We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlee Black a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlee, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Good Friends Studio really sprouted from creating with my friends. In 2018, When I founded Good Friends Studio, I had been producing my own small scale shoots. With a team of friends that ranged from other photographers, hair stylist, makeup artist, etc – we would create visuals purely for our own enjoyment. After a few years of producing, and 6 months of freelancing, in a college study room, I created Good Friends Studio. When my good friend, Cate and I sat down to discuss the pillars of this nameless production studio, we both shared the importance of bring on creatives that we trust in admire. Not just in their work, but in their desire to produce the work that they want to do, with a team they believe in. This is how Good Friends came to be.

Charlee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Charlee Black and I’m the Founder + Lead Photographer behind Good Friends Studio. I own BLOT Studio which is our photo studio rental in Indianapolis, In. We create elevated visuals for brands in need of a visual foundation.⁠⁠ When I was 24, I fell in love with collaboration. After a few years collaborating with my friends for fashion projects, I realized my love for productions.⁠⁠In 2018, we decided to go for it and Good Friends Studio was born.⁠⁠ We produce creative direction, photography + videography for brands ahead of their next launch. We service clients in the fashion, beauty + wellness industry. Our clients have been featured in British Vogue, Essence Mag + NYMag. ⁠⁠
I spend most of my days producing projects for small and large teams and I love every minute of it. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job – It’s building a table. Its how I’ve always approached working with fellow creatives – collaboratively.⁠⁠I love creating visuals. Especially projects where I see myself and my friends reflected, in front of the camera and behind the scenes. I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.⁠⁠

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our look is quite unique to us. It’s very important that while producing for multiple brands, that our work always reads true to who we are. Our clients trust us to elevate their visuals in a way that feels familiar yet transformative to their ideal clients.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Knowing that I am bringing a vision to reality that extends beyond my personal abilities, which allows me to bring in talented individuals. I truly believe that working with you fellow creative is such a gift. It is really amazing to see what a group of talented, motivated , creative thinkers can accomplish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goodfriends.studio
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goodfriends.studio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/75528287
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDB7bLZEcztsthgpbtv4lag