Today we're talking to Nitya Jain, a photographer and director focusing on food, drink, hospitality, and lifestyle. With a knack for creating vibrant and irresistible visual content, Nitya's lens captures the magic of every flavor, space, and place, guiding viewers through a journey illuminated by light and color. Rooted in her South Asian heritage, Nitya's love affair with food and hues traces back to her upbringing in India, where meals were a celebration of shared experiences and stories....

Today we're talking to Daniela Gerson! Formerly a chef with a fervent passion for sourcing vibrant produce from local markets, Daniela's journey took an unexpected turn after a back injury led her to discover her innate talent for photography. Now, as a food photographer, creative director, food stylist, and recipe developer, Daniela's images beautifully accentuate the natural allure of real food, capturing its essence with every click. With a studio adorned with an array of captivating...

Join us for a thought-provoking episode featuring Brooke Hummer, a Chicago native whose lifelong passion for art history and photography fuels her collaborative lifestyle work, renowned for its natural, unaffected portraits and compassionate storytelling. However, it's Brooke's Fine Art practice that truly captivates, delving into the intricate intersections of female identity, class, and the complex interplay of money, love, and beauty within patriarchal structures. Through her art, Brooke...

Join us as we chat with Lauren Volo, a talented food photographer whose journey from Syracuse University's darkroom to bustling New York City is as captivating as her images. After assisting top food photographers, she launched her own business in 2012, shooting cookbooks and collaborating with brands big and small for captivating ad campaigns. Check out Lauren's work on the Big Leo website and follow her on Instagram to keep up with her day-to-day! If you would like to get involved with...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of high fashion modeling with Erin Scimeca, the visionary founder of Signed Management. With over two decades in New York City's modeling scene, Erin's journey is extraordinary, from Elite Model Management NY to Director of Scouting at New York Model Management. Erin's knack for scouting talent, honed through traversing every corner of the USA, has unearthed gems like actress Krysten Ritter. In this episode, Erin shares insights from scouting in...

Today we're talking to Kristen Lombardi! Kristen is a seasoned fashion designer and tailor with over 15 years of experience. As the creative force behind Manimal, a handmade-to-order practical leather goods shop, her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications like Vogue, Elle, Elle Spain, and Nylon Magazine. Join us as we delve into her creative journey and uncover the inspirations behind her exquisite designs. You can see Kristen's work on the Anchor Artists website. Keep up with...

Today we're talking to Danielle Hughes! As the Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Marketing, Danielle is helping clients put more personality into their marketing messages so they can attract the right clients and repel the wrong ones. We'll be talking all about how as photographers, we have to engage and retain our followers, employees, or clients through incorporating our personalities into business. Eager to work with Danielle? Head to her website to learn more! You can also...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Angela DeCenzo, a San Francisco-based photographer known for her captivating work in lifestyle, food, and portraiture. Angela's journey into photography began with childhood adventures in her family's VW van, instilling in her a love for simple abundance and honest human connection that permeates her work today. In this episode, Angela shares her mindful approach to photography, emphasizing collaboration, humor, and genuine curiosity. She seeks to...

Today we're sitting down with Robin Zachary, a prop stylist in New York City. With a keen eye for vintage treasures and a passion for crafting narratives through imagery, Robin's expertise as a tabletop, prop, and craft stylist transcends conventional boundaries. Having served as both the Creative Director and Contributing Home Editor of Bridal Guide Magazine, Robin brings a wealth of experience to the table, having orchestrated countless fashion and still life shoots across the globe. Her...

Today we're talking with Sharon Contillo, a visionary dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in the film industry. Through her company, Middle Center Productions, LLC, Sharon focuses on producing female-led and family-centric productions, providing a much-needed platform for marginalized voices to be seen and heard. As President of Women in Film & Video New England (WIFVNE) and a board member of Women in Film & Television - US (WIFT-US), Sharon actively advocates for...

In this episode, we sit down with Meagan Shuptar, a seasoned professional with over 17 remarkable years of experience. Renowned for her versatility and genuine approachability, Meagan navigates the realms of commercial and editorial photography, often taking on the roles of stylist and art director with finesse. Beyond the lens, we delve into the personal passions and experiences that shape Meagan's worldview. From cherished moments with family to the thrill of exploring new destinations and...

Today we're joined by Kim Donlan! With a career steeped in marketing, Kim's early years saw her shaping the messaging and positioning for 10 of Boston’s top tech and consumer IPOs. As an early leader in interactive technology, she collaborated with industry giants like Braun, Reebok, DuPont, and Siemens. Today, Kim's expertise in messaging, positioning, and digital experiences is unparalleled, and she shares her transformative insights in her book, "Your Messaging Sucks - Become the Brand...

