Howdy. I’m Love’s Apprentice, photographer and brand strategist. With consumers doing more and more business online, the competition is stiffer now more than ever if you want to stand out in this crowd. Image is everything! I help you develop the image and strategy to really engage the people you want to do business with. I’ve grown to enjoy sharing my experiences and resources I’ve gathered, hence the blog as well as amazing resources like
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Common Ground (Photo Essay)
This photo essay is called “Common Ground: Shot from the Hip” because I wanted to take a neutral perspective which was the lens of my 85mm and explore the common ground that is Downtown Austin, TX. This is my attempt at putting Downtown ATX in a fishbowl. Enjoy!
This photo essay is titled “Common Ground” because I want to draw attention to the “diversity” of Austin and what that really looks like.
Many of these photos were literally taken from the HIP - from my hip which symbolizes me capturing these photos from an even playing field, without judgment, without wanting to make any political statement and to just be lead by the spirit and energy of the day within these few blocks.
Enjoy!
Sights of SXSW 2019
SXSW is an incredible 10-day festival celebrating the latest trends and innovations in film and music and has tons of events and interactive shows which takes place every March in ATX. The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists and party-goers who are looking to discover new talent, often for free.
My hubby Sani and I decided to go for a walk and capture some street photography of the busy-ness! Here’s a look at some of the sights we found at this year’s SXSW!
SXSW is an incredible 10-day festival celebrating the latest trends and innovations in film and music and has tons of events and interactive shows which takes place every March in ATX. The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists and party-goers who are looking to discover new talent, often for free.
My hubby Sani and I decided to go for a walk and capture some street photography of the busy-ness! Here’s a look at some of the sights we found at this year’s SXSW!
Don't Box Her In.. Gender Fluid Model Franki Phoenix On Defining Life (Or Not)
Franki Phoenix has all the makings of a classic blossoming fashion model: with wide almond shaped eyes similar to Beyoncé, the instinctive cool factor, a slender agile frame, the short coily tapered coif that complements the cheekbones so perfectly, and the kind of “here to slay” energy that makes every moment worth snapping. But there is something less obvious that I learned from this rising star, a reality that is now finally being questioned and challenged.
Gender Fluid Model Franki Phoenix On Defining Life (Or Not)
“I’m leaving the door cracked so that somebody else can go through.”
by Love’s Apprentice
Photographs by Love’s Apprentice
Jewelry provided by Blue Velvet Vintage
Makeup by Marley Bell
Fashion by Luke 1532
Although androgyny in fashion is nothing new, 2018 marked genderless fashion as a trend that is definitely here to stay. That shift which pulsed through the veins of the entire spring/summer 2019 season in Paris has resulted in a major increase in the demand for androgynous, trans, & gender non-conforming models. One of the greatest things about this revolution in fashion is that designers are increasingly exercising the creative freedom that having two models in one offer. It wasn’t until recently that, the need for androgynous models was greater in Europe than in the U.S. But now we’re experiencing a worldwide paradigm shift where more brands like Luke 1532, designers, and agencies are demanding a more diverse pool of talent.
There are so many of these androgynous beauties out there who are ready to grace the covers of your magazines, runways, and streaming devices. One of such beauties is Franki Phoenix.
Kimono: Courtesy Luke 1532
“My life purpose is to create, heal, protect, and nurture a vision that is bigger than me. Take what you need, but do NOT box me in.” Franki Phoenix told me, speaking on being a gender fluid model. “You’re entitled to think whatever you want, intellectually, about the art that I create, but I’m not going to allow people’s personal decisions to define my life or where I’m going .”
Franki Phoenix has all the makings of a classic blossoming fashion model: with wide almond shaped eyes similar to Beyoncé, the instinctive cool factor, a slender agile frame, the short coily tapered coif that complements the cheekbones so perfectly, and the kind of “here to slay” energy that makes every moment worth snapping. But there is something less obvious that I learned from this rising star, a reality that is now finally being questioned and challenged.
As a gender fluid model, Franki comes to set with a real appreciation for the opportunity to shoot and that passion that she exudes translates into really mesmerizing photos, but unbeknownst to most who have seen Franki’s work in campaigns and online, she’s not transgender, but considers herself gender fluid and prefers feminine gender pronouns.
