Do you exist in photographs? Not selfies, photographs that your children and grandchildren will be holding 20, 30, 50 years from now? Something they can feel and touch and cherish that shares with them your life story?
This is the most photographed generation ever, more photos have been taken in the last 5 years than ever before, but only about 3% of these photos are ever printed.
The other 97% of our photos exist only on our phones, discs or thumb drives and many will not last more than a year. They are deleted, lost, on a PC that crashed or on media we can no longer access. We all want to capture every moment of our successes and our children’s growth. You see it every day on Facebook and Instagram. Billions of people post every day on social media; images of themselves getting their diplomas, their child losing their first tooth or taking their first step. Images of their parents celebrating their 50th anniversary or holding their hand as they lay in bed at the end of their life… images that make us smile, laugh, and even cry. But these amazing moments never get printed!
When your grandchild asks you to see the picture of their mom when she was their age will you be able to show them?
With ever changing technology the likelihood that you will be able to put in that CD or thumb drive 25 years from now to show them is slim. Will you even know where it is after all those years?
There is nothing wrong with having images on your phone and PC but don’t stop there!
As technology continues to change quickly, we run the risk of losing our recorded past to changing needs. Have you ever held an old family album and looked at pictures of your parents or even grandparents when they were young? Did you smile and laugh at the clothes, hairstyles and silly poses? I have and it I something I treasure greatly. I no longer have my grandparents or my mother, but I do have pictures of them I can hold in my hands and relive the memories.
Our grandchildren deserve the same chance to know their family history, the weddings, the births, the graduations and the silly moments captured in time.
No matter how your pictures were taken, print them, hold them and save them for generations to come. Will your grandchildren know the story of your life? You can make that answer yes!
If you want to create images that will be yours to love and pass on to the next generation, call me today to meet, have coffee and plan a day you will always remember.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
A new year a new you! How many times have you heard or said that phrase? New Year’s is a time when people are filled with hope of new opportunities and belief that change can happen for them. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes to new life, a new year gives us the feeling that all things are possible if we start them today.
In the fall of 2015 I met some amazing women while re-branding my business to highlight women’s portraiture. Each woman came to me with a different reason for having her photo taken. I have been told by clients that the feelings they have at the end of their session and after they have seen their photos make them see themselves differently. They feel empowered, confident and beautiful. Today I would like to share a blog recently written by one of those women on her blog site Desirable Phoenix.
Boudoir or Not to Boudoir
The word, boudoir, is French. It means a women’s private room or bedroom. But, in a photography sense, boudoir is using a bedroom, hotel or intimate setting that is used to create or capture classy and romantic images.
I had previously heard of boudoir photo shoots, but I had yet to be a part of them. I began modeling for a friend, who captured more risque images … As a photographer, my husband had the opportunity to shoot boudoir with a woman who was turning 40 and wanted to get images done of herself! At that point, I knew I wanted to do one as well, but the time had never opened up to do so.
Around September or October of 2015, a friend of mine posted about a contest her mother was having. She was re-branding her photography business and wanted to run a new campaign. It just so happened that it was a glamour/boudoir shoot and she was looking for four models. Although they lived in Connecticut, I decided that it was worth a shot and worth the drive to get a free photo shoot. I went on her website and entered the contest. A couple weeks before the shoot was to take place, I received a phone call from Marilyn Riel, owner and photographer at Menagerie Photography. She explained to me that I had won one of the spot. I was so surprised that I had to know why. She told me that she liked what I put in my description of why I’d be a good model for the photo shoot.
I was so excited, that I made a weekend of the trip of it!
Before the shoot, we laughed and I cried and shared my thoughts about myself and my image. At the time of this shoot, I was struggling with my thoughts of what sexy looked like on me and how I felt. You may even look at these photos and see my petite body and think, “She’s beautiful”, or “She has a wonderful shape”, or “I wish I was her size”, but the reality is I had and still have some insecurities about my body and how I want it to look. Even doing the risque photo shoots did not make me feel like the boudoir shoot made me feel.
