Discover Artists
Artist Spotlight
Artist Spotlight allows us to brag about our members. We will choose one of our members to feature each month, and showcase their work here on our Blog as well as in our corresponding monthly newsletter emailed to over 1000 creatives.
Krystal Collier (KC Styles)
Krystal Collier is a Los Angeles based prop and wardrobe sytlist and producer.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Banana
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Rick Rubin
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
Knowing that there is always something new to learn in this industry. If it is from my peers or even from myself. The challenges I take and the doubts I overcome.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
I will actually pick a stylist because I am a stylist and that would be Law Roach. He is a legend to me in fashion. He has literally broke every barrier when it comes to fashion, especially for black stylists. I would love the opportunity to just have a conversation about what inspires and motivates him each and every day.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Being better at balancing out work and time for myself. I love what I do, but my mental health and time with my family is time I can never get back.
Krystal is a talented Los Angeles based stylist, coordinator, and producer with several years of experience in the fashion styling and production field.
She has the experience and knowledge of producing high volume e-commerce campaigns and studio shoots, to make sure your crew has all the resources they need to pull off a successful shoot within budget and in timeframe.
She is highly recommended by previous clients, and has what it takes to direct the set design and styling of a project.
Angela De Cenzo
Angela DeCenzo is a San Francisco based photographer focusing on lifestyle, food, and portraits.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Gashouse eggs with a side of kimchi
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Unloved, Lana Del Rey, Tommy Guerrero
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My work is colorful, has a lot of textural characteristics, and the lighting is very intentional. I love capturing authentic moments and details that encourage us to appreciate the beauty of everyday life. Photography reminds me to slow down, maintain a sense of curiosity, and explore the tiny moments and big ones that make life remarkable.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Tina Modotti! She was adventurous, controversial, a true artist, a revolutionary, made work that was meaningful, and seemed to really live life to the fullest. And she's Italian American like me.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Last year I made some big changes, and so this year is all about tiny tweaks for me. I want to continue to work on my personal projects and start doing more video.
She got her first taste of adventure while exploring the country in her family’s VW van as a kid, and continues to infuse that adventurous spirit along with an ethos of simple abundance and honest human connection into her everyday life and work.
Angela has a mindful approach to shoots with humor, warmth, and a collaborative effort. She embraces projects with genuine curiosity and the belief that everyone has a compelling story worth representing. She values working with brands that are intentional in their efforts to uplift our health & well-being and act with kindness towards our planet.
“I like capturing authentic moments and details that encourage us to appreciate the beauty of everyday life and celebrate the common thread beneath our differences. Photography reminds me to slow down, maintain a sense of curiosity, and explore the tiny moments and big ones that make life remarkable.”
Meagan Shuptar
Meagan Shuptar is a commecial photographer, working with people, products and interiors through a lifestyle lens and based in Chicago.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Breakfast sausage, an over-easy egg and a banana (although most mornings I'm a cereal girl). Oh, and a double espresso with a splash of milk!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
It depends on my mood but lately it's been a rotation of Brittany Howard, Lykke Li, and Daniel Caesar though in general my music taste runs a wide gamut (just yesterday I was listening to opera and classical)!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My commercial work is full of authentic emotion/approachable moments, and I like interesting but clean compositions. I craft a mood through the use of light whether I'm recreating a natural light feel or using directional and dimensional light. I feel lucky to sometimes participate in the art direction or styling of a shoot as well. Collaboration really makes my work sing and I love working with a great team. I absolutely love getting to work with people whether they are on the client or agency side, talent/subject, or production and crew. It's definitely one of the best parts of this career. Inspiration for me comes in colors everywhere--seeing the way light creates shadows on a wall, finding a visually pleasing texture, thinking up unconventional ways to use props or wardrobe in a shoot....the list goes on! I'm constantly inspired by the world around me.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Irving Penn--he's a huge inspiration! I love the way he captured "the essence" of people and the way he could take seemingly ordinary objects and produce gorgeous conceptual images. There isn't a lot of fuss to his work either. He kept backgrounds simple and used his subject matter to create interest.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Apart from the goal of staying more consistent with my marketing game I've made it a goal to set better boundaries with my work hours, especially when it comes to emailing and editing or retouching.