When discussing with Franki the challenges that she faces being a gender fluid model in Central Texas, she referenced experiences of “all-inclusive / open casting calls.”
Many up and coming gender fluid models have expressed their frustration with being invited to “open calls - all inclusive” only to not get booked because they weren’t what the casting agent was looking for. “I’m either not soft enough or not muscular or masculine enough. Do you see how that can constantly be an issue for someone?” Franki posed regarding her own experiences. Since she can present herself to be either sex, she’s often forced to choose a gender when working with designers whose products appeal to more specific audiences.
“This year is really all about pushing through and working with people who were not even open to working with trans, gender fluid, androgynous {people}.. Whatever.. I’m literally breaking that stereotype and am leaving the door cracked so somebody else {like me} can go through.” Franki says.
As a society, we’ve already begun to have these conversations. We just saw where Victoria’s Secret (allegedly) said somewhere to not want to work with transgender models. The tides are changing and larger companies are seeing their patrons demand greater representation and responsibility from these brands. But while the tides do change, a key takeaway for the fashion industry as a whole: Do NOT advertise a casting as “open or all-inclusive” when not everyone is going to have the same odds.
“For me, its not just about me being a gender fluid model and wanting to get more female jobs. There are so many people, other than myself who are super qualified who never get the chance.” Franki says regarding the need for casting agents disclosing more specificity when warranted.
Maybe FASHION will lead us FORWARD in terms of reconciling the absence of representation of gender non-binary people, but present day, gender fluid people are still carving a path to share the spotlight. Franki Phoenix represents a new generation that rejects the idea of conforming to societal standards about gender and gender expression.
What message would you have to your younger ‘aspiring model’ self?
“Everything is temporary! Even though you may feel like ‘this is not you,’ you have time, so keep drifting. Fall into your beat and God is going to take care of the rest.” Franki answered.
With genderless fashion in full swing and a high demand for models who transcend the boundaries of traditional gender roles, Franki Pheonix is hopeful that more people learn to respect others and the way they choose to live their lives. And when it comes to leading by example, she adds wistfully, “Follow your wave so you can wake up and rise chile! That’s it. That’s the end goal. I want the children who grow up in the world to know who they are and not have questions.“
That said, the freedom to explore her own identity without limitations came with its own set of challenges. Finding the way to express and, more important, to understand her own identity wasn’t always easy. “I had so many reservations in my mind about what people were going to think and the opportunities that were going to be blocked from me because I’m not completely feminine.” Franki shared that she had not learned of androgyny until she was in the army. “I want these kids to know this while they are young.. that it’s ok for them to be who they want to be, even if their parents and friends don’t understand (because they will). I want them to continue to walk in their truth, be loud and colorful, and live.”
And that’s the love being a teacher and me being an apprentice part.. where I learn to love a little bit more with each passing day.. through this art. I agree with Franki. By living in your truth, you’re inspiring people that you may never even meet or touch or see. People need someone to look up to, and usually look to those who are following their dreams. Who’s looking up to you?
At-home sessions: 5 reasons these make for amazing family portraits
This Holiday Season, I had the pleasure of photographing The Overton Family. They were a ton of fun and totally open to just letting the morning unfold, naturally. I arrived to their home at about 10 AM, the highlight - being greeted by one of the most charismatic kiddos in the whole state of Texas, and his big sister- well, as teenagers go - wouldn’t have minded a few extra minutes to text. Anyway, we didn’t worry about wrangling the family together too much to get the “perfect” shot, and as a result, we have a huge gallery that details the day in a candid, “merry” way. The best thing about these photos is how they will tell the story of how family was at their beautiful home, on this lovely, December day in 2018.
"Love’s Apprentice at your service and my super power is photographing loving and memorable moments in an imaginative way. “ A way that paints the full picture, from the subtle kiss on the forehead to pinky fingers interlocking to your family positioned perfectly in front of the Christmas Tree. It’s as close to putting love in a bottle as one can get, but its also pure , truthful, and authentic at the same time.