I felt vulnerable, and I felt sexy! It was a very powerful and personal experience. Unlike any other that I have had. After the photo shoot, I felt like I knew a little more about my sexy and what “type” I fell under.
Feeling and being sexy is not about what other people think of you, but what you think of yourself. No matter how you look: thick, skinny, fat, curvy, petite, or plus-sized, your sexy is determined by how you feel about yourself.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!! Would I suggest it to other women? Absolutely!!
In the long run, you will thank yourself that this was something you did. It may not be as awakening as it was for me… but what if it is? Do you really want to miss out?
Stay Blessed
Lady Lynn”
It is hard to put into words how proud I am of the strides this woman has made in finding herself and in opening up to share her challenges and victories with others. I can tell you about what I do or why I do it but to have a woman share her feelings with others about HER experience with me, truly brings me to tears every time I read it.
Thank you “Lady Lynn” for sharing your story and letting me know that all the hard work and hours spent preparing, shooting and editing each session is so worth it!
My goal is to shoot 100 women before January 1st 2018.
I would love to meet you, do a session with you, and show you how absolutely beautiful you are.
Why are you waiting to have an amazing experience for yourself?
Call me today to meet, have coffee and plan a day you will always remember.
Happy New Year!!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
We all know that it’s very hard to change a first impression; and a person often makes their first decisions about who you are based on your looks. Now, I know that isn’t fair and it’s socially a big no-no, but it is a reality! If a stranger looked at your professional photo, how would they describe you? If you have images of your staff, what do they say about your business?
Professional images of you, and also of your staff, give your business an opportunity to put your best face in front of your customer. People are looking for someone they can relate to, someone they can feel comfortable doing business with. Do your photos show someone who is professional but friendly? Do images of your staff make people feel they can come in and ask them questions? Are they smiling and looking happy to be there? (No one wants to do business with someone who looks like they hate their job!) Do they look like someone YOU want to do business with?
Today’s market is very competitive and the top businesses have invested in new or updated websites and social media platforms, as well as working on brand publishing and content marketing. If you are one of these top professionals, you take your online marketing seriously and are constantly working to build better communication with your target audience. I’ll bet you spend hours publishing your content and sharing it across your social media platforms and updating it on your web page…
There is only one thing missing – the best of YOU!
Very often the most valuable commodity a business has for marketing is its people. There are so many people competing for the same markets that price and flashy web pages are no longer what the customer uses to base their decisions on. They want to know what makes your business unique. What is it that makes you trustworthy, dependable and the business they should choose? If your picture is used on the business cards you hand out, the social media platforms you promote yourself on and your web page, are you showing the best of yourself to your customers? If not, now is the time to get updated images! Professional images should be updated at least once per year to keep them fresh and reflecting who you are today.
Take the time to get updated, professional photos of yourself and your employees to use on your social media, marketing materials and web page. Let your customers get to know you looking your best!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Another year is almost at an end and it’s time to take stock of where I’ve been and where I want to go. It’s been a little over a year since I started specializing in women’s portraiture and it’s been so amazing! I’ve worked with amazing women, laughed, cried and hugged.
Over the year I’ve been asked a number of times about doing other types of photography from weddings to dog pictures. I always turned them down with a reply that I only do women’s portraiture. I realized that I’ve been a bit blinded by my excitement of the past year’s adventures and I’ve had to rethink what women’s portraiture means to me and to the women I photograph. I chose women’s portraiture because I have a strong desire to have all women realize their strength and beauty. I repeat three words over and over in my brand: beautiful, confident, and empowered. My goal is to take pictures that leave you feeling this way when you look at them; whether that is today, tomorrow or 5 years from now.
For some it was a gift for their groom,
Or for a holiday gift,
Or celebrating a life milestone like weight loss or regaining their health.
For others it was a business headshot,
Or a mother-daughter photo before she leaves for college.
I’ve loved each and every session, and am proud to have those photos become treasured memories for the women I photographed and for the people who love them.
