We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa “Amy” Shanahan and Chelsea “Rose” Nye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy Rose Photography & Motion.
Melissa and Chelsea, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
“Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a continuous journey through the years for Chelsea and I. Despite our passion and dedication, we faced doubts about our capabilities and the value of our work, especially when comparing ourselves to others in the industry. It’s a challenge many creatives face, and we were no exception.
Our approach to overcoming these feelings was multi-faceted. First, we focused on education and honing our craft. By continuously learning and improving our skills in photography and videography, we built confidence in our work over the years. We attended workshops, collaborated with creatives, and embraced every opportunity to grow professionally.
Second, we learned to value our unique perspective. In commercial photography and video, especially within interior spaces, catalog, and lifestyle genres, bringing a distinctive vision to the table is invaluable. We began to see our ‘differences’ not as inadequacies but as strengths that set us apart from the competition.
Another key strategy was seeking feedback from clients and peers. Positive reinforcement from those we respected helped us see the quality and impact of our work through others’ eyes. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, became a tool for growth rather than a source of doubt.
Finally, we embraced community over competition. By connecting with other professionals in our field, we found support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. This network reminded us that we’re all in this together, each facing our own challenges and doubts but united by our love for the industry.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Amy Rose Photography & Motion is an East Coast photography duo specializing in capturing still and motion of interior spaces, home decor, and lifestyle.
As a dynamic duo, we bring two creative minds to every shoot, adapting our roles to suit each client’s unique needs. Our industry demands versatility, and our journey has been a constant evolution. We always strive to deliver the best results.
Our main objective is to evoke emotion and create visual content that resonates with our clients and audience. We have a seamless working relationship due to our years of collaboration. We’re known for our meticulous attention to detail, profound understanding of aesthetics, and relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of luxury and elegance.”
We pride ourselves on our ability to create various styles through our expertise and knowledge in lighting and equipment manipulation. We don’t just take pictures; we create unique experiences for each client while capturing a particular style and mood with the subtle interplay of light and shadows. Our backgrounds bring a distinct perspective to projects, enabling us to create a seamless narrative between the static and the dynamic elements.
From our early days of exploring various genres to discovering our genuine passion for interior and lifestyle photography, every step has been a valuable learning experience. We take pride in being photographers and artists who meticulously craft each shot.
The partnerships with our clients have pushed our creative boundaries and allowed us to contribute to defining the visual identity of brands and spaces that inspire and awe.
We’re excited to announce that we’re splitting our time in New York, working locally, and recently partnered with Poppy Creative for representation. While we acknowledge the challenges ahead, we’re fueled by our constant flow of challenging ourselves, our goals, and the belief that our best work is yet to come. We’ve only just begun!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Based on our personal experiences, these are the three most important qualities and skills to have if you want to succeed as a business owner in the photography industry. (We understand that everyone’s goals may differ.)
Perseverance and Grit: These skills can be developed over time through daily practice, just like any other skill. It is the key to overcoming challenges and persisting through tough times, especially since life’s journey is seldom smooth. Trust us, we’ve been there, we live it, and there are more challenges than wins. But when the wins come, it makes it all worth it. There will be moments when obstacles seem impossible when the light of hope dims to a flicker. Even when the odds are stacked against you, not giving up transforms difficulties into stepping stones towards success. It’s about embracing the belief that every failure is not a stop sign but a detour towards a destination worth reaching. Having the courage to continue, to push through the darkness until you emerge into the light of your dreams fulfilled. Keep going, for the breakthrough you seek may be just a few determined steps away.
Be a Lifetime Student of Learning: This applies both personally and professionally. Photography is a commitment to never-ending exploration, growth, and mastery of the craft. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing the journey of learning across all genres of photography, understanding every nuance of your gear, and actively seeking opportunities to collaborate and assist others in the field. This approach encourages an open-minded exploration of various photographic styles, pushing boundaries and discovering unique personal aesthetics. It involves dedicating time to practice, experiment, and refine your skills, making the most of every opportunity to learn from success and failure. Collaboration becomes vital to this learning process, offering fresh perspectives and techniques while fostering a community of shared knowledge and experiences. By committing to being a lifetime student, you embrace the essence of photography not just as a profession or hobby but as a continuous journey of creative discovery and technical proficiency, aiming to master your craft in its entirety.
Be Careful Who Take Advice From: It’s crucial to be selective about whose advice you take, especially when it comes to your dreams and aspirations. Advice from someone who hasn’t built anything themselves or achieved what you’re aiming for may be unhelpful and deter you from your path. Often, the discouragement from others stems from their fears and insecurities, not a reflection of your potential or the validity of your goals. On the flip side, if someone who has successfully navigated a path similar to yours offers constructive criticism, pay attention. Their insights, borne of experience and achievement, can be invaluable. They’ve been where you’re heading and understand the pitfalls and peaks of the journey. Keeping an open mind to their guidance can accelerate your progress and enhance your journey towards success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Our clients are more than just partners – they become a part of our extended family. We cherish the strong bonds of friendship that form through our collaborations, transforming each project into a shared journey beyond mere professional ties.
We always seek dynamic partnerships and collaborations with other creative professionals while offering a fresh perspective. We would love to collaborate with all creatives, but our specialties lie with interior designers, architects, retail home furnishing companies, and editorial magazines. We aim to help you enhance your customers’ or clients’ portfolios by bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to their projects. We can create captivating visuals that convey your clients’ unique stories.
If you want to explore partnership opportunities with us, the best way to connect is through our website: https://theamyrose.com/. Here, you can find more information about who we are work, view our portfolio, and contact us directly. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] with your ideas for collaboration. We are excited about the possibility of working together to create something spectacular.
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/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyrosepro
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyroseproductions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amyroseproductionsllc/
Image Credits
Photography by Melissa Shanahan & Chelsea Nye of AmyRose Photography & Motion Represented by Poppy Creative Farmhouse vibes in CT with Justin Reis Venice Italy Barcelona Spain Design: Monica Fulton
