Come Shoot with Us- Hold on to Your Creative Freedom

Come Shoot with Us!

Hold tight to your Freedom of Creative Expression. Free to feel whatever you want when you want. There are all kinds of landscapes to be explored : the face, the mind, the body, the moods we experience. A great image can stop you in your tracks, slow you down and can be the beginning or the end of a story. Take a chance. Let us help you find the right moment to make a moment with our expert photographers and directors. www.dougtruppe.com

Our Experts: Francesco Bittichesu, Tom Hussey, Jason Knott, Jared Leeds, Scott Montgomery. Tadd Myers, Claudio Napolitano, Peter Rodger

Doug Truppe Creates Another Industry Event - Show and Tell with VML NYC

We are back again with another Show & Tell event. This time Doug Truppe, created a lively face-to-face presentation of his award-winning photographers  and directors to VML in New York City this week.

It was enjoyable to meet in person, to chat and pitch ideas. We thank the art production team of Kaia Hemming, Suzanna Shields, and Patty Widyn for this terrific opportunity and for taking time out from their busy schedules to meet with us for our fun “Show and Tell.”  Next stop?  Let us know when, where and we’ll be there. And bring your appetite! Follow us to see where we go next.
 
Our Show & Tell Roster:  Francesco Bittichesu, Andy Goodwin, Jim Hughes,  Tom Hussey, Jared Leeds, Scott Montgomery,  Tadd Myers, Claudio Napolitano, Peter Rodger.
 

VM Art Producers (l to r) Suzanna Shields, Doug Truppe, Patty Widyn and Kaia Hemming review portfolios

VML Art Producer Suzanna Shields reviews portfolios at Doug Truppe Show & Tell event.

Welcome to the Truppe: Tadd Myers

Storytelling is a tradition. The land, the people who care for the land, the animals they tend, their relationship, healthcare, education—every kind of industry supplying and transporting our daily needs is brought to life with tradition by Tadd Myers. As a commercial photographer for over 20 years, Tadd’s passion is composing photographs that speak about the subject powerfully and memorably. Locations and backgrounds complement yet recede just enough to ensure the subject dominates the image.

Tadd grew up in in Houston, Texas and spent time around his father’s printing company. Drawn to the meticulous details of quality craftsmanship, he has carried lessons from operating an offset printing press to his photography business. “My experiences have built in me a true love of both the technical and artistic sides of my craft. I believe it‘s the balance of both that lead to images that resonate and remain with the viewer.”

Whether it is a single image or a series, Tadd captures decisive moments in cinematic grandeur. Today, more than ever, it is important to craft imagery that is honest, elegant in its simplicity, and makes a difference. Tadd is sought after by clients 44 Farms, Coterra Energy, Lucchese Boots, Orthofix Medical Devices, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Titleist and many more. Their trust has earned him honors from prestigious photography organizations and journals such as: Luerzer’s Archive 200 Best Ad Photographers, Graphis Photo Annual, American Advertising Federation Addy, Dallas Society of Visual Communications Dallas Show and Communication Arts Annual.

Tadd’s images speak for themselves. We welcome Tadd to the Truppe. See more work at his site TaddMyers.com. Follow Tadd @tadd_myers.

We Celebrate National Photography Month

It’s the lovely month of May, and we want to celebrate our photographers and all photographers who continue to create stunning imagery, make an impact and touch the intangible. Thank you to all for your remarkable work.

Welcome to the Truppe: Jared Leeds

We live in difficult times, but we believe challenges heighten our resilience and our work. Strength as a photographer and director lies in the ability to create trust, to put people at ease so the true self can come through. Whether working with one person or a large commercial production with a crew of 30 people or more, Jared Leeds connects to people on the most basic level and they respond in kind with emotionally charged moments. Jared tells stories with empathy, intimacy and compassion— the art of living is real, propelled forward in robust imagery and motion.

Based in Boston, Jared and his team have produced campaigns with creatives all over the world. Clients as CVS, Fidelity, UPS, Vanguard, Sunovion, Stearns and Foster and many more reach out to him because he is a versatile creator, motivator and collaborator. 

We are proud to welcome and present Jared’s observations, clarity and vision to you and your clients. Check out his website and follow him @jleedsphoto. See more news and updates for us @dougtruppe.

Peter Rodger Honored in 17th Annual Black & White Spider Awards

We are thrilled to share that Peter Rodger has received 5X Honorable Mention in the Advertising Category of the 17th Black & White Spider Awards. Peter continues to gain worldwide recognition for his visceral cinematic imagery capturing the soul of subjects in a non-contrived, yet observational way that makes for epic storytelling. He also never tires of embracing new technologies as with his use of Mega Pans, extremely high-res images (from 500-2500 megapixels), offering endless possibilities for branded content across all industries. See more of Peter’s latest work at his site, www.rodgerpictures.com.

Honorable Mention in Black & White Spider Awards.

