Magazine Work Sometimes Does Beget Advertising Jobs:
PDN’s Behind The Lens Features Roy Ritchie’s Ford Mustang Photography

Thursday December 3rd, 2009

A year or so back, PDN contacted us looking for stories of photographers whose editorial work landed them advertising jobs. We had a few in mind, but the connection is not always so clear because art buyers may not always be aware of the first time they see a photographer’s work.

In the case of our Detroit photographer, Roy Ritchie, he was “discovered” by agency Team Detroit after their creatives saw his work in a local magazine  (Hour Detroit):

Ford Motors was looking for a looser interpretation of their typical automotive photography and Ritchie, whose work focuses more on portraits and lifestyle, appealed to their need to create a more emotional connection between driver and car.

That’s part of the reason why PDN featured Roy in their “Behind the Lens” column in November (p. 74, if you have the print edition handy):

Roy’s been shooting the campaign worldwide over the course of the year, and it’s funny that Team Detroit’s Whitney Jenkins is quoted in PDN as saying, “My biggest frustration through the whole program is I have too much to choose from.”

“He’s told me that a few times,” according to Wonderful Machine producer, Jess Dudley, “but in a good way.” Jess has handled much of the bidding process for Ritchie, as well as on-set producing in Arizona earlier this year.

Roy’s work appears on full-page inside cover print ads in leading magazines, as well as on Ford’s website devoted to the new Mustang, whose videos and images appeal to a hipper audience than you might imagine:

Ford even had a contest, inviting people to submit their idea for a dream drive in a Mustang, and the winners were offered a ride. And yes, Queen Latifah (above) is a lifetime Mustang fan. Roy Ritchie photographed her taking the car for a spin, and the website has videos as well.

You can see more of Roy’s editorial and commercial work on his website. He’s a Detroit photographer with Wonderful Machine.

-Neil Binkley

Let’s Start With A Tribute To The Ladies…

Friday October 16th, 2009

Rainer Elstermann / Germany
Portraiture / Conceptual / Fashion / Kids / Lifestyle / Animals
www.rainerelstermann.de

Grew up in West-Berlin during the Cold War. Got into photography in the early 80′s, after his uncle got him a darkroom to develop his Super 8 art films. Enjoys painting as a hobby. Says a lot of his work is influenced by Flemish art from the 15th Century. Sees cooking as a time to relax.

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Tim De Frisco / Denver
Action & Adventure / Sports & Fitness / Still Life / Fashion
www.defrisco.com

Never quite liked the Boy Scouts. Only job outside of photography: cleaning swimming pools in the OC. Once got his camera sucked under a Zamboni while shooting a US Figure Skating pairs team. (His sync cord was white and camouflaged by the ice). Known for his celebrity imitations.

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Michael Nemeth / Detroit
Corporate / Portraiture / Institutional
www.michaelnemeth.com

Photojournalism major, sidetracked with a potential music career. Stuck with photography (thankfully). Moved to NYC. Paid his dues learning from the best. Ended up in Ohio. Now brands himself as a Midwest photographer. Has been in American Photography 18,19 and 22.

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Max Dolberg / San Diego
Photojournalism / Institutional
www.maxdolberg.com

Went to kindergarten in Geneva, Switzerland. Learned to speak fluent French in a matter of months. Can’t speak a lick of it now. In his 20′s, Max played bass in a punk band and toured the country in a van. Shot his 2nd book on tattooing, which is being released soon. More on that here.

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Leapers, Tarmacs, Peepers, and Flowery Actresses

Monday July 13th, 2009

Ray Demski / France
Action & Adventure / Sports & Fitness / Youth Culture / Portraiture
www.raydemski.com

He’s someone who likes to move. Spent five years sailing around the world. Ray’s love for action photography began after shooting several world champion breakdance competitions. Always working with dancers and athletes. Probably why MTV and Red Bull like to collaborate with him.

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Frank Rogozienski / San Diego
Industrial / Corporate / Institutional / Kids / Reportage
www.frankrogozienski.com

Just wrapped up his 366 | 08" project, shooting and exhibiting a different photo each day for an entire (leap) year. Very interested in photographing blue collar workers, especially in relation to the fields of green and renewable energy. 2009 PDN Photo Annual winner. See his blog for more.

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Nathan Garcia / Detroit
Still Life / Conceptual / Fashion / Landscape
www.nathangarciaphoto.com

Born in Manila. Moved to Ann Arbor when he was 12. Married to great woman from Poland. Has two cats, one of whom ("EB", short for "Eight Ball") is 23 lbs.! Loves to eat and cook spicy foods. Recommends the Philippines for your next vacation, especially the white sand beaches.

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Max S. Gerber / Los Angeles
Portraiture / Celebrity / Music / Kids / Institutional / Corporate
www.msgphoto.com

Interviewed by Charlie Rose about his book on children living with heart disease. Likes hot chocolate, even though he lives in 80-degree weather. Also appealing: Lyle Lovett songs, panoramic cameras, and games that appeal to 14 yr. old nerds. He’s good with deadlines.

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