Claim OwnershipFocus on Women
Subscribed: 5Played: 402
Subscribe
© 2025 Focus on Women
Description
Focus on Women, a platform we created to help support all women in the photography and video arena. From photographers and directors to producers and creative directors, stylists to assistants and more. Our mission is to give women a seat at the table and involve them in community through networking events, workshops, mentoring and mentorship.
240 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode, we sit down with Chicago-based food photographer and director Kelly Allison to explore how she turned a universe-orchestrated dream job into reality, embracing nonlinear paths and the unstoppable power of the feminine force. From childhood seeds of capturing moments—sparked by her dad’s photo book and a lifelong love of drawing, coloring, and reliving emotions through imagery—to balancing motherhood while rejecting the 9-5 grind, Kelly shares her fearless journey. She dove in...
In this episode, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Dani Dufresne to explore what it really takes to lead high-stakes creative campaigns across broadcast, digital, experiential, and branded content. With over 20 years of experience and a reputation as the behind-the-scenes powerhouse that agencies call when the pressure’s on, Dani shares how she’s redefining production through her company, The Aux Co. From scaling teams fast to executing premium work on lean budgets, Dani ...
In this episode, we’re joined by globe-trotting author and professor Stephanie Elizondo Griest to talk about her latest book, Art Above Everything. Stephanie spent the past decade traveling across a dozen countries, interviewing women she calls “art monks,” creatives who have made profound sacrifices in the name of their work. As a longtime writer, educator, and advocate for the arts, she shares what these stories taught her about devotion, discipline, and the transformative power of art. Tun...
In this episode, we're joined by London-based commercial photographer Jenni Helin, whose work is known for its colorful storytelling and subtle touch of nostalgia. Growing up in Finland with her grandparents, Jenni spent her Sundays immersed in classic black and white 60s films, a cinematic influence that still shapes her visual style today. She shares how she's grown her photography business over the past two years, what’s worked, what she’s learned, and how staying true to her creative root...
In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Cronin and Devin Gmitter of Greener Concepts Inc., a powerhouse agency transforming brand strategies into compelling visual content. You may recognize Melissa's name, and that's because she joined us on the podcast in 2021 and 2023! Today, she and Devin are talking all about their newest endeavor. Finding Stoke is a powerful documentary that explores the transformative impact of surf therapy, following individuals on the autism spectrum, LGBTQ+ yo...
Today we're talking to Karen Williams, a visual creative director, keynote speaker, and the founder of Black Visual Queen. With over a decade of experience in the brand and editorial photography industry, Karen shares how she’s turning her passion for mentorship into a movement for equity and access. From working with powerhouse brands like Netflix and WIRED to coaching the next wave of visual creatives, Karen brings insight, generosity, and bold energy to everything she does. Check out Karen...
Today we're talking to Lucia Rollow, a photographer, educator, and founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom. Lucia shares her journey of building a thriving artist-run space dedicated to keeping analog photography alive in NYC. With over a decade of experience fostering creative community, she talks about the importance of accessibility, DIY culture, and mutual support in the art world. Tune in for a conversation about passion, perseverance, and the power of building something from the grou...
As professionals in the commercial photography industry, social media is an essential tool for marketing, client connections, and inspiration—but it can also become a trap of endless scrolling and comparison. In this Community Call, we sit down with creative entrepreneur Colette to explore how we can be more present in everyday life, create more than we consume, and still harness the positive power of social media for our businesses. Join us for an open conversation on finding balance, unlock...
In this special episode, we’re diving into the food styling industry with insights from past guests who have mastered the craft. Janine Kalesis shares how her background as a chef and years in the restaurant industry shaped her journey into food and prop styling. Victoria Granof, a James Beard Award finalist and former pastry chef, takes us behind the scenes of her evolution from food stylist to director. And Bee Berrie brings her expertise as a UK-trained chef, award-winning bakery founder, ...
