Good Afternoon Lovers, continuing our journey with Talitha Collado of Collado Custom Cosmetics…we are so excited to share more about the production titled “Collado in New York.” This title came from many conversations we’ve had with Talitha and where she envisions her brand going. The last journal entry featuring Collado was when we were introducing this powerhouse future beauty empire brand. We stated that someday the name Collado will be up in lights and as classic as Chanel No. 5. We meant that, and we see it happening before our eyes! 

With those goals and aspirations in mind, there must be an intentional plan to take steps towards that vision. Since we have no doubt that Collado will be in major cities all over the world. Where do you think we wanted to start? NEW YORK! There’s a classic saying that if you can make it New York, you can make it anywhere… Thank you, Frank Sinatra. So that was our starting point. After the destination selection came the concepts. Folks, this was an all-day production, starting at 5am in our Manhattan hotel room and shooting until about 7pm. Every location, every outfit, every concept was intentional. While we were hoping for 5 different concepts with 3 models, it ended up being 3 concepts with 2 models. We pack these productions in, but we also don’t want to burn anyone out. Productions are an experience within themselves, just like any other client work.

When I tell you that the production timeline for this day was more intense than a 6 figure wedding day timeline, I’m not joking. Sites were mapped, travel times were calculated, wardrobe & makeup looks were calculated and put into an order that would be the most efficient. I know, I know..not the fun, creative side of the production planning, but equally necessary. 

The final concepts we landed on were titled “The Couture Lady” – with fashions by Barbara Kavchok. A local Pennsylvania bridal designer specializing in creating gowns to express each bride’s individual style while feeling like a work of art. In the words of Barbara, “Imagine a world in which it is commonplace for brides to express their feelings and individuality through high fashion. This luxury is not just reserved for the rich and famous at red carpet events, but for all to enjoy on their wedding day”. I met Barbara at New York Bridal Fashion Week a few years ago while working for another designer in the same building. We chose to work with Barbara for this shoot because we wanted a very Avant guard gown and a more classic gown with a touch of modern elements. 

The next concept we chose was “The Luxe Lady” – this look was all about looking chic in that classic uptown girl style. And the last concept was “The City Lady.” Each concept and plan was to hit a specific type of woman who lives in a major city, from Couture, to classic chic, to the fresh casual yet fashionable streetwear. These concepts were created solely with Collado’s ideal clientele in mind and the future she sees for her brand development. We love Talitha because she doesn’t put her brand Collado in a box, which is imperative when running a business. It takes vision, drive, and flexibility with an open mind of where you could go. The only limits we have are the limits we decide are there. 

Lastly, the other outstanding production team members were the talent: Kasie & Lauren. Picking talent is one of the more difficult parts of planning a production, as there are many factors to consider. As you have to keep in mind demographics, diversity, and sizing to make sure the fits will work well with the talents body type and casting talent for a beauty brand – having good skin is a must. You also have to consider the client’s budget for talent. Is there a budget for professional talent? or do we work with some on who is up and coming who’s rates are more economical or will work for a tear sheet. We were so fortunate to have Kasie & Lauren on our team. Kasie – a real-life 2022 bride of ours, getting married this September at the Cork Factory Hotel, traveled from Boston to New York just for this production. I knew Kasie would be the perfect model for this shoot with her All-American look, but she has a European aspect to her look as well. Also, after working with Kasie during her engagement session, I knew how she moved on camera, and we already had fantastic chemistry. Chemistry is key in ensuring that a shoot runs smoothly.

Lauren is someone we found on Instagram – she’s an up-in-coming bridal model while building her career as a nurse. This lady has the energy and strength like none other. Her couture look was one of our favorites – it was also the heaviest dress of the day. She carried that dress around New York like it was lighter than air.

And last but not least, my production assistant for the day and 2nd shooter was Aidan Caroll. This was the first time working with Aidan as he’s an aspiring photographer who specializes in Landscapes. Aidan has an incredible eye and is one of the most creative people with magnetic energy. A few of my favorite shots of this day were shots and angles that were his suggestions. Don’t be surprised if you see him on one of our sets in the future. 

Productions take a village, and we are absolutely thrilled when we get the chance to create these productions for our clients. Watching Talitha’s face beam, smile, laugh, and dream that day was so gratifying for me as her brand photographer. Our job is to help our clients get their business to where THEY envision it going and NOT what society or outside pressure says it should be. 

The next time we feature Collado, we’ll be taking a step into her home studio in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where you’ll see firsthand where the magic happens of where she makes her custom cosmetics from hand for each of her client’s needs and wants. 

xx,

April

Now enjoy some Behind the Scenes Peaks…