. I am now a Freelance Product Photographer, and I take photos of much more than the products I love to photograph at home. I currently freelance for a medical supplier company in the south area of Indy. There, I photograph exercise equipment, health and wellness items, everyday needs, and more.
Throughout my journey, I hope to explore more with different forms of photography like Astrophotography and Macrophotography. Everyday brings exciting new opportunities. As my love for photography grows, my journey will get more complex!
Photography is my mind, space, life.