Today we're checking in with Melissa Dunne! In her last appearance on the show in 2023, we talked about how she got her start, the lessons she learned, and the creative path that led her forward. Today, she returns to share how her career has evolved into art direction, what it means to shape a brand’s visual identity, and the creative decisions that go into every photoshoot. As the Art Director and Creative Content Manager at Nic+Zoe, Melissa leads brand strategy and provides on-set directio...
Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer. Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Ar...
Today Lauren and Traci are talking to Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle of Agency Access! Keith found his passion for business and marketing early in life. He started at Agency Access as a researcher, where his natural talent quickly became evident. Seeing his potential, the company's owner gave him the opportunity to develop its Sales and Marketing department. In 2000, Keith took a leap and bought the company, transforming his industry knowledge into a lasting venture! Lynn, the Creative Con...
Jillian Lenser is a Brooklyn-based beauty and product photographer whose self-taught journey has fueled in her a deep sense of curiosity and intention. She approaches each project with thoughtful precision, asking, What do you notice? What do you wonder? to shape every detail—from lighting to client experience. Her signature style blends vibrant grit with soft tones, capturing both the energy of bold moments and the quiet beauty of life’s small joys. Jillian is passionate about human connecti...
Caitlin Dooley is a dynamic fashion professional with a diverse background in styling and editing. She began her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist for Anchor Artists, gaining invaluable experience working with a variety of talent and creative projects in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she leads as the fashion editor for a local company while also running Grace of Grit, her personal styling business dedicated to helping clients feel confident and empowered. Caitlin thrives on connection, mentor...
Today we're talking to recent SCAD graduate Allison Martinek! Allison is a photographer and artist from Cresco, IA. Her work is driven by a passion for body inclusivity and a love for capturing authentic connections through portraiture. Allison’s photography has been featured in multiple exhibitions, including Power and Perspective sponsored by Leica, and published in AAP Magazine. Check out Allison's website to see her incredible work, and follow her on Instagram to keep up with where her ca...
Rachael Kershaw is a gifted photographer based in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Originally from the UK and raised in Switzerland, her love for nature and exploration has profoundly shaped her journey. Rachael crafts captivating images that blend authentic storytelling with a serene, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Specializing in empowering portraits and brand collaborations, she partners with women and businesses worldwide to create imagery that fosters deep connections and inspires authent...
Happy New Year, everyone! Today we're talking to Jigisha Bouverat of Rise Creative Studios! Throughout her 20 years at TBWA\Chiat\Day, she revolutionized the art production industry, managing teams and collaborating with creators to produce iconic campaigns. As the owner of Bouverat Collective, Jigisha built a roster championing diversity, with over 50% women and artists of color. Now, as a partner at Rise Creative Studios, a women-owned company specializing in branded and original content,...
This week, we’re joined by Ayser Salman, a multi-talented producer, editor, comedy writer, and author dedicated to bringing stories of underrepresented voices to the forefront. From her Emmy-nominated and Clio-winning docuseries to her role as a writing instructor at LMU, Ayser has built a career around creating impactful, inclusive content. Her work spans major studios like Miramax Films, Disney, and Universal Pictures, where she’s crafted compelling documentaries and original productions.&n...
In this episode, Shelly is joined by Stephanie Swane, the publisher of Modernist Cuisine. With over 25 years in publishing, Stephanie has helmed numerous projects that dive into the science and art of cooking, leading global research trips focused on bread, pastries, and pizza. Her expertise is rooted in deep collaborations with baking experts and industry leaders to bring a comprehensive understanding of culinary topics to Modernist Cuisine’s audience. Before joining Modernist Cuisin...
Say hello to Tori Spadaro Weintraub, a photographer, creative director, and producer for photoshoots and music video shoots! Tori's passion lies in crafting content that sparks wonder and captures authentic emotion. Her dynamic approach allows her to create visually compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences. After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Tori found her true calling in creative direction and visual storytelling. Tune in to learn about her journey, her creati...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States