Meet Phoebe Schumacher | Portrait & Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Phoebe, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the biggest factor behind my success has been staying true to who I am as a person and allowing that authenticity to shine through my business. When you come across my photography – whether on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or my website – there is no question about who you’re trusting to capture your most intimate moments.

For me, it’s crucial to create a safe and inclusive space for all clients, and that begins with the first impression they have of me and my brand. I’ve heard from many LGBTQ+ couples and people of color about their struggles to find photographers who treat them with respect, or who even agree to work with them. That should never happen. A client shouldn’t hesitate to inquire with you out of fear of the unknown.

As a woman, a mother, and a Texan, my brand isn’t neutral – it reflects my values, my identity, and my commitment to providing a welcoming experience for everyone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography, for me, is more than capturing images with the click of a button – it’s summoning emotion to tell a story. What sets me apart is my ability to create a space where my subjects feel safe, empowered, celebrated, and seen through my lens.

I just left the starting line, I still have a very long way to go in this industry. It hasn’t been easy finding my creative voice and building a brand that aligns with my vision. It requires persistence and self-trust. Sometimes I go into a shoot with a specific vision in mind, and it doesn’t always come out the way I expected. I’ve had to learn to let go of expectations because you can’t plan a moment – you can only create the space for it to unfold. Some of my favorite images have come from embracing the unexpected, allowing the energy of the subject, the environment, and the spontaneity of the moment to take the lead.

Creativity isn’t about control; it’s about trust- trusting the process, the connection, and the magic that happens when you allow things to evolve naturally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t know if I could make an itinerary for a full week, but I definitely have some must see spots while they’re here. For daytime fun we would definitely go thrifting/vintage shopping. Some of my favorite places are Out of the Closet in Oaklawn, Lula B’s Antique Mall, Dolly Python, and Curiosities. Fraternal Order of the Eagles has a public pool, all ages, full bar and food. For night time, obviously Deep Ellum. They have such a variety of bars and live music, there’s something for everyone. Cidercade in Bishop Arts is another cool spot, all you can play arcade games and they serve their own hard cider. Unfortunately, I’m not a foodie and have a pretty basic palette so I’m not too confident in my food recommendations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyone who let me practice on them when I had NO idea what I was doing. I think I owe y’all some updated, nicer photos. The couples that responded to my Facebook posts for free photography sessions, and then modeled in 90 degree heat on a cliff with the sun beating down on them because I didn’t factor in the Texas heat in June. The clients who share my work and recommend me to friends & family. The clients who share tears with me.

Most importantly, my son. Everything I do, I do to show him you do not have to live life one way (like I was taught). You do not have to settle for mediocre. You can reinvent yourself over and over.

Website: https://explicitlyfemininephotography.com

Instagram: @explicitlyfemininephoto

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