What to Wear for your Fall Portraits

Many have been reaching out to our studio inquiring what is recommended to wear this time of year! For our area (North Eastern Wyoming) we get a short window for the fall foliage to cooperate with those bright vivid colors. With this said, we recommended deep color tones! Not every individual in your group needs to match the exact same color. Choose an accent color, pattern or simply select a pallet. 

Really great colors for this fall are burgundy, plum wild berry, mocha, mustard, tangerine, and mauve! We are in love with these fall color picks!!  

Don't love this look for your family? No worries! Each individual has their own taste, and style. Taking time to curate your wardrobe will offer you the prime fall portraits your seeking to find. Not sure if what you have picked out goes together? No problem, message our studio with what you have picked out, and we are happy to assist with making suggestions. Most have items right in their own closet that would accent and work perfectly with what they have. Need something new? Our local stores are limited on what they can provide style wise last minute. We do have one Boutique in town that always has the latest fashion trends and color schemes in all sizes. Visit Tin Wagon Boutique for more information on how they can assist in styling your fall portraits. 

One helpful suggestion we offer, is start with moms wardrobe first. Nailing down what mom is comfortable in, and feels most confident in is a great starting point. Design the children, and dads outfit around moms to coordinate them together. More color pallet selections can be seen below:  

For The Mom....

​This is for the mom hiding in her bathroom, needing peace for just one minute, as the tears roll down her cheeks..spending a little extra time to regroup.

To the mom who is so tired she feels like she can't function anymore and would do just about anything to lay down and rest...

To the mom crying on the couch after she raising her voice at her kids for something little and is now feeling guilty and like she is unworthy…with such limited patience... 

To the mom that is trying desperately to put those old jeans on because all she wants is to look in the mirror and feel good about herself…

To the mom that doesn’t want to leave the house because life is just too much to handle...

To the mom that is calling out for pizza again because dinner just didn’t happen the way she wanted it to…

To the mom that feels alone, whether in a room by herself or standing in a crowd...

You are enough.

You are important.

You are worthy.

This is a phase of life for us. It may seem impossible, and that life is really really hard, challenging, & crazy!

In the end it will all be worth it. But for now it’s hard. It's hard for so many of us in many different ways. We don't always talk about it, but it's hard and it's not just you. You are NOT alone. 

You are enough.

You are doing the best you can. 

Those little eyes that look up at you - they think you are perfect. They think you are more than enough.

Those little hands that reach out to hold you - they think you are the strongest. They think you can conquer the world.

Those little mouths eating the food you gave them - they think that you are the best because their bellies are full.

Those little hearts that reach out to touch yours - they don’t want anything more. They just want you.

Because you are enough. You are more than enough, mama.

You. Are. A. Blessing.

You. Are. Amazing. ​

Chin up mom, tomorrow is a new day!

Permission To Be Beautiful

As a photographer, I often get women apologizing for being awkward, or their smile, or their bad makeup, or hair day. As I sit here and edit these galleries, I can't help but think -don't apologize, you're beauty is captivating. Now, obviously I too have bad hair days, or even times after a big lunch I feel like I'm carrying a food baby, I get it! I'm not saying we cannot be insecure, because there is some humility in truly being insecure. But ladies, you're beautiful. Trust me to capture that.

Your hair blows in the wind, rock it. Nothing is more stunning then a natural breeze to settle the hair away from your face. It's stunning, it's natural, it's real, it's beautiful. Leave it!

I’m aware that it really can be this hard to step outside of our bubble, feel power and own who we are as women. Ladies, it's my personal goal as an artist to reassure you - you look beautiful. I want to empower women to feel comfortable in their skin. Even if there is something your uncomfortable with, there are ways around not focusing on that particular point. As a photographer, we use lighting, creative posing, and a variety of techniques and tools to assure, everything is fine, you look fabulous.

As an artist, I feel it's time to give a reminder... We understand the importance of taking ownership of our work we are here to do, and I will. One of the things that most excites me is when I see a client actually trusting and feeling beautiful, there is a natural sense of ease that comes over her during her session. 

My clients should feel fierce, and empowered. 
Remember you are YOU
so feel more like you. Act more like you - with me. 

WE ARE WOMEN.

