All posts in Personality

Ned Barrett

by PCG Staff on February 21, 2018 in Personality with Comments Off on Ned Barrett

Meet Ned.

I am the president of a digital marketing agency called Grey Matter Direct (www.greymatterdirect.com), which is located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. We blend the best aspects of highly creative advertising and state-of-the-art online and social marketing techniques with advanced analytics. We deliver both the “sizzle and the steak” to clients who want to be on the cutting edge but who also need to make money and grow their brands.

We are very proud of some of the “firsts” we have been responsible for including building the first e-commerce store for the world’s largest toy company, Hasbro Toys, and for creating the first store-level digital marketing tool for FTD Florists.

And now, the 12 Questions

1. What kind of kid were you?

I think that the one word that could best describe my childhood would be “feral”. We grew up on Valley Forge Mountain, which is right behind Valley Forge Park. It is an area that is surrounded