Cherry Creative Case Study
Pass the Sopapillas
EDITORIAL PHOTOSHOOT
Featuring New Mexico Poet Laureate Manuel González
The Overview
Cherry Creative partnered with Orchestra on a New Mexico-based photoshoot supporting a W.K. Kellogg Foundation podcast named Pass the Sopapillas, a project rooted in culture, community, and storytelling about the people and places in New Mexico. Cherry Creative traveled to New Mexico to produce an editorial-style photoshoot featuring New Mexico Poet Laureate Manuel González. The goal was to create a visual identity that felt as thoughtful and authentic as the conversations themselves.
The Team
Manuel González: Talent
Orchestra: Agency Partner
Marissa Stahl: Producer
W.K. Kellogg Foundation: Client
Michelle McSwan: Photographer
The Goal
Capture the essence of Manuel González as both a poet and storyteller
Create an editorial content library for the podcast launch
Showcase the landscapes and culture of New Mexico
Produce versatile assets for social media, press, website, and podcast promotion
The Creative Vision
Rather than creating bland promotional portraits, we developed a creative direction inspired by the vibrant colors of New Mexico and the rich culture that makes it so special. Every location, composition, and moment was selected to reflect Manuel's connection to New Mexico and the stories that shaped him.
Execution Timeline
Met with the Orchestra and W.K. Kellogg Foundation teams to understand the goals for Pass the Sopapillas
Developed the creative direction and presented the vision for team feedback
Refined the concept based on stakeholder notes
Brought in one of Cherry Creative’s preferred photographers
Coordinated pre-production logistics, including location scouting and prop styling
Created the full run of show and shoot-day schedule
Led creative direction on set
Captured behind-the-scenes and social-first iPhone content
Managed post-production, selects, revisions, and delivery of final assets to all partners
From Moodboard
To New Mexico
To The Final Photography
The Delivery
500+ images captured
60 professionally edited final images
High-resolution + web-optimized deliverables
A library of behind-the-scenes iPhone photo and video content for social-first storytelling
Multi-platform content library for ongoing marketing
A cohesive visual asset library ready for use across social media, press, web, podcast promotion, and future marketing initiatives
Your Moment Deserves More Than One Post.
From real-time event coverage to multi-platform campaigns, we build content strategies designed to extend the moment, reach the right audience, and keep the conversation going.