Come Shoot with Us- Hold on to Your Creative Freedom

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.

Walter Smith: A Work in Progress

“It’s not about the photography, it’s what we talk about.”

Walter Smith’s work has never been about cameras or lights. It's always, every project, has been about the conversation in the room....what happens between the subjects and Walter. Following his intuition ... adjusting the conversation to a place where vulnerability meets vulnerability. Having the confidence to know when to adjust a shoot to get to a place where the images create themselves.

“My ego is in check and ready to do the work.”

I used to joke that my ego kept me from doing things within the industry but the truth is it was a wavering confidence in my instincts and intuition I got over it years ago and have always worked, whether in video or stills, from a place of authenticity and honesty.” Those are two words Walter does not use lightly. They go hand in hand with confidence and a desire to always learn and to grow...to be better and to find new connections wherever he goes. He is consumed by all things visual and is always in search of the perfect negroni. See what Walter does and listen to that inner voice here. Keep up with his latest work and insights @waltersmithphoto.

Jim Hughes Presents a Way of Life AT 82

Jim Hughes documents his mom and dad’s favorite getaway cabin on beautiful Lake Minocqua in Wisconsin. It’s a place the family visits for its natural beauty, great home cooked meals, fishing, swimming, hiking, relaxation, good conversation and rejuvenation.

This is Jim’s story of his mom and dad AT 82.

At 82, mom and dad still cook wonderful meals, have a glass of wine or two and make sure they have dinner together every day.

At 82, mom and dad are very tech saavy and work on their laptops and smart phones to keep up with finances, writing, news reading and even do some writing.They still work together at least 5 days a week in personal benefits world, life and health insurance and estate planning.

At 82, mom works on her 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle ( something I could never do at any age) and will finish it in a matter of days.

At 82, they appreciate and care for their environment.

At 82, dad goes fishing with his favorite water-loving companion.

At 82, mom and dad love to take their lawn chairs down to the pier, look out over the lake and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

At 82, they are still full throttle, love life and look forward to tomorrow. See more stories and many other projects from Jim at his site, and follow him for his latest updates and news @jimhughesphoto.

Dad fishing with his favorite water-loving companion.

A portrait in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Mom and Dad enjoying their life at their cabin at Lake Minocqua.

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.

Walter Smith: An Unexpected Document of My Parents' Lives

Walter Smith has been photographing his mother and father in their later years. It is a story of changes, challenges and selfless love, even if coming a bit late in their lives. He shares his experiences below in thoughtful words and imagery everyone can relate to today.

I've stumbled into documenting my parents over the years. A simple portrait here and there has started adding up to something more like a story. I like having the images...seeing them change...seeing how I've changed. I've never been sure when a series is complete....maybe it never ends and just transitions to something else.

This is my mother. She has been the woman at the sink hand washing every dish because a dishwasher will not get them clean. She spent 80% of her day at that counter...at that window. She started to develop an issue with her heart, and I watched as my father anxiously and tenderly took care of her in the hospital. Their relationship changed after that. As my mother became a bit less like my mother, my father became someone kinder and more patient than the person I grew up with. It has been beautiful to watch.

My mother's mobility started to wane as did her thought process. They had to leave their larger home and downsize to something more manageable. She angrily walked around in a housecoat and swept every inch of their old home just before they left for a new place. She has not forgiven my father for "making them move." She has not forgiven the family that neglected to pay her 80 years ago when she babysat for them. She has large gaps in her memory, and as they grow so does my father's patience. It’s Alzheimer's or dementia. She shuffles now...she talks of bitterness regarding her loss of independence. She asks Rhea to fix the dropped stitches in the potholders she tries to knit. My father continues to find compassion and patience and loves her for who she was and who she now is. That's their marriage. See more of the story here.

Be sure to check out more of Walter’s work at his new site Follow him @waltersmithphoto. Find more news and updates for us @dougtruppe.

Mom in the hospital with a heart condition, and my father watching over her.

Mom sweeping her old home before moving into the new place.

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.