As a commercial photographer, I blend people, products, and interiors into lifestyle images that convey a tangible authenticity. My compositional timing and technical fluency allow for a consistent style whether I'm shooting on location or in the studio. People often describe me as versatile, genuine, and approachable; qualities that support my foundational belief that "Collaboration is key". My calming presence and creativity on set fosters a collaborative environment.
I love spending time with my husband and three kids, traveling to new places, filling my home with eclectic finds and art, and a good Mezcal Old Fashioned.
I am based in Chicago and available for travel + local work.
Cate Brown
Cate Brown is a lifestyle and outdoor photographer based in New England.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Oat Milk Mocha and GF Baguette with goat cheese :)
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Pandora Led Zeppelin station
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
Being outside by the water with friends, I've managed to build my whole career around it and it never gets old
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Tough. Perhaps Joni Sternbach
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Take a honeymoon in Iceland
At Cate Brown Photography, we focus on commercial lifestyle + oceanic fine art capturing Life Outdoors and By the Sea.
As a nimble and scalable production, we create genuine moments working with a combination of natural light and strong composition to bring vibrance, clarity, and unfiltered authenticity.
Our specialties include lifestyle, outdoor, marine, adventure, and travel -- with niches in surf, sail, yacht, and swim.
We are also committed to supporting a healthy environment as a member business of 1% for the Planet.
The CBP team believes in creativity and collaboration.
Anchor Artists | Representative: HMU, Wardrobe + Prop Stylists, Set Designers, Art Directors, Tailors + Manicurists
Anchor Artists is based in Boston, MA and provides specialized representation of creative professionals including hair and makeup, fashion, wardrobe + prop stylists, manicurists, tailors, set builders, and art directors.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Breakfast was oatmeal made with saigon cinnamon, dried cherries and apricots, topped with walnuts and oat milk.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
I am currently listing to Morgan Wallen. country is NOT typically my choice of music but this summer I surprised my daughter with tickets to his concert. his music brings me back to that magical evening, there is nothing better than seeing your daughter happy. After a difficult morning, hearing his music reminds me of that blissful evening when she thought I was the coolest mom on earth. For anyone who also has a teen wolf, you might relate.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I am the proud founder of Anchor Artists; master juggler/cheerleader and full time den mother. anchor is a representative of stylists, hair + makeup artists, art directors, set builders, tailors and manicurists. we also have a full roster of assistant stylists + h/mu artists + pa’s. Our artists inspire me to push forward, there is no better reward than seeing them grow. and, my amazing staff keeps me laughing in this madness. I am also immensely inspired by the friendships I have developed with other female representatives. community is the key to success, not to mention sanity.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Many moons ago, in my former life as a stylist, I was lucky enough to shoot with Herb Ritts. i was (and am) a huge fan of his work, at the time my intimidation got the better of me and I was too nervous to carry on an extended conversation. Herb couldn’t of been more kind but my fear got in the way of having any sort of meaningful conversation. i would love to return to those two days with the same confidence I have today.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
We are looking forward to expanding our exposure in additional markets.
Maren Rossman is the founder and CEO of Anchor Artists, as well as a board member with Focus on Women. She began her career as a stylist and has more than three decades of experience in the industry. In 2013 she founded her agency, Anchor Artists, providing specialized representation of creative professionals. Their divisions include hair and makeup, fashion, wardrobe, prop, manicurists, tailors, set builders and art directors. Anchor's artists have extensive experience supporting photography, motion, advertising, special events and broadcast media across the United States.
“With Anchor, you get a team of kick-ass women who are not to be trifled with - and can finish each other's sentences. We pride ourselves on bringing kindness and humor to the job. We appreciate the finer things but are grounded in the practical. We insist on top quality and we believe you should settle for nothing less. We are committed to helping our clients bring their creative visions to life.”
Maren is a native of Northern California, she now lives in the Boston area with her family. In her spare time, she is most likely to be found creating something divine in the kitchen, considering the adoption of a third pug, or escaping to her cottage on Cape Cod.
Hair and Makeup Stylist | Margina Dennis
Margina Dennis, new york based hair and makeup stylist and so much more!
