Congrats Andy Anderson, Connelly Partners, Liberty Mutual, Jonah Hubert, Kevin Cimo, Alyssa Toro and Nick Bontaites on your One Show Merit Award.
Tag Archives: Published Work
Sharing images that have been published
Jim Smithson shares how he shot 6 ads and 4 countries in just 10 hours.
© Jim Smithson - http://www.smithsonphoto.com
Recently Jim Smithson had the pleasure of working with RR Partners shooting for their client Norwegian Cruise Lines. He and his team produced 6 ads of NCL’s associates in New York, Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, Italy and the Caribbean.
The catch is that he shot them all at Smashbox LA in a 10 hour span.
“Naturally, my preference would be to shoot them on location so this gig was going to be a real challenge. We had 6 stock images that our real people talent had to be inserted into, with each location requiring a total re-light. In addition, issues of perspective and focal lengths had to be visually matched. Throw in a full compliment of agency and client in the studio and 10 hours to get it all done. His first though was, ‘What the hell was I thinking!’
In order to maintain the tight schedule, production had to be seamless and efficient. Sr. AD Hosea Gruber was instrumental in communicating the expectations of the campaign, which meant I had a clear understanding of each locations relationship to the travel agent and vice versa.”
Hosea had this to say about working with Jim, “From an art director’s perspective, working with Jim was just about as good as it gets. We had a challenging shoot, followed by some challenging compositing to get the campaign that we needed. Not only did Jim deal with all the pre-shoot changes, the during-shoot pressure, the post-shoot curve balls, and still deliver the beautiful art we needed — he also made our clients feel listened to and taken care of throughout the entire process. He was a true collaborator and that’s what I look for.”
Jim’s experience with post/retouching also played a key role, ensuring all the visual cues were in sync while he shot and retouched on the fly. “It was pretty smooth. It generally took a few takes to get lighting and perspective matched. Being able to drop them into the backgrounds and quickly treat them was very helpful to me and reassuring to the agency and client.”
© Jim Smithson - http://www.smithsonphoto.com
More QR Code Fun
As I mentioned in a previous post, the photographers in our group have a new perspective on their businesses and are constantly looking for new opportunities to showcase their ever evolving creative talents. Last week, I wrote about how many of them are enjoying playing with QR Codes to hopefully engage creatives on a different level. Hunter Freeman was the first to send out his postcard with the QR Code as part of his photograph. He has been receiving a steady stream of print requests so it has been a fun way to get instant feedback.
Kevin Twomey and Richard Schultz both also embraced the idea and have direct mail cards arriving this week. I encouraged them both to think of an idea that was relevant to their photography and the image they chose to promote. Here is what they came up with:
© Kevin Twomey-www.kevintwomey.com
As is the case with many photographers, Kevin is embracing video and learning how it is relevant to his still life clients. He has been having fun learning the technology and is looking for new ways to share what he has learned.
When he recently stumbled across Mar Glusker, a man who collects calculating machines, he knew this was the perfect opportunity to shoot both film and video. He liked the idea of not just photographing the machines but concepting an idea with the machines and the owner that utilized photography, video and sound. He knew that together, the film and video would make for the perfect mailer and QR code reward. With the help of Sirius Sound he directed a video that has a bit of a “STOMP” feel to it. He is hopeful that his video is a fun payoff for those who try the scanner. To see the link, click here.
© Richard Schultz-www.rschultz.com
Richard Schultz’s images are about finding what is most unique in a situation and capturing a moment that feels true and authentic. He uses what he finds to create a photograph that perfectly captures the emotion of the person in their environment. He is the true definition of a “real people” photographer.
Therefore, it was not a surprise that his idea for the link from the code centered around the people he photographed for his mailer. On a recent shoot to a girls camp in New Hampshire he photographed the campers in their own setting. He explains that “their gift to me was forgetting that I was there. By giving me nothing, they gave me everything.”
