Paige Glidden - Newest Rep to join Elizabeth Pojé + Associates

Meet Paige Glidden! 

Elizabeth Pojé + Associates have gained a new associate! This past year we have added new artists to our roster, a New York City based Rep, and now we’ve locked down the states with our new MidWest addition to the Rep team, Paige Glidden.

To get know Paige here are some important things to know - 

“I'm a midwest girl. I was born in Kansas City, MO and moved to Chicago a few years ago. I'll always love KC, but I'm definitely more of Chicago Girl!”. She seems to have a knack for livin’ life with good company by her side. 

Meet Puddle! 

The two and half pound chihuahua and her constant companion. “We go everywhere and do everything together. He goes to the office, to meetings, screenings, restaurants, movies, Cubs Games, the dentist, everywhere. If I'm there, Puddle is at my side. There are people in the industry that can't remember my name, but absolutely know Puddle.”

With our emails back and forth from beachside in Puerto Vallarta, the answer to cooking, wine, dancing, quality comforts, and family time, plus travel is “Si!”.  Paige says “My husband and I both travel for work regularly, so we love to be able to get away together. We come down here a few times per year, but we also love Europe. We went to the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo this spring, and we absolutely adore Paris.” 

The living a life full of rich experiences is what draws her to art -  the moment created in front of you in live performance, galleries showing an artists actual brush work and emotions they hold, and with photography you have a person who was able to steal a glimpse of life and capture it to communicate. 

Paige’s roots are in production and was first approached by Kevin Banna to have her represent him as a director in Chicago. She says “Before too long, I was repping his photography as well and I was hooked.” We met Paige by means of having Kevin Banna wanting to join our roster of artists - widening his and Paige's reach. “While I represent Kevin Banna in Chicago and throughout the midwest, he was interested in seeking representation on the West Coast too. He'd kept a close eye on Elizabeth for several years, always admiring her work and her roster. He introduced us and Elizabeth and I hit it off right away! I'm so excited to be on her team!” 

She says “My favorite part of being a rep is meeting new people. I love it! I love getting to know people, understanding their relationships and work, discovering all of the cool unexpected connections and seeing what all of these great creatives come up with for campaigns. 

I also love getting to know each of my artists. Seeking out projects that fit their styles and points of view, watching their work evolve and change. And let's be honest- client happy hours aren't bad either!” 

Paige(and Puddle) are a little slice of life that is well welcomed in Elizabeth Pojé + Associates - she’s going to help us fill that MidWest open space up with good work and good art. Keep in touch with her and Puddle on instagram - @P.Gliddy and @HeyPuddle.

Adrian Mueller Wins Industry Attention - Behind the Scenes of the Costa Sunglasses Campaign

Attention is turning toward our New York based photographer Adrian Mueller. Whether its winning awards with his own creative imagery, like this month’s Feature Shoot Award of summer location photos (http://www.fabrik-studios.com/location/thumbs), the 2015 Graphis Advertising Awards for his work with Maker's Mark, his selection as a finalist in this years Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year Awards in London, or being one of the few selected for Communication Art’s Photography Annual 2015 for his work with Costa Sunglasses - Adrian Mueller is certainly grabbing the attention of viewers and industry professionals alike. 

 You may have received your copy of the Communication Arts Advertising Annual or could be anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. When it’s in your hands, flip through it until you find a bold crisp image of a giant fish with shiny colorful scales. This is made entirely of sunglasses and has earned Adrian Mueller the recognition this epic hands-on shoot deserves. When the agency working with Costa Sunglasses contacted Adrian Mueller, their initial idea consisted of using 6 sunglass parts to make a small fish. Adrian immediately had something bigger in mind.

The agency was ready to work on a Bass, Swordfish, and Tarpon and with this new bigger fish idea, the talk of CGI naturally came up. Adrian offered to bid this out either as CGI or Photography, but continually came back to the desire to make these fish from sunglasses and sunglass parts only, with the smallest amount of post production as possible -  keeping the photography to be the place for art and craftsmanship and for creating a piece that could be hung on a wall, just like a taxidermy trophy fish so sought after by sports fishermen. They hired Mark Borow, incredible prop man and art department champion to help figure out how many pieces they would need and how to build and achieve the structure of the fish. 

