Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosita Murrillo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rosita, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I founded Candid Ready in 2016, shortly after graduating from college, in response to the limited representation I saw in the photography industry. At the time, there were very few female photographers, especially those who looked like me, and it was rare to see models of color featured in photoshoots or publications. Candid Ready Photography was my answer to this gap in representation. I was determined to challenge the narrow portrayals of body types, complexions, and facial features that dominated the media. My goal was to create a space where those who are often underrepresented could be seen and celebrated in their most authentic forms.

Reflecting on my journey, if I could change anything about how Candid Ready Photography began, I would still choose to start right after college. It gave me the time I needed to explore my vision beyond the classroom, refine my technique, and develop my own unique style as a photographer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello,

I’m Rosita, but you can also call me Rose. I’m a fashion and branding photographer originally from Cleveland, OH. My journey in photography began as an event photographer, but my passion shifted to fashion photography after taking an inspiring course during my undergraduate studies. Early on, I noticed a significant gap in the industry: models of color were rarely featured in photoshoots or publications. This lack of representation led me to establish Candid Ready Photography. I aimed to challenge the narrow portrayals of body types, complexions, and facial features that dominated the media, creating a space where those who are often underrepresented could be seen and celebrated in their most authentic forms.

This mission opened new doors, allowing me to capture moments at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week. However, like many others, the pandemic disrupted my usual work. During this time, I noticed that many of the talented creatives I had collaborated with—stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists—were struggling to expand their reach. When a friend approached me to shoot branding images for their business, it sparked a new passion for branding photography. This experience inspired me to launch The Creative Collab Studios, with the goal of helping small, local businesses create impactful online content that captures their unique essence, fosters growth, and amplifies their marketing efforts through high-quality photography.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn on my journey is the idea that I should “create what is cool.” With the rise of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing your art to what others are doing, to the point where you feel like you have to follow trends to keep up. I realized that, as an artist, it’s more important to create work that I am genuinely proud of, rather than simply chasing likes or validation. This shift allowed me to embrace my passion for merging history with photography, which has set me apart and led me down a truly unique path.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is the ability to move people. I firmly believe that the two most powerful human-made forces in the world are music and art. Both have the unique power to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and bring people together, often transcending language and cultural barriers. As an artist, having the opportunity to create work that resonates deeply with others is truly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativecollabstudios.com | www.candidready.com
• Instagram: @candidready @thecreativecollabstudios
• Facebook: Candid Ready

Image Credits

Stylist: @6thStreetVintage | Tyrla Sledge
Makeup Artist: @vershantelynnartistry | Vershante