I’ve also realized that sometimes this may mean including the people a woman cares about in her photo. The people she loves, the people who love her. I recently did a shoot that I originally was envisioning as a mother-daughter session. It became so much more when the family got involved. The love that these people share is so important to capture.
I’ve missed out on some amazing moments by narrowing my ideas and it’s time to institute some change! My specialty is women’s portraiture, that’s true, but if she wants to include the people she loves, those that make her feel beautiful, confident and powerful, and that’s what makes memories to treasure. And that ladies, is why I take your picture!
Here at our Menagerie Photography studio, each session is tailored specifically to the woman we are photographing and her style. If you would like learn more about how you can schedule a photo session for yourself or the woman you love, give us a call! And remember, we have gift certificates available for the perfect gift for the holidays or any occasion.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Ever want to be a magazine cover girl? Well, today I am going to share images and information from the sessions we had creating the cover for our newest studio guide. Yes, there was even a pillow fight involved! I have learned to expect just about anything from the lovely ladies who won our contest!
So, how do we decide who goes on a magazine cover? Well, normally we pick our cover girl from the women we have photographed in the last 6 months as this is a bi-yearly publication.
Our Volume #1 cover was from the first in a series of sessions of maternity shots, and the Volume #2 cover came from a pinup session held during our “Fall 2015 Fantastic Five Campaign”.
This being our third volume, we had a number of women to choose from and it was a very difficult decision. We finally decided that it was impossible to narrow it down to just one woman and decided to do something a little different. We chose two women for this volume and they won a Best Friends session where we would be taking the cover image for the magazine.
Their best friends’ session included a separate 30 minute session for each, along with a time to take some images of them together that represented their friendship. Having shot with both of the ladies before, I knew we would be having a blast! There were amazing images from each of their individual shoots and when we did the time together, they were all about having fun! As you can see by this image, they really did have a good time…
These two were great sports and came into our studio as part of our “Spring 2016 Celebrating You Campaign”. Each woman who took part in the campaign had their individual stories to tell and shared why this was a time of celebration for them. We had women who were celebrating weight loss of over 100 pounds, women who had reached health milestones, and women who decided now was the time to embrace who they were and celebrate that beauty today.
Both of our winners – Jessica Keegan and Jessica King – (yes they even both have the same last initial!) have a mindset that includes being physically fit, which is how they got to know each other. Jessica Keegan owns Jessica’s Dance Fitness in Jewett City’s Slater Mall and Jessica King goes to her classes. We had fun doing some editorial photos with both women as part of their sessions along with lots of fun shots for the two of them.
The idea for our cover came from the shirts they were wearing during part of their joint session “It’s a Jessica Thing”. We worked with a number of Jessica’s during that time and it seemed every new contact we had was with someone named Jessica! We decided why not embrace it!!! This shot reflected their love of fitness and Converse sneakers and was perfect for our latest cover.
Stay tuned for information about our next guide – Volume 4 which will be published in the Spring!
Here at our Menagerie Photography studio, each session is tailored specifically to the woman we are photographing and her style. If you would like learn more about how you can schedule a photo session for yourself or the woman you love, give us a call! And remember, we have gift certificates available for the perfect gift for the holidays or any occasion.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
As we said in Part 1 of this blog topic, with the overwhelming number of places to shop either in person or on line, it can be hard to decide what styles look best, are comfortable and fit the needs of the outfit you’re planning to wear. No matter what type of photoshoot you are doing, wearing the right bra and panties is important. As we already discussed, making sure you have a bra that fits correctly is key; but wearing the right panties for the occasion is just as important. Minimizing lines, bulges or discomfort is something to keep in mind every day!
The three most common colors you want to have no matter what style you choose are black, white and nude. Colors or patterns for a particular look are fine, the more ornate styles can really add something special to your image, just make sure they fit properly. If your panties are too snug you will end up with bulges and bumps that are not flattering! So let’s talk about the four most commonly worn styles so you can decide what works best for you.