Therefore, it is natural that Richard’s QR code links to a note from him about his experience and a more of the photographs that he took while he was there. It is a special glimpse into a private world. A perfect way to get us all thinking about summer. Link here to see where the QR code takes you.
Hunter Freeman makes complicated seem effortless. Here are 4 tips for a successful photo shoot.
© Hunter Freeman - http://www.hunterfreeman.com
I have been representing Hunter Freeman for almost 15 years now and I am still constantly learning from him. He has a professionalism and approach to business and life that I model as best that I can in my own business and life. He is respectful, thoughtful and truly a genuine person. He makes everything he does seem effortless. And, for those of us who strive for this, we know how hard effortless can be. It is no wonder then that the photo shoots he orchestrates are well oiled machines where the clients walk away happy.
Hunter recently produced and shot a complicated campaign for Executive Creative Director Sunny Teo and Senior Designer Gigi Lam of DAE and Wells Fargo. It was complicated because not only was there a variety of talent and ethnically specific wardrobe to manage but there were multiple locations and many shots in one day.
The first scenario was a series in a Chinese “Saturday school” classroom, which included multiple repositioning and relighting options. Following that scenario, in a different area of the location, was a scene shot in an Indian Kathak dance studio, which had a group of Kathak dancers in the background.
The day had a schedule and Hunter depended on the crew to help make it run smoothly. As a team they had to load in gear, props and wardrobe, light and prop the sets, direct talent into wardrobe and makeup, postion them on the set, shoot them (minor detail, right?), and then wrap out of the location within the scheduled ten hours.
When it went off without a hitch, I asked him to share with me what made it work. Of course the list is straight forward and all about common sense. But then again, so is Hunter.
Here is what he had to say about his experience:
1) It was very organized. My producer, Sue Pinkerton, put in more than enough time on the front end (as did the prop stylist and location scout), and it paid off when I shot. The timing during the whole day, the arrival/departure of talent, prep areas, lunch break area, really everything, had been considered and squared away ahead of time. There was no room for error and every scenario and every need was well thought out.
2) We were flexible. When the client had specific needs that changed, we were able to move quickly to adapt our talent, props, wardrobe, etc., to those needs. On any shoot, anything can change, and the fact that everyone was aware that things could change, and was prepared to handle it, proved invaluable. No time wasted scrambling for an unexpected change of wardrobe, or an added prop.
3) The whole crew was thoroughly professional. I am so grateful to work with people who are so patient and SMART. I try to always hire people who are smarter than I am, and they’re intelligent enough to think, plan, and act in advance of the day’s events. No egos, no problems.
4) We didn’t lose the forest for the trees. Focused: Everyone was keeping an eye on all parts of the shoot, so that no details went wrong or, worse missing. The stylists were extremely organized and laid out everything we would need. The hair and makeup stylists more than kept up with the shoot, and were there on set when needed. Photo assistants were always right there to move a light, change a flag, raise/lower the tripod – you name it, they did it.
“The bottom line is that everyone acted as part of the team – always keeping an eye on the goal. I know that the ideas are obvious but I remind myself all the time that it is the obvious details that can make or break a shoot. If I get the easy ones right there is plenty of time to spend on the more complicated ones.” – Hunter Freeman
Bell jars + soot + Blue Morpho Butterly = a cover image by Kevin Twomey for a post-apocoalyptic story.
© Kevin Twomey-www.twomey.com
Kevin Twomey was recently approached by Grand Central publishing to create the cover image for critically acclaimed, bestselling author Julianna Baggott‘s upcoming novel, Pure. After a day of playing with beautiful Blue Morpho Butterfly specimens and covering bell jars with soot, he came up with the following image for this post-apocoalyptic story, which will be released this May.
Looking for some eye candy today? Ann Elliott Cutting delivers in blue and red.
© Ann Elliott Cutting - http://www.cutting.com
Ann Elliott Cutting has a knack for everything conceptual so when I asked her to send me something visual for the blog I wasn’t surprised when she sent me these images. None of them were shot together nor were they for the same project. This is just Ann pairing images that go well together. That common thread that runs through all of her imagery sure does runs deep with her.
