Welcome to Velvet & Shadow Photography, a rainbow color explosion for the eyes. But, not in an ‘it hurts my head to look at’ kind of way. The lighting is dreamy and the sets are custom to elicit ethereal emotions, perhaps a dream half-forgot…
Look like a dream with Velvet & Shadow Photography
If you’re a regular to 4th Avenue you may have wandered into &Gallery or deliberately gone to their art openings. And if that’s the case there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed the work of this incredible photographer who makes every shoot memorable.
Velvet & Shadow Photography is a Tucson, AZ-based experimental boudoir photography business founded by Isabella Laos that offers personalized photoshoot sessions inside visually stunning hand-crafted sets with rainbow explosions of colorful lights. You can take part in a staging shoot where different models get to use the same set or a completely custom set you and Isabella decide on. For instance, if you want to be a fairy princess she creates the illusions to make it so.
Background
Model Bri poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Having worked as a venue and event photographer for many years, Isabella is deeply inspired by the theatrical lights and special effects of the dimly lit stage. Isabella provides positive affirming direction and encouragement throughout each session which cultivates a truly therapeutic journey of self-discovery & empowerment. Boudoir photography makes a lot of people nervous but you don’t have to worry about that with Isabella. She makes every subject feel like the only person in the world. As a result, she guarantees genuine and touching photographs.
We like Velvet & Shadow Photography because she actually listens. Whether you’re having a conversation about your favorite restaurant or coming up with the perfect pirate shoot she’s paying attention and making sure that you feel heard. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a review from local artist Sophie McTear.
“I love working with Bella. I feel comfortable and at ease when I’m in front of the camera with her, even when I’m in lingerie! She makes me feel confident, and her photos have such a gorgeous, dreamy quality that she’s honed in on and made completely her own. I love her work and encourage anyone in Tucson to book a shoot with Velvet & Shadow!”
Have you ever felt seen, valued, or important? Here at Creatively Queer Press, we want everyone to experience that feeling through the media they consume. We’ve seen in popular media that many people in the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities lack representation with accuracy or empathy if represented at all.
Our mission as a publishing company is to change that. We look to media for versions of ourselves and for visions of who we could be. If we don’t see ourselves represented then our dreams can feel limited, or at worst, discouraged. Diversity is something we believe should be visible and celebrated.
The Media
One of our first publications does that for the queer Latinx community: Cuentos. This bilingual Latinx mythology art anthology came to fruition by our Creatively Queer Press team. With the help of two dozen queer Latinx artists and writers. Every entry is a painting or illustration about a myth, legend, or creature from folklore. The artworks are accompanied by either fiction or non-fiction writing about the subject in both Spanish and English.
Through Cuentos our founder Luis Silva discovered our first editor for the CQP team: A. Dante Bravo. Originally a contributing artist and writer, Dante took on the task of editing the book layout and running the Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the print books of Cuentos. To help finish Cuentos, our second editor Joelle Blot was also invited to join us on the book’s publishing journey. Together our team of three queer creators works to share our books all across the town of Tucson, AZ, and far beyond. By collaborating with queer and POC creatives from all over the world, Creatively Queer Press strives to create and publish accessible entertainment for fans of all genres of comic books, art anthologies, gaming books, and so much more.
We are also working towards building an animation team to help us create groundbreaking animated films that serve our mission of inclusive representation. We invite everyone who values diversity to discover a new favorite on our website at www.creativelyqueerpress.com
Every day, Tucson families trust their most important decisions with Heather M. Strickland, an LGBT adoption attorney. They trust her not only because of her sterling track-record and relentless work-ethic but also because she takes the time to listen and understand EVERY situation. They also trust her because she has experience with the system from both sides…
While young, Heather had a friend who desperately needed to live with a new family. She bravely convinced her parents to take up this challenge, only to watch the effort and desire required to follow-through. Heather was deeply touched not only by her families courage but also by how supportive her community became to lift and protect her young friend.