Costa-making of Bluefin Tuna from Adrian Mueller on Vimeo.

photographer: adrian mueller
model maker: mark borow
art director: tim cole
creative director: james mikus
ad agency: mcgarrah jessee inc.
client: costa

They started with a styrofoam body Mark built and attached the sunglass pieces to the form. It was soon evident that each fish required a custom lighting set up made with custom built diffusion material. Also, the lenses needed to be painted on the non-reflective side, so you wouldn't see the glue lines.  It became a game of color and light science. Each lens had to be painted a different color to achieve the true reflection color. Blue lenses with black backing paint made them reflect green! Achieving the accurate reflection colored depended on whether the backside of each lens was painted black, white or an entirely different color.
Once the color and light science was figured out, there was the actual task of building these true to scale fish. Each sunglass piece and each lens was individually prepared, cut to ideal fit, and placed by hand. After the Costa CEO saw the first three fish in 2011 he immediately said “I want one in my office!” and he wanted the biggest fish he could get. So more shoots were scheduled. The first three fish were big, but still fit in the freight elevator of the studio and could be shipped from NYC (where the shoot took place) to Texas, where the agency is based. The following 2012 and 2014 shoots of sunglass fish were another matter entirely. As all the fish are made to actual size, when the choices of fish got larger (like the Sail fish in the second round), it got too big to ship with a conventional carrier.

Another stroke of creativity was needed - the agency wrangled the popular TV program Shipping Wars to get the massive fish from it’s building and shooting site in NYC to Texas.  Adrian had to get creative in finding a new location to shoot the new fish, since they did not fit in the freight elevator anymore at Noho Productions.  They ended up renting a drive-in studio,  where they could pull right up with these massive fish and unload them on street level into the shooting space. This drive-in studio (Fast Ashleys in Brooklyn) was accustomed to shooting cars at their facility, so when they asked what car they would be photographing, they had to tell them it was not a car at all, but a fish made entirely of Costa Sunglasses, that was almost the length of a car!

When it was all said and done, there were 8 fish total and the award winning 11ft long Blue Fin Tuna is hanging in the CEO’s office in Florida. 

New York City Agent Bridgette O'Leary Has Joined Elizabeth Pojé + Associates

Elizabeth Pojé + Associates consists of - Elizabeth Pojé herself, the reliable and crucial Anne Ertz, and now the delightful Bridgette O’Leary has joined the team in New York City. Bridgette is a fiery creative, photographer, health and wellness buff, and is absolutely engaged with helping people. Her route to representing photographers was a natural addition to her resume of being a helpful, caring creator who works in fields that ask you to connect with the human being you work with. 

Elizabeth has filled her business with creative’s who have similar ways as herself. In that - her roster and team are all unique, driven, and bring an authentic creative personality. But mostly, and to put it simply, are all really really nice people. Bridgette says “she connects with everyone personally” and relationships are such a huge part of what they do. As Bridgette has been “observing that process” of connecting with clients, agencies, and artist and getting to know how Elizabeth works - she’s also getting to know each photographer and how to best advance them. “I intend to expand the opportunities for our entire roster! Be a catalyst for each Photographer’s objective for actualizing new heights of their individual gifts, both in the types of jobs we are winning, in addition to reaching their fiscal goals as well. I revel in building relationships, I seek to spread joy, to ignite confidence and enthusiasm. Indeed it is my goal to attract new clients, provide them with the talent that manifests and expands their vision.”

Bridgette O’Leary has lived in New York City for almost 7 years and is originally from Seattle. So she has been spending her time traveling there this past month and running all over New York City for meetings. It’s provided the opportunity to meet face to face with even more awesome creatives and agencies than before. Having roots in both LA and NYC where so many images are made expands our reach and most importantly - allows for more time for those face to face meetings. 

Photo by Bridgette O'Leary - from the corner of 7th St and Avenue A in the East Village during a storm

As Bridgette and I chat, the same things keep coming up, “bottom line is it’s about relationships”. That and her passion for New York City “This city stops for no one. Therefor you must be clear in your vision, courageous, well trained/conditioned to be prepared for the many variables that are inevitable. You must be flexible! Willing and able to adjust to the shifting ‘current’ of the ‘river’." It is clear how inspiring the city is for her, and the asset it is to have her positive glowing energy on the east coast. “It truly is beautiful how New York will push you to be the best version of you! Conformity is not the norm, If you will allow, New York will distill you down to your very essence and evoke confidence if you are willing to surrender your ego to humility that is founded in knowing your purpose, your vision, your dream.” 

She sees the world from such a nurturing place - she discusses how photography effects people and the range of approaches to image making, “It can be healing. People feel very vulnerable in front of the camera” it has weight and power. She describes how she likes to “keep the camera at my side… get them going on what they are passionate about THEN pick up the camera.” Yet delves into how artists like Helmet Newton are the exact opposite - so rigid and structured it would crack them open. This shows her understanding of that unique creative spirit and style everyone has. She describes different photographers on the roster as “so bright and juicy”, “an artist and humanitarian”, “such a clear and distilled style”, or “mind blowingly innovative”. Her spark, keen observation, and connection to the people she works with provides a real sense of appreciation for having Bridgette O’Leary on our team.

