Wednesday, June 22, 2011

KIA Hybrid Shoot: Rick Chou

Here's what Rick Chou had to say about the shoot: 
“It is always challenging executing interior shots without having a car buck.  We moved around, again and again, trying different distance-to-car, height-to-car and lens perspective in order to find the desired look to match to the layouts.”
 "We were pushing the camera and lens perspective to get the right dynamic for the Hybrid badge shot.  We experimented with different format cameras and lens combination's to finally settle on the look." 
View more of Rick's work @ www.RickChou.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The Attributes of Personal Work

I am constantly telling my Artists, "When you are not on an assignment, get out and shoot your personal visions."  It is through personal work that the Artist is truly able to express themselves.  Often times creating imagery they would not normally be assigned.  It is through personal work that the Artist can expand and experiment.  Steve Bonini is known for his "sports photography", but there he is at a fundraiser, seizes the moment and does award-winning Portrait work! 
"I was at a fund raising event and saw these big, bearded men dressed as nuns and wearing platform shoes...I told the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to pose as if it were a driver's license photo." -Steve Bonini
You can view the original series on Steve Bonini's website 

First, he won the 2010 Rosey award for excellence in direct response advertising.

Then, Bart Cleveland, Creative Director and Copywriter, from McKee Wallwork Cleveland contacted Steve.  Together with Art Director Bruce Johno, they created Ad's for Village Frame Crafters using Steve Bonini's unusual portraits.

This once again shows what personal work can do to add to the Photographer's repertoire.
Personal work also opens up avenues the Photographer may never drive down via assignment work.  Giving Art Directors and Clients the chance to see personal visions they did not know the Photographer has.  And, doors fly open!

[click on an image to view it larger]
"Don't embarrass yourself with a cheap frame."

"Express yourself.  With a really, really nice frame."

"Surprise your mother.  Use a custom frame."

"With the right frame, it's not Uncle Bob.  It's art."

Personal work demonstrates the Artist's love for their media and their true desire to create.  When doing portfolio shows the people who hire are always drawn to the personal work.  It shows that the Artist can do a lot more than effectively re-create a comp.  It exhibits their passions and uniqueness.  Photographers, Art Buyers and Creatives I would love your thoughts and experiences.



 You can hear Steve talk about his vision in this short 2 minute video:
"I like to do slices of life that might not be part of the slice of life I live in." -Steve Bonini

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Classy, Sassy Fish People by Curtis Johnson

Curtis Johnson brought these fish to life for Fuji Ya.  Aron Shand and Paul Swiatek from Kruskopf Coontz were the Creatives for the Ads and really reeled in fantastic concepts!
Here's what Paul Swiatek (Copy Writer) had to say about the shoot:
"Curtis is great.  He's so adept at picking up on the vision of the idea.  But the coolest thing is that he throws in ideas of his own, little 'maybe we should try this' kinds of things - and that's what makes your idea that much better."

"The Fuji Ya shoot was definitely an experience.  The fish were very demanding.  They freaked out when we didn't have the bottled salt water they wanted.  But Curtis took charge, calmed them down and talked them out of the trailer.  The shoot went great until lunch, when we served tuna fish sandwiches.  AWKWARD!"

Aron Shand  (Art Director) added:
"I really enjoy working with Curtis. He helps make our wildest dreams come true (everything from robots on trains to fish people on cell phones).  He's great at taking a highly conceptual idea, finding the elements to pull out, shoot, and piece it back together beautifully."

 The metamorphosis from human to fish:
 struttin' his stuff


 Ann  (AB) proving her "anything for the job" attitude.

 Rawr - where's my bottled salt water?!
Click any image to view it bigger or go to
for more of Curtis Johnson's humorous and conceptual work.