Creative Headshots :: Theater/Photographer Creative Session :: Downtown Phoenix

When creative friends come into town (who are also babes) and hire you to update their head shots you say yes and you have a blast.

If you're a thespian or other creative up in the midwest (Twin Cities-to be exact!) hit up Miss Molly for your headshots! 

Molly's favorite quote is,  "In the midst of winter,

I knew there was, within me,

an invincible summer."

Now, it's hard not to make an "endless summer" joke, since I live here in the desert (hoping for spring or fall for about 7 months of the year), we literally have an "invincible summer". I feel this is seasonally applicable to Minnesota! But, in all seriousness, if you follow my instagram, you know I am a quote fiend. 

And, I adore this quote because for all the harsh, cold, sullen and dark days of the heart; I too know there is within ME an invincible summer... The warmth, light, hope doesn't die and keep the soul from freezing over. 

Here's to your invincible summer, 

♥ - Anna

Walk in Love Collaboration II :: Fashion Shoot Phoenix Arizona :: Creative Phoenix Photographer

Another awesome shoot for Walk In Love, a PA based apparel company-this time at Papago Park! I had been imagining a golden hour, but it was quite overcast. So, I broke out my fairy lights and went to town. Thanks to our local model Madie Karren for looking flawless! 

If you're a professional photographer-this note is for you! I want to take this opportunity to talk about presets... it seems that all photographers use them now, and I admit they are extremely beneficial to editing large quantities of images and for visual continuity. Maybe my perspective comes from my formal art education! But, here it is! If you consider yourself a creative or know anything about using the Adobe Suite... you can (dare I say 'should'?) do more than buy a preset and slap it on your images! As a professional creative, I want us to do more than essentially put instagram filters on photographs. You CAN make presets your OWN and treat every image individually on top of applying a preset! I personally don't use any presets other than ones I have created myself! If you didn't know, just know that It is easy to create and save your very own unique/personalized preset in LR. Take "building your personal brand and style" to the next level!

Tempe Phoenix Models :: Walk In Love Brand :: Downtown Tempe :: Papago Park

I had a blast recently shooting two looks for PA based brand Walk In Love (check out their blog feature of my first shoot for them here.) I was able to shoot summery vibes here in the southwest (before summer actually hits and I feel like fainting 15 min into a shoot!) while they've got snow back in PA!

I absolutely adore working with local model Jay Moise, who featured the Grace Upon Grace tee. And, the second shoot gave me the opportunity to connect with Natalie, who had contacted me a while back via Instagram about modeling opportunities. 

Creating fashion-branding-lifestyle-product images for up and coming companies makes me quite happy! If your company is looking for content like this, give me a holler!

Heartstrings Band :: NAMM Show :: In Studio :: Documentary Trip

ability

/əˈbilədē/

noun

1. possession of the means or skill to do something.

2. talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area.

All of us, from time to time, encounter challenges-some more than others. Some are born with challenges others will never face, and they'll never know what it's like to see, hear, walk or think like the majority of the world. Hinderances. Disabilities. Struggle. These can define one's existence. 

This sort of reality has been real to me because I witnessed it on a daily basis since my sister was born prematurely in 1995.  

So, hinderances; disabilities; struggle. Every little thing becomes a big victory. It seems like there's always gonna be an uphill battle (*cue The Climb by Miley Cyrus :) )

In situations like these, it's easy to focus on everything that still needs improvement instead of what strengths are already present. But there is a group of people dedicated to focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. The fact that they don't see, hear, or think like the majority is a strength. I was privileged to document a week in their journey of doing what they LOVE; what they are PASSIONATE about; what they are TALENTED and more than ABLE to create. 

So, if you haven't heard of Heartstrings, (fingers crossed you'll hear them one day on the radio, and see the documentary that is being made about them), here they are performing at NAMM in Anaheim CA and recording in the studio with Sean Beavan. 

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Witnessing the fulfillment and joy that emanated out of these individuals as they created music was incredible... I am not sure if I can adequately put the feeling into words. 

"If you have a talent-a voice, an eye, an ear- use it. Let the light, the experience, the depth, the emotion - let it out. Someone in the world needs your abilities... "

No matter what odds are stacked against you, if you have a talent-a voice, an eye, an ear- use it. Let the light, the experience, the depth, the emotion - let it out. Someone in the world needs your abilities - and you actually need them for your own well-being. If there's a passion you've been neglecting or given up on, I encourage you to make time for it. Let it out. 

We all bring something valuable to this life

What is your ability?

You are able. 

♥ - Anna 

Check out a Phoenix New Times article about Heartstrings here

A feature about the band director Jared Woosley here

Papago Park Portraits :: Bethany :: Phoenix Tempe Creative, Fun, Golden Hour Photograph

I was privileged to have Bethany for her first professional portrait session! We captured her out in our Arizona unique landscape before she moved back southeast to the ATL. 

Whether it's your first portrait session or your tenth, all of us can feel self conscious or on-the-spot when we're in front of a camera! Unless you're a model, or 110% committed to a selfie-strong instagram feed, it can also be awkward posing for the camera in public spaces while strangers mosey around you. Who can relate? Yes, me!

When I first started shooting portraits, I remember sensing the awkwardness of my subjects, and struggling to keep talking to make them feel more comfortable while I worried about changing my camera settings etc. Later, I learned-I don't need to rush just because my subject is feeling out-of-place. Instead, I embrace the awkwardness that myself and my subjects can feel! I accept and call it out!

I've learned - everything will work out! I can slow down, take a breath, and let myself think. I can just be me, do my job to take great photographs and reassure my client when needed. A little empathy and reliability goes a long way. More often than not, clients will settle into the process and end up saying they had FUN by the end. It ends up being a  win-win!

Isn't this gal stunning?!

Anyway, I enjoyed this shoot immensely! We listened to a little Bieber Christmas; tripped over rocks, (no one was seriously injured in the making of these images - thankfully ;-); talked about life; and took some awesome photographs. 

Thanks for choosing me, Bethany. You are stunning! xo - Anna

Scottsdale Fashion Photography :: Jay Moise Model :: Inspirational

Have you ever met someone and instantly felt comfortable? You met them and you could sense they are full of love and light? That's how I'd describe Jay.

I think the people that struggle the most, either become overwhelmed in darkness and despair, or they rise. And, if they rise, picture a Phoenix being reborn... there is light, warmth, color, strength and dignity. It is in them. It surrounds them. 

This girl is a gem. I'm really glad I know you, Jay. Your story is amazing. Your presence is vivacious! And, woman, you SLAY. all. day. 

All images are the property of © Anna Rochelle Imagery and may not be used in any capacity without prior consent.