Life is a series of events that mark our passage through time. Some events are as unremarkable as a Grandfather teaching his grandson how to swim or parents looking on as their child takes its first step. Other occasions such as traditional religious events or advancement at school or a job require celebration. Images that catch these moments become iconic photos that celebrate family milestones, relationships or rites of passage. They evoke positive emotions that advertisers use to build familiarity and trust for brands.

The images are aspirational showing the celebration or events in a positive light. With the exception of specific cultural or religious events, the feelings that are triggered by the images are universal or certainly specific to ...

Short of shooting roofs flying off buildings and trees ripped from the ground in a hurricane, how can you photograph wind? And why would you? As wind increases to hurricane force, the wise take shelter and let the guys in the working TV and press shoot the storm. (They presumably have health insurance provided by their employers) Images of the devastation after the wind has settled down are more dramatic and useful. (Storm images are used to advertise hurricane preparedness brochures, insurance flyers and to promote safe behavior during hurricanes or tornadoes).

The illusion of motion in a still photograph adds an exciting dimension to an image…witness the fashion ads where longhaired models look like they are standing in a wind tunnel. A high-...

Earth Day ’08 is over. It’s time to get ready for next year. By all accounts 2009 will be “Earth Year” as all aspects of life are now increasingly examined for their impact on the environment. You will want to photograph iconic eco-products as well as using them as props in produced shoots. These are products that signal their eco-friendliness by arriving in a new package or shape or design that shouts out: I CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.

A tipping point has been reached: ‘green’ products are now status symbols rather than signaling membership in the ugly sandal crowd. The era of conspicuous consumption has been replaced by conspicuous non-consumption. According to Trend Watching...