The creative keeps on going!

I often wonder when building a library of images for a client just how might they apply these images in their marketing efforts.

Well, once I got back from a little 10-day 4x4 trek across the stunning Moab desert shooting for myself, I couldn’t help it, I had to mock up some fun marketing ideas in the end.

Creative doesn’t stop after the button is clicked.

A listener, a friend, and an ally.

I am not a writer. My words will never be used as a force for change but I am deeply affected by the words of others. This collection of passionate voices helped me in crafting my dialogue when communicating with others the issues of racial injustice that our country is reckoning with. These quotes provided me a better understanding of the history of inequality and subjugation that Black Americans have been dealing with for generations. I hope they do the same for you.

I am not on the front lines protesting. I am unable to donate to causes. My role in this is as a listener, a friend, and an ally. I am a creative and I saw gaps in my own communication so I made "Treated", "Contract", "Progress", and "Hero" to allow these powerful voices to fill them in.

Make your own versions or share these.

Font Purchased: Tré Seals. This font is named for Martin Luther King Jr. and inspired by posters used in protest marches.

https://www.vocaltype.co/history-of/martin

Getting away to Florida just got photographically easier!!

To get away from the classic mid-west seasonal affective disorder, I planned a little trip to sunny Florida to see my folks and do some test shoots. I packed all my gear, had a thought, then unpacked it. I remembered a while back that ProGear Chicago was talking about opening an Orlando hub. Two calls later and I am set up with gear for the week! Doug over at ProGear Orlando was very helpful with making sure I had everything I needed.

Hope you enjoy the images.

Half day with a Pro Runner!

I don't know if it could be called a half day, more like a 2 hour with rain delay day. When you work with talented people, time is not an issue. Model: Ahndraea Brookes

Chicago Marathons ... a day at the races!

I alway like shooting personal work at some of Chicago's marathons.

Portraits from Beverly Art Walk.

I was asked to help curate the Blue Island Arts Alliance gallery at this year's Beverly Art Walk. After building walls and gathering artists, we still had a small room to fill with work. I jumped at the chance to make this room into a portrait area. My intent for this shoot was to take no more than 5 shots per group, and to focus on the relationship and character of each person. Thanks to everyone that participated.

Skateboarding, Guns, Beer, & Camping Mix

Behind The Scenes: From Sketches to Print for General Tire.

1. THE FIRST CALL: After getting the email from my client, with the quick description of "photograph 2 top pro fishermen inside an office space", my brain started spinning with ideas. I immediately started sketching them out, which was super handy in the creative meeting later that week.

2. WALK THROUGH: The location was out of state, so a week before the shoot I hopped on a flight for a location scout. I took this time to shoot some quick down and dirty roughs with the producers as the talent, and some fancy photoshop after effects to boot.

3. PRE-LIGHT: Once we got in town the week of the shoot, we asked for copy of the rough layout for the ad. This helped with the overall framing while we were pre-lighting.

4. ON SET: This particular shoot was paired up with a video crew, which meant I could only hire crew specific to my needs. (digital tech, 1st assistant) The rest of the crew would be shared from the video portion of the project. I was relieved and pleasantly surprised to find that the video crew had hired a representative from the animal rights protection agency since we were dealing with live fish. She was great to work with and we made sure to listen to her concerns and directions about keeping the fish healthy and happy. She had the power to shut the entire production down if we hadn’t.

5. TALENT: Meeting Skeet Reese and Edwin Evers was great! They were laid back and up for the challenge of the shoot. That's me talking threw the expressions we need, and letting him know about the guidelines for the fish.

6. LOCATION: On location things went smoothly with a little hiccup here and there, but because of our walk through we were prepared for anything.

7. EXTRA: With most jobs nowadays I end up shooting some small extra web content on top of the overall scope of work. I tend to shoot this to card while we run a backup on the computers. I really enjoy this time to get to know the talent and possibly shoot an interesting portrait.

8. SOMETIMES IT’S FAKE: Because of the angle we wanted to shoot at, and the way Edwin cast his line, we put up a fake door frame. This also allowed us to get a little closer in camera, giving us less post production work.

9. JUST A LITTLE TASTE: I love shooting tethered and being able to let the client and talent see where we are going with the overall look. I find it extremely beneficial for talent that might be a little reserved on set. 9 out of 10 times it helps loosen them up.

10/11. THE ADS

12. THE CREW: Having a great crew is, how do I put it … GREAT! When you get to just work with talent and fine tune the lighting, your job and the end results are better.

Thanks for stopping by!

Portrait of a Fellow Artist: Booker Youngblutt

As a freelance artist I understand that the work never really stops, but I also understand that it is important to have your little escapes. This is Booker Youngblutt, a Chicago artist with a passion for the long ride and the feeling of the open road.

iPhone photos from San Francisco

I checked my email on Tuesday and saw an announcement for an APA portfolio review in San Francisco with art buyers, creative directors and much more. Needless to say I was on a plane to SF by Sunday. It didn’t hurt that I had an old plane ticket burning a hole in my pocket. The reviews were awesome and the sun came out long enough to allow me a chance to skate for a bit. A good trip all around!