Kevin Necessary Talks Traveling For Work

Kevin Necessary shared with us his work from a studio shoot in Beijing and Shanghai China and his own street photography. 

“I have been to China before for shooting. The most interesting thing to me is the diversity between living in the city and living just outside. You go from Ferrari's to hoarse drawn food carts in a hurry. The lifestyle of people in the city is full of commercial shops and outside is family and friends, thats why I like it out side.”

I asked him what some differences were shooting in studio and with clients in other places like China as opposed to hometown Los Angeles. Turns out there are many. Craft services “One day it was fermented fish heads with goose intestine soup. Luckily I speak mandarine so I order out.” as well as “Client style is all about the relationship, many nights at the bar and many cigarettes(I don’t smoke but its offensive to say no).” All the way down to longer shoot hours and the equipment. He has an office in Beijing and shoots there regularly, he's seen a huge variety of differences. Seem’s working in a foreign country is just as much of a cultural experience as traveling for fun.

When asking about this association with work and travel and where they blend Kevin says, “I do one family trip a year with no camera and one photo trip with.”  And with the rest - “I always have a camera with me. It’s not just a profession. I always take a few days to explore and take photos.” Traveling for photography allows him to be drawn to third world places for the colors and the people.

Born in Los Angeles, a childhood in Lake Tahoe, and then back to L.A. - this perhaps draws a line between the range in his photography - studio vs. surroundings. Finally, I asked him where he would want to be sent for work. His reply? "Outer space, I’ve been to most countries." We'll work on that, Kevin. 

 Kevin Necessary's work with BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Volkswagen. 

“It was about -15 degrees in the studio that week. No heat, just the lights. we all stood around the lights for warmth. Cameras kept freezing and the windows of the car kept frosting over. I had to put the camera in a running car outside to defrost, bring it in, then after about 10 frames the shutter would freeze solid.”

Behind The Scenes of Glee with Lauren Randolph - Glee Series Finale Tonight!

Tonight is the series finale of the musical TV sensation Glee! Our Lauren Randolph releases the last of her backstage portraits of the cast of Glee for tonight's Glee goodbye. 

 Jane Lynch

 Darren Criss

 Matthew Morrison

 Kevin McHale

Lea Michele

Dot-Marie Jones

To see more of Lauren's work and portraits of the cast of Glee take a look at photolauren.com/glee 

The Academy Awards - Backstage with Lauren Randolph

I was able to talk to Lauren Randolph about shooting the 2015 Oscars through out the experience. She had such unique stories of the glitterati showing up to a good old fashioned rehearsal the week before - no make up, gowns, or suits - just performers going to work. The tech rehearsals for live camera and edits and the actors that came in to challenge them and rehearse potential reactions of celebrities. She had an interesting knowledge base of having previously seen photographer Art Streiber present his own curatorial take of the story of "The Oscar" at a Slideluck show in LA - where he only shared the story of the statue itself, none of the backstage or performance (though his website includes his behind the scenes work too). Lauren was excited about an Academy Award show produced by broadway producers and hosted by such a theatrical actor - Neil Patrick Harris - indicating an abundance of musical performances and pizzaz. She was even caught on TV several times on the red carpet that night. 

Overall - a red carpet experience, a gown to wear to work, and some wildly familiar faces seen in person for the first time - makes for one interesting job. Here are some of her photos and direct words from Lauren about shooting the 2015 Academy Awards. 

When you were first approached to shoot at the Oscars did you expect to have as much access? 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I had my first initial creative call with the people from The Academy - although, they approached me by asking me what I'd want to shoot. I told them I wanted to tell the story of the Oscars that not everyone knows - the behind the scenes, and small intimate moments that maybe aren't always captured. I wanted to give people a glimpse into the full production, and not just show the final glossy product. 

 It was a rainy day. While they did their best - some press still got a little wet in the clean up of water logged tents.

You made a strong choice to share most of the images in black and white. When did you decide this? Why? 

My decision to share my story in black and white came after my first day of shooting with the producer, Neil Meron. I was following him around, and getting a look into what a day in his position looked like - backstage, in the greenroom, in the control room, talking with the director and the host, Neil Patrick Harris. Actually, I was shooting him in his office, explaining to him the story I was looking to capture - these behind the scenes moments, and a look into what he does that people maybe aren't used to seeing - and he asked me "Are these going to be in color or black and white?" I paused, and confessed, "I'm not sure yet, but they could end up either." That night as I was going through the images I realized that such an event, such a classic Hollywood award show, actually looked better told in black and white. It felt "old hollywood" to me. There was something about the images that felt timeless, and I wanted to keep the full story that way. 

Neil Meron - Producer                                     Hamish Hamilton - Director

Producer's Craig Zadan and Neil Meron shaking hands backstage with everyone at The Oscars

What was the best part about the job? 