Meanwhile, upon returning from Tralfamadore…
Hunter Freeman has been photographing astronauts in unexpected locations for years now. Recently, he resurrected the project and added to the series. Well, thanks to the web, they are showing up on so many unique sites. It is fun to be recognized in worlds other than advertising.
Here is what Hunter had to say about it.
“Go figure, right? There’s been a blast of interest in the Astronaut series, and I’ve received emails from such otherworldly places as Indiana and Connecticut, as well as the more down-to-earth locales of Sweden, France, Germany and Brazil. Right now, I’ve launched replies to re-posting requests to a half dozen sites, and, just this morning, crossed orbits with a lady from the Channel in Canada, who was interested in using the images on one of their shows, as well as on their website. I have to say that I really never thought about how many people might have the same humorous inclinations about these shots. They make me laugh, but then I’m easily amused. And now I’ve connected with them, which has been a boatload of fun. (Am I allowed to have this much fun?)
So, now I know…They are out there…waiting for the astronauts. They could be someone you know…Maybe even your next door neighbor. I’ll warn you now: Watch the skies! Ok, well, maybe watch your mini-mart, or the gas station. Skies are nice, too, though.
Live long and prosper.”
Here are some recent links: Universe Today, ZME Science, Unstage, Piccsy, Portal to the Universe, Wine and Bowties, and The Fox is Black to name a few.
To see the complete series, please link to Hunter’s website. And, if you would like to feature his images on your own site, please email us.
And, for those of you who do not know what Tralfamadore is, link here.
Giving Back. How a few beers, some good friends and a handful of blues legends made a difference.
©Andy Anderson - http://www.andyandersonphoto.com
Andy Anderson has a deep connection to the south, its people and its music. He can never remember a time when the music of his childhood did not influence him. When I asked him to write about it and let us know how deep the the connection went, here is what he had to say.
“I grew up in the south during the 60s and 70s when funk music and the blues were all you listened to. I loved the honesty of it and how its roots were from gospel music.One of my fondest memories was when I was in Moon Lake, Mississippi. I was on a shoot in the middle of a cotton field. I heard music coming from a very small church and was drawn to it. I walked in and sat down in the very back. The church was packed. Picture this: No instruments. Men sitting on one side and woman on the other side. One side would sing and the other would sing a response.
I was transported. From that day on, the music never left me. I was inspired back then by the great blues legends and knew that I would always find a way to celebrate not only the music but the musicians as well.
Well, I got my first opportunity to do so when I was a staff photographer for Men’s Journal. I pitched and was assigned a story about Clarksdale, Mississippi where I spent 3 weeks traveling around the area photographing the people and places of this wonderful place.
One of the most memorable places I shot was at Junior Kimbrough’s place called “Juniors.” The particular Sunday night I was there was called, “White folks night. ” I’m not joking!!! It was a blast and added to my love and appreciation for the music. It was on this shoot that I was able to make long lasting connections to some of incredible blues legends such as Junior Kimbrough, RL Burnside, and T-Model Ford to name a few.
Fast forward to 2007 and I was back home in Idaho having just returned from shooting some personal work in the Vicksburg, Mississippi area where I was once again inspired by the music and the people. I was with some buddies drinking beer and we started to talk about my trip. Many beers later we hatched the idea of putting on a Blues festival in our small town of Mountain Home, Idaho.
Anybody that knows me, understands once I have made my mind up well its……….on.
We named the festival The Great Basin Blues Festival. The purpose of our festival was to showcase north Missippi blues music at a local venue and HAVE FUN. More importantly though, we decided that the proceeds of the festival would go to providing art scholarships to local high school kids.
©Andy Anderson - http://www.andyandersonphoto.com
So we went to work. We formed a non-profit group. We made calls. We called in favors. I called Robert Belfour, Cedric Burnside(grandson of RL Burnside), T-Model Ford, Malcolm Lightning, and Cadillac John and invited them to play. They were in!
