Opportunities abundant for aspiring fashionistas in Memphis - The Daily Helmsman

A couple days ago, I received a call from a journalist at The University of Memphis. Shelby Smith writes for The Daily Helmsman, an independent student newspaper for The UofM. She was doing an article about fashion in Memphis. She ran across my fashion business development and marketing firm, Memphis Fashion Group and decided to include me in her article. I was pleased to be recognized by my alma mater as a force in the Memphis fashion community. Here is a link to the article that was published today:

Opportunities abundant for aspiring fashionistas in Memphis - The Daily Helmsman

Enjoy and feel free to share it with friends!

Charlisha Renata

#360 ~ Well Rounded (A glimpse of Behind the Scenes of a Charlisha Renata Photography Session)

Happy 2013!!! To bring in the new year, I decided to give you all a glimpse of how I work behind the camera. On many of my shoots I do all the prepping from make-up to styling and sometimes hair. See, I have been blessed with gifts that God intended for me to use. For so long I tried to keep them locked away in hopes of not intimidating others or seeming like I was all over the place. That has hindered me. I can no longer hide my talents. There is so much you all have not seen from me and in 2013, I am unleashing the beast! The Lioness has slept long enough. BRACE YOURSELVES. :) 

Make-up, Styling, & Photography, by moi (Charlisha Renata)

....special thanks to Drea Powell for modeling for me and to Terrell Jones for video & editing....

#360 ~Well Rounded (part 1)

#360 ~ Well Rounded (part 2)

Instagram, Facebook & Photo Policies

Yesterday, www.news.cnet.com released an article stating the new intellectual property policies for Instagram that will take effect in January 2013.

You can read it here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57559710-38/instagram-says-it-now-has-the-right-to-sell-your-photos/

The new policies will give Facebook to the right to use and/or sell any photo posted by users on the Instagram platform without retribution or notification to the account user.  This news release has many people upset and ready to delete their Instagram accounts. The interesting part is the policies are Facebook policies, not Instagram's. Facebook is already "selling" photos within the ads on your sidebar. Those photos are posted by users and Facebook place them in ads businesses pay for. They don't pay the user or notify them. A few months ago, there was a flood of "copyright ownership" statuses many people (mostly artists) on their timeline stating no one had the right to use any photo that was posted on Facebook without the owner's permission. In all respect for everyone's intellectual property, posting that status did not protect you from general Facebook photo policies.

There is some difference with the new Instagram policies and the current Facebook policies. Although Facebook does use member's photos for ads, they do not share user content with third parties. There is a way to opt out. In account settings, under "Facebook Ads" you can decide how Facebook uses the content you post. Please pay attention to new privacy notifications as they appear in your email or newsfeed. In the account settings there is some implication that they may share information with third parties in the future.

As a business owners and artists, Facebook and Instagram has enabled us to reach and engage with customers therefore refusing to use one of the largest and powerful social media sites isn't an option. One way to share your work on Facebook without risk to your copyright is to make sure you place watermarks on your images in a conspicuous location before you share it on Instagram or Facebook.

 

If you would like to know more about how you can use social media to increase traffic to your website, email us at info@memphisfashion.com

Ghouls & Gowns ~ A Halloween Vintage Fashion Show

So, it's been 2 years since I produced my first fashion show. Stylus was a success and I'm extremely excited about the show I'm co-producing with my business neighbor, Erica (TheTranzformer) Sanford. When I was interning for Skirt Magazine-Memphis, I was sent out to take press photos of a hair show. That was the first time I saw Erica's work and I was amazed! I witnessed her razor cutting someone hair on stage in about 2 minutes and it was fabulous. I knew she was ahead of the game here in Memphis. A few months ago, she moved her salon next door to my studio at 1331 Union Ave. Since our professions collide, we decided to do a show for Halloween to showcase her special effects make-up and super creative hairstyles along with my high end vintage collection. So this Sunday, October 28, 2012, we will present Ghouls & Gowns and I hope to see you there!

Location: 1331 Union Ave (garage rooftop)
Time: 6pm
Tickets: $10 advanced/$20 VIP
info: contact@charlisharenata.com

Memphis Fashion Leaders Episode 2~ Sache Designs

Memphis Fashion Group founder, Charlisha Renata, interviews fashion professionals, emerging designers and top boutiques in Memphis, TN. 