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Pumpkin Pancakes with a cinnamon cream cheese butter
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
I'm listening to a Beyonce mix while working out.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I'm a multimedia makeup artist based in New York City. 1) I'm known for making men look refreshed, but not like they are wearing a stitch of makeup. 2) Making women look like themselves but 2.0. and 3) When creative beauty and fashion work, making it look timeless and creative. I'm inspired by things around me... art, nature, architecture.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
I would have loved to had a conversation with Helmut Newton because his photography is creative and timeless.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To do more Pharma and Advertising work in 2024
Makeup guru Margina Dennis has making the world a little more beautiful for over 15 years. She has worked her magic on celebrities such as Tracy Morgan, Jane Lynch, Lea Michelle, and Tom Brady and her work has been seen on "Pose"; in ads for Shiseido, David Webb Jewels, and Puma; in Publications such as Teen Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, and L’Officiel Homme. Her approach to the beauty industry is to keep it simple. “I’m a firm believer in keeping people looking like themselves, but it enhances the look so that they can be the best that they can be.”
In addition to her makeup skills, Margina spent 4 years as Beauty Director for LA’G Magazine, an online publication that was referred to as “being as stylish as W magazine” by other publishing peers. She is sought out as a beauty expert for numerous subjects, publications and clients including Green Beauty, Crest, Pink, and Sephora.com. Margina was invited to join the prestigious Make Up For Ever Artist Alliance in 2008; She has won two Telly awards, a PDN award, and been nominated for a regional Emmy. Margina has been a guest speaker at the international HBA conference, IIDA, Make Up Designory and has done consulting for beauty companies such as Kiss Beauty, Your Name Professional, Mehron, and KAO USA.
Photographers | Amy Rose
Amy Rose Photography, is the amazing duo that includes Melissa Amy Shanahan and Chelsea Rose Nye, both are photographers / directors and are based in Boston.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
protein bar
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Island Vibes
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
Female duos are rare in the photo world, and the commercial photography industry comprises 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!"
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Douglas Friedman! He specializes in interior photography and exudes confidence with great passion and energy about himself and his work.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Hone into the storytelling aspect of our work; we want autonomy in our voice and bring people into who we are as a brand and artist.
With two decades of professional experience, Melissa and Chelsea, Amy Rose, brings a united vision and next-level passion to every single project. They just click. Pun intended.
After years spent in corporate communication, Melissa left to chase a more fulfilling creative dream in photography. Chelsea picked up her first camera when she was a kid, and kicked off her professional career at a local portrait studio at 16. Melissa and Chelsea’s backgrounds couldn’t be more different, but they’re absolutely in sync in their dedication to creating impactful and—we’ll just say it—kick-ass imagery.
When they’re not working with clients (and making magic on set), Melissa and Chelsea are grabbing life by the you-know-whats, adventuring, globe-trotting it up, and drinking in new cultures.
Clients include Magnolia, Wayfair, Birch Lane, All Modern, Joss & Main, Berkshire, Lucidity Lights, Wolverine Worldwide, Perigold, Brilli, Innocor, Rafi Nova, Mackenzie & Co, Pirate Labs, Ratchet and Wrench, and True Scoops.
Photographer | Nitya Jain
Nitya Jain is an Austin based photographer, specializing in food, drink, hospitality and lifestyle.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
coffee and avocado toast
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Fade out lines - Avener and Phoebe Kildeer
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My work is vibrant, textural and captures those in between moments. My background in architecture has been a key factor in how I see, feel and shape light. Travel and art continue to inspire me everyday.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Shaaz Jung- A wildlife photographer based in India who in my opinion is an artist and a big cat whisperer.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Practice meditation and yoga almost every day
My name is Nitya (nih-tya) and I am a photographer based in Austin, Texas specializing in food, drink, hospitality, and lifestyle creating vibrant, crave-able visual content for commercial and editorial clients. Every flavor, space, and place evokes an emotion and that is what I strive to capture in my work.
A background in architecture and graphic design has shaped my photographic journey of weaving light, textures, and space into a timeless experience unique to the brand.
Photographer | Helynn Ospina
Helynn Ospina is a photographer, artist and storyteller based in Central California.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Churro waffles for my birthday
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Currently obsessed with Cannons
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
The storytelling power of light and how it can create, highlight, inspire me to see/feel moments of searing beauty in the mundane.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Larry Sultan, when I first saw his work in grad school it changed everything for me. It was the first time I really grasped the power of an image to make the viewer see or feel something deep and meaningful. His use of color can composition is so sophisticated but there is a depth to his work and how he experiences other people that still moves me very much. Even know I still look at his work regularly for inspiration.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To start one long form personal photo project
Helynn Ospina’s was born in Colombia, yet raised in the United States, her early years were colored by her experience as an undocumented immigrant. A foreigner to both her parents’ culture and that of her American classmates, her identity was shaped more by searching than finding, fueling a thoughtful curiosity that informs her process to this day.
