High Dynamic Range

I've been playing around with HDR photography recently.  Here are some photo's from my home-schooling...aka assignments from a workshop book from the public library.

Enjoy.

Working to Learn

AAP has been blessed with an amazing opportunity lately:  Working with the Providence House in Shreveport, LA.

If you follow along, you know that I have a passion for travel.  As of late, though, my heart has been in the non-profit sector.  I have started to feel that I should pour my talents into helping those who help others.

While searching for work I came across a beautiful organization in town called the Providence House.  I'll give you a summary, but really you should check out their website and learn more about them.

The PH is a transitional shelter for homeless families in the Shreveport area.  After starting as a traditional homeless shelter they noticed that the same folks would leave, then find more trouble and return to the shelter time after time.  They saw the problem and took steps to make things right.  Their goal is to break the cycle of homelessness through a system of accountability and education.  Now they rarely see the same family back twice.  In fact, the PH sees an 89% success rate in its families.  This means that 89% of families who complete the program move on to happy, financially stable, productive, full-time-job-working lives.  Awesome, right?

The Newest Demo

Hello.

It's been a way long time, sorry I haven't been keeping up.  I took some time off to deal with the move from Oklahoma to Louisiana.  We are now settled in a new home, a new studio, and new town:  Shreveport, LA!

This week has been dedicated to updating the website, cutting a new demo and writing a few emails.  Now, bring on the work!  I cannot wait to get started and explore all the new possibilities in Louisiana (and maybe Texas too!)

Until next time (which will be sooner, I promise) enjoy the new demo.

San Antonio

I have just returned from travels to San Antonio.  Here is a bit of photography from the trip!

Behind the Scenes with the Barr's

So, work has slowed down a bit. Actually, I have officially finished all the projects I had been working on in Enid. Now I am waiting until we make the move to Shreveport, LA to take on anything major. Sure, I am still looking for work (I would never turn down a good job, or a good cause) but it is very challenging from two states away. So, between cultivating connections and pouring some time into another venture...my very own blog about my domestic adventures...I have been doing some editing, just for fun.

Today I put a reel of outtakes together from the Family Adventure video for the Enid Convention and Visitors Bureau. I cannot explain how much fun this family is. Not only were they great in the video, but have also become great friends of mine. Let me tell you, Blake (5 years old) is exactly as he seems in the video. Hanging with him is always a pleasure, and you never know quite what to expect. The one thing you can expect is a good poop joke, a knock-knock that ends with someone pooping their pants, or a punchline including the word "toot." Ahhh, to be a 5-year-old boy. Good luck with that Amberly. At any rate, I loved working with the Barr's and I hope you enjoy this peek into the making of a deliciously lovely shoot.

Amy

Park Avenue Thrift

So a few days ago I shared two of the four commercials I made for Park Avenue Thrift in Enid. Today I will post the other two for your viewing pleasure...but first I just have to tell you all something!

Last night I got a text from a friend. She said she had seen the "One Donation at a Time" commercial on TV. I have yet to see them air, but that really made my day. I have done lots of videos for use online and in presentations, but this series is my first to air on television. I cannot wait to see one pop up myself. So keep your eyes peeled, Enid, you just might spot one of my spots!

Okay, so on with the others. The first was written to appeal to the younger, hipster-ish crowd. It's a story that plays out in my closet all the time. I love something (like really love it) then trade it in for another model. Really, I might be more like the gal at the end who picked up the well-loved shirt at the thrift shop and sports it in a new way. And, again, if you are wondering who the hunk is in the T-Shirt...that's Derek, my husband. Again, being a great sport and helping me with my work.



The last video in the series was written by Paula Nighengale, one of the owners of Park Avenue Thrift. She had written the script three years ago (before Old Navy had started their series of mannequin commercials). Manny and Monique are always in the store to greet customers, so we went ahead and filmed the spot. Be on the lookout for more of Manny and Monique's adventures in the future.



Thanks for following along with my work adventures. Love the videos posted here? Share this post with your friends!

Amy

Park Avenue Thrift

I am thrilled to announce the completion of a series of commercials I did for Park Avenue Thrift of Enid. If you are not familiar, Park Ave is an awesome thrift shop in Enid, OK. They donate 100% of all proceeds back to the community, so every penny you spend shopping helps better the place you live.

If you know me, you know that I am a thrift shop junkie! I love clothes and bargains. So naturally I gravitate to second hand shops. I was a huge fan of Park Ave, even before I was hired to do some marketing for them...so this job has really been a joy. Getting to know the staff has been a blessing in my life. I hope that my work will help them continue their mission.

Here are two of the four videos I did for them. The first is a 30 second spot I wrote after our initial meeting. An issue they wanted addressed was the need for household donations. They get plenty (seriously plenty) of clothing, but what the shop was really in need of was furniture and appliances. I combined this need with the mission behind their work and wrote the script. This is my favorite of the commercials I completed. It is an honest, and lovely look at how community members can make a difference in the area they live.



The second video was written as a spoof to those prescription commercial we see on TV all the time. I have seen them mocked before, so I cannot claim all the credit for the idea. I spent an afternoon taping this at my home. If you were wondering who the handsome bloke is walking hand in hand with me--it's my husband. I owe him a big thanks for being such a good sport and always being willing to help with these projects. And, for the record, I didn't really overdraft my debit card at the checkout....it's just acting.

Part II: Two for the Enid CVB

Here is is. The Barr family. I was lucky enough to get to know these folks through Susan Riley (of the Weekend Getaway video). And let me tell you, they are a hoot. The family consists of Super Mom Amberly (always prepared for any situation. I don't have kids but I was definately taking notes); Way-Fun-Dad Ron, Big Man Blake, and Sweet Squeaky Maddie.

Shooting this video was as fun as it looks. Blake kept me on my toes the entire time. You never know what to expect with that kid. Stay tuned for an outtake reel from this shoot. Spoiler: It will include lots of laughter and "Kids Say the Darndest Things" humor!

So, thank you Barr family! To everyone else: Enjoy!!

Part I: Two for the Enid CVB

Over the last several months I have had the great pleasure of working with the City of Enid and the Enid Conventions and Visitor's Bureau. I have just completed work on two new videos for the CVB. They just might be my favorite ever. Seriously, ever. And, I have made a lot of videos.

When I spoke to the CVB about doing these videos they asked if I knew a cute, young couple willing to be the stars of the show. So, I solicited my dear friend Susan. She obliged and said she would work on getting her husband to go along with the plan. So thank you Riley's! You were perfect. Thank you for working through the Callahan crabbies, the muddy terrain on Gloss Mountain, and climbing up on Boomer (stay tuned for the outtakes, that shot didn't make it into the final cut). Thank you and enjoy!

The First of Many

Hello! This is my first of many, many posts to come. So let me start with the beginning. According to Julie Andrews, it's a very good place to start.

My name is Amy. Currently I live in Enid, OK...but I am soon to move to the Shreveport region of Louisiana. While here in Enid, I took my freelance videography to a new level by starting my own company--which you probably guess--Amy Allender Productions.

My specialty is creating unique and effective video marketing and photography for destinations. I love traveling and want to share this love with others. Through my work I hope to help destinations gain quality visitors--and visitors find quality destinations. I am also passionate about my other endeavors: commercial, nonprofit and lifestyle work. So if you are in the market for new marketing--whether video or photographic--hit me up.