The High Waist panty: offers full coverage in both front and back all the way up to your belly button or higher. This look creates a stunning hourglass figure which is especially great for vintage images. Another option to consider for a vintage look is tap pants.
The Cheeky Boy Short panty: also gives wide coverage front and back, but usually shows a bit more cheek in the back and does not come all the way up to the belly button. These are my favorite style on most women. I would suggest the stretch lace ones without an elastic waist band. The elastic band has a tendency to dig in and create a bulge.
The Thong/G-String panty: offers less coverage in front and is very thin or just a string in back. This look is not the most flattering choice for most women on its own but can be flattering when worn with a Chemise or nighty that covers the upper portion of your bottom, when going for an implied nude or when no panty lines are key to your look.
The Low-rise Bikini panty: offers coverage front and back. A drawback for this style is that it can give even the fittest of women the look of a muffin-top or bulge at the top of the panty. I would suggest if the bikini is your choice, look for the mid-rise or high cut styles.
Hopefully this has helped you see that no matter your personal style, there are a variety of options out there to fit every body type and every occasion. If you have a favorite brand or style, let us know, we would love to hear from you!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
There are so many places to shop and so many different styles of bras it can be overwhelming deciding what to buy that will look best and be comfortable at the same time. This article will share some of the different styles and what we have found looks best on most women when being photographed. So if you are looking for the right bra we’re here to help you find what suits you best!
We decided to cover the four top styles that flatter most women’s figures so here you are!
Demi: Covers lower ¾ of the breasts and great for pushing up and creating cleavage.
They may be padded or unlined and sheer, and covered with pretty lace. (My Favorite)
Pushup: Heavily padded to push up breasts and create a fuller appearance.
A perfect fit is critical so breasts are pushed up not hidden in the padding.
Full Coverage: Great for full bodied, bustier women who need a bit more support.
They naturally shape while providing the extra support but can still look super sexy!
Balconette: Covers only the lower half of the breast and cups are usually lined.
This bra usually has a fairly straight cut across the breasts with wide set straps.
There are so many different bras and makers out there to choose from that it’s important to make sure you are buying the correct size. Did you know over 90% of women are wearing the wrong size bra? If you have never been fitted by a professional, we recommend it highly! Going someplace like Zoe’s where they will do a private measuring for you can change the way you look at bra shopping. My husband (brave man!) went there a few years ago and bought me a gift certificate that included a free fitting as a Christmas present. As with most other women, I found out I had been wearing the wrong size bra for years! They were also awesome about explaining to me the different styles of bras and helping me pick out what best suited my figure best.
Let me know what your favorite brand and bra style is and if you’ve ever been professionally fitted! You can check out our Bra Calculator and if you do, please leave us feedback – it’s anonymous but helps us ensure everything is working as it should!
Next time I will talk about the other half of your lingerie wardrobe – Panties!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
If you’ve ever flown on a plane you’re familiar with the standard process before the plane takes off. The flight attendant was talking us through our pre-flight safety demonstration and as usual, I listened with little enthusiasm to the same litany of “exits here, here and here…” as well as the instructions for putting on oxygen masks in case of an emergency… “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.” It wasn’t until much later that I realized there was a deeper message hiding in these words for me.
Life can be hectic most days and downright challenging others. Trying to keep up with the daily schedules of work, kids, pets, housework, running to and from kid’s events, and a list of other responsibilities can leave us with little to no time dedicated to ourselves. As wife, mother, boss or worker, we’re accustomed to putting ourselves last on the list.
As a single mom raising three children, there was never enough time while the kids were growing up. I usually had to have two of them at events in the opposite direction at the same time or multiple homework meltdowns for things I never even studied in school! Now as a grandmother and business owner I sometimes feel like I have even less time. In our daily lives, just like when applying an oxygen mask on a plane, there are times we need to think of ourselves first. Keeping ourselves energized and healthy is critical if we are going to be able to do all the other things we have on our lists! Now this doesn’t mean ignoring our family and job, it means making time for ourselves so we are able to be there physically and emotionally strong for whatever life throws our way.
