Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Shanahan and Chelsea Nye.
Hi Melissa and Chelsea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As freelance commercial photographers, we work with businesses to develop and create content for marketing and advertising, whether for social media or large-scale print campaigns. We understand the importance and weight of quality content, photo, and video from an in-house corporate background and how it supports a business’s marketing goals. We want to bring all our expertise to elevate brands and eliminate pain points in creating impactful, professional content. Shoots are on-location or in one of our studios.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We’d love to say that it’s been a smooth road, but the reality is, like most, we’ve had some hardships and challenges like never before. It’s like going to school, we learn the basics to get started, but all the experience comes from the trials and tribulations in the real world. When first starting, there was a particular vision and idea of how to run the business. It became another ball game once we got into the mix of things. Then throw in a pandemic and a recession, and it’s another curve ball that teaches us to pivot and rise above the challenges. Since companies had to shut down their productions for months, as well as budget cuts and layoffs, our assignments were drastically reduced. We found creative value in the downtime because it allowed us to explore many projects and ideas earlier in our journey than anticipated. We found new ways to connect with peers and collaborators while expanding our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
We specialize in Interior, Home Décor, Lifestyle, and Product Photography but are not limited to. Our expertise is not stuck on one brand style type: we’re well-versed due to working with several different styles and brands. Our experience and broad skillsets allow us to approach, collaborate and tailor to all client needs. We’re most proud of the business we’ve built thus far and being a women-owned, female photo/video duo, which is rare in the photo world. The commercial photography industry comprises approximately 25% of women. As a result, we have high personal and professional lifestyle expectations and are incredibly passionate about the process and success of our clients. Clients continuously make the same comment; “you made this so easy for us!”
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Don’t be afraid to fail; all the learning lies here. Try to avoid getting caught up in all the fancy gear initially. Instead, use whatever equipment is available to you, even your phone. Shoot as often as possible and learn manual mode because it has the most creative freedom. There are apps for your phone if you need manual capabilities. Explore different techniques, angles, lighting, and editing, and find your style. It’s easy to fall into whom you think you should be as a photographer and lose yourself. Of course, negative comments will always arise, but take them as constructive criticism and try to learn from them. You won’t please everyone, and that’s okay. Do free test work when starting, assist other photographers, and connect personally with the people you work with. Photography is so much more than just taking pictures. If you already have experience in photography, learn the business side of things. Most professionals only shoot 20-25% of the time, while the rest is spent on running the business and marketing. Most importantly, never stop learning!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theamyrose.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.amyrose/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyRosePhotoAndMotion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amyroseproductionsllc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyroseproductions
