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Meet Trailblazer Cyllia Gardner

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyllia Gardner.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a portrait photographer located in Montrose, CO. I was born in Owensboro, KY (yes, where Johnny Depp is from 🙂 ) I lived there until I was about two years old and then we headed to Deltona, Florida for a couple of years. Finally, we landed in colorful COLORADO(Golden)! I grew up in Jefferson County, CO, and loved all the outdoor activities! Bike riding along the Bear CreekTrail was one of my favorites. I always had a love for taking photos, but when I reached high school, I realized my true love for photography, storytelling, and fashion.

I received my first camera in 1994, a Polaroid. I used to set up scenes for my dog, Sadie, and she was my trusted model for years! I started to venture into disposable cameras and would buy one every chance I had. Taking photos of my family, animals, plants, and whatever adventures we were on. I’ve always loved art and creating new and amazing things. I used to design and make my own clothing and loved the fashion industry. In high school, I developed 5-10 rolls a month and had the photos ALL OVER my walls. I think that’s when I realized how important photos are. They tell OUR stories! I have so many memories that I can look back on and reminisce. For me that is what photography is about. Capturing those moments! That love continued to grow through the decades, while I was taking photos of my children, then family and friends. After family and friends told me I “had the eye”, I finally listened to them and started my business, Cyllia Lynn Photography in 2013.

Trying to find what makes me unique to others, while living in a small town that is oversaturated with photographers has been extremely challenging and discouraging. Not having hometown advantage, makes me work harder! Finding what set me apart from the rest wasn’t as difficult as I thought, but I was(am) always stuck in my own head and thinking I’m good enough or different enough. Despite what my closest friends and family told me, I was still struggling with my identity as a photographer. One day I woke up and realized, I’m an artist, and no one here is like me! I am ME! Once I broke free of the negative mindset, everything changed. I’m not going to lie, I still have moments of doubt, but I know that I have a greater purpose. I’m a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, storyteller, artist, photographer, and one who finds beauty in the most unusual things.

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth roads? Sometimes. Honestly, what is life without a few bumps? If you’re not trying to move mountains, what’s the point? My road has been full of ups and down, and I believe that’s what keeps me humble. I know where I came from and where I want to be, and it’s still a long road ahead. The key is to keep going and knowing that nothing great came from comfort zones! Challenge yourself! I know it’s silly, but the thirty (30) day photo challenges are a great way to keep yourself motivated and learning new things. ALWAYS KEEP EDUCATING YOURSELF!! You might discover something new and go in that direction. I have so many things I enjoy photographing, it makes it hard to just pick one idea. That’s why I keep a journal!! Write your ideas in them and make it happen! You are the only one standing in your way. Open your heart and mind to everything going on around you, and you will find inspiration around every corner!

We’d love to hear more about Cyllia Lynn Photography and Dollhouse by Cyllia.
I was told to master one craft before moving to another. For me, my first was natural light photography. I would spend hours and hours watching the sun, at different times of the day, through seasons, weather conditions, etc.. Now I’m working on studio lighting, and its been a blast! Being able to control your light source is pretty awesome for consistency. I photograph everything from newborns and weddings to boudoir and pinup Realestate, branding, and product photography. I think lately I’m mostly known for my beauty photography (boudoir, glamour, pinup) I want to be known as photographer who captures and showcases raw emotion and beauty with an artistic twist. I want people to look at my work and feel what I captured. That is true art! Being able to evoke feelings from my art and bring awareness to important issues. I want my work to mean something, even if it’s only me.

What sets me apart? I think it’s my attention to detail, my versatility, and my ability to tastefully add artistic/creative ideas into whatever the client(s) are seeking. I always meet with my clients and discuss their vision, to make it meaningful and personal. Taking time to build relationships with my clients is VERY important to ME! They trust me to capture their fleeting moments, and that trust shines through on the images. I also believe I have a distinct ability to help people feel confident and see the beauty that lies within themselves or their loved ones.

I’m also opening my own studio in March, and I’ll finally be able to try new things and showcase what I can really do! There are endless opportunities when having a space to create! I know its just the beginning of some really amazing things for myself and my family!

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Search for local networking events on your community message boards. I’ve met some really wonderful people this way. Made new friends, found new clients, and much more. Step out of your comfort zone 🙂

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
All photos by Cyllia Gardner-Cyllia Lynn Photography & Dollhouse by Cyllia

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