Behind the Scenes with Ms. Fran Collazo
Here's a behind the scenes look into a recent collaboration we did with the REMARKABLE Fran Collazo @ms.fran.collazo
This experience was more than "just a photo shoot." Fran was gracious and trusted us with her story. We sat down as she courageously gave an intimate look into her journey, in her own words.
Fran talks about childhood, identity crisis, challenges experienced being gay, transgender, how others struggled to accept "her," and the love she found for herself and others.
We are celebrating WHAT she's been through, WHO she is and HOW she sees herself all in the hopes of helping another who may be experiencing something similar.
We are truly honored to be part of her movement and can't wait for the world to know who Fran is! The video, article, and imagery will be shared once published. Stay tuned; you won't want to miss it!
Video: Missy Shanahan @melissa_shanahan and Chelsea Nye @blinkofanye
Wardrobe Stylist: Asha Holmes @asha_janelle
Producer: Kristie Raymond @kray0314 of HumanKind Casting & Talent @humankindcasting
Talent: Fran Collazo @ms.fran.collazo
Hair & Makeup: Rachael Berkowitz @rachaelberkowitz
Amy Rose Productions Print Portfolio Teaser
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED! Our new print portfolio is here, and we couldn't be more excited to share this teaser. The process took several months (and rounds) before finalizing/printing.
Thank you, @jemma.dilag from @wonderfulmachine, for all of your guidance and expertise during curation. Sequencing is crucial, and this book is more than just a collection of images. Jemma carefully crafted our portfolio to tell stories that include a beginning, middle, and end.
The goal is to bring your potential client on a journey while adding surprise elements along the way. If you shoot multiple categories (ex. fashion, interior, and food), see if you can sequence the imagery together to tell a story by color, theme, or season. If combining doesn't work, keep them separate.
There are many types of books out there, but we chose to use the screw post book from @lostluggage_co. This allows us to print out individual pages and swap out the imagery with new work as needed. The process is a lot easier than printing a whole new book each time.
Send some love if you agree!
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:
Happy New Year!
We can all agree this year has been a roller coaster ride. As we say goodbye to 2020, take time to reflect on the lessons learned. Focus on the things you can control and not the things you can't.
Don't let the past define your future. Every day is an opportunity to create the next chapter, a new beginning in your life. You can either hold yourself back with negative thoughts or kick ass and make significant changes.
Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones that don't. It'll drain you; they're not worth the energy.
If you get a chance in life.. take it! Wishing you a Happy New Year.....and don't forget to be more awesome than you were last year!
We are unboxing the ARP Holiday Advent Calendar...
The holiday season has begun, and we're unboxing the ARP Advent Calendar...
Thank you to @homestyleri for sharing these fabulous items with us. Looking for gift ideas? Check out their website for some unique finds!
#photographer @blinkofanye
#ad #propstylist @brynneestesputney
#giftideas @homestyleri
#greenery @ana.vic24
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
Business Branding Photo Session
Have you been thinking about doing a Branding Photo Session but haven't pulled the trigger yet? Tommy, one of our go-to prop stylists, has launched his interior decorating side hustle, and here's a sneak peek of a few images.
A styled session allows you to communicate an intentional message while attracting your ideal audience and enticing them to want to work with you.
We'd love to collaborate and help you develop a strategy for your business needs. Please reach out to learn more.
#photographer Melissa Missy Shanahan
#propstylist Tommy O’Donnell
To see more of Tommy’s work, visit his website HERE
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.
Web Audit on the ARP Website
Jemma from Wonderful Machine recently did a web audit for the ARP website, so we wanted to share a few tips.
One of the most important things to ask yourself is, "What are your goals and your dream clients?" Once you figure that out, you can organize your body of work in an order that makes sense to target those clients.
For our website, each image or series of photos are sequenced as if they are part of the same collection, using color or certain types of furniture to create a cohesive flow from one "season" to the next. Attention to detail, the styling of props, use of color, light, and texture that create a particular personality are just as important.
It's good to have visual diversity with a mix of colorful and poppy color palettes unless you're targeting a client that only uses neutrals. Then you'd want to showcase imagery with neutral tones in them.
Try to show the kind of images you want to photograph and not the imagery you think the client wants to see. You'd be surprised at how many potential clients are looking for a fresh perspective.
Behind the Scenes of Lens Smudge Podcast Episode 1
Join Missy and Chelsea as they take you behind the scenes to talk about the lighting setup used in episode 1 for Tommy's "Curate the Clutter" challenge.
Artist Spotlight! Meet Gabo Mendoza, Artisan, located in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Mexico. Gabo's a "Contemporary Oaxacan plastic artist with style influenced by children's and prehistoric art among others."
What an experience it was to enter his space and see the gallery. Krissy Price, Founder of the Wandering Art House and I visited Gabo this past March while exploring the grounds and spending the day painting.
Each wall passed was filled with Fresco art that various visiting artists created. As we entered his space, many emotions ran through as I imagined what each backstory could be for all the paintings we saw.
To check out more of his work, please visit:
Are you ready to run away to an island, but the only thing escaping is your mind?
Summer is a great excuse to throw a backyard barbecue to gather loved ones and let your mind be free for a bit.
It's time to get rid of those paper plates and cups for the day and get scrappy. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your spot into a tropical oasis.