This perspective and upbringing led Helynn to pursue an unconventional path, first joining the U.S. Marines, then pursuing a career in scientific research. Her work in biotech also appealed to her detail-focused, investigative nature—an aspect of her personality that had long inspired an interest in photography. This former childhood hobby eventually grew into a more nuanced understanding of lens-based art, leading Helynn to yet another unexpected vocation.
Helynn’s photography has also been influenced by the discovery of her family’s indigenous ancestry and the concept of animism—that every object, living or inert, has its own spiritual energy. Capturing both the seen and the unseen, the specific and the universal, each of her images speak not only to the moment she has captured, but to the shared experience of our human existence.
Over the past decade, Helynn’s work has been celebrated by such organizations as Communication Arts and she has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Her commercial clients include such industry-leading brands as AirBNB, WeWork and Martha Stoumen Wines, and she continues to pursue an active fine art practice.
Photographer + Director | Zuania Muñiz-Meléndez
Zuania Muñiz-Meléndez is a conceptual still life photographer and director working world-wide.
Zuania Muñiz-Meléndez is a conceptual still life photographer and director working world-wide.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
waffle, blueberries, and coffee :) Thank you for asking!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Seba Otero and Stromae
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My work is art inspired. I consider myself as an artist that goes from designing the photograph, building props as small sculptures and crafting the sets. I am passionta of visual communication and the poetic way of conveying a message. I believe that to crete is one of my passions and I found photography as the final step of my illustrative creations.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Luckily I had the opportunity to meet a photographer I admire, and that inspired me to make the transition from retail to commercial photographer. She showed me that arts and crafts could be incorporated as an artist process in a commercial field. I dared to call her to ask for advice regarding the school I wanted to go to in Madrid. She did respond! We exchanged some emails, and we met at one of her presentations. It was amazing to see how reachable she is and how we could fluently have a conversation.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Move to Europe and keep helping brands, people, and companies establish a visual statement with one-of-a-kind campaigns, photo illustrations, and stop motions
Zuania is a conceptual still-life photographer and director who infuses a fine art approach into her commercial work. Her expertise lies in creating one-of-a-kind campaigns and photo illustrations that showcase her meticulous attention to detail and produce work that is both sophisticated and refined. Drawing inspiration from the art world, she seamlessly incorporates her artistic sensibilities and design aesthetic into her sets, resulting in visually stunning and innovative work that not only pleases the eye but also meets the strategic objectives of her clients.
Photographer | Shelly Waldman
Shelly Waldman is a food and lifestyle photographer based in SF and London.
Shelly Waldman is a food and lifestyle photographer based in San Franciso and London
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Bagel and Cream Cheese with an over easy egg with a cup of tea (yes with milk and sugar)
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Focus on Women Podcast :) Sheri Angeles S13 E127 and my top songs of 2022 which includes One Republic, Neon Trees, Fitz and The Tantrums, MisterWives, Mat Kearney, AJR, GroupLove and more.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My work is vibrant and playful no matter if the subject is food or people and especially when it's both. I love when the brief is people and food in a lifestyle element. That's my jam. I like to set up the scene and capture the subjects move through it. In the case of a still life scene it's a matter of tweaking placement, composition, styling until you hit the magic shot. I'm inspired to keep creating as I learn more camera/editing/lighting techniques, push my skills in video and stop motion and best of all working with other creatives to make things beyond my own imagination.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
I'd love to have a chat with Dorothea Lange. Her career pivoted from an in studio portrait photographer to a documentary photographer covering topics from food insecurity to war, internment camps and the treatment of farmer workers. She traveled around the state of California photographing the field workers and the families who depended on the food banks. As a food and lifestyle photographer today, I like photographing people behind the food and process. It would be a great conservation full of insights and learnings about how she found her assignments, what her life looked like behind the lens, how similar the world looked to her today in terms of photographs not representing real life, and hearing her thoughts about the body of work she created for all of us to revisit today.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Pitch my book idea to a publisher!
Shelly brings a unique perspective to photography. Her background in professional sports, banking and business consulting provides her with a foundation to relate to almost anyone.