This episode highlights Eric Evans, Co-founder and Head Designer of SACHË located at 525 S. Main Street, Memphis, TN 

www.memphisfashion.com
www.sachedesigns.com
https://www.facebook.com/MemphisFashion

REwind: Fashion Shoot for Eye-Con Couture (April 2012 ad)

As part of my senior project and internship with Eye-Con Couture, I did an photoshoot for their April 2012 ad campaign. Here are a few photos from that set. 

(All fashion in photos can be purchased at Eye-Con Couture)

Gold'N Textured ~ Fall 2012 Vintage Fashion Trend

The stylist side of me has been refreshed by the thought of fall. I may be a summer baby but fall is my favorite season mainly for the colors and fashion. As we know Couture Pieces Resurrected is my vintage collection and I plan to start selling pieces at this year's Cooper Young Festival . My motto is "Old is the new New". It expresses fashion's nostalgia and tendency to repeat itself. Each historical fashion era has an influence on the current designer runways. Check out the first look I styled and photographed for the next ad campaign.

(Model: Cha' Briggs, Make-up: Nicole Dorsey)

Luxurious textures from leather to embroidery will be in this fall. Mixed with prints and rich jewel tones, this look can be worn casually or for a night out. Just add bold accessories and a fun, funky hat.

In this look:

Gold Beaded Vest
80s High Waist Leather Pants
90s Liz Claiborne straw hat
Vintage Elephant Belt 
Vintage Scarf 
All available at Couture Pieces Resurrected
Shop Couture Pieces Resurrected to wear the latest fashion trends in the most unique way…vintage!

Leaders of Memphis Fashion (Episode 1)

Memphis Fashion Group founder, Charlisha Renata, interviews fashion professionals and top boutiques in Memphis, TN. 

This episode highlights The Seen, the city's first Fashion Lounge infusing fashion & music. Owners Kim Brown and C'beyohn explains the concept and direction of their new business. Their store features designs from local indie artist such as Mo's Bows, Dare Threads Vintage, Urban Chocolate, and Brittany Boyd.

Music: "Dirty A'int the Word" by C'beyohn

The $5 Outfit Challenge

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love thrift shopping. It's something I inherited from my mother and I can usually find awesome fashion pieces there. Last month, I decided to share my experiences and tips on thrift shopping. I also decided to challenge myself to find a stylish outfit at the thrift store for $5 or less. Watch the video to see if I accomplished my goal! 

Modelesque ~ Learn to express yourself in photos

An advantage of being both a model and photographer is experiencing how it feels to be on both sides of the camera....especially starting out. Breaking the barrier that keeps you from being confident to be whatever it is you dream to be is a start. If becoming a model or just taking great photos is a goal for you, this may be your stepping stone.

Modelesque is being produced by myself and an amazing and inspirational model, Tanieka Carter.  Tanieka Carter is a model, coach, and consultant who has also studied theater and dance. She aims to help others find their niche and express themselves in the fashion industry. 

Registration deadline: June 14, 2012 7pm
$50 holds spot
paypal email: photos@charlisharenata.com

www.therolemodelcoach.com


www.charlisharenata.com

Patriotic Fashion Looks on Memorial Day

For the past year, I've been drawn to vintage apparel that was either red, white, and/or blue. After I collected several pieces, I decided that I would style a few patriotic fashion looks. I met model, Victoria Gibson, on Facebook and I loved her classic look that reminds me of 60s fashion model, Twiggy.  Maybe it's in the lips... I felt she would be perfect for my vision and she was! Well, here is the first looks of the series....(Yes, series! I have more red, white, and blue vintage fashion than I thought...glad there's another patriotic holiday coming up! #staytuned)

Model: Victoria Gibson

Make-Up: Nicole Dorsey

Photography & Creative Direction: Charlisha Renata

 

Ballet Inspired Fashion Photography with Lisa Byrd Thomas

My love was estate sale shopping (without me...gasp!) a couple months ago and met a fellow stylist here in Memphis. Lisa Byrd Thomas has been styling for many years and she also sells vintage apparel. Since we had so much in common, he suggested we meet and exchanged our contact information. When I checked out her blog, Hip Fashion Stylist, it was clear that our style was very similar and of course, I wanted to work with her! She was inspired by ballet for the test shoot we did with Ballet and jazz dancer, Morgan.

