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 It’s the sort of a place that used to be a common sight in most small towns and now has been replaced by big-box, home-improvement stores or online shopping.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.
Tom Hussey Shoots Visionary Work for the New Drug XIPERE
Tom Hussey always captures eye-popping imagery, which works especially well for the branded promotion he recently shot for the new drug XIPERE. XIPERE treats Macular Edema associated with uveitis, a form of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea) when the immune system is fighting an infection.
To present the drug in a more entertaining light, Tom went over the top and did a nationwide casting call to find contortionists who could advertise the drug. In vibrant, colorful imagery, Tom captures bodies in action—bending, twisting and contorting themselves in shapes to mimic the structure of the ocular wall. It’s a visually elegant presentation targeting the efficacy of the drug in a natural and holistic way—easy on the eye you might say. The promotion is appearing now online at the XIPERE site and their Social Media. See more and follow Tom’s work @tomhusseyphotography.
Claudio Napolitano Lights Up “Les Miserables” Promotion for Mexico City
Claudio Napolitano, the award-winning international master of light and motion, has focused his talents on the official promotion for the “Les Miserables” production in Mexico City. The stunning imagery shot on location in the theater uses a mixture of natural and strobe lighting and has been produced in strict accordance with the play’s London standards. Claudio collaborated closely with the show’s lighting team and worked from the original stage and light design to recreate a fantasy between reality and the world of the play. It’s like looking into a fabulous theatrical dollhouse with the actors on site in every scene getting ready with props and costumes to put on a show.
“There is always a hero in each story”—Claudio is our hero for this one. See more of his unique perspective on all things @claudionapolitano.
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.
Tom Hussey Creates a Digital Experience for Avocados from Mexico with Drew Brees for the 2022 Big Game
No matter who goes home with a trophy on February 13, 2022, we know who the real winner is. Tom Hussey transforms brand building with his multifaceted digital campaign specifically created for the 2022 Big Game for Avocados from Mexico (AFM), now in a new partnership with eCommerce Acceleration platform MikMak. Titled “House of Goodness,” the AFM Digital Experience is hosted by former star quarterback Drew Brees who gives visitors a welcoming first-hand look into the “always good” world of avocados. Tom created the vibrant imagery and footage populating a virtual home featuring several unique spaces and experiences that consumers can navigate, including: taking a selfie with Brees, watching the brand’s Big Game TV spot, discovering new guacamole recipes, purchasing avocados directly at the many shoppable touchpoints across the platform and providing in-store QR codes that drive directly to the brand’s website.
Covering print, video spots, digital and in-store promotion, Tom’s innovative and integrated approach combines the best of brand performance using data, technology and lively visuals in a digital space. The campaign has been profiled in ADWEEK, Marketing Dive and other various trade/media outlets. Follow Tom for more updates and stories @tomhusseyphotography.
Click on Drew Brees below to Welcome You to the Big Game Kitchen
Click on the GUAC ZONE to see Drew Brees Welcome You to the Big Game Game Room
We're on the Road with Tom Hussey: City on Ice at the Ice Fishing Extravaganza Tournament
(Note: Shot prior to the pandemic.)
A few years ago, Tom decided he was going to travel to shoot personal work once a month—ambitious but doable. One January, he decided to go to the world’s largest Ice Fishing Tournament — The ICE FISHING EXTRAVAGANZA at Hole in the Day Bay, on Gull Lake, just north of Brainerd, Minnesota.
He hired a local assistant, also an ice fisherman, who was a great help since he was driving a two-ton pickup truck out on to a completely frozen lake with 20,000 holes drilled into the ice. Think Swiss cheese—a nerve-racking experience. Once he reached the “City on Ice” he was amazed at the over 18,000 fishermen on the ice, ready for the minus 10-degree weather—a warmer year he was told. “Photographing the fishermen and the ice-fishing lifestyle made me truly appreciate the sport and the camaraderie of the participants,” he says. The ICE FISHING EXTRAVAGANZA is a charitable event awarding over $150,000.00 in prizes to the contestants while raising over $1 million to the area and local charities. Next tournament is January 22, 2022. See more of Tom’s Ice Fishing Imagery here and find more updates @tomhusseyphotography.
