Factory Photography

I had a project earlier this year photographing in a factory that produced Bush Hogs, among other things. Everything seemed to flow through the factory as if in a choreographed dance. It was a busy day. We had to wear shoes with metatarsal protection because of all the heavy things moving around in the plant. We were busy and made quite a few photographs. I am always interested in your thoughts.

3D Location Photography

3D printing is the future. I got a little glimpse of It recently while shooting at an Ann Arbor firm that does 3D printing. I photographed their process and final products. They print in plastic and metal. It’s absolutely fascinating; a little like science fiction. One of the favorite things about my job is the peek into compelling worlds that I would never otherwise see. Let me know what you think!

Jewelry Photography on White

This photograph is from a shoot Richard and I did a while ago. Not all pictures need to be dramatic, some only need to display the jewelry and describe it visually. One can think of this as an illustration, I suppose—but it still has to be attractive. It’s convenient for me that Richard makes beautiful jewelry. As always, I'm interested in what you think.

Drop Forged Parts

These parts are made for Harley motorcycles. They get machined in the next production step, which makes them shiny and more photogenic. Nonetheless, even at this stage they are way prettier than when they come out of the press. I like the perspective and texture. What do you think?

Old Tool

Back when this was made, a tool was something one used to get work done. Today it can have the same meaning, but it also has other meanings. I’m captivated to the shape, texture and color. It feels like it could have been in the hands of cranky old plumber with a magical connection to pipes. What do you think it’s story is?

It's a Box (or rectangular prism)

Lead-acid batteries have been the standard in cars since the beginning. They are rectangular prisms too. This is a lithium-ion battery, so it's smaller and lighter. But still a box! The orange background helps it out. What do you think?

A Wrench in the Works

That’s how I feel about plumbing. Is it really not leaking? Why is this thingie the wrong size? Rats, I’ve got to go back to the store again. No Fun! 

On the other hand low-key images with lots of texture make me smile. Either it’s a metaphor for midwest industry, or just a couple of old monkey wrenches. Regardless, I like the color and feel of the image. Let me know how you feel.

Small Cog in a Big Machine

We are all part of a larger whole. The scope of the larger whole is sometimes difficult to fathom. In this case, these are pulleys, not cogs, and they have a bit of silicone or rubber to absorb shock and vibration. Smoothing out the bumps seems like a good idea in many contexts.I like the way the translucent silicone looks. It's always fascinating how industrial parts are beautiful objects with the right perspective and lighting. 

Rust

It’s a C clamp, but it looks more like G to me. It usually lives in my basement. 

I really like low-key images. Shape, volume, and texture all working together to create mystery and drama. You can read your own meaning into the picture. Me, I just like the feeling, the power of the metal, and the possibility of a story.

Business Casual Portrait

Your image is for you to decide. You can be all buttoned up, literally and figuratively, or a little looser and more approachable. Many companies choose for you and have dressing requirements. We've done photography for clients who had all their executives wear white shirts with no tie, others a suit and tie, and still others like the photo above. Let me know what you think. 

Attorney Portraits

In the course of my work I often photograph lawyers. For attorneys, putting your name, and face, out there is a crucial step in acquiring new clients. Websites, PR releases, business cards, and social media all benefit from a good portrait.  Headshots like this one can be used to fill various needs. If it's cropped tight, it will work for a LinkedIn profile. Cropped vertically, it would work for a PR release. I am always interested in your thoughts.

Diversity at Toyota

I had a project earlier this year highlighting diversity at Toyota near Ann Arbor. It was an exciting project, and the subjects were all extraordinary women. Men have long dominated engineering. Diversity in both gender and ethnicity bring new perspectives and creativity to solve the problems encountered building cars.

We had a small crew and excellent art direction.  As always, I am interested in your thoughts.

Old Saw

My next-door neighbor has a lot of interesting old stuff. His door was open recently, and I saw this table saw. It's a working saw, my neighbor still uses it. I was drawn to the colors and textures. It feels like it's hiding wisdom. I asked him if I could borrow it for a few hours. I'm interested in your thoughts.

Construction Photography

Location Photography has its share of challenges. There are lots of things you cannot control, weather large among them.  On this day it was snowing and below freezing all day. We persisted and ended up with lots of good photography—the result of a great client and crew. Let me know what you think.

Playing with Toys

The goal of The Bottomless Toy Chest, is giving toys to children that are in the hospital with cancer. This is the third year they’ve asked for some help with photography for the “No-Show Black Tie” fundraiser. This would be a no-brainer even if Micky & Cindy weren’t loads of fun to work with. Unsurprisingly, toys are the subject. Micky & Cindy did all of the hard work of finding the dolls and props. First, go make a donation, then, let me know what you think.

Carwash

Somebody has to make the brushes that clean your car at the carwash. We spent a day shooting a carwash door that moves up and down quickly to keep the heat in during the winter months, and some brushes. The door was beautiful, but I took a liking to the brushes. Red, graphic, and oddly organic looking, this one reminds me of a sea creature. All in all, it was a great day with a great client, excellent art direction and a stellar crew.

Robots!

We recently finished a project photographing the Litter-Robot 3 Connect in grey. It's always a pleasure to work with this company. It's a great crew and a great product – such a great product I gifted a Litter-Robot to my son and daughter-in-law for Christmas last year. The robot keeps their tiny Brooklyn apartment odor free. Their cats, Andie and Dosa, love to sit and watch it rotate!

Handmade

How to communicate hand-craftsmanship in a photograph? Hands! Specifically, the hands of the maker. I’ve been making photographs of Richard’s hands with his jewelry for over twenty years. I love the juxtaposition of his dirty working hands and the intricate shiny metal. The contrast between Richard’s dark hands and the bright jewelry makes the product pop. I’m always interested in your thoughts.

The Bottomless Toy Chest

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the the last “No-Show Black Tie” fund raiser. The Bottomless Toy Chest delivers art projects, crafts and interactive games to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients. Toys are the subject again. It sorta fits. This is a Mr. Potato Head year. It was lots of fun playing toys and taking photos. We should all be heading over to The Bottomless Toy Chest do donate. Do it!

Shiny Tools

I love photographing shiny things. Kinda doesn't matter what it is. Cars, jewelry, industrial parts or tools, as long as it’s Shiny. I photographed this tap on a white background and put in the blue handmade paper in post production. I’m always interested in what you think.