Meet Cyllia Gardner | Portrait, Maternity and Boudior Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cyllia Gardner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cyllia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The balancing act will forever be a challenge, so sometimes you just have to ride the wave and not feel guilty. When I first started it was easy to balance, because the workflow wasn’t really steady, but nearly a decade of consistent clientele, I’ve learned at times this career is seasonal, so with that comes constant changes in my work schedule. I am lucky to have a VERY understanding husband, to pick up the pieces at home when I have a heavier schedule. My first try at balance was to only work 3 days a week, and that worked for a while, but again it’s an ever changing schedule. Now, I have weeks where I work 5 days, and some where I only work 1 or 2. I think the best thing I’ve learned is to just take whats given, and not beat yourself up. I get to do something I love everyday, and sometimes my family gets homecooked meals, and others its fast food. Just know that the people around you love you, respect your time, and want you to succeed, and if they don’t, ditch em!!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Thanks for having me, I’m honored to be interviewed.

I have been a portrait photographer for nearly a decade now, and I love how life changing a photo shoot can be. I have been shooting glamour and fashion styled images for several years now and it’s my favorite genre. It’s fun and exciting, and sometimes I go to incredible places. I have an incredible studio in downtown Montrose, CO where I do the majority of my work. My clients are mostly women, children, couples, and small businesses. In the struggle to find balance, I have been working on the evolution of my art over the last year, and I’m proud of where I’m going. It’s growing and changing with me as a wife and mother, and each session I grow in confidence and fall more and more in love with what I do. I hope that my love of creating and ability to capture ones essence is the best thing about me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Western Slope is packed with so many opportunities. After a long flight, I would start with food! First thing I would do is take them for a quick burger and fries from Crash Burger in Montrose, CO. Then we could head up to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for a killer sunset. Next up, Taco’s Del Gnar in Ridgway, CO ( mine and my husbands FAVE date spot) for a Drippy Mitch and some Sketchy tots for lunch! Then Drive the million dollar highway to Silverton, CO for some EPIC views and hop on the Durango/ Silverton train for a fun experience. I’d defenetly take them on the Alpine Loop 4×4 trail, and pack a picnic lunch for the summit, and bust out my camera for some out of this world photos for them to take home. We would visit the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, CO, and then eat some sushi at Zen Garden. I’d finsish with A day or two of chatting and rest to end the adventure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my husband, children, and God!

Website: cyllialynnphotography.com

Instagram: @cyllialynnphotography

Linkedin: Cyllia Gardner

Facebook: facebook.com/cyllialynnphotography

Yelp: Cyllia Lynn Photography