Try a mix of faux greenery with a little bit of fabric for texture and add pops of color in your dishes or fruit to set the mood. Not sure where to go? You'd be surprised at what you can find at the thrift and dollar store! Swipe for more inspiration.
Photographer: Melissa Shanahan
Prop Stylist: Tommy O'Donnell
Art Director: Kathryn Kellogg
Creative Director: Lori Bearfield
The Journey Through COVID-19
When COVID first surfaced, we didn't know what to think (like most of the world). Then the news hit that non-essential businesses were going to have to close due to the pandemic. We were very nervous about the future of Amy Rose Productions.
Chelsea and I had just thrown our launch party and officially opened the studio three weeks prior. We invested everything we had, and last year was spent freelancing, doing renovations on our space, and building up the foundation of the business. Like others, thoughts of panic set in, "Were we going to have to close the doors completely when we just opened them?"
There was no plan in place because nothing like this has ever happened before. My initial reaction was, "Okay, what do we have control over and focus on that, not the things we can't control." Naturally, the focus was on the business, but the feeling of being overwhelmed set in hard.
Thoughts of "We should be doing more," "We're not doing enough for the business and the community," were going through my mind. I started driving myself crazy. That's when I knew it was time to stop and check myself.
Since staying safe meant remaining at home, this forced us to slow down. The first few weeks were tough; we're not very good at that. Then it became a question of "What were the things I've put off personally for a long time because I was too busy?" The answer was simple, my house and health. It's always easier to naturally focus on others and work.
With a little bit of help, I repainted the interior of my house. Painting occupied the mind while exercising the body and became very therapeutic. Cranking the music, head banging, dancing, and singing my head off, became great releases too! Taking an extended break from social media was also necessary. Disconnecting from the computer, reflecting on all of the positives, being with loved ones, and reconnecting with simple activities were essential.
Virtual exercising with Tina and the Cupcakes Community also became a thing (go check her out). The constant struggle of nutrition and exercise is real, and she helped many of us through it all while figuring out the technical side along the way! It's all about progress, not perfection, and it's a journey, just like life.
As Chels and I wait for the green light and new guidelines to re-open, we're fortunate enough to say our business is still here! We're looking forward to seeing you all on the other side. More to follow as Chels shares her experience as well.
Missy XOXOXOXO
It's no surprise that the happenings of this world will deeply impact our ability to help clients and others who depend on our services.
This time can be devastating to friends, families, and all small to medium business owners. Clients have had to cancel or postpone their bookings with us, which can be crippling to a new business.
In this challenging time, it's hard to know what to share or say here, and what is appropriate. With that said, we're going to showcase imagery captured as well as other artists, in hopes to inspire and put a smile on your face.
Try to focus on the things you CAN change and NOT the things you CAN'T. We will get this through this and come out stronger than ever!
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones, appreciate the downtime to spend with them (even if they're driving you crazy) and, most importantly, BE KIND TO OTHERS! We're ALL feeling the feels!
This image was taken in Oaxaca Mexico last month while on an artist's retreat with the Wandering Art House (more to come on that!)
This stranger appeared utterly moved by the water. I could only imagine what was going through her mind; "live in the moment girl, you got this," "I'm not going to have a care in the world."
She let go of anything holding her back and went in with all of her clothes on. As she splashed around, I vicariously lived through her. All she wanted to do was touch, feel, and become what was in front of her.
This simple act caused so much joy and pleasure, to both her and I. Not only did I get to witness this, I got to capture a stranger letting go. We don't do this enough because we're so wrapped up in today's modern world. It's a good reminder to remember there is beauty all around. Take a minute to stop and look, and you will find it.
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.
Amy Rose Productions Official Launch
Only one more day until our open house and we are FIRED UP!!!!! You know that feeling of excitement and nerves when you get on and off a rollercoaster?
Not only is the event officially launching our business and studio, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to network with others within the community.
Are you another photographer, studio, creative, business owner, or someone who lives nearby and wants to check it out? Let’s get to know each other. You never know who you might connect with at this event.
We know it’s awkward and uncomfortable to put yourself out there sometimes, but all it takes is that one conversation with the right person to open a door. If you are a business owner and have cards, bring them.
Eats will be provided by Simply Delicious Catering & Management Service, while the mingling happens at Sail to Trail WineWorks. Please see the flyer for specific times, and don’t forget to RSVP; it’s not too late. You can do so via the Facebook event below or the website link below. We can’t wait to see you!!!!
Missy and Chelsea XOXOXOXOXO
https://www.amyroseproductions.com/rsvp
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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Betsy Davidson, Co-Founder of Space For Arts, visits our studio
We recently sat down with the Betsy Davison, Co-Founder of Space For Arts, in our studio. It was refreshing to meet another creative enterprise focused on community, customer service, and developing a unique booking platform for creative spaces that services the nuances of the industry. A big part of the Amy Rose Productions philosophy is inclusion, access, and community. Betsy and her company really ticked all the boxes in that respect and are on the same page as our values. It was a pleasure to connect in person, and we look forward to the start of our B2B relationship. After our meeting, Betsy sent us a lovely note that included: "...I had so much fun getting to know you both and hearing your stories. It's what I adore about the work we are doing and having the ability to connect on so many levels in person. You are right; it's about the philosophy and inclusion and community. I am so looking forward to working with you and growing together."