This Holiday Season, I had the pleasure of photographing The Overton Family. They were a ton of fun and totally open to just letting the morning unfold, naturally. I arrived to their home at about 10 AM, the highlight - being greeted by one of the most charismatic kiddos in the whole state of Texas, and his big sister- well, as teenagers go - wouldn’t have minded a few extra minutes to text. Anyway, we didn’t worry about wrangling the family together too much to get the “perfect” shot, and as a result, we have a huge gallery that details the day in a candid, “merry” way. The best thing about these photos is how they will tell the story of how this family was at their beautiful home, on this lovely, December day.
“Mama” Overton contacted me after searching for photographers on Instagram. See.. hashtags do work! More on that later. She wanted a family shoot at her Central Texas home and was hesitant about hiring an in home photographer because their family had only ever had department store photo session experiences. This brings me to the meat and potatoes of this post.
When considering photoshoot locations, look no further than:
Your Home
I’ve done family sessions in a variety of locations and review those locations with my clients once we are in contact. Today, I want to share a few reasons to pick your own house as a family photo session location. Newborn photo shoots aren’t the only reason to decide to shoot at home. Here are five more:
Five Reasons to Have Your Family Session At Home
1.
Making the kiddos comfortable :
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that c-stands, lights on poles, cameras on tripods, cords on floors, and CHILDREN don’t mix very well. Some children have a much easier time being engaged with their family and photographer while in the comfort of their own homes. I mean.. c’mon.. you know how good it feels to come home after a long day of work, or when you’ve been away on vacation? Walking back into your home, especially after you’ve been away for a while, has a way of putting you at ease and it will do the same for your children. Kids also tend to warm up quicker when they’re already in a familiar environment. For me, it helps with capturing real moments. I don’t mean “Stepford Wives” happy moments, but moments where the family is really connecting. I love snapping parents getting the children ready just before they think the photo will be snapped, when the dad is so focused on the hairs on his sons head that you can’t help but want to capture that moment. Plus, your family is less likely to tense up from being overwhelmed by the shear amount of equipment that most studios have. You’ll most likely feel way more relaxed on your own playing ground. This, in turn, will equate to amazingly sincere portraits.
2.
Archiving the Family Legacy for Posterity:
Your home is the center of your story. Family photos at home can show where you fellowship as a family or maybe even something you love to do together like playing board games or tinkering around on that “out of tune” piano. What better place to document the love of a growing family than somewhere that truly defines you?! It’s most likely already decorated just the way you like. It has paintings hanging that your husband might have spent months to create and pictures framed from 5th grade graduations to vacations in various nations. Even if you’re renting, you might someday move out and want to have photos that depict your life as you once knew it. The added bonus - since your dog “SPOT" will already be there, she could easily join in on the fun. A home shoot is a great way to archive your “real” life!
3.
Did I mention it’s easy?
Too easy! You won’t have to get gas or find directions. All you have to do is wait for me to get there. You won’t have to worry about the weather or even clean up if you don’t want to. You’ve already got access to a dressing room. And I’m excited to see the “prop shop” that has been building in your garage. Your home is perfect the way it is. We can push the furniture to the side if its in the way:) Doing a session at your home equates to less stress for you, and when you’re less stressed, your’re happier, and when you’re happy, better photos. You see where this is going.
4.
Beautiful light is right at your doorstep - LITERALLY!
Have you ever walked through your home at just the right time of day when the sun rays are leaking through the blinds and plays a light show across the room? That’s the light I’m talking about. I call it “WINDOW LIGHT!” Its God’s gift to photographers and its totally free. And if you’re worried your home doesn’t have enough light, no worries! That’s what the flash is for.
5.
Your photos will be ONE-OF-A-KIND.
No two houses are equal and even if they were created equally, it’s the inhabitants who bring the life to the domicile. The photos that you take in your home will be unique to YOU! In my shoot with The Overtons, their Chrismtas decorations represent them. But most importantly, the chemistry that we create will be unique to us.. to that specific day.. to those specific moments frozen in time. If you are wanting photos that show a real connection, the love, and the eccentricity in your family relationships, having a session in the place where you would naturally be open is an easy call.
BONUS LOCATION:
* Your home actually extends beyond your house. We can always go for a neighborhood walk or pop into the backyard for more variety or to round out the experience and photo session.
Enjoy these images of The Overtons, a morning in their lives, in the environment that shapes them.
XO,
Love’s Apprentice
Franco Washington