WE ALL need to be united in this. We all need to help each other out, and remind each other that even though it may be a fat pants day, or makeup free day... it doesn't take away from your beauty. Own it. Represent it. Let me show the world that it doesn't matter what molds they try to say is picture perfect. Let's prove, you are picture perfect. (Even in your fat pants.) Lets be honest, there was a day I wouldn't be caught DEAD in my yoga pants at the store... then as I got older, I realized, like truly realized, it doesn't matter what I wear... I am a beautiful person, inside and out. If I feel this way, it will radiate, and no one will care what paint splattered tee I'm wearing.

I learned to stand up and shine.
I learned to speak my truth with pride.
I learned that it was never about what I was wearing, it was how I was carrying myself.

This being said, I want my clients to feel this way. Lose control!​ Stand up and shine during your artistic session. Take pride in your beauty. Carry yourself with the understanding that no matter what you do, you are captivating.

​I want you to underand, I'm giving you permission to say to yourself, "I am beautiful."

It may not be often you have an occasion when you have an excuse to dress up and get dolled up, utilize your scheduled sessions with our studio to dig out that special occasion dress. Buy something new. Have your hair done, paint your nails. Do whatever you have to do to get to an accepting point that you are allowed to feel beautiful. At the end of this post, we will post links to local businesses we recommend to look, and feel beautiful!

I want you to stand out.
I want your experience to be different.
I want you to feel beautiful.

From your photographer, your creative stylist, your currator of art:

You look beautiful.
Stunning.
Gorgeous.

 Repeat. After. Me.

I AM BEAUTIFUL.

Recommended beauty vendors: 

Hair: Jade  - Gypsy Soul Salon 

https://www.facebook.com/SalonGypsySoul/

Nails: Lizzie - Gypsy Soul Salon

https://www.facebook.com/SalonGypsySoul/

Wardrobe/Styling: Kaylee - Tin Wagon Boutique

https://www.facebook.com/tinwagonboutique/

Makeup: Lezly - Bonita Beauty Makeup  

https://www.facebook.com/Bonitabeautymakeup-319604264917418/

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @Phoenixphotoswyoming

I Never Knew What Bravery Was....

"I never knew what bravery was... until I saw it in my mother" 

A picture with this very quote was sent to me shortly before Mother's Day, and I noticed that on it there was a white cancer ribbon. The family had contacted our studio to capture some special memories. Three siblings booked family sessions with us, and brought along Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma has a special story of her own, as she has been battling cancer. We were able to include Grandmas story into their session, through creative elements and posing. Belown is a few takes from my time with this beautiful family!

A Mother is...

"When you need a friend, when you need a light... someone to guide you, through the night.... I'll always be right there." 

Enjoy this clip for Jenae and her little ones during their Mommy + Me session with our studio!  

Local Boutique Styling Session

 What does it mean to style your session?

many photographers will recommend you "style" your session. In simple words, this means to find COMPLETE outfits that will coordinate well together for your senior/family/engagement/event portraits. From the shirt/pants dress, to accessories and shoes. Coordinating patterns, textures and colors that highlight your personality, body and style will help you feel more comfortable, and beautiful for your session with our studio. 

I dont know of you're like me or not, but when planning what to wear, it's tough! I may try on ten outfits, and still be stuck on what looks best, or what shoes to wear.  The struggle truly is real. Lucky for you and me, there are talented women out there who assist with this endeavor everyday. They will take your size, color and style, and help you find something absolutely perfect for YOU!! Pictures don't have to be stressful! Take some of the weight of your shoulders - & accept help!

Shopping for your wardrobe with knowledgeable professionals/stylists, getting your hair or makeup done, dramatically relieves you of a lot of the session woes. Get dolled up!! You will be the most happy with the outcome if you take the time to feel confident, comfortable (without your sweats) and beautiful.

Styling is one thing we are starting to recommend to all our clients this year. Styling your portrait sessions is key to the outcome of your time with our studio. Proper styling assures you are well accessorized, with complimenting wardrobe that will flatter your body type, and highlight your individuality.

