How to create In-Camera Effects
Did you catch Episode 5 of Lens Smudge? If not, you should because we did an 80's retro shoot, and I specifically touched on using various items in front of your lens to create special effects such as light leaks and bokeh.
I'm giving you an in-depth look today at how you can create these effects and overlays yourself.
Are there any specific items you love to use in front of your lens? Comment below; we'd love to hear about it.
Photographer @melissa_shanahan
Producer: @kevinmichaelschmitz
Wardrobe Stylist: @chel_frank
Talent: @carincokefair of @selectmodelchicago
Hair & Makeup: @francely_makeup
Wardrobe: @topvintage_boutique
LABO News with Luz Mejia and Amy Rose Productions
Missy and Chelsea of Amy Rose Productions make a guest appearance on LABO News (Latin American Business Organization). They give a little inside scoop and talk shop about this past and coming year.
Click here to see the entire show with all of their guests:
Lens Smudge - After The Show - Episode3
Welcome to Lens Smudge. The show that blends commercial photography, professional styling, kick-ass creatives, and fearless business owners. So that YOU can REACH YOUR MAXIMUM PHOTENTIAL.
Join Missy and Chelsea as they take you behind the scenes to talk about the lighting setup used in Episode 3 with Sail to Trail WineWorks.
Lens Smudge Episode 3 with Sail to Trail WineWorks
Chelsea and Missy visited Founder Chris Simpson of Sail To Trail WineWorks in his tasting room, and we also put Prop Stylist Asha Holmes up to the test to create a scene using Chris’s tasty wine. Also check out Chris’s and Asha’s websites below to find out more.
Sail to Sail WineWorks:
Website: Sail to Trail
Prop and Fashion Stylist
Website: Asha Holmes
Behind the Scenes of Lens Smudge Podcast Episode 2
Join Missy and Chelsea as they take you behind the scenes to talk about the lighting setup used in episode 2 for Tommy's "Styling with the Impossible Budget” Challenge.
Lens Smudge Episode 2
Chelsea and Missy are in the Amy Rose Productions studio with special guest, Tommy O'Donnell. Watch as master prop stylist, Tommy, takes on the "Styling with the Impossible Budget” challenge.
Tommy O’Donnell instagram @srsly_styled Facebook Tommy O’Donnell
Gear Review, SKB iSeries 3I-18135SNSC Waterproof Laptop Case
Missy reviews one of her favorite items within their equipment; the SKB iSeries 3I-18135SNSC Waterproof Laptop Case.
Amy Rose Welcomes our new Intern Jaime!
Melissa and I are so excited to share some big news! Amy Rose Productions has an official intern, Jaime Moehring! Jaime will be working alongside us a few days a week to gain some hands-on experience and build her photography business acumen and craft. Jaime is self-taught and has a great passion to create impactful and compelling imagery. We give a big welcome to Jaime and are looking forward to helping her grow and develop as a photographer!
Here is a little more about her story and some kick-ass photographs that she captured.
How did you get your start in photography?
I have always had a camera ever since I could remember. I would take it everywhere and just snap pictures. Over the years I have developed my own style and view of the world and I started sharing it on social media. That’s when it really opened up doors for me of making this a career. I started watching a bunch of YouTube videos of what I can do to better my photography and myself and slowly more and more people started noticing.
What are your goals as a photographer?
My goals as a photographer is to capture something that makes people feel something and then creates a domino effect. Something that makes people want to connect to nature and to wildlife and inspires people to want to help save the wildlife and landscapes. For example, my gorilla portrait I did. I wanted to capture the essence of this great gorilla and humanize it a little bit so others could relate more to it because when someone can relate to something, they tend to care about it more. So, this gorilla I edited the photo to make it look like a portrait style that one would do with a person. My end goal was to have people relate and therefore possibly care enough to care about what I care about like saving the rainforest, animals, landscapes that are threatened.
Why are you excited to be a part of the Amy Rose team?
