Rising Stars: Meet Sydney Siemens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Siemens. 

Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Let’s see… I’ve had the passion for taking photos since I was 12. The first time I really tried to make a photograph look “good” was for a photography contest here in KC, I think the prize was $100 so it was basically a lottery win to me. When I entered this contest, the pictures were taken on my iPhone 5, so we all know that I DIDN’T win the grand prize of $100. 

I’ve always been told I have an entrepreneurial tendency, and it’s come out in a number of ways as I’ve gotten older. I was stuck in the house in March of 2020 when COVID-19 was just beginning, bored out of my mind, as many of us were. I bought my first camera when my boyfriend pointed out this Canon Rebel T3 for sale. I’ve invested in other cameras, more knowledge, more advice, and a lot more experience in the months since then. 

I started taking my own clients at the age of 16 and made a profit from it; today, at the age of 17, I have my own LLC and am booked months in advance. Being in this field is extremely competitive, but I am fortunate to be surrounded by many KC photographers who value community over competition and are always eager to offer advice and guidance. 

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?
There will always be challenges in life, no matter what you do, but it’s how you approach them that matters. I often compare my work to that of others and say to myself, “I wish I could be like them,” but what I don’t notice are their hardships, how long it took them to learn the art of photography, or how they were once new to this profession just like me. Everyone’s work will be different based on experience, gear, and their style in general, but everyone starts from somewhere and that’s what I need to remind myself. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a small local business based in a small town outside of Kansas City. I own SydneyJeanPhotography LLC, I shoot whatever you’d like me to capture, from product pictures to weddings. My personal favorites are capturing families, couples, and seniors. Most kids my age don’t start thinking about their future careers until they’re in college or out, but I’ve had an early start, and I’m grateful for it. I believe what sets me apart from others is what I offer, I offer quality services with reasonable pricing with the intention of accommodating all budgets. I believe everyone should have beautiful candid photos of their loved ones. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID never really had a negative impact on my business, thankfully. I have been lucky enough to have received the vaccine to help keep my clients and my family safe. I follow CDC guidelines and with some minor adjustments have been able to continue my business. 

Pricing:

• Sessions start as low as $100

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.sydneyjeanphotographykc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneyjeanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyjeanphotos

Image Credits
MoiraBarks Photography