Join us as we explore the captivating world of Amy Rose Productions, a dynamic duo of photographers comprising Melissa Amy Shanahan and Chelsea Rose Nye. Their sensational collaboration is rooted in a shared vision, paramount skill sets, and a mutual "I've got your back" mentality. Despite diverse entry points into the industry – Melissa's shift from corporate communication and Chelsea's childhood passion for photography – their collective expertise and passion shine through, creating...

Join us today as we chat with Caydie McCumber, a photographer based in the bustling scenes of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Armed with a BFA in Photography from the California College of Fine Arts, she stands at the intersection of commercial advertising and editorial imagery, specializing in lifestyle, fitness, and portraiture. Her work embodies a seamless blend of the conceptual and commercial realms, pushing each photograph to convey a powerful narrative beyond mere aesthetics. With a...

Join us for a captivating exploration of multi-disciplinary creativity with Darcy Hammer. With an innate ability to transform diverse materials into award-winning masterpieces, Darcy shares the intricacies of their journey across various fields. Developing an artful eye and refining hand skills over the years, Darcy reflects on the joy of creating conceptual stories for clients. Join us as Darcy unveils the results of hard work and enthusiastic collaborations through a collection of stunning...

Today's guest is Janine Kalesis, a New York-based food stylist whose culinary passion has taken her from the kitchens of Queens to the forefront of food styling. With a background as a chef and a decade-long tenure in the restaurant business, Janine's love for food and diverse flavors shaped her trajectory toward mastering food and prop styling, recipe development, and culinary production. Hailing from Queens, Janine draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of international flavors that...

Step into the world of interior, architecture, and lifestyle photography with Lauren Taylor, our featured guest on this episode of Focus on Women. Lauren is a skilled craftsman behind the lens, creating inspiring images of real-life spaces and stunning details. From the bright, airy vibes of California homes to the modern and moody sophistication of New York studios and the playful warmth of renovated English Victorians, Lauren's versatility as a photographer knows no bounds. Having lived in...

Join us as we uncover the captivating story behind a visual storyteller based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Meg Smith, known for her grace under pressure, seamlessly navigates between the glamorous weddings of Anne Hathaway and Jimmy Kimmel to the intense culinary battlegrounds of the Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France.  Meg has not only captured the essence of Hollywood's elite but has also left an indelible mark in the culinary world, photographing four cookbooks and earning a silver...

In this episode, we're joined by the talented Bee Berrie, an experienced food stylist and assistant making waves in Los Angeles. Hailing from the UK, Bee brings a unique blend of strong European culinary skills and commercial creativity to every shoot and project. As a twice-published recipe book author, Leiths culinary school graduate, and founder of an award-winning bakery, she effortlessly juggles multiple priorities and skill sets. Listen in as Bee shares her journey from the UK to Los...

Join us for a fascinating episode as we explore the vibrant and diverse artistic journey of a multi-talented individual who wears many creative hats. Colby Cecca, whose primary focus is music, has seamlessly delved into modeling, wardrobe styling, writing, and acting. With a lifelong passion for the creative arts, they studied theater in college before diving into a music career that led to years of touring. Discover the unique twists and turns in their story, from embracing wardrobe styling...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Liz Teich, a seasoned New York-based fashion stylist, style creator, and mom of two. With over 15 years of experience styling campaigns for major brands like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Target, Liz has not only dressed celebrities like Tom Brady and Ashley Graham but also earned features in top publications like Forbes and InStyle. Beyond her impressive commercial work, Liz has ventured into the digital space with her blog, The New York Stylist, and her...

In this episode, we meet Carli Adby-Notley, a seasoned commercial photographer with over 15 years of experience. She's on a mission to blend her photography expertise with her passion for sparking conversations about female health, gender, and womanhood, often considered taboo. Living in Hampshire, UK with her family and a love for crunchy peanut butter and nature, our guest believes in the power of understanding and sharing knowledge among women from diverse communities. Discover how her...

In this episode, we delve into the world of branding and creative strategy with Alexi Drago. With a background spanning digital, traditional, and e-commerce landscapes, she has a remarkable ability to fuel growth and elevate brand awareness. They bring a unique blend of business acumen and creative finesse to connect brands with their target audiences through compelling visual and content-focused storytelling. Join us in this episode to hear about her story and learn about her new business....

In this episode, we explore the world of visual storytelling with Julia Lea, a creative professional with over two decades of experience. Her deep curiosity and passion drive her unique approach to design, pushing the boundaries of traditional job titles and resulting in striking visual narratives that are as precise as they are powerful. Join us as she shares her secrets for turning ideas into captivating images and crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers, clients, and...