We now needed posters to promote our event. I called on some my friends that I have know for years at The Richards Group. Jimmy Bonner, Kellyn McGarity and Rob Baker came to the rescue and produced some amazing posters for us. They were so powerful that they were short listed at Cannes in 2010.
Well you can see where is going. This year is our 4th year and it has been an amazing success. The community totally supports our event. Even The Idaho Statesman named our festival “THE BEST NEW FESTIVAL of 2007”
We have sent 7 talented artists to school with art scholarships and this week we will announce 2011 recipients of theGBBF scholarship awards.
I just LOVE this kind of stuff.
It is incredible to think back and realize that our shared passion for the people and music blossomed into something we never would have expected. Just a couple of guys having beers and talking blues.
I am proud in my involvement in this venture and I hope to inspire photographers to get involved in their communities or causes. We all know we are blessed to be able to how what we are passionate about, so now let’s spread the wealth. Giving back will enrich your life and most importantly it will enrich someone else’s even more . Whether it be bike races, fun runs, food drives, poetry reading, etc it doesn’t matter.
Just do SOMETHING.”
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©Andy Anderson - http://www.andyandersonphoto.com
Just Bragging. Archive Magazine gives a shout out to Andy Anderson!
It is always nice to be recognized for your hard work. Thank you Archive Magazine for featuring the 2nd set of ads Andy Anderson photographed for Ram Trucks and The Richards Group. I am sure Jimmy Bonner, Kellyn McGarity and Peg Diaz are proud too!
Jim Smithson was obsessed with the weather and Amtrak benefited. See how it turned out.
Jim Smithson has been fortunate enough to work with Arnold Worldwide and Amtrak on some wonderful projects. As you can see from his post, shooting for Amtrak is so much more than taking beautiful photographs. Here is what Jim had to say about it.
“Nature can prove to be a formidable foe, especially when you’re taking a picture. But how about before you take a picture?” Check out what had to happen before we even took out our cameras…..
This was the second of three campaigns we shot for Amtrak and Arnold Worldwide. We had to capture 5 unique snow covered landscape images throughout Amtrak’s North East Regional line, and forces of nature took us to task in a variety of ways. Due to strict federal safety rules and the inherent danger of working around 150 mph projectiles, our entire crew had to fulfill safety training before we could set foot on the rails.
Because we had no idea when the snow would fly, this meant having to train 2 teams of crew in the event a crew member got booked on another gig. Once trained, everyone was on standby ready to fly at a moments notice, and I became a Weather Channel Junkie.Our first glimmer of hope came in late December 2009. A cold arctic flow was traveling down from Canada colliding with moisture moving north from the Gulf of Mexico.
The God’s were smiling, or so I thought. After a generous dumping across the North Eastern Seaboard, I was pumped and ready to pull the trigger.
My elation quickly turned to despair when I was informed that Amtrak didn’t think it was a good idea to mobilize us during the holidays.
COUNT TO 10 JIM.
The month of January would prove to be one of the biggest months of accumulated snowfall on record back east. But the God’s were taunting me. All the storms tracked either north or south of our 100 mile stretch of approved locations. Oh no!
We were then approaching mid-February and still no love from the Gods. What did I have to do? Go to the crossroads and make a deal with the devil?Then, a glimmer of hope. A storm system originating from the midwest was tracking east heading in the vicinity of Connecticut. 2 days seemed like 2 years as the southern part of the storm finally gave us a generous dusting.
GO TIME!
The call went out. My LA crew was on a plane the following day and for the next 8 days we braved some very cold temps and trying conditions. We ended up having just enough snow and just barely enough time to pull it off.
Kudos to my super crew Tomás Arceo, Jeff Vogeding and Sady Callaghan for braving the elements and taking more than one for the team. A big shout also to creative director Bill Cutter for his vision and continued support and art buyer Andrea Ricker for her flawless attention to every last detail.