Her can-do attitude is infectious while her ability to connect with people is genuine and warm.
She brings over 13 years in the photography industry.
She's worked with Citibank, 49ers, Michael Mina, Peet's Coffe & Tea, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Turnbull Wine, Duckhorn WIne, Bluestone Lane, Shutterfly and more.
She loves cats, chai lattes and will stop for twisty slides.
Food Stylist | Karen Ferries
Karen Ferries, is a food stylist based in Philadelphia PA.
Karen Ferries, is a food stylist based in Philadelphia PA.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
mango smoothie, chia seeds, rye berries, coffee with cream
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
James Blunt, Cold Play
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I'm a new starting out food stylist in Philadelphia. What inspires me... a fervent desire to create a deeply engaging thought provoking experience for the viewer through food.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Dane Tashima, he shoots for Terrain and Bellocq, love the way he captures light.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
It IS about styling actually! I'd like to style food stills, add motion and drinks to my website.
Karen Ferries grew up in Brussels, Belgium, with a mother who elevated ordinary recipes into lasting memories. A reminiscence was a delicious roasted turkey sandwich on toasted raisin bread with melted gooey Swiss cheese and Major Grey’s mango chutney. Her mom’s exceptional culinary skills ignited Karen’s interest in pursuing a career in food. Following graduation from the former French Culinary Institute, she worked in the prestigious kitchen of chef Daniel Boulud’s flagship restaurant in New York City, Restaurant Daniel. From 2013-2021, Karen ran a catering company that specialized in beautiful food presentations called “The Cocktail Party Chef.” She was recognized as an up and coming “Fresh Face” by Bizbash. Working as an assistant food stylist to two top lead food stylists, Heidi Johannsen Stewart, now at Bellocq Tea, and Stephana Bottom (both former food editors at Martha Stewart Living magazine) was a revelatory experience for Karen. Learning how to style food and hand pick ingredients so they would appear their best on camera appealed to her meticulous nature and creative artistry. Karen currently lives in Philadelphia and is making connections with local photographers.
Photographer | Rebecca Grant
Rebecca Grant is a Brooklyn born and bred, beauty photographer + director living in sunny Los Angeles.
Rebecca Grant is a Brooklyn born and bred, beauty photographer + director living in sunny Los Angeles.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
For breakfast, I started with a large oat milk latte and some scrambled eggs on sourdough w/ avocado.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
My spotify playlist has been very eclectic lately. I'm jumping between Alternative Indie, Beyonce radio, photo industry interviews and true crime! I never know what mood I'll be in.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I am inspired by a lot of different things like faces, expression, body shapes, skin, motion, bright highlights, dark shadows and everything in between. I want to represent everyone who I photograph in a true light and aim to capture their natural interactions with me in every shot.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
There are so many photographers I'd love to chat with and learn about their creative processes, but if I had to choose one I'd love to meet Gregory Crewdson. Since college, I've been enamored by his beautifully cinematic landscapes and portraits, everything from the process of how he shoots through the way his exhibitions look in galleries and would love to learn more about it! One thing I'm sure Crewdson would say is, it takes a village!
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
I have so many goals I'd love to reach in the new year so this is a hard one to narrow down, but I think if I had to choose one it would be to start shooting a big new personal project I have currently in the planning stages. Most of my personal projects up to this point have been on the smaller side, and would usually encompass a test shoot but this project is multi part and I would need the help and collaborative efforts of other creatives to make it happen. It will be a big undertaking but I am very excited to get this project rolling!
Born in Brooklyn, she was constantly surrounded by people, art, culture, film & photography and found every way possible to immerse herself in that world and to always dream big. Rebecca’s body of work has morphed over the course of her career but has always focused heavily on the female gaze and the power of femininity, body positivity and inclusivity.
Rebecca looks at every photoshoot as an opportunity to challenge herself with new techniques and ideas and is constantly refining her style. In the past few years she’s been lucky enough to have shot for numerous different companies, including beauty campaigns for Overtone, Tower28, Indie Lee and Footlocker, all while continuously planning personal projects in her free time. Whether it be photo or video, Rebecca thrives on the process of collaboration with other creatives to bring ideas to life.
Photographer | Lisa Muller
Lisa Muller is a Product, Lifestyle, and everything in-between Photographer based in Austin, Texas.
