Daily Inspiration: Meet Sierra Benthone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Benthone.  

Hi Sierra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually started modeling 2 years ago but I’ve known this was something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always been photogenic but to actually take pictures with/for a purpose didn’t come until later. I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) with Tyra Banks and watching the different challenges the girls had to go through and thought to myself, “I can do that!” Or “I love that pose!” So, I wanted to actually try out but by the time I got of age, the show wasn’t really running anymore. I also did research to figure out what type of model I should be and didn’t think I would be selected just off the fact that I was 5’4 and the show usually looked for the “average” model; 5’7 & up, slim, etc. It’s all good though, I was able to create a lane for myself without going on TV and it’s been amazing so far. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, yes. Modeling is a job that I have control over so everything is done my way, I choose what to wear, how to look, location, and poses, and down to the pictures I post on my IG page. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my craft so I ensure everything is right. I have a thing about not attaching work that isn’t quality to my name. The only time something wasn’t smooth was if a shoot got canceled due to weather or another unforeseen circumstance, but me and the photographer just reschedules and it’s no hard feelings. Those pictures will get shot one way or another! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There’s several types of modeling and I cover a range of, commercial, print, beauty, and editorial. This type focuses on the face and has an “everyday lifestyle” approach to photography. So, think of posters you see of random people in Target, Adidas, or people that are in various magazines showing off a product. That’s where I’m trying to get. To sum it up: it’s not high fashion but I don’t have to fit into a certain beauty standard to pose in front of the camera. I make do with my curves & hips and my 5’4 height just fine. 

The thing I’m most proud is my recent boudoir shoot. Boudoir photography is probably something I never thought I’d do but I love trying new things so I thought why not? I had to get past the initial thought that I was going to be half-naked or close to it and that was a style I’ve never done before. There’s a saying goes “in order to grow you need to get out of your comfort zone” and well… I think I’m grown & comfortable now lol. The studio I worked with (@embrasseboudoir) were lovely and made me feel so comfortable I had no choice but to show out in front of the camera. I got my pictures back and couldn’t even believe I was looking at myself: like wow girl, you really did that. What was I even afraid of?? A little skin!? Some things are just mind over matter you know? so I just patted myself on the back and I’m now releasing the photos to the world to show off how good of a job I did. (The world is loving it by the way). I’m also proud that my work has gotten me into different mediums of this world such as music videos and brand collaborations. 

I’d like to think what sets me apart from others is my passion and dedication towards my craft. Often times when I’m done wrapping up a shoot and I’m speaking with the photographer, they ask why other models aren’t reliable, or if I knew of some others that actually know what to do in front of the camera. I just kinda laugh and say I don’t any or I don’t know why they aren’t reliable. I personally think it’s just my city. Jacksonville is known for producing good content and then the people just leave to expand or a lot of people just do their craft as a hobby and then move on to something else. It’s a rarely anything constant. I guess I just know what I want and people can see that in me. Aside from that, I do my own hair, make-up, and wardrobe and it can be a lot. I’ve just started getting help with my makeup (@beautybykeme) so I can focus on other things but I’m a 1 band show. But I make it look good every time. I show up ready to work and the results are never less than amazing. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Jacksonville is made up of 1 single county so I’m from Duval County and if you yell “duuuuvallllll” really loud, there will be like 50 people who will yell it back to you lol. It’s such a quirky thing but it’s fun to do in other cities so I get to see where my natives are anywhere, I go. It’s a culture thing and that’s something I really love about it. 

Pricing:

• I do video shoots as well so these are my rates for that.
• 1-2 hours: $100
• 2-3 hours $150
• 3-4 hours:$250

Contact Info:

• Email: sbenthone@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Sierra.tiana

Image Credits
Blue Franswa
Desmond Johnson
Mike Jackson
Rashi Ford
AKA Graphics
Dwight Lester
Lisa Williams