I am excited because I feel you guys are kindred spirits and your work is amazing. I am excited to keep learning and growing as a photographer.
To follow and check out more of her work:
instagram: @jaimecphoto
portfolio: www.jaimecaitlyn.com
XO Chelsea
Lighthouse
For this image I was in Gloucester MA and really wanted to capture the lighthouses there. So, I found this lighthouse and walked out on the rocks looked back set my camera down with my small tripod I had. It was a bright sunny day when I took this picture. For my creative editing process, I uploaded the photo to Lightroom. Started doing basic edits to it and then I really wanted to capture the feel of night, so I really darkened the sky a great color blue and then I added a lighthouse light looking out into the ocean. I really liked the texture and the light and darker colors contrasting together. What I wanted to capture for this image came out exactly how I wanted it too.
How To Self-Produce A Photo Shoot (Part Four of Six)
A few weeks ago, Chels and I shared our tips for finding a hair and makeup artist, as well as choosing your location. Click HERE if you missed it.
This week we’re going to share our tips for creating a call sheet with Talent. You’ve assembled your team, and the logistics are confirmed, so it’s good practice to create a call sheet that confirms the details of the shoot.
Be sure to include the names and contact information of all creatives, address of the location, special instructions, and photoshoot timeline. Share this with your team via email (include the modeling agency) ahead of time in case any issues should arise. You can also add the mood board, so everyone has a vision of the direction.
Below is an example of a call sheet; revise as you see fit:
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2020
Time: 8:30a – 5:30p.m.
Assignment: Portfolio
Location: 145 Laffy Taffy Rd., Havana, RI 86753
Compensation: Trade
Photographer: Tina Burner / C: XXX-XXX-XXXX / E: Tina@gmail.com
Assistant: Rockstar / C: XXX-XXX-XXXX / E: Rstar@gmail.com
Wardrobe Stylist: RuMaul / C: XXX-XXX-XXXX / E: Ru@gmail.com
Hair/Makeup Artist: Bahbie / C: XXX-XXX-XXXX / E: Bahb@gmail.com
Talent: Bernie / C: XXX-XXX-XXXX / E: Bern@gmail.com
Special Instructions:
• Bring a white t-shirt and black boots.
• Have groomed fingers.
• There is a fee of $20.00 to park, and the lot is across the street. Please call when you arrive so we can meet you.
Concept: Layered Menswear at 1830’s Greek Colonial Mansion. Printouts of inspiration will also be available on the day of the shoot.
Wardrobe: Photographer to provide shoes, wardrobe, and accessories. The only exception is the special instructions noted above.
Timeline: Tentative – subject to change
8:30a – 9:00a
Production team call time. Unload equipment and props.
9:00a - 9:30a
Talent call time. Talent will try on clothing to see which outfit works best with the concept.
9:30a – 10:30a
Wardrobe selection, hair/makeup, and briefing of the shoot. The photography team will set up lighting (if applicable) while hair and makeup are getting done.
10:30a – 12:30p
Photograph Talent in outfit 1
12:30p – 1:30p
Lunch (generally, the photographer who is holding the photoshoot provides this to the team.)
1:30p – 4:30p
Photograph Talent in outfit 2 & 3 with wardrobe, hair, and makeup changes in between.
4:30p-5:30p
Wrap time. Talent leaves and photography team to breakdown and load equipment as well as clean up space if needed.
Stay tuned as we’ll share our tips for creating equipment, prop, and shot lists.
Location: Visit @houseofjulesblog on Instagram to follow their house renovations.
How To Self-Produce A Photo Shoot (Part Three of Six)
Last week, we shared tips for finding a wardrobe stylist, as well as talent. Click HERE if you missed it.
Today we're going to share our tips for finding a hair and makeup artist, as well as choosing your location.
Now that you've sorted out a Stylist and Model, it's time to think about Hair and Makeup. These are essential aspects of Fashion and Editorial Photography. We strongly recommend finding artists to work with you unless you feel confident doing this yourself.