Peter Rodger Gets Mega Results with Cool Mega Pans

 Photographer/director Peter Rodger is not afraid to go big. Mega Pan technology is the perfect complement to Peter’s award-winning, cinematic approach. Mega Pans are extremely high-resolution images that can be printed any size. Ranging from 500 – 1500 megapixels, there is no limit to what you can do with such high resolution to maximize brand content.

Mega Pans offer endless social and shareable applications and opportunities—a dream for all kinds of commissions and brands as a part of a more engaging social/web engagement strategy for entertainment venues, concerts, public gatherings, sporting events, festivals, trade shows—anything you can think of. High-resolution, printed to any size for online, websites, SM, building exteriors and interiors and retail outlets are just some of the ways to build and thrill audiences. Zoom into the imagery and Mega Pans reveal the sharpest, most intricate details, down to words, people in buildings, background and topography you might not notice.

It's epic storytelling in a very cool, natural execution for events, products and commissions. Click on Peter’s signature Mega Pans and see all of Peter’s latest work here. Follow @dougtruppe for more news and stories.

Click and Zoom into the image to go big and get spectacular detail.

The Art of the Personal Project Profiles Kevin Arnold

Take a look at this fascinating piece on Kevin Arnold by APE contributor Suzanne Sease for “The Art of the Personal Project.”  Kevin’s fine art takes us to the stunning prehistoric landscapes of Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon Territory of Canada’s far north. Detailed aerial views present a vast, mysterious world that tells the story of how the land was and continues to form.  Read the column and view more of the project here. Follow Kevin @kevinarnoldphoto for more updates and stories and follow us on Instagram here.

We’re on the Road with Tom Hussey: Kaffie-Frederick, Inc. General Mercantile

On a road trip through Louisiana Tom Hussey came upon The Kaffie-Frederick. Inc. General Mercantile in a small town called Natchitoches (pronounced Nacatish). Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile is Louisiana's oldest general store, owned and operated by the same family since opening in 1863.  It is run by two brothers who are the great grandsons of the founder. Walking through Kaffie-Frederick is like stepping into a time warp.  It’s the sort of a place that used to be a common sight in most small towns and now has been replaced by big-box, home-improvement stores or online shopping.  

 The store features everything you remember from the "good old days"— hardware, housewares, cookware and kitchen supplies, classic toys (like Radio Flyer) and gifts. The original freight elevator still operates, and the 1910 cash register is not only in great condition but is used for every sale. Happy to say, shopping with old-world charm is out there if you look for it. See more of the Mercantile images here and follow @tomhusseyphotography for more updates and stories. Follow us here.

We're on the Road with Tom Hussey: Northern Lights

Northern Lights was a five-day project conceived with a love for all things handcrafted. Vermont has a great number of artisans working a craft that long ago was outsourced or taken over by machinery.  When  Tom started planning the trip it was referred to as a “Cheese Tour.”

Tom wanted to get to know and photograph the people raising the animals, making the cheese and taking it to the world market. As he was researching the cheese process, he discovered there were numerous other handcrafts produced in Vermont—thus the scope of the project expanded a bit.  He photographed six different cheese producers—loving every one for different reasons. He met other craftspeople as Calley Hastings, a wonderful woman using goat’s milk creatively to make  craft caramel in a rapidly growing business. He also discovered Timothy Clark Furniture—handcrafted incredible Windsor-style chairs and benches. White Room Custom Skis, owned by Vin Faraci, are custom fit to each person with gorgeous hardwood-laminated designs on the ski tops. Inspired by the journey, the people, their passion and the goods they create, Tom found hardy New Englanders are keeping the tradition of hand creation alive and well—even thriving. 

See more of Tom’s images for Northern Lights here and follow Tom @tomhusseyphotography for his latest stories and updates.

We're on the Road with Tom Hussey: Cowboys Ridin' the Herd

“If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there with ya. ” – Anonymous American Cowboy

 Cattle have grazed land along the Texas coastline since 1749 when 3,000 settlers drove the first herd across the Rio Bravo. Fence lines divide the acres of open land, but time disappears watching the wranglers at work. Being one with your horse, tending the cattle, the dogs and the land is a hard way of life but satisfying. Texas cowboys are the ultimate in classic Western heroes.  Cell phones may have replaced Colt 45's, but the traditions and stories of the rugged range are still timeless.  See more images of Tom’s cowboys home on the range here and follow him @tomhusseypphotography for more updates and stories. Follow us on Instagram here.

Peter Rodger Presents a Winning Style in the 16th Annual Spider Awards

Peter Rodger won six prizes and was nominated for four more in the 16th Annual Spider Awards, featuring some of the world’s best Black and White photography. In the Advertising Professional category, he won first place for Outstanding Achievement with one of his recently completed HCA Healthcare campaign images. The campaign has also been selected for a special “In Focus” profile by AtEdge. Peter also won in the People Professional and Nudes categories for work from his personal series “Cheeky.”  The honored images show how he interprets life in a unique, realistic, visually alluring style.

 See the complete winning gallery here.  View Peter’s latest work, and follow him for more updates @peterrodger. 