We're on the Road with Tom Hussey: Magic at The Candlelight Lounge
“New Orleans life is such a night life. The thing that comes up very often is that our day doesn’t start until midnight or two in the morning.” Robert Asprin, American Author
It’s late and we were looking for a Second Line Band to photograph with no luck. We are deep in the heart of New Orleans’ Treme district. We stop and ask a man, who introduces himself as Oswald, if there’s anywhere close by that has live music? He points across the street to a faded yellow building. His son’s band is playing later.
The lounge is one big room, a bar, pool table and a large painted dance floor. The bartender says they got the best live music in NOLA. Around 10:30PM the bass line kicks in and the room begins to move. The band is the Treme Funktet— no playlist just old-school New Orleans music mixed with brass band, funk and some mainstream jazz. The group leader, Corey Henry, is royalty here and known for a Treme-born style of funk based in the New Orleans Second Line tradition.
Sound bounces off the plywood ceiling as the whole room seems to move to the bass line groove. It’s getting late, but there’s no set time for the band to quit. We pay our tab and head back to the hotel as more people are pouring in. The Candlelight Lounge is the beating heart of the last live music in the Treme.
See Tom’s full gallery of images from the Candlelight Lounge here, and be sure to follow @tomhusseyphotography for more updates and stories.
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.
Scott Montgomery Gets Personal with "Keep It for Her”
Parenting is universal: We aspire to do everything we can right… and carry it heavy when it doesn’t work out that way.” This 22-second short is everything I love in working with kids and inspired by my daughters,” says Scott.
Production: Dad and daughter are talent, not related and just met, though you wouldn’t know it. “It helps for me working with kids to be in dad mode as much as director — to play with and surprise her. Kids on set don’t need to act, just the opportunity to be themselves through a reaction.” Scott wrote the script and recorded separately. Camera Talent: Ian Randolph and Irelynn Joy. Voice Talent: Thomas Copeland. “Keep It for Her” has also been featured on the Workbook Weekly News. See more work and follow Scott @scott_mont.
Click on the image below to see “Keep It for Her.”
Agent Doug Truppe Presents The Creative Corner: Andy Goodwin Talks with Robert Frolich of Filtre Studio
Andy and Robert Frolich of Filtre Studio have worked on dozens of projects together. In this conversation they talk about their creative process and show samples of their award-winning collaborations using photography, compositing and CGI with a focus on the popular “Queen for a Day” series.
We hope you enjoy the sessions and would love to hear from you. If you are an industry creative and would like to participate and get your voice and ideas out there, feel free to contact us: hello@dougtruppe.com. Follow Andy @agoodwinphoto.
Click on the Image below to Start the Conversation.
Robert Frolich of Filtre Studio (left) talks with Andy Goodwin (right).
Tom Hussey Captures Baby Love for Pampers
LOVE is in the air and on the set of P&G’s Pampers. Working his magic and reaping the rewards as he hams it up for his talent, Tom is a pro at getting babies to give up those smiles and expressions of cherubic joy and comfort. Diapers are everywhere, but Tom captures the moment and makes it easy for the client cast and crew—like the brand. See more stories and follow Tom @tomhusseyphotography.
Agent Doug Truppe Presents The Creative Corner: Photographer/Director Scott Montgomery Talks with Ari Wells, Founder and CCO of Hearth Agency
Scott Montgomery talks with client and friend Ari Wells, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Hearth Agency in San Diego, about achieving “the moment” in the collaborative process on set and behind the scenes.
We hope you enjoy the sessions and would love to hear from you. If you are an industry creative and would like to participate, get your voice and ideas out there, feel free to contact us: hello@dougtruppe.com. Follow Scott Montgomery @scott_mont.
Click on the Image Below to Start the Conversation.
Scott Montgomery (top) with Ari Wells, Founder of Hearth Agency (bottom).
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.
Tom Hussey Creates a Lasting Vision for Visionworks
Visionworks essential eye-care for glasses, contact lenses and exams has been a fan of Tom’s work for years. They keep coming back because they love what they see. Great team work, expert coordination of large casts with dozens of wardrobe changes and hundreds of pairs of glasses to choose from, Tom rolls with the spontaneous to capture real personalities. It’s always a fun-filled project with a whirlwind of activity built on Tom’s enthusiasm and creative collaboration.
The images seen here are from a variety of campaigns shot recently and over the past few years in studio and on location. They appear as in-store graphics, on the Visionworks website and throughout their Social Media channels. Follow Tom on Instagram to see more updates and personal work.
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.
