Every now and then life shifts in a way that feels like you’ve stepped into a whole new chapter, a different season of life — and that’s exactly where I am right now. For those of you who know me as Sheila Joy Photography, I’m excited to share what’s been happening behind the lens, in the garden, and across the dusty Nevada desert.
From Spanish Springs to Yerington: Planting Roots
This past year brought a move from Spanish Springs to Yerington, Nevada — a smaller community with open skies, the same soil, and a rhythm to life that feels just right. We’ve named our new place Lorntzen Ranch, a blank canvas where my husband Dan and I are creating something truly ours that feeds our soul.
We’re building our home, planting gardens, and shaping a future rooted in creativity, sustainability, and connection. One of my favorite parts of this journey has been photographing the new stages — from empty acres to a home filled with life and purpose.
Sage & Soil NV Nursery
Alongside my photography, I’ve launched a new venture: Sage & Soil NV — a micro-nursery dedicated to native plants, pollinators, and the high-desert lifestyle. We’re growing and sharing plants that thrive here naturally, making it easier for neighbors to create beautiful, sustainable gardens of their own.
The Lorntzen Ranch Farmstand
The farmstand is stocked with fresh herbs, teas, dried goods, jams, veggies, and native plant starts. And our nursery is slowly taking shape — from seed-starting benches in the greenhouse to rows of new plant plugs waiting for their forever homes. Every tray of seedlings feels like we are making the desert a more beautiful home.
The House & Garage Build
Dan and I have been working hard to build our new house and garage/shop. While he tackles the construction, I’m in the garden or helping him with projects — planting, planning, and photographing as we go. This process has taught me so much about patience, persistence, and how as we finish things it is so worth starting from scratch to make this life just what WE want.
Life in the Garden
The garden here has been a joy. I’ve planted native yarrow, penstemon, garlic, and so many other plants to support pollinators and enrich our soil. As a Master Gardener, I love experimenting with what grows in this high-desert climate — and then sharing those lessons with you. Watching the plants grow and flourish reminds me of the creative process in photography: slow, intentional, and rewarding.
Photography with a Fresh Perspective
Through all of this change, my camera has been my constant companion. Photographing our new life — from sunlit mornings in the garden to golden-hour sunsets of the ranch — this has given my work a new perspective and energy. I’m seeing compositions everywhere: in the curve of a new path, the texture of native plants, the play of light on unfinished wood.
My photo walks and virtual challenges will continue, and I’m bringing this new connection with nature into how I teach and mentor other photographers.
Looking Ahead
This new chapter is about more than just building a home or a business — it’s about bringing it all together, everything I love: photography, teaching, native plants, and a life lived in harmony. A dear friend told me this is a convergence, all things my heart and soul feels and wants.
To all my photography friends: thank you for following me through this new season of life. If you’re here for the images, the inspiration, or the peek into life here at the ranch, I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey.
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