Diary

"I'm a 48 year old, flawed single mother, raising a teenage son with no support system. I cry, worry and eat too much chocolate. Lana Thomas showed me I was also a sexy, voluptuous and desirable woman. She is an artist who does everything with love. I never felt more empowered or beautiful. My life is enriched again. Thank you.I titled all my pics Lana. I wanted to blog them on your site; However, wanted you to do it for me. Between losing my parents last October and feeling utterly alone out here in Arizona I about lost sight of myself. You helped me find my way. I love you."I received the above email from Barbie after her portrait session. The day I received it I wasn't feeling my best for several different reasons and as I sat down at my desk to start my day I opened up my email and read her words. Tears filled my eyes, my breath became soft and my heart felt renewed. I had no idea how much her portrait session had meant to her. I had to wait a while before calling because I couldn't speak. I had been given a gift.Last summer one hot night I happened to be working late at the studio and was about to close up, when two beautiful ladies bounced into my studio full of energy and smiles that instantly made me feel happy inside. I talked with them while showing them around the studio and as we got acquainted I was thinking how much I would love to photograph them. Before they left the studio they each scheduled a portrait session. I felt honored that these women in their 40s would allow me to capture a beautiful time in their life.This summer Barbie made her way from Phoenix to Voulez Vous Boudoir for her personal portrait experience. When she arrived, we hugged and I felt she had been in my life all along. I felt comfort, ease, happiness, and excitement to spend the day with her. Her authentic and bubbly sassy self made me feel just as special as her. I felt like a better person just from being with her.Barbie, thank you and LoveLoveLove. Lana

I love photographing women in their 40′s and 50′s, the confidence they have lightens up a room. I love talking to them because they are full of wisdom and great stories. When I was younger I would look at women 50+ and would hope to carry myself with confidence and be comfortable with where my life’s journey had taken me. I loved the laugh lines and couldn’t wait to have them myself. And, believe it or not, I looked forward to the day I had the curves of my mom, this would mean I was a woman. Now, as a woman’s portrait photographer I look at them with even more gratitude and beauty as I near 50 myself (that’s crazy to think of, as I feel much younger….most of the time, LOL).A smile, a movement, a gesture can be signs of confidence and show we love who we are, we are unique, special and beautiful.These ladies had a portrait party at the studio and I was not only the photographer, but they took me in as one of them and included me in their celebration.

About thirteen years ago I photographed my first fine art...myself. It was outside with the light coming from my back porch and was at a 45 degree angle from me. I was amazed at the look of the image; the contrast, the grain, and the soft feel of the image. I remember how it made me feel about myself; vulnerable, empowered, and mostly, like a beautiful woman. As a gift to my husband I had it printed as an 11x14 with a matt to hang in his closet.Confidence is beautiful and documenting a time in your life will never be a regret, but only a reflection of where you have been. It's your journey through life, own it, be proud of it.

I had a blast designing this photoshoot for Mary. After brainstorming with Ashlee Bivins and Heather Valentine (Primp Salon in Broken Arrow) http://www.primptulsa.com we decided we wanted to do something fun and different and we wanted 50-shades of pink and soft skin tones to be the focus. Ashlee free-handed the heart and Heather used pink hair paint for the hair bow.The set and wardrobe were all things I had in the studio with the exception of the balloons. I wanted a soft, ethereal, feminine feel to the images and tulle, lace, gloves, an old tattered chair, and flowers are were a must for this type of feel.

Last summer I had the honor of having Tiana as an intern from OSU, where I graduated from. I was excited to have her in the studio and guide her along with how I work. We took some time during her internship to play with posing, lighting, wardrobe, post-processing, etc. The images of her in the silver dress are from the first week or so into her internship and the retro-inspired images are from her last week with me. She picked these outfits from the collection at the studio.I was also honored when Tiana ask if she could photograph me as part of her graduating portfolio. She did a remarkable job and I am so proud of the portraits Tiana took of me.I miss you Tiana! ;)

Beauty, confidence, bubbly, and so smart, Brandi had me giggling through her photoshoot with stories of Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, and teenagers. These portraits were a gift to her husband for his birthday. Brandi! You are a doll! :)A special thank you to Ashlee & Heather at Primp Salon in Tulsa for hair and makeup.

Husband, father of two small children, and retired professional boxer, Jeff wanted to document this time in his life. He wanted to tell a story through photographs of who he was, so his children would have portraits of their father. During his order/preview session Jeff's wife picked her favorites, the close-up with the hoodie and smiling through the glass window.It's all about documenting and leaving a legacy...a legacy of who you are!

The jones family wanted unique family portraits that represented who they are and they wanted them with their family airstream. So, we dolled up the girls in custom designed tulle skirts (by Raegan Medeiros), had their hair done by ColourBlind Solon, their makeup done by Hannah Demuth, and had a video produced by Tiana Beringer. I had a BLAST!

The day I spent with the beautiful young lady and her mom was exciting, so many different looks; backgrounds, dresses, and jewelry. I look over at Mary's mom and she had tears in her eyes as she watched her baby girl in front of the camera and it made me choke up, but there were lots of giggles and laughter too.Thank you Tammy and Mary Joy! You are two beautiful ladies!Hair by Heather Valentine and makeup by Ashlee Bivins. You can find these two wonderful ladies at http://primptulsa.com/.

Beauty, sophistication, elegance, smiles, gracefulness come to my mind when I think of the essence of a woman. I saw this when I was photographing Joanna. I am so very grateful that she chose to spend her 40th birthday at Voulez Vous' studio so I could capture and document a milestone in her life.LoveLoveLove. Lana