Make-up and Hair: Leslie Milne

 

Bowties~ Classy and Nostalgic

          

A couple months ago, I shot another fashion photography campaign  for Medatsu Apparel. I was inspired by the young, hip, professional male who likes color and classic looks. Not only will bowties give you a classy look, they also posses a nostalgic feel...which I love!  It was featuring model Antonio Hewlett in both video and photo shot Downtown Memphis.

                                   

I am an Eye-Con!

Most that know me are aware of my modeling history with Eye-Con Couture as one of the first Eye-Candies. To complete my fashion merchandising degree program in May, I'm interning at Eye-Con Couture. This boutique is known as one of Memphis' Best and I am proud to be working with them. I will be doing visual marketing for the boutique through style boards and photographs. Next month, I will be shooting the current Eye-Con Eye-Candies fashion editorial for April 2012 and I can't wait!

Here are a couple style boards I created this week. All items can be purchased at www.eye-concouture.com. Enjoy Being Admired!

photos courtsey of Eye-Con Couture

Oh, how I love Spring!

It's that time of year when beginnings occur, the renewal of life, and rejuvenation brightens each day. The sun rises earlier and lingers a bit longer spreading its love across the land. I smile when I awaken to birds chirping and the season's breeze sneaks through my cracked window. I rise and gaze outside, my hearts skips a beat...oh how I love spring!!

My new website!

In January 2012, I launched my new website platform.
www.charlisharenata.com is now the home of all things Charlisha Renata.

I am still a Memphis fashion photographer offering services for designers, agencies, boutiques, and models. I have a new pricing structure that will enable me to offer services at affordable rates for all levels of investment. They include packages for modeling portfolios, boutiques, entertainers, and business owners. For more information, send email to contact@charlisharenata.com

1000 Facebook Fan Giveaway!!

Here's your chance to win a free photoshoot (30 min session, 2 retouched digital images, value $100)

Ask your friends to like my Facebook page and write a recommendation or on the wall saying you sent them. The person who referred the most friends will be the winner. The winner will be announced once I hit 1000 fans!  

A Moment of Twilight

The other evening, I was cleaning my studio for an exclusive shopping party I was hosting. The sun had already begun to set and I was almost done. With my studio being on the 12th floor of an office builiding, it's kinda hard to ignore the view. For a split second, I looked out the window and was captivated. It was twilight and the moon looked awesome. I grabbed my camera, attached my 35mm lens and took a couple shots. The clarity was not to my desire so I switched lenses and attached my 85mm manual lens. I love this lens due to the awesome clarity and sharpness of the images it takes. Yep, that what I saw. Lovely, isn't it?

My vintage camera collection

If you know me well, you are aware of how much I love shopping thrift stores and yard sales. I find awesome props nearly every time I go out. Last year, I came across a few vintage cameras and photography magazines at a couple yard sales. I thought they would be great subjects for a photography project. I put them away before I took a chance to shoot them until last night. I was inspired by a photo challenge in one of my online photography groups. 

My 1st published fashion spread!!!!

So after I felt confident about my work enough to submit to magazines, I started to research a few and made a list of the publications I wanted to be published in. The first one on that list was Kamoy Magazine's 2011 Fashion Issue. The crazy part about that decision is that I made it before the opportunity to be in their 2011 Sexy Issue came my way. The editor, Nerissa Irving, is an international natural hair model that I started following when I had long locs. (Actually, my late brother started following her first..lol.) I guess it was destined. Well, I did a fashion spread featuring Medatsu Apparel's 2011 Fall Collection for the issue and sent it over. Within minutes, I had a confirmation from the editor that my photos were approved. Ecstatic, I was!!!

Models: Tabatha Janell, Khalifa Kofi LoMaria, Racquel Adair, Jennifer Ceo Kinard

MUA: Nicole Dorsey
Designer & Styling: I AM MEDATSU I AM MEDATSU