First Place, Outstanding Achievement, Advertising Professional. Ad for HCA Healthcare Campaign: Young man helping his friend.

Honorable Mention, Advertising Professional.  Ad for HCA Healthcare Campaign: Portrait of frontline nurse.

Honorable Mention, People Professional.  “Cheeky” Crosswalk Only in Cannes.

Photographer/Director Peter Rodger Documents The Race of a Lifetime for HCA Healthcare Spot

It’s a race against time and a race to get answers in the fight against illness and a better quality of life. No one shows that kind of drama better than award-winning photographer/director Peter Rodger working with BPD Advertising in their latest collaboration for HCA Healthcare. In his classic style of cinema verité and unique branding for the client, Peter documents moments of resolve, pulsing physical performance and individual human effort as HCA Healthcare teams show up, put patients first and tackle the hard work.

Days may be difficult or triumphant, but HCA Healthcare frontline workers step up to meet the challenges with compassion, fairness and respect. Every scene is a portrait of courage and commitment to show up, suit up and begin again. Peter gives us a front-row seat to the great race to cheer and support the HCA heroes in his latest 30-second spot airing now. See more of Peter’s latest work including his commercials, film, fine art and still galleries. And be sure to follow him @peterrodger as well.

Peter Rodger Directs Medicare: Be Next Commercial Encouraging Covid-19 Vaccination

Recently  Peter collaborated on a 30-second broadcast commercial through production company Untitled  with Weber Shandwick  of Chicago  and clients  CMS (Centers for Medicare) and Medicaid Services of Baltimore on the  “Medicare: Be Next” campaign.  

Peter’s award-winning  cinematic and humanistic approach  is spot on as he presents  urgent yet sensitive messaging  for full vaccination to protect yourself and loved ones against Covid-19.  Trusted healthcare workers on the front lines connect viewers to the human experience with respect and compassion, encouraging everyone to get vaccinated at no cost.  Peter’s authentic moments  show we  can be safe, get  back to family, friends  and  do the things we love  when we step up  and “Be Next.”

 Check out Peter’s latest work including commercials, film, still galleries, fine art, and see regular updates with personal work  on his Instagram as well.

Kevin Steele Is a Winner in APA LA 2021 Off the Clock Competition

Congratulations to  Kevin Steele, an APA LA 2021 Off the Clock Competition winner,  for his black-and-white  image of a woman and her dogs from the series “Life on Pause.”   (See  earlier post on the project.)  “Life on Pause” is a personal project documenting life in quarantine in an unprecedented time.  Shot through the front door, being safe, into the space of self-isolation, the project reveals life apart and together. “As a commercial location photographer my work is full of color and emotion.  This brings me back to my roots documenting life. One camera, one prime lens, black and white. No assistants, simple,” Kevin says.

 The image  will also appear in color with text as part of an ad spread in Luerzer’s Archive  coming out mid-July. See more updates and personal work at Kevin’s Instagram.

APA LA 2021 Off the Clock winning image.

Director/Photographer Peter Rodger Steps Up to the Challenge with HCA Healthcare Campaign

Peter Rodger thrives at being able to tell a compelling story. In a pandemic world, it has never been more important to show reality with authenticity and emotion‑‑especially for healthcare‑‑at the forefront of this global battle.

Recently, Peter was asked to collaborate on a multi-platform campaign by BPD Advertising for client HCA Healthcare. BPD wanted imagery that not only dealt with the deadly virus on the clinical side but also showed the human aspect.  Peter’s award-winning cinematic style, sensitivity to his subjects and emotional impact on audiences have made him a director of choice for many BPD projects. He wanted to present the humanity and dedication of caregivers behind the HCA Healthcare mission during these challenging times—their promise of inclusion, fairness, compassion, respect for individuals and communities.

Exploring all walks of life in a thorough casting process, Peter found talent who could tell a story with their eyes and body language.  Shooting in Miami, he dressed a studio in four different hospital environments as well as used several domestic locations for families and volunteer workers. Working in black and white‑‑all elements in place and scenes lit for powerful drama‑‑Peter started shooting as a photojournalist.  Real moments, a glimpse of the soul behind each person’s eyes, even while wearing masks, bring the HCA Healthcare values to life:  teams stepping up, the impulse always to help and never giving up.

HCA healthcare workers in action. below. Be sure to check out Peter’s latest work including commercials, film and still galleries. Regular updates appear on Peter’s Instagram as well.

Director Peter Rodger Empowers the Voice of Doctors of the World

A world health crisis continues, but we still need professionally produced, compelling content. Award-winning director and photographer Peter Rodger answers the call for Doctors of the World.  The charity asked 100 directors to submit clips that speak to the idea of hope. Working with Untitled.tv, Peter  inspires with a powerful  video  of faith.  The “Zaghrouta,”  the  long, wavering, high-pitched vocal sound representing trills of joy,  is a thrilling  shout out to  the cause of worldwide humanitarian medical care. See it here.