Happy Valentine's Day

As we dip our toes into images that move, one big, bold thing remains the same…we seek the uniqueness in each of our subjects.

This gal impressed us during an audition we held in our studio.  Her energy, enthusiasm and clear desire for “Fashion Diva-ness” inspired us to design this shoot around her.

Our own transition from seeing in still images toward seeing in motion is beginning to take shape.  And we are thrilled by the opportunities.

Hope you enjoy our take on a bit of holiday cheer!

It’s always so meaningful to receive a thank-you note…especially when it’s
1) handwritten
2) for what was essentially a professional experiment.

Here’s what our first ever video client had to say about working with us:

Time to Say Good-Bye

Today turns over a new leaf. Much of the gear that fueled our business for many of the past years has been sold. It’s perfectly fine equipment and very serviceable. But it’s no longer of use to us, made obsolete by faster, sharper, cheaper and less fussy equipment.

Gone are the days when placing a Hasselblad on your tripod meant instant status. The images produced by the Zeiss glass and larger format did the trick back in the film era and early days of the digital revolution.  And while those cameras and lenses were beastly expensive to buy, they were workhorses that functioned perfectly with very rare exception. And when things would occasionally break, they were imminently repairable. And they didn’t need software upgrades every year or so.

Tens of thousands of dollars were poured into acquiring the pile of gear you see in the photo. We could count on the longevity and quality of the investment to come back to us without fail. Much of what you see here has been useful and been put to work for 15 years or more, in some cases. The gear held its value for years after its purchase.

It is, however, time to say good-bye. For my whole professional life, up to this point, I shot with Hasselblad gear. I had used Horseman 4×5 and Nikon, but my first choice tended to be the Hasselblad.  Now the only thing left in our studio emblazoned with that fabulous Hasselblad logo is a cinch-top lens bag…perfect, for carrying something other than a ‘Blad lens.

Today, there are many new pieces of gear we own. And what they are capable of doing is almost magical.

But when you put them on the tripod, they just don’t have that Ooh-Aah-Hasselblad wow factor!  No worries, it’s really always been about the image-wow-factor anyhow.  And the new tools we have just make that easier to create.

-by Geo

This past weekend, an event called “Art al Fresco” happened in Columbus, Ohio. Artists made spontaneous art in public places, starting conversations and evoking responses from people passing by. I was proud to be a small part of this, when 3 B&W photos from my “About Face: The Art of Being Human” series were chosen for display.

Additionally, these photos are “teasers” for another upcoming community building art effort, the “Columbus: Inside Out Project.”  It will be a group endeavor as part of the worldwide initiative known as “Inside Out.”  Inspired by the artist/photographer JR, winner of the 2011 TED prize, who said “I wish for you to stand up for what you care about by participating in a global art project, and together we’ll turn the world…INSIDE OUT.” Six other Columbus-based photographers and I will be capturing portraits of local volunteers from all walks of life this Saturday 9/17/2011 at COSI from 10am until 12pm.  The resulting prints will be posted around town in public places. The hope is to create a feeling of community through the display of these portraits in areas accessible to all.

More info about the Columbus:  Inside Out Project at http://tedxcolumbus.com/2011/09/inside-out/

More info about JR’s global Inside Out Project at http://www.tedprize.org/jr-2011-ted-prize-winner/

-by Jules

Summer is a great time to capture evocative images. Everyone can relate to the sweet simplicity summertime brings to mind.  School’s out, days are long, temperatures are pleasant.  The livin’ is easy!

It doesn’t get much simpler than fun times in the sprinkler.  Just ask this boy.  Hopefully you won’t have to, maybe the picture tells it all.

For photographers, making something appear to be simple can actually be pretty involved.  Here’s a 2.5 minute video from the above shoot where the object was to photograph some community members with the wind turbines they helped engineer and facilitate…caution, there is a soundtrack so you might want to adjust your volume settings!

Behind the Scenes with George C. Anderson Photography from George C. Anderson on Vimeo.

by Geo

I’m currently teaching at Columbus College of Art and Design as an adjunct. The class is Fashion/Portrait Studio. The students are wonderfully engaged, and I enjoy the opportunity to bring some real world experience to the classroom. So I was pleased when Amy Morgan, Make-Up/Wardrobe Stylist, offered to come in and do a demo. I called up Carol Mosic at CAM Talent to see if she could spare someone, and she was able to provide Myrishka H. for us.

The demo progressed perfectly, and many of the students were pushing for dramatic colors. Amy did the basics, then went on to a more “colorful” approach. Each eye was done in a different color and style, as an experiment. Of course I took some photos.

It was only after I was looking at the photos that I decided to see what Myrishka might have looked like with symmetrical make-up.

In Photoshop, I copied the image to another layer, flopped that layer horizontally, and then masked out half of the face. The results, as you can see below, are surprising!

A big THANKS! goes out to Amy Morgan and CAM Talent. I couldn’t have done it without you!

by Geo

This time of year, we often think about giving back and helping others with any special skills we may have. One way I’ve found to satisfy that desire is to offer my photographic services, pro-bono, to certain worthy causes. When it comes to entering into pro-bono projects, I remember some sage advice that a prominent designer once gave me. He basically said to work for free only if it’s your very best work. This is not to say that my attitude is “my way or the highway,”  but instead, to seek causes I feel strongly about and discuss an approach that will work for their needs as well as allow me creative freedom.  A pro-bono project should be seen as an opportunity to expand your creative horizons and do work that comes from the heart and goes straight into the portfolio.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana has allowed me to do just that. I believe in their mission, and they give me opportunities to make meaningful, compelling images. We are both grateful for the chance to work together.

As you may imagine, the Wish child’s family dynamic is quite different than the “norm.” I have seen some of the most touching moments between siblings on these shoots. Everyone realizes every second is special. There are few sibling rivalries as other families may have.

The Wish kids have also endured endless hours in hospitals, being poked and stuck, and told to hold still. They are the most compliant subjects I have ever worked with.  Their photo sessions provide a moment for them and their families to forget their troubles and be made to feel beautiful and special for all the “right” reasons.

Some of these images have won awards in local design and ad club competitions over the years. But the rewards are far greater than that.  I have had opportunities to meet truly fantastic families, immortalize moments in time, and express my creative vision in ways not always possible on commercial projects.

Many of these children go on to lead full, fruitful lives.  Sadly, some do not.  I feel lucky to have been a part of these kids’ lives if even for a few minutes.  One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received was when one Wish family contacted me to ask permission to use my photo of their son on his gravestone.

Working on this pro-bono project has been immensely meaningful to me, personally and professionally.  Consider reaching out and do your very own special work.

This image was chosen to be etched on this child's gravestone. I can think of no greater honor.