Flash forward to adulthood and motherhood. Heather has devoted herself to providing the precious gift of family to all of Tucson’s youth. It is important to her that every child has the support and love of a caring, nurturing family. Trust Heather Strickland as you work to build your family through adoption.
Why Heather Strickland Should Be Your LGBT Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child can be a gauntlet for any parenting couple. This is only exacerbated when you are an LGBT couple trying to build your family through adoption. Heather Strickland can help you navigate the turbulent waters and keep you moving towards your family goals!
Why MyersStrickland, PLLC?
MyersStrickland is a boutique law firm focusing its practice on family building through adoption and assisted reproduction. They have the privilege of working on more than three hundred adoptions a year – more than any other law firm in the state. Their expertise allows us to provide exceptional representation in all types of adoptions – whether you are pursuing an independent adoption, working with an adoption agency, are a stepparent or relative, or adopting a child from foster care. They are committed to the ethical and compassionate representation of expectant parents or prospective adoptive parents.
When it takes more than just two to make a baby, MyersStrickland is there to assist with the legal aspects of your donated sperm, eggs or embryos, and your relationship with a gestational carrier. They guide you through the legal landscape in Arizona and help you develop the best journey to parenthood for you and your family.
At MyersStrickland, they value and welcome ALL families.
Attorney Heather M. Strickland is a native Tucsonan and has been practicing adoption, assisted reproductive technology and family law in Arizona since 2005. She is a proud Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a recipient of a 2017 Angels in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) for her dedication to positive child welfare practices.
Combat Krav Maga Tucson has been teaching reality-based self-defense to the Tucson community since 2015. It is owned by Jenna Herder who has been practicing Krav for over 18 years. She has her 3rd degree Black Belt from the United States Krav Maga Association.
Jenna strives to create an inclusive safe space community where everyone is accepted and cherished. Combat Krav Maga is a PROUD member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Jenna is proud to be a part of the Tucson LGBT+ community and is excited to be hosting low cost/no cost self-defense classes and seminars for the LGBT+ community.
This group has an assortment of people who commit to engaging the imaginations of viewers, and while doing so, simultaneously, expanding the creative skills of pupils/performers. This is a safe and supportive environment for all of the participants involved.
Located in Northeast Tucson, the RoadRunner Theatre Company is a proud resident of the Alliance Performance Center Of Tucson (APCOT). Additionally, they have a traveling troupe that presents musicals and revue performances throughout the Tucson area.
They provide the community with engaging performing arts experiences through classes, showcases and performances in a comfortable environment.
View the Full RoadRunner Theatre Schedule at GayTucson
Get The Full RoadRunner Theatre Company Schedule!
Roadrunner is busy adding the entire RoadRunner Theatre Schedule of events to the GayTucson Events Calendar for you. We update regularly, so be sure to check back often, and you will always know about the newest shows!
Woof Woof Walkin is a woman owned and operated dog walking and pet sitting business serving Tucson, AZ. We have over 20 years experience working in the veterinary field. Julie, the owner, is a Licensed Vet Tech in WA state and a Certified Vet Tech in AZ. We bring our knowledge and professional care to each and every pet we work with. We are passionate about seniors, rescues and….well,…pretty much any animal!
Nina Bingham is an award-winning Author and life voyager who strives to inspire conscious living and conscious dialogue. She writes books that are electric with honesty and passion, causing readers to explore topics such as the soul. Nina earned an AA in Psychology, a BA in Applied Psychology, and completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling program. She is a master-level Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Sound Therapist using tuning forks for painless acupuncture, a Reiki Master who was initiated and taught by a Peruvian shaman, and an Intuitive who channels books about the Archangels. Nina is a member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and has been in private practice for 19 years.
