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
We are all in this together and looking to the future!
During these surreal and uncharted times, Missy and I are taking it literally day by day. All of us are at the mercy of the pandemic and mandatory closure, as well as going through the emotional rollercoaster that only a national crisis could provoke. There isn’t going to be a single person that this doesn’t affect in some way. We are all in this together.
Missy and I are still working diligently (from home) and focused on what we can do today to prepare for tomorrow. Being that we have only been in business for about a year, we are pursuing every possible opportunity to make sure our company has a future.
We are doing everything in our power to make it through, and let me tell you, we are in it for the long haul! We thought it would be beneficial to assemble a resource guide, especially for our freelance and small business community, so that each one of you knows the opportunities for a better tomorrow.
XO Chelsea
Chamber of Commerce: even if you are not a member of your local chamber, the websites are hugely informative and have information and opportunities in your specific region. We are members of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and their site has information about small business grants, SBA loan program, the upcoming stimulus package, a local guide of restaurants that are still operational during the mandatory shutdowns and so much more.
Format: is offering up to $500 grants to photographers, you do not need to be a current subscriber to apply and the application is very easy to fill out.
Boston Artist Relief Fund: Awarding grants of $500 to artists who live in Boston and who have lost income due to COVID-19. Access information here
Accounting: Get in touch with you your accountant or have a free consultation. There will be changes to the current tax guidelines with incentives to individuals, freelancers, and small businesses. We currently use Palmer Hammond they offer free consultations and have a convenient App.
Fstoppers is an online community aimed at educating and inspiring photographers, videographers, and creative professionals. Click HERE to access and download their Photography 101: Using Your Camera and Editing in Photoshop video tutorial at no charge (it’s normally $99.00)
Kelby One is an online education platform for Learning Photoshop, Lightroom & Photography Easy. Click HERE to access their tutorials and courses at no charge.
CreativeLive is an online education platform that broadcasts live and pre-recorded classes. Click HERE to access their free “live and on air classes”.
PPA Professional Photographers of America is all things photography including webinars. Click HERE for free access to all of their courses, webinars, articles, and tutorials.
The Long and Winding Road © Melissa Shanahan
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."
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
We've received our first business review and we couldn't be more happier! ⠀
Client experience is one of our TOP priorities. We're grateful Diana and her company trusted Amy Rose Productions to execute and capture their vision. Thank you for taking the time to send this. We're looking forward to the next project! 🥳⠀
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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
PRO TIP: Try using a full size monitor on your photoshoots. Read below to hear how it enhances the client experience.
Clients absolutely LOVE having the option to see the images captured on a full screen. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in the studio or on location. ⠀
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One client was so excited when she saw our capture station on location and said “It’s so nice not having to look at the back of a camera or a laptop.” This was an eye opener for us because we’re used to shooting on a monitor and didn’t realize how much of a benefit this was for the client experience. ⠀
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Having a monitor really gives them a sense of what the image is going to look like, as far as angle, composition, depth of field, exposure, text overlay, crops, etc. ⠀
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Here are some of our go to shooting setups:⠀
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* In studio and On Location: 27” iMac computer with the RocknRoller Equipment cart (the shelves are a must have). I have to say this cart is the BOMB! You can also use it to transport your equipment when on the go and it holds up to 500 lbs.⠀
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* In the field: 15” Macbook Pro with the SKB Laptop Case. Have you ever been on location on a bright sunny day with no shade? Because of glare, you can’t fully see what the image really looks like. This has a built in hood so you can actually see what you’re capturing (queue the opera singer). It’s the cats meow. Attach the leg support of your choice and voila, you and your client are ready to go.⠀
Where does the business name comes from? and Who is Amy Rose? ⠀
It all started while road tripping to Vermont. Several names (that’s an understatement, it was actually over 50!) were tossed around such as "Dare to Dream”, "Imagination Nation” as well as Chelsea’s favorite “Capture Queens.” 👑⠀
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The names were original but they were lacking the personal connection that we wanted to have for the brand. After several hours, we knew we wanted to have “Production(s)” at the end of whatever name was decided. We also wanted a versatile name that could be abbreviated and grow as we add on different branches to the brand, such as workshops (coming 2020).⠀
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As the search continued, we came up with other names such as Smoke and Mirrors Production and Legendary Productions. The names still didn’t have that personal touch and we knew we needed something more meaningful. ⠀
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Finally we reached that “ah ha” moment and thought, “How about our middle names?”, which are Amy and Rose. This had the personal connection to both of us, my middle name being Amy and Chelsea’s is Rose. We also felt that is was catchy and rolled off your tongue. ⠀
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Amy Rose Productions is both of us, our talents, expertise and commitment all in one. ⠀
Queue the sappy music!⠀
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Photo by: @sarasbucketlist
Photo Assist: @srsly_styld
Amy Rose Productions is Here!
Amy Rose Productions is Here!
“Humble beginnings.” We’ve all heard that familiar quote a million times. How about a new spin on it? She was humbled by her beginnings. That’s exactly what starting a new business venture with a partner has done to me. I built my photography career working for corporate in-house studios, and I was accustomed to having a team and company capital at my disposal. I was lucky. I managed some incredible groups and worked with some of the finest talent in the industry. But 13 years into it I was an unfulfilled stress bomb: a senior manager tired of revolving corporate managers determining the future of me and my team. I couldn’t do it anymore, so I had to make some drastic changes.
Missy’s story is similar to mine and by chance ends up coming full circle. She started her career in corporate communications, working at a cubicle for 14 years until she realized how unsatisfying it was. Secure, yes. But satisfying? Not so much. But she loved photography. So even though she didn’t have an upbringing that valued creative work, and she didn’t know anyone who worked in a creative profession, she decided to turn her love of photography into a career. She quit her boring corporate job, went back to school, studied her ass off, and launched her own freelance business. She worked doing freelance and contract photography for five years and then got a job at the corporate studio where I was working.
Missy and I worked alongside one another and were quietly impressed by each other’s drive, work ethic, skill, and fun personality. We became dear friends. Our after-work cocktails turned into pool parties, vacations, and creative productions. When it came time to leave the corporate studio, we were both thinking about starting our own business. We didn’t talk about it for a while, but when we finally did, we looked at each other in shock. She’d been envisioning starting a business with me, and I’d been doing the same about her.
Hello future!
We didn’t know how much work it would take – days, nights, weekends. We didn’t have corporate capital or a team to draw on to build this business and studio. But we had a vision. And we had each other.
Flash forward six months later and we’re launching Amy Rose Productions! Missy and I are so excited to share our studio and talents with the creative community. It’s been a busy six months. We’ve spent many hours furnishing the studio, acquiring equipment, researching the market, building the brand, combing through contracts, designing the website, and creating the social media accounts. All the while taking on freelance and contract work. The best part was doing the studio renovations and installing the CYC wall. We love seeing our vision manifest in 3D, and we’re committed to giving our clients the same thrill. One of our goals at Amy Rose Productions is to ensure our clients come away with an unparalleled, superior experience and product.
Come behind-the-scenes to view the studio transformation from the raw space to what it is today. Enjoy the captures, stay tuned for more news, and we’ll see you soon!
xo Chelsea