Here are a few things you can do to get back to a stronger, re-energized you.
Take a long, hot bath or shower to relax your tired muscles and joints.
Replace strenuous exercise with something like yoga, a day or two a week. Combine exercise and relaxation techniques to achieve both physical and emotional balance.
Get outside and spend some time in nature. Feel the ground under your feet and focus on the sights and sounds around you. Enjoying your environment can give you time to replenish your energy. Talking walks with family or a close friend can give you time away from technology to reconnect.
Find ways to express yourself creatively. It could be a night painting at a local winery, singing karaoke or learning how to belly dance.It’s hard to stress and over-think things when you’re immersed in something fun and expressive!
Focus on your successes! Make a note of all the things you’ve done well, and give yourself permission to be proud of what you have accomplished instead of dissatisfied with what you haven’t done. Tomorrow is another opportunity to add to those accomplishments!
Make that bucket list! Replace your regrets with dreams. When you start thinking about what you should have done, stop; change your focus to what you plan to do now. It’s much more empowering and will give you the confidence to take on the next thing on your list!
Set aside a day just for you. It may seem like a monumental task to carve out a whole day for you, but it’s worth it. Work with family or friends to watch the kids, maybe even set up a trade with another mom who is also in need of some time for herself and trade babysitting for a day. Find something you want to do that will rejuvenate you, boost your confidence and leave you feeling great about yourself. Whether that means participating in a triathlon, going to the spa, or being made to feel like a princess for a day getting your hair and makeup done and your photo taken, you deserve it!
So make sure you are taking some time for yourself as we get ready for the crazy holiday season. Stay healthy, be happy, and share lots of love!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Welcome to our Celebrating Local Women in Business blog! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others. In this blog we’re Celebrating Local Women in Business featuring Marilyn Riel.
I’ve been publishing articles about women in business over the last few months and was reminded the other day that as a woman who owns my business, I should be including an article about myself as well. So here it is; my story and the answers to a few of the questions I’ve been asked about why I do what I do!
Name: Marilyn Riel
Business Name and Address: Menagerie Photography, Lisbon, CT
“I believe empowering women to see their
individual beauty is key to their self-confidence.”
Let me start by introducing myself to those of you who don’t know me yet. I’m 50+ years old and owner and lead photographer at Menagerie Photography Studio in Lisbon, CT. I love the work I do now but it wasn’t always that way. I was married young, had three children, got divorced, remarried six years ago and have two beautiful granddaughters.
It took a long time to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up but I finally got here!
When I tell people that my studio is exclusively women’s portraiture, often they don’t understand why weddings, engagements and babies aren’t part of the services I provide. Simply put, I have done various types of photography but this is what I love to do. Having come from a past that had me feeling less than confident or empowered, focusing the business at my studio on women’s portraiture is important to me.
I believe empowering women to see their individual beauty is key to their self-confidence. Many of the women who wanted to come in to the studio had a list of excuses that they would tell me. “I’m shy… but I don’t know if this is the right gift for my significant other… well, I need to lose weight or get in shape first…”
What it all came down to was a fear they would not be seen as beautiful.
The thing they were missing was that they were already beautiful – no matter what shape or size, they just needed to see themselves as I saw them through my lens. I wanted them to know that it’s not just about having beautiful pictures at the end of your session; it’s also about how you feel during and after the shoot. Most women leave with an overall good feeling about themselves, not just that they have great pictures but that they have a great time and they’re more confident than ever.
This is why I shoot exclusively women’s portraiture.
I am kept busy with photo sessions for all types of images including fashion/editorial, pinup/fantasy, boudoir/glamour, maternity and business headshots as well as writing the blogs for my business. While talking about the Women in Business blogs at an event I was asked how much I charge to do the articles – taking photos, posting to our web page with links to their businesses and social media as well as digital copies of the images used in the blogs. I told them I do it for free. Their response was “well for now, you could make good money doing that…”
Why would you give away something when you can sell it?