In our 2017 session guide, we have a list of preferred vendors, and boutiques we recommend to our lovely clients. Tin Wagon Boutique is new to our styling guide this year, but being that the shop is local, take advantage! No more shopping online and having to order three outfits hoping one will work! Kaylee and her team are wonderful assets to utilize when planning wardrobe for your session.

We wanted to share this video link Kaylee shared on her page regarding what "styling" means. Please take advantage of this unique service, as it truly helps a portrait session come together!

 https://www.facebook.com/tinwagonboutique/videos/1435854083144484/

Tin Wagon Boutique  

(307)   257-2534

801 E. 4th St. Suite 17, Gillette, WY, 82716

https://www.tinwagon.com/

Executive/Business Packages

We are excited to announce our new business package options. Needing to spruce up your headshot? Looking to buy a billboard ad spot, or new brand marketing options? Then look no further!  

Contact us today to schedule your individual or team portraits with our studio today!

New Studio

Many have been asking to see the inside of our studio. We still have a lot of work to finish; shelves to be built, storage space, our couch and rug have yet to arrive, and some of our work is not up on the walls yet - but none the less, we are excited to share some panoramic images of our space!

**be forewarned, these images were taken from my cell phone! ** 

PhoenixPhotos Photography, LLC

306 West 3rd Street, Gillette, WY. 82716

Studio  

Office  

Sitting area  

Makeup station  

Bathroom  

New Office Space

Our studio announced some big news this previous week! We officially signed our lease to the new studio location! As most of you know, due to circumstances beyond our control, PhoenixPhotos moved home to our personal residence until we were able to find the picture perfect location! Well, with the help of the best realtor in town - we found it. Nice big open spaces, lots of natural light, but most importantly - a space that's just for us! That's right, no more sharing! ​

​Our last location downtown, we were unable to officially move completely in, and call ours! We were located in a dark basement, that had more of an apartment set up! It was difficult for mammas with babies carrying car seats. It was a struggle to keep warm enough for newborn session.... it was a work in progress. We were located in that location for 9 months.... when the landlord decided to do something different with the space! We were on the lookout for the right opportunity.

We appreciate our clients continued trust in us as your photographers, while we underwent these significant changes. We can hardly wait to show you all the new space! I haven't even unpacked our camera equipment, but was able to snap a couple portraits on my phone this afternoon. 

Whats nice is to seperate our office, and session prep area (hair/makeup) from the actual studio space. Leaving ample room for our clients comfortability. We will welcome our studio guests into a small sitting area, perfect for all our consultations for weddings, grow with me plans, and senior sessions! As you make your way through the room, we have plenty of space for multiple set ups!!! (***huge plus for me!!***)​ This simply means when you arrive to the studio, your entire session is already set up, and ready to go! No more waiting while we replace backdrops. No more down time attempting to keep little ones happy and occupied! Another big perk, is your littles are free to wander! With a larger space, it means we are able to not worry about them knocking something over, or getting into our filing cabinet! 

We are all geared up and ready to fo​r our indoor studio sessions this year. You'll have to bear with us, we made this jump, and are working tirelessly to get it all set up. Once our final touches are made, we will share images of the space! Until then, feel free to stop on by and say hello!! 

Coming this summer: Office hours and walk in appts! ​

How to display your portraits

You've just had the best portrait session, and are anxiously anticipating sharing them with your loved ones. But when your photographer delivers the digital images to you to download, you don't ever do anything with them. If you don't print your portraits, who will get to enjoy them?

This is why PhoenixPhotos offers competitive packages and pricing on all our prints and products. Whether it be complete session albums, a canvas wall mount, or Christmas cards...PhoneixPhotos can assist you in printing your images and products professionally.

All our products are backed by our 100% customer satisfaction. Purchasing through our professional lab assures quality, and color correctness. For your prints, it also means UV protection. Meaning your images will not yellow over time! Most exciting of all, we are able to produce your order in 2-5 business days.

Not sure what to order? With our wide array of products, our knowledgeable staff will assist you in sizing, and designing your products. Below is an example of what we can do to guide our clients to make the best decision regarding their products. We have the capability of inserting your images into a guide to show examples of what your finalized products would look like.

How much will your investment be to display these memories you created with our studio? Below we have attached our print and product pricing guide. If the size you require is not listed, contact our studio today for more information. We can print almost any size or design your request.