Fran Collazo’s Trans Journey: Amy Rose Productions’ Editorial for Out and Out
Worcester, Massachusetts’s Amy Rose Productions recently had the opportunity to photograph a project that was published in Out and Out Magazine featuring a trans woman named Fran Collazo. Melissa Amy “Missy” and Chelsea Rose, the creative duo behind Amy Rose Productions, captured a series of glamorous portraits that use playful lighting techniques to create a kaleidoscopic effect and highlight the subject’s shining personality.
They were approached by Kristie Raymond, owner of HumanKind Casting + Talent, to work on the project. Kristie introduced them to Fran, an inspiring trans woman who was undergoing her transition and profiled in the magazine for a cover story. Through sharing the hardships she went through on her journey, she hoped that her story would help others.
We have worked with Kristie on previous projects and are aligned on vision, motivation, and a great energy on-set. When we spoke with Fran, we felt so inspired and immediately connected with her vibe.
The shoot took place at Amy Rose Productions’ studio in Worcester, MA. Kristie put together the crew, bringing on Rachel Berkowitz to do hair and makeup and Asha Janelle as a wardrobe stylist. They all worked together with Melissa and Chelsea to align on the creative direction and plan the shoot months in advance. This allowed everything to run smoothly on the day of the shoot.
We were able to get all of the images captured in one day, but this was only possible because of the team’s dedication to preparing everything in advance. It was a fun day celebrating Fran!
We don’t often get to work with an all-female team, and I just have to say the bar has been raised!
Melissa and Chelsea used in-camera lighting effects to portray a powerful, dreamy atmosphere that feels symbolic of personal reflection. The lighting techniques paired with reflective surfaces and textures used throughout the images also added visual interest while highlighting the subjects’ own transformation.
When the images started coming through on the monitor and Fran got a peek, it was clear that we realized something that she has been striving for for a long time. We think the photos successfully portrayed the person she has been working so hard to bring to the world.
Credits:
Photographers: Melissa Amy and Chelsea Rose, Amy Rose Productions
Casting: Kristie Raymond, Owner at HumanKind Casting + Talent
Hair and Makeup: Rachel Berkowitz
Wardrobe Stylist: Asha Janelle
Editor: Iman Omar, Out and Out Magazine
Model: Fran Collazo