Walter Smith: New Year, New Work, New Site

Many photographers go through a website update every year or two. Add in a few...remove a few...add images from jobs...fight the good fight of client images vs personal images. For Walter, the line between his personal work and client work is often blurred. His curiosity and documentary style of creating work has allowed him to work with clients from the pharma world to industrial clients. His response when clients ask him to describe his process is always the same... it's about the conversation in the room...the relationship with the talent...the trust of clients. Have a look at the new site and see how he puts this into practice. For more new work follow @waltersmithphoto. Follow us for more updates @dougtruppe.

See Walter’s past year in review below.

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.

Welcome to the Truppe: Kevin Arnold Photography

The projects may vary, but Kevin Arnold’s focus remains the same: create alluring imagery that not only gets it right technically, but also hits you in the gut emotionally. Based in Vancouver, BC, he travels the world photographing and directing lifestyle, landscape and industrial advertising imagery for clients such as MillerCoors, Mercedes-Benz, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Arctic Cat Snowmobiles.

Before becoming a professional photographer, Kevin worked as an editor and travel writer for magazines such as Outside, Men’s Journal and Adbusters. Now living in a more visual world, he still relies on his journalistic instincts but creates the good stories with a camera.

Kevin’s toolkit—meticulous planning, attention to detail, the confidence to improvise and take risks—allows scenes to unfold naturally. Moments of discovery and spontaneity are captured in real-time action like a breath of fresh air. Inspired by his energy, we are thrilled to welcome Kevin Arnold Photography to the Truppe. Visit Kevin’s site to see more of his imagery and stories, and follow him @kevinarnoldphoto. Follow us on Instagram here.

Yukon Overland is a series of images created for Woods, a Canadian outdoor brand that specializes in camping supplies and travel gear.

Coors Light campaign created for ARC Worldwide in Chicago for MillerCoors International.

From Tombstone Image Collection. A fine art print collection of aerial images shot in Canada’s far north.

Dennis Welsh Is Profiled in Luerzer’s Archive

Have a look at this fascinating Luerzer’s Archive interview with Dennis Welsh. His passion for his craft is matched only by the passion he has for the people he photographs.

Read Luerzer’s Who’s Who here. And follow Dennis for more stories and updates @denniswelshphoto

Award-winning West Virginia Coal Miners project.

West Texas cattle grazing the traditional way from field to field.

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.

Andy Goodwin Returns to Driftless for More Artisan Portraiture

As part of Andy’s ongoing project of taking portraits of some of the many wonderful artists in Wisconsin’s Driftless region, he made a special trip to photograph John Walte and his wife Pam Callahan who he had heard so much about. Like Andy, they are originally from Chicago but now live in one of those lush rolling valleys that he has come to love up here. Besides their beautiful art work (Pam - Painter, John - Photographer), they have also become stewards of their 150-acre farm and have taken on the responsibility of a "post-agriculture eco-transformation.” Making friends has become as important as taking pictures on this pro bono project, and Andy can’t wait to get back in the spring to spend more time exploring this magical place. See more of the Driftless community here. Follow Andy @agoodwinphoto for more updates and stories.

Laura Annis - Multidimensional Painter, Woodworker and Welder

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.

Cowbouy and dogs on range-C-188-S-3374.jpg

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.

Andy Goodwin Showcases the Artisans of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region

Once upon a real time, an adventurous photographer named Andy Goodwin visited an area of SW Wisconsin known as the Driftless Area. It was called Driftless because it was untouched by glaciers, allowing the landscape to stay lush, rolling and a bit magical. The natural beauty of the region attracted a wide range of artists who live and practice their crafts to this day in rustic cottages, barns and old schools in towns with names like Spring Green, Baraboo and Mineral Point. The community creates everything from furniture and sculptures to beautiful pottery and paintings, opening its doors to the public for the Annual Art Tour where visitors can watch the creations being made.

Andy started documenting the artists at their crafts and became known to the community for his goodwill and pro-bono work which helped to promote their passions. In exchange, he received a creative shot in the arm, gratitude, new friendships, some wonderful art and the opportunity to show personal work at a local gallery.

Andy’s portraiture is like a kiss, and we all get to share in the moment and enjoy the community’s spirit.. The Moral: Great work is timeless. It reflects expert skills, a universal feel, trust in ourselves and the kindness of others to let it happen. “Driftless” is an ongoing project. Andy will be back and plans to promote the series in a gallery show, a book presentation and more multi-platform venues to spread the story across the land. See more portraits from “Driftless” here. And follow Andy @goodwinphoto.