Nina lives with her wife and dog in Tucson, Arizona, and can be found paddling her kayak on Arizona lakes. Before moving to Tucson, she and her wife lived in Portland, Oregon where Nina had a mental health counseling private practice. Personally, she is a practicing Hindu who received the honorary name Devi from her guru in India (but you can call her Nina). She enjoys growing and smoking her own brand of CBD flower, Devi’s Dream (it doesn’t make you high, just happy). Her wife Rachael sells CBD products such as CBD flower, oil, and pain relief products. Her greatest joy in life is to engage with the LGBTQ community, and she has written her difficult coming-out story in her autobiography, Once The Storm Is Over (you can find her books on Amazon).She also writes a self-help blog: ninabingham.blogspot.com
Clients describe Nina as professional, caring and insightful, and she is a 5-star Groupon merchant. Jeanne left this comment on Groupon about her first Hypnosis session: “Very nice and relaxing experience! This is my first Hypnosis experience but definitely won’t be my last!”
The FeelGood Fitness Tucson community supports one another in developing an overall sense of well-being while maximizing joy through fitness. We offer fun outdoor fitness classes designed for people of all ages and abilities. Our community prides itself in being an all-inclusive, authentic, energetic, safe, and caring community that is 100% body-positive and LGBTQA+ friendly. FeelGood Fitness HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes in public parks include a full-body workout that incorporates strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. FeelGood Fitness Coach Antonio Rubio offers expert training, support, accountability, and inspiration to help his clients meet their personal goals. “I am committed to serving others and cultivating a judgment-free community of fitness friends.”
FeelGood Fitness Tucson Formation
FeelGood Fitness Tucson came to being at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Tony was laid off from his job as a Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor at a local gym that is now permanently closed called the Nerd Gym. Once Coach Antonio realized that the pandemic affected his community’s mental, physical, and social health, he leaped into action. He invested his life savings into FeelGood Fitness Tucson, and he created a safe outdoor fitness space where people can feel connected to the community and enhance their emotional, physical, and social well-being in a time that our community needed it the most.
Coach Antonio is super passionate about providing space for people that the fitness industry typically underserves. He also is passionate about cultivating community. “I am a Tucson native, and my community here in Tucson has always provided space for me in some of my lowest and darkest periods of life. It is comforting to know that we have the power to create a family through community. If it weren’t for my community, I would not be the person I am today. We all deserve to take up space, feel loved, appreciated, and valued. I try my very best to give that feeling to everyone that comes to my classes or utilizes any of my services.”
There is no other fitness space in Tucson like FeelGood Fitness. Coach Antonio is one of a kind and will inspire you to be the best version of you.
If you are interested in services, you may contact Coach Antonio himself via email feelgooodfitnesstucson@gmail.com or call (520) 358-1264.
Tell him Tony Ray at GayTucson sent you : )
Client Reviews
“Joining Feel Good Fitness was the best decision I could’ve made for me and my health this year. Since working with coach Antonio I’ve gained many positive habits, and met many awesome people along the way. It’s only week four of my 12 Week Program and my body is already transforming. Previous to starting I had a shoulder injury that required surgery, but after strength training I may not need it anymore and that is such an exciting thing for me! Every session is full of laughs, positivity and hard work, I look forward to my time spent with coach Antonio, he is the best and his dedication to all of us is beyond admirable.”
-Deij Jimenez
“There is so much I could say about this one man wonder. Antonio is a true light of positivity bringing happiness, wellness, and health to Tucson. He is extremely driven by his clients success, and is hyper-focused on YOUR goals. Antonio is able to cater to whatever physical needs you may have. He creates personalized workouts, that he shares with you after your personal session so you can go home and continue the progress you have started!! I have never met anyone like him, he is truly changing the Tucson fitness community one client at a time.
If you have gone from personal trainer to personal trainer, gym to gym, maybe not seeing results, not hearing the things you want to hear, please reach out because he is seriously unlike no other. I have personally been on my fitness journey for 4 years, and have never felt so motivated and cared for by someone who I am simply a client for. Much love for FeelGood Fitness Tucson.”
-Kayla Stegner
6555 E Speedway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85710 (520) 721-7100 Radisson Suites Tucson Website With plenty of first-class amenities and a swanky midtown location, the Radisson Suites Tucson is one of Tucson’s gay-friendly hotels.
