…it pours.  

The last two weeks have been blessedly busy. I was able to work with two new clients, both of whom I met at Field & Supply Market this past summer, and I couldn’t be happier with the fruits of our labors.  Meeting these two brands was both a dream and the result of hard work for a little introvert like me.  When we moved to the Hudson Valley from Saratoga Springs, I had to make all new connections, and while that sounds like business drivel, it’s just a fact of life for freelancers like me.  But I didn’t want to be a soulless connection online; I wanted to shake some hands, make some eye contact, and meet like-minded creatives who’d potentially want to work together.

The first was a glass-blowing artisan named Kathleen Andersen, a local to the Hudson Valley who I noticed right away at the market due to her stunningly colorful glassware.  We hit it off right away and she confessed she was actually in the market for new photography! We had a lovely day full of bright and happy shots that showcased the pieces, playfully propped with flowers and fruit, and of course bright colors!

The next shoot was for Ash Hopper Botanicals, a skincare brand I had been admiring online for sometime, not only for their products but for their commitment to ethically sourced ingredients and their love of bath time rituals.  This business is the love child of Matt and Thena, who live and breathe their business and supply soaps and other amenities to some of the swankiest hotels in the Hudson Valley and East Coast including Wildflower Auberge, the Vanderbilt, and Blue Hill.

The tone couldn’t have been more different as we crafted the story of their artisanal bath teas, oils, and of course–luxurious soaps.  The lighting was moody, the props were rustic, the vibes were perfect. 

Storytelling is the essence of what a good branding photoshoot should do.  The right lighting, props, and creative direction can either enhance and elevate your business, or deflate it in your potential customer’s view.  Find a photographer who gets what you’re doing (waves from online) and can lead you to the finish line.

I can’t wait to see these photos out in the wild, but for now here is just a small taste. If you want to keep in touch, I’ll be sharing more on my instagram: @callmeannemarie

till next time,

Anne-Marie

When you get your feet under yourself as a photographer it’s easy to think you’re done learning.  But besides the glitz and glamour of keeping up with the constantly changing technology, there’s also a VAST well of knowledge to be learned from other working pros.  Recently I heard someone advocate for actors-turned-directors due to the fact that they have seen and worked with so many different types of people that they experience what works and what doesn’t when running a set. I feel the same way about photography! Why wouldn’t you do your research and learn from people who are willing to share? If you’ve only ever shot by yourself there’s so much you’re missing out on!

I always take advantage of the opportunity to assist on other shoots if I enjoy the photographer’s style, because even though I might be able to guess how they make their magic, there’s no way to know without being there.  And oddly enough, there is a sweet satisfaction in having your suspicions confirmed, or your mind blown by how they use their skills!  And it goes without saying, if you decide to take my advice, curb your pride when on someone else’s set.  They’re the one bearing the brunt of the responsibility so your job is to support them!

A long time ago…no wait, that’s not the way to start this.  I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret tidbit about myself.  I’m a big nerd.  I might play it cool, but if the conversation turns to old movies, random facts about Willow, or professional wrestling, you will witness my inner geek let loose.

Standing in for a lighting test

Shot by Natalie Walsh

Shot by Carey MacArthur

Behind the Scenes with Michael Horse

Behind the Scenes of Lord Huron music video that was never released!

Out of all things, I’ve never considered myself to be a photography nerd.  To be fair, I didn’t study photography.  I didn’t go to college for Fine Arts, and I’ve never used a darkroom before (though I love shooting analog and it is one of my goals to learn how to develop my own film!).  My knowledge and appreciation of the art form is purely instinctual and hands on.  I have been lucky to learn from very talented people on set as both an actor/model and then as a photographer’s assistant.  I like to think this makes my take on things unique, especially when it comes to directing people.  Modeling is hard work!  Styling and building sets requires talent and dedication! I LOVE a creative team and a bustling set.

Going forward, I’ll be sharing more of these little tidbits as well as behind the scenes from shoots and travels and I hope you’ll stop by.  Feel free to ask questions, leave comments, or anything else and I look forward to hearing from you!

À bien tôt!

Anne-Marie