Hair and makeup make all the difference when it comes to bringing your story to life. It can place the model in the world you've envisioned, with much more realism. A great hair and makeup artist can create the illusion of clear skin, enhance facial features, define eyes, and transform the models while saving you hours of editing.
Tips for finding a hair and makeup artist:
Choose one person who specializes in both or two people that specialize in either hair or makeup.
Many artists are found on social media (especially Instagram) by searching the hashtags #mua, #hairstylist, or #hmu. Social media showcases before and after photos, behind the scenes, and who they've worked with on projects. It's a photo resume.
If you can't connect with a makeup artist through social media, try visiting your local cosmetic stores such as Sephora and MAC, to name a few. A lot of artists freelance at these stores, so don't be afraid to approach them.
If you can't connect with a hairstylist through social media, contact your local salon or cosmetology school.
When skimming through someone's portfolio, pay attention to the kind of clients and models the artists are working with. Some may not be comfortable or capable of working with certain facial textures, hair types, or ethnicity. It's essential to reach out to someone you know can execute your vision.
Now it's time to think about the logistics. When will the shoot take place? Will it take place in a studio or on-location? If it's going to be on-location, are there any restrictions you should know?
Things to consider when choosing a location, date, and time:
Be sure to select a location that adds something to your story. Also, keep in mind the time of year your photoshoot is taking place. If it's outside, the weather changes, so have a backup plan in case it rains.
Google the location you're interested in to see what it looks like ahead of time. Google Maps is an excellent resource since you can choose the "satellite view," which will let you check out the parking situation as well as the building structure and surrounding area.
How's the lighting? Is there natural light? What is the quality of light? Do you need to create light? If so, are there outlets available to plug your lights in (if required), and is it the proper wattage?
Will you have access to the bathroom facilities, as well as a separate space to set up and get your model ready.
Does the location work for everyone involved? Will the entire team have transportation?
Once you've decided on the location, call, and ask:
Will they allow you to do a photoshoot there? If so, is a permit needed? It's your responsibility to obtain one from the city or town.
Is business insurance need as well?
Can you scout the location before your photoshoot to evaluate the space and lighting?
Is there a fee to hold a photography session? If so, what is the cost? If there is no cost, offer to send the final photos as a courtesy. They may want to use the images for marketing purposes.
Never show up at a location and assume you can do a photoshoot there; they can shut it down, and now you've just wasted everyone's time.
So now, the hair and makeup artist, location, date, and time have been confirmed. What's next? Stay tuned as we'll share our tips for creating a call sheet.
Location: Visit @houseofjulesblog on Instagram to follow their house renovations.
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How To Self-Produce A Photo Shoot (Part Two of Six)
Last week we talked about self-producing a photoshoot, coming up with a concept and creating a mood board. Click HERE if you missed the blog post. This week we’re going to share our tips for finding a wardrobe stylist and talent.
Clothing is a crucial component of Fashion and Editorial Photography so its best to work with a Wardrobe Stylist. They will:
· Purchase and/or borrow items such as clothing, accessories and/or props that match the concept in mind.
· Dress the talent in an organized way.
· Check for wardrobe malfunctions during the photoshoot as well as wrinkles in clothing, or anything else that may be “out of place.”
· Ensure all items are accounted for at the end of the shoot and return items if necessary.
Tips for finding a stylist:
· Use the hashtag #fashionstylist or #wardrobestylist on any social media site.
· Contact local agencies and colleges to see if a Stylist is available and make sure your expectations are clearly known.
· If all else fails, you can always style the shoot yourself, however that’s another element to worry about.
Having a stylist is also like having a second pair of eyes. They can offer suggestions, solutions and/or bring things to your attention. It’s a team effort.
You now have your stylist booked, so what’s next? Decide how many models you want in your photoshoot, as well as their gender, age and ethnicity.
Tips for booking talent:
· Search social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Model Mayhem. If you’re using your own model, make sure a model release form is signed. This lets everyone on the team use the photos for the uses stated in the release, and it saves you any
headaches should there be any issues down the line.
· Call your local modeling agency. Explain what you’re doing (i.e. portfolio building, submitting for publication, etc.) and would like to know if there are any models available to test with. The agency will have a say on how you can use the photos
(if no fee is involved), so you’ll want to confirm the details right away.
· It’s best to go through the agency directly, rather than contacting the model. If you try to skip through loopholes, you can ultimately end up blacklisted by the agency. The agency will let you know if it’s OK to contact the model directly, after
you’ve spoken.
Stay tune for part three as we’ll share our tips for finding a hair and makeup artist, as well as choosing your location.
Talent: Rosey Campbell of Maggie Inc. / Wardrobe & Prop Sylist: Asha Holmes
How To Self-Produce A Photo Shoot (Part One of Six)
Chelsea and I have self-produced many photoshoots over the years so we wanted to share our top tips and findings, when working with a team. Today we’ll be talking about creating a concept and mood board.
Everything starts with an idea so you have to decide the purpose of your photoshoot and ask yourself, are you:
· Portfolio building?
· Selling images as stock or planning on submitting them to a publication?
· Trying to appeal to a certain audience/client by selling a specific lifestyle/product (fashion) or telling a story (editorial)?
· Just experimenting?
What narrative do you want your finished photos to express? What world is your character situated in?
· Pull from other art forms such as a memory, song and/or movie. You can always jot your ideas down on paper or in the notes app of your phone when brainstorming.
· It could be something as simple as an adjective like “happy” “vibrant" or "nostalgic". You can then revisit these ideas at a later date.
You’ll now want to create a mood board, once the concept has been figured out.
Mood boards are essential because it helps guide the entire team towards your vision. Imagery can be pulled from Pinterest and/or Google to name a few. They’re a great resource for photo inspiration as well as on-line and/or printed fashion magazines.
Below is an example of a mood board created called “Photoshoot – Fashion Men.”
You can also check out my other Pinterest boards here for more ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/MShanahanPhoto/
The mood board can include images of the desired overall mood, color palette, style, model poses, lighting, location, clothing and hair/makeup.
At times, Chelsea and I already have a particular model in mind, so the photoshoot will be built around the talent. Other times we’ll create a theme/style first and then revisit it at a later date when the right person or setting arises.
This series is split into six segments so stay tuned over the next few as we’ll share our tips for finding a wardrobe stylist as well as talent.
Amy Rose Productions Ribbon Cutting and Launch Party
Worcester, MA – On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at 5pm, Amy Rose Productions will be celebrating the official company debut with a ribbon cutting ceremony and launch party. The ceremony will take place at 5:30pm in the newly renovated 1200 square foot studio, located in the historic Higgins Armory Building at 100 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606. The ribbon cutting is in association with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and, local and state officials. Promptly following the ceremony, Amy Rose Productions will be hosting a launch party at Sail to Trail Works, also located in the Higgins building. Wine, light refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Amy Rose Productions cofounders, Melissa Shanahan and Chelsea Nye, met a handful of years ago while working alongside each other at a local studio. The two aligned seamlessly and found themselves having the same dedication and passion for photography and all the nitty gritty that goes along with it. After work cocktails quickly turned into a lasting friendship full of road trips, vacations, adventures, collaborations, and a metric ton of shenanigans! They have since built a full-service production company, working locally and across the US as commercial photographers, have a Cyc wall studio available for rentals, and will grow into offering workshops and professional photography development. The Amy Rose Productions philosophy is to bring personal life values of loyalty, resolve, passion, reaching for the stars, and wonder to every project and client. It’s that character that motivates, gets the clients excited, and keeps the photographs fresh!
The event is open to the public, please RSVP at https://www.amyroseproductions.com/rsvp
For more information please visit the website www.amyroseproductions.com or email info@amyroseproductions.com