For me, the best part, was actually seeing the production side. Everyone knows the glitz and glam of Hollywood. We've seen the red carpet photos, and celebrity presenters and award winners - but there's producers, directors, camera men, sound guys, digital techs, PAs - there's so many more people involved in the Academy Awards than you think about while watching the show. I know how much goes into producing a single photoshoot, it really is mind blowing to think about the production behind a stage show like these awards. It has everything from song, dance, performance, and all on live television. It was really fascinating to get to see the rehearsals and how much practice and thought goes into every detail and minute of the 3 hour show everyone is so used to watching on television. 

 Performance rehearsals

 Oscar winning artist - Common

John Legend

Would you want to shoot next year? 

I would absolutely want to shoot the Academy Awards again next year. The thing is, with a show like this, every year can be so much different than the last. The host is different, the presenters are different, the performers are different - getting access to shoot behind the scenes would never be the same. I had long days during this shoot, but there was never a dull moment. I was always so fascinated with what was going on, and felt so lucky to get a chance to see these things that not everyone gets to see.

Backstage - Rehearsal week at the Oscars

Backstage at the Oscars - the presenter chairs are filled.

 Batman & Questlove

 Reese Witherspoon

HEAR THAT, ACADEMY? Lauren Randolph is in next year. 

Lauren (LaurenLemon) shared her images (more than seen here) over several social networks - Instagram and both her's and the Academy's tumblr. Her skill as a portrait artist and her experience capturing candid slices of life really shined through in telling the story of the 2015 Academy Awards.  

Elizabeth Pojé + Associates Photographer's are Populating PDN

There is a buzz happening on PDN for two of our photographers right now.

You can find Cory Dawson featured as one of PDN's Photoserve Top 10 for March.

And a beautiful news update on Laura Crosta's campaign with Paris Baguette.

Go stop by and say hi to PDN and the work by Cory and Laura! 

Cory Dawson - Mixing Patterns and Colors for Refinery 29

Our Cory Dawson worked with Refinery 29 and home-based style expert Bean the Bun on creating some color blasted and pattern party images. Its not a good rabbit hole without a rabbit, and every photo is better with a cute furry internet sensation. See the images below and Refinery 29's article featuring all the products. http://www.refinery29.com/mixing-patterns-colors-home-decor

Jens Honore's Work with SOS Children - Donating Photography to Charity

Photographer Jens Honore regularly does some incredible work with SOS Children’s Villages. He had the opportunity to help once again just before the new year. Take look at some of these new images and his experience of photographing that kind of poverty. The realities of these people's situation and the good that comes from donating your time, efforts, and work.

Where have you recently been shooting?

I shot in the SOS’s villages in Nairobi and Eldoret. Numerous neighborhoods in Kibera. And in a slum area in Eldoret.

How did you get in touch with the organization?

I made a book (Goodbye to a Black and White World) about the 2015 UN millennium goals. The money from the sales of the book was donated to SOS Children’s Villages and I also had additional books printed, which are still being sold on the Danish SOS web-shop. Since I really like the work SOS is doing around the world, the CEO at the time, Hanne Rasmussen, and I agreed on an ongoing process where I would donate my work to SOS by photographing the activities and environments the organization are involved in. The images are made available for all SOS offices world wide, with no restrictions.

What has been the best part?

There has been two best parts.

1. To see it matters to help.

2. To experience my photography being used in such sensible ways.

What has been the hardest part?

Children are innocent and still they pay the highest price.

Do you have a favorite image(s)? Why?

No, not really. Every time I return home from a trip and have to edit I find it very hard to pick my favorites. But generally I find the portraits to be the strongest images. But an older image of the girl photographed in Ethiopia is one of my favorites. It also was used on the cover on the last edition of the annual report.

Any stories?

Many:-) Every time I travel for SOS I get emotionally engaged and some times find it hard to grasp the hardness of poverty.

This trip to Kenya I meet a woman who was part of the FSP. She’s was a single mother with 3 small children. Her husband left her shortly after she gave birth to their third child. She had a hard time making ends meet, also because she’s disabled with some kind of back issue and walks with a cane. SOS has helped her financial so she could buy a sewing machine and start up a small business to support her family. Her appreciation was real. Her smile and attitude was real. On our way out of the slums we happened to pass her and I waved to her and she waved back and gave me that smile once again. Like to tell me, she is in a good place and will get by. Such an inspiration.

Anything else you would like to share?

The day I don’t get touched or feel that same joy, I shouldn’t be doing this. However I couldn’t see it ever being that way. Luckily.

But I hope my little contribution can change what some people think of the poor people I meet and being helped through SOS programs - that somehow they end up in these situation by choice. That somehow it is a deliberately choice and if you just work hard enough you’ll make it. I see what extreme poverty does to people and why they some times do desperate things.