Lisa Muller is a Product, Lifestyle, and everything in-between Photographer based in Austin, Texas.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
oat milk latte & a bowl of blueberries
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Where we are by The Lumineers
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I have always enjoyed creating images that invoked a feeling or created a little narrative for people. Lately my favorite images that I've been creating for clients are large tabletop scenes. It brings me back to being a kid and absolutely loving the "I Spy" books. I would spend hours looking through the book and investigating every little detail it had to offer. What inspires me to continue to create is how I can bring clients products to life and the joy they have when they receive the images I made for them.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
One of my favorite photographers of all time is Cindy Sherman, I love how cinematic her self-portraits are. I was able to see her work when I was living in Los Angeles and the scale was massive. It felt like you were being swallowed into her scenes.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
I've been slowly teaching myself After Effects but I'd love to start making 3-D product renderings.
My name is Lisa Muller Armendariz but most people call me Lee because of my IG handle. I'm a Product, Lifestyle, and everything in-between Photographer based in Austin, Texas. I have 7+ years of experience working as a freelancer & an in-house photographer for some pretty fun companies. What I love most about my profession is being able to collaborate with clients to create something that not only they are excited to have but intrigues their target market. When I'm not being creative; you can find me hiking with my fur babies or binge-watching crime documentaries and snarfing down pizza.
Photographer | Yana Mostitsky
Yana Mostitsky is based in Northern CA and is a portrait, fashion and conceptual photographer.
Yana Mostitsky is based in Northern CA and is a portrait, fashion and conceptual photographer.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Coffee and savory scone
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Royal & the Serpent
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
“My witty remarks” created by Yana Mostitsky between the years of 2018 and 2021 - is not just a collection of surreal illustrative images and portraits, but a visual metaphor, elegantly combining the language of magical realism and the unique artistic approach, to immerse the beholder into a world, that is very much like our own. But there is something off, something illogical, something different. Being born in Moscow, growing up in Israel and moving to California with her family, where she has successfully launched her photography career, gave Yana the tools to construct an unconventional artistic perspective that helps create her surreal images. Meeting new people, soaking up different cultures and perspectives not only shaped her art, but provided an opportunity to assemble a creative team of people that both inspire and help bring her ideas to life.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
One of my favorite photographers is Rodney Smith and I would like to ask him about his ideas, inspiration and his body of work about Jerusalem.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To find a photo rep
Yana Mostitsky, lives with her husband and two daughters in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was born in Moscow, grew up in Israel, and a decade ago moved with her family to California. Since then, she has started on her path to a career as a commercial photographer. Extensive travel made her incredibly open to different cultures. She loves the Californian lifestyle and enjoys meeting new people every day, learning their traditions and finding new friends.
Her original training is an M.Sc. in Life Science. Thanks to that, she has a pragmatic and organized approach to everything she does. Yana started this new chapter as a product and fashion photographer for a boutique jewelry and accessories brand, followed by establishing her own photography business, concentrating on portraiture, and gradually shifting to the commercial portrait photography niche.
Yana enjoys creating artistic portraits that show off her client’s personality, profession and style, through illustrative narrative with a classic, sometimes surrealistic touch. Yana seeks to empower her subjects. The combination of controlled lighting, attention to detail, well-planned color palette and direction of the subject into the right mood and pose are the parts of the puzzle that create a unique portrait.
Photographer | Lily Glass
Lily Glass is based in Los Angeles, CA and is a portrait, fine art and lifestyle photographer.
Lily Glass is based in Los Angeles, CA and is a portrait, fine art and lifestyle photographer.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Egg in a basket
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Perfume Genius, Bleachers, Khruangbin
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
I'm so intrigued by Vivian Maier's story. I'd love a good long chat with her - it seems she documented the world around her for the pure joy of it. (Funny how that seems so exotic in today's shoot-to-share culture.) Her street images have a deep intimacy and iconic nature to them and her self portraits are quite cheeky at times.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To send more snail mail
Bio
Lily Glass is a commercial photographer specializing in lifestyle and portraiture.
Splitting her time between Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles, California, Lily partners with brands to create engaging imagery full of life and connection. She is the wife of a writer, mother of two and always comes prepared to set with a killer playlist. A few favorite jobs this year included portraits for Intel Gaming, lifestyle for Disneyland Resort and a 70's inspired set for DockATot.
Also check out Mother Earth, Lily's ongoing fine art series that explores the held value and treatment of women and the natural world.