There are many businesses and individuals who share of themselves, their time, their skills or their money to make things better for others. Giving back to their communities is something they do for themselves, not for monetary gain but to feel they may make a small difference by their actions. Many of the women I have recently featured in my blogs donate their time and services to improve their communities and help others at no cost. I share their stories to spread the word about their businesses, providing my services and time at no cost to them.
I believe in the philosophy “pass it on and it comes back to you”.
Recently I was asked why we have photography campaigns twice a year with no session fee and a free image. It’s pretty simple really. There are women out there who would love to experience a professional photo shoot but can’t afford it. Women who want to see themselves as confident and beautiful. This gives a chance to have that experience without the cost. They get to choose one of their pictures to remember the fun they had! After their session, there is no obligation to purchase any other images. (They can if they want to but it is not required)
The stories I have received in women’s campaign entries have made me realize how important it is to make time in my business to give more women a session that can empower them and help build their confidence.
I can’t give all my sessions away or I would go out of business. I can offer to wave the session fee for a few women during these campaigns. When I have the services of a hair and makeup artist donated this is include in a campaign as well. The expressions on women’s faces when they see images of themselves that show their individual beauty is wonderful. Feedback from the women who have participated in our events lets me know this is something I will continue to do in the future. An email I received two months after our first campaign last fall sums up the reason I continue to do this.
“Hi Marilyn!
I just wanted to email you and see how you have been doing? …. I don’t remember if I told you… I like how the photos came out and I am so very proud of them. Also I wanted to let you know that since I have seen you, my confidence has risen. I absolutely love that we had a chance to meet. You are definitely an inspiration. “
I have had such wonderful feedback from the women who have participated. I hope, at least in some small way, that I have been able to give them a little more confidence. That their photo shoot has left them feeling more empowered and just overall happier as the amazing women they are.
Our studio guide cover girls normally come from the women who participate in these campaigns. All the women sign model releases authorizing us to use their images. This allows us to share their experience so you can see what fun they had and their beautiful pictures. I have had the privilege of meeting over a dozen amazing women through the various campaigns so far.
We just closed entries for our third campaign and I look forward to sharing images and stories from their sessions next month.
I hope this has helped you to get to know me a little better and that when you are ready to talk about getting your photo taken, you’ll give me a call. You’ll come in for some coffee or tea and we can talk about creating an experience that you’ll love with beautiful pictures you can take home and share.
Would you like to be featured in our Celebrating Local Women in Business blog? Please go to our Contact Us page at MarilynRiel.com and tell me more about you and your business!
Do you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about? Please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
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Welcome to our Celebrating Local Women in Business blog! We are focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.
Today I’m introducing you to Stephanie Ortiz who owns and operates The Fancy Fluke Fishing Co. in Stratford, Connecticut. Stephanie’s goal is to create a strong, safe community for women to experience the sport of fishing and on a deeper level the lifestyle. Fancy Fluke Fishing Co. creates and sells customized tackle and tackle inspired accessories for girls and women who love to fish! They currently have a Women’s Only Fluke Tournament scheduled for Summer 2017 at Burrs Marina in New London and have another in the works in Milford, CT. If you think that is all Stephanie has planned you haven’t seen her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to her company and the women she hopes to inspire. She also plans to offer teaching clinics for women and children interested in learning the “How-To” of angling in Connecticut and is in the process of creating a program of Girls Only Charters. So read on to hear Stephanie’s story about how she got started and how she wants to share this with others.
” I found 6 amazing women who shared my vision and created a team… I am positive that those who see these women and get to know their lives will gain a new respect for the “Why” of fishing. In that way we will inspire other women to try our sport. We have opened up our lives to teach and include them. In that way we are empowering female anglers by giving them the guidance they need to excel and enjoy themselves on the water.”
