Life and Work with Phyllis Lane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Lane.

Phyllis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I worked as fashion model with Ford Models NYC when I graduated high school at 16 years old. Traveled to over 25 different countries before I was 25 years old. I bought my first Nikon camera when I was 17 in Tokyo, Japan. I loved photographing people, culture, interesting faces, life moments doing documentary and journalism. While traveling, I started photographing models who were friends or room mates of mine who would ask me to do pictures for their portfolio. At age 19, a model agency in Sydney, saw some pictures I had shot of male model and ask me to photograph their mens division. This is when I decided to seriously pursue the other side of the camera. It really helped being a model first then turned photographer, because I knew about how it felt to be in front of the camera. And after working with so many great photographers, I learned how a photographer could make you look really great or not so great by angles, lighting, and truly seeing you.

From photographing models and doing test shoots it led me to advertising, commercial work, catalogs, weddings, and national magazine work. Now, 20 years photographing, I base in AZ but work all over the world for different assignments. I still have the same passion for photography as I did when I bought my first camera a couple decades ago. I love capturing the essence and beauty of the moment and working and meeting so many amazing people on the way!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any journey, there is always struggles along the way. One of the biggest obstacles are are your inner limiting beliefs in your head… like can I really do this?? can I make a living at it, etc.. can I trust in my intuition and creative abilities? etc. Your perceptions which come from your beliefs, create your reality. So, committing to the journey, your craft/art form and overcoming resistance on a daily basis is a must.
I also feel it’s important to develop your intuition, your ability to listen to your inner guidance and trust in the flow. Creativity comes from the Unknown and it is beyond your thinking mind. Developing this intuitive skill is essential.

I also believe in mentors and am a mentor myself. A mentor is a living example of what is possible which one can learn by osmosis and can nurture your potential and steer you in the right direction from lessons they learned. I think having a mentor is a fast track to realizing your dreams.

Please tell us about Phyllis Lane Inc.
I specialize in fashion, luxury, lifestyle, journalism, and adventure! I am known for my creativity, and my ability to capture the essence, the feeling of the moment in a beautiful way. Whether for magazine editorial, lifestyle catalog, advertisement, portraits or high-end weddings, I use what I call “felt perception” which is seeing with the heart, intuition, to capture iconic images.

I think it’s my creativity that sets me a part. I am a very creative intuitive individual. Along with photography, I am an artist, currently launching #soulink art decor fashion line originated from my ink drawings.

I am also an entrepreneur, created and sold Couture Book, a company that creates beautiful hand made coffee table books for photographers and designers.

I created a patented product that ended up on Oprah’s O list!

I am a currently a life mentor which I love helping others… other artists, entrepreneurs who are following their own path and needing support.

I am an author, who has written two books that I sell on Amazon, Surrender to the Flow and 10000 Hours You Become What You Practice. (Currently writing the third book!)

And when I am not in these pursuits, I am dancing, meditating, drinking green tea or playing with my pugs! (No time for TV watching, lol!)

I am proud of all the work I have done. I put my whole heart into every shoot and give my very best. I am dedicated to the process!

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I was very fortunate growing up. I had parents who taught me discipline where work came first and then you could play. I came home from school, did my homework, practiced music and then got to go outside and play.

I was very blessed because my parents gave me a lot of opportunities to take classes, hobbies, and learn new things and work with incredible teachers in music, dance, martial arts.

For most of my childhood, I grew up on a farm, on 40 acres of organic apple trees with horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, cats and dogs. My place was surrounded by forest at the base of Mt Hood, Oregon.
Growing up in nature with open space, animals and no t.v. or cell phones, allowed my imagination, creativity, and connection to flourish and still is a source of inspiration.

I was an extremely shy and sensitive child and my teachers at school would say to my parents that I was a very good student, but never spoke out but instead had developed my deep listening and intuitive abilities which came into play later as an intuitive mentor and photographer.

In junior high, I was extremely bullied in school where my life was threatened and had to be removed from school and placed into a private school. Girls were jealous and being that I was shy, it was a difficult time for me but by the grace of teachers and my parents who believed in me and my passion for getting out of school, I ended up skipping a grade and graduated high school and moved to NYC at age 16.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.phyllislane.com
• Phone: 480-363-0303
• Email: iam@phyllislane.com
• Instagram: @phyllislane
• Facebook: @phyllislane
• Twitter: iamphyllislane

Image Credit:
KUHL Clothing, Starbucks, WEDAZ, JETSET Magazine, Yandy, George V Four Seasons Paris, JETSET Magazine, AZ Foothills

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