Photographer | Judy Doherty
Judy Doherty is based in Denver, CO and specializes in food, beverage and CPG product photography and motion.
I am a food, beverage, and CPG product photographer specializing in photos, stop motion, and video.
Judy Doherty is based in Denver, CO and specializes in food, beverage and CPG product photography and motion.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Coffee
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
The Beatles
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
While I have over 30,000 photos and motion graphics delivered and love to make beautiful images, the reason why you would hire me is for my ability to take your project or campaign to the next level.
My strength lies in a nimble and lean approach to creating visual results. Clients love getting creative content at a reasonable cost since my studio can art direct, style, and shoot their images quickly and on budget.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Irving Penn as I love his still life work.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
I would love to take a vacation!
Bio
I am a food, beverage, and CPG product photographer specializing in photos, stop motion, and video.
My studio features an extensive surface library and prop house, a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, 2 production studios, an outdoor studio, and a post-production editing station.
A proven creative process quickly gets to the heart of what the client loves. I enjoy working closely with marketing teams, brand managers, agencies, PR firms, brand strategists, graphic designers, influencers, chefs, and entrepreneurs to build vivid, authentic imagery that engages the visual taste of the viewer.
My experience as a chef, stylist, and photographer has earned many awards including APA Top 100, ACF Gold Medal, and a juried fine art photo exhibit at Art Basel Miami. I was Executive Pastry Chef for two Hyatt Hotels and Resorts before completing two post-baccalaureate certificates for Visual Art and Graphic Design at U.C. Berkeley Extension in San Francisco.
Photographer | Ella Sophie
Ella Sophie is a beauty, portrait, and product photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specializing in creating images that focus on the essence of female power.
I’m Ella Sophie a commercial photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Focused on product, beauty, and portrait photography. Specializing in creating images that focus on the essence of female power.
Ella Sophie is a San Francisco Bay Area based beauty, portrait and product photographer.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Black coffee, raspberries and rice crackers with peanut butter.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
My partner makes me an ongoing playlist each year, here's the 22 one.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My focus with photography is creating images that empower women. What that means in a literal matter is that I create product and advertising images for women owned brands and for companies that are happy to embrace feminism. I'm at artist at heart and bring my creativity and passion for a better world to all of my shoots. Whenever I'm asked why I do this I always think of a line in a song by Ani Difranco, she says "Art is why I get up in the morning, but my definition ends there. You know, it doesn't seem fair that I'm living for something I can't even define" That line is my adopted artist statement. I'm driven to create, I always have been. Of course to make it a career takes discipline and I have to show up even when I don't feel like it. But for the most part I'm inspired by daily life- everything around me. Social justice, flowers, rocks, the way the sun reflects off of random surfaces.
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Probably Robert Mapplethorpe, I've been fascinated by his work since I first discovered it as a teen. There is so much beauty and acceptance is how he photographs his subjects. And I'm inspired by his ability to have a unique voice that is clear in the images created in studio or on location as well as with people or without.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
My biggest goal for the year - but also beyond - is to find peace with my path and growth. To feel safe, to truly know that I will achieve success. Success being the ability to create work that I am proud of, that brings joy, beauty or strength to those who need it.
Bio
Specializing in creating images that focus on the essence of female power.
My images have a bold and powerful aesthetic that does not cater to the male gaze, instead I work with brands to personify the force and energy of femininity. With a detail oriented focus on how light, form, and texture work together.
I have a foundation in fine art and a fascination with advertising. Bridging the two worlds has always been a puzzle worth solving. The driving force behind my work is empowering women and creating a better, more just world.
A note on power... powerful doesn't always mean loud, in your face, brute force. My definition and understanding of power comes from seeing the force of a peaceful protest. Watching the subtle drip of water erode a rock face. Or how a delicate flower can grow strong in the harsh desert. Power can be quiet, and subtle while achieving great things.
Photographer & Director | Michelle Terris
Michelle Terris is an editorial and commercial photographer and director based in Los Angeles
I am a fashion photographer and director based in Los Angeles where I collaborate with diverse creatives to tell stories for mission-driven brands. I strive to promote equality, inclusivity, and sustainability in my work and help brands authentically connect with their audiences.