“The Fancy Fluke literally started as a Fluke. I had made some glamorous fishing rigs for myself for fishing trip off of Block Island. One of the reasons I really got into angling was for the food! I am extremely passionate about Ocean to Table cooking and Fluke are some of the best eating around! Any opportunity I have to catch Fluke I try my best to fish hard and put dinner on the table. That particular trip was a SLAMMER! We limited out in under two hours all BIG FLUKE 20-29” and all on my Fancy Fluke Rigs. I knew if I could hit it out of the park fluking Block I had a great rig in my hands.
I knew my Fluke Rigs were my golden ticket into the world of Sport Fishing in Connecticut. I’m by no means the greatest angler but I fish often.. Some weeks everyday, other times for days at a time. Experience is king and I’ve gained quite a bit. This year alone I’ve caught Bluefin Tuna, White Marlin and Mako. I’ve also beat my personal best Fluke and Bluefish. I may not score on every species, but if you want a lady who can fight a shark from start to finish, I’m your woman. I didn’t stop there…
My Fluke Rigs had a great summer with tons of positive feedback from anglers all over the state. Our Rigs snagged not only Fluke, but Scup, Black Sea Bass, Striper and Blues.
Fancy Fluke Fishing Co. is dedicated to creating and selling customized tackle and tackle inspired accessories for girls and women who love to fish! All of our Fluke Rigs are made with the highest quality materials including Addya 4/0 Wide Gap Hooks, Berkley Big Game Monofilment 30lb and various hardware, bucktails, teasers and squid skirts from Buccaneer, Sea Striker and other fine tackle producers. Our Fluke Rigs are designed for jigging and drifting for Fluke and other bottom fishing. We test our products locally in Long Island Sound and deeper waters around Block Island. Our designs employ a large array of bead-work and specialty knots. Silver, semi-precious stones and genuine crystal are matched with tails and teasers to create a one of a kind piece you can use over and over again. All of our products are handmade in Stratford, Connecticut, USA.
We are currently available in stores at:
Diane’s Bait, Tackle & Charters in New London,CT
Fisherman’s Paradise in Milford, CT
Animal Artisans in Stratford,CT
Once I got my product in shops, I knew my next step was to create a strong, safe community for women to experience this sport and on a deeper level the lifestyle. I found 6 amazing women who shared my vision and created a team, namely Lauren Salvioli, Diane Womack, Kim Granite, Niki Webber, Captain Stephanie Griffith and Jennifer Zuppe. In my opinion these women are extremely inspiring and at the same time the best examples of excellence in angling in Connecticut. I am positive that those who see these women and get to know their lives will gain a new respect for the “Why” of fishing. In that way we will inspire other women to try our sport. We have opened up our lives to teach and include them. In that way we are empowering female angler by giving them the guidance they need to excel and enjoy themselves on the water.
We currently have a Women’s Only Fluke Tournament scheduled for Summer 2017 at Burrs Marina in New London with another in the works in Milford, CT. We plan to offer teaching clinics for women and children interested in learning the “How-To” of angling in Connecticut. I also am in the process of creating a program of Girls Only Charters, this is a great way for boats to link up with potential life-long patrons. We want to offer a charter experience that caters specifically to female anglers of all levels.
The other important piece to the Fancy Fluke puzzle is our site – TheFancyFluke.com. We provide content ranging from recipes, tips and tricks of the trade, photo gallery, shop and what I am most proud of, our Fishing Reports written by female fishermen. My hope is we become well known as a source for interesting and reliable information pertaining to the sport. At the same time, I know that we will inspire many women, men and their families by empowering them to explore with us a passion for this Salty Satisfying way of life.”
Stephanie’s love of fishing and desire to share her knowledge and passion has created an amazing company that not only hires women for her team but strives to spread the word that there is not anything you can’t do if you work hard. She promotes independence and self-sufficiency while honoring families and tradition.
To learn more about this amazing woman and her business:
The Fancy Fluke Fishing Co. Stratford, Connecticut
If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MarilynRiel.com and tell me more about you and your business!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