Michelle Terris is an editorial and commercial photographer and director based in Los Angeles.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Waffles with bananas!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
Kali Uchis & Prince. I also have a playlist that I created for set days that's got a lot of good stuff on it :)
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
My photography is intimate, dreamy, and colorful. I love to mix elements from different eras into my work. I am really inspired by music. When I'm listening to music I'm often daydreaming about new shoots I want to do. I'm also inspired by fashion, film, and other creatives. When I'm on set working with people who are passionate about what we're doing and we're watching our vision come to life, it's the best feeling!
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Hmm one of my all-time favorite series is 'In the American West' by Richard Avedon. I fell in love with it when I was in high school. The portraits are breathtaking and I heard when they were on exhibit they were lifesize, it would be so amazing to see them in person. I'd love to ask him about that experience and shooting with an 8x10 camera. His fashion work is also very inspiring to me. It would actually be really cool to watch him work on set!
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To have my own studio!!
Bio
I am a fashion photographer and director based in Los Angeles where I collaborate with diverse creatives to tell stories for mission-driven brands. I strive to promote equality, inclusivity, and sustainability in my work and help brands authentically connect with their audiences. I am inspired by a sense of nostalgia, playing with vibrant colors, evoking emotion through movement and storytelling through my images.
Aside from photography, I love interior design. Before the pandemic, you could find me checking out beautifully curated restaurants and bars around LA. Something about being in a place that is meticulously decorated to look like the 1920s makes me giddy. These days, I spend my time walking around my neighborhood daydreaming up new shoots, finding music to add to my photoshoot playlists (they’re epic if I do say so myself!), and re-reading Harry Potter. Like a lot.
Photographer | Rebecca Peloquin
Rebecca Peloquin is a commercial and editorial food photographer based in Los Angeles.
I'm Rebecca Peloquin I’ve spent the last 15+ years in LA working in all aspects of the photo industry, from editing major award show photos, developing brand imagery, photographing people, cosmetics, and now with a concentration on food and beverage.
Rebecca Peloquin a commercial and editorial food photographer based in Los Angeles
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING?
Black coffee and today's wordle!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON SPOTIFY?
I mostly listen to audiobooks and murder podcasts- right now listening to The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE TO CREATE?
I've been taking photos since I was about 7 years old (sorry not sorry dad for using up all your film) so it's been a constant in my life, well before it was my career. The types of images I take have changed over the years from punk rock street portraits to music, fashion, beauty, and now to commercial food and beverage photography but I can't really envision a world in which I am not shooting! It's a little hard to say where inspiration comes from to keep creating because I think it's everywhere in the things we love and are excited by. Almost anything can inspire me. For me, transitioning into food photography was such a logical move because I am ALWAYS inspired by the things people create in the kitchen, new flavor combos, old traditional regional dishes that rarely change, seeing the diaspora of snacks - the modifications made out of necessity and just seeing what people create out of love and resilience, it makes me want to capture and preserve just a tiny corner of all that. If I am ever stuck creativ
IF YOU COULD MEET AND CHAT WITH ONE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
There are so many people I would pick for this but since you said 1 I'm going to go with Rinko Kawauchi. She's a fine art photographer who if you plotted photography styles in a line she would be on the exact opposite end of the spectrum from what I shoot. Her work is dreamy and intimate- the kind of photos where when you see them in a photo book you have to touch the page with your fingers or they make you sigh with longing. They are always these spreads of juxtaposed images that are stunning and complicated, though stylistically simple. They look like all these little things I see along the way day to day I'd want to take a photo of but don't because what would you "use" them for, but she stops and does take the photo. She also has made a tremendous amount of art books which is really important to me. Print media, books and zines, are something I used to make a lot of independently but something that has gotten lost along the way with the instant gratification culture we participate in now. I'd love to talk to her about tactile objects, imperfection in photography and how to capture that feeling of stillness in a moving world.
WHAT IS ONE GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT YEAR?
My #1 goal is to collaborate more and grow the crew of my sets. I want to work with more food and prop stylists, retouchers, and talented folks where we can bring the best of each other out in the images.
Bio
I'm a commercial food, beverage and product photographer based in Los Angeles. Growing up in a small town with little food diversity I am making up for lost time with a focus on anything snack related! As a failed minimalist, I love utilizing an abundance of color, shapes and drama. I shoot remote or in person for whatever needs the client may have, and have a personal private studio complete with prop and surface collection at our disposal to accomplish any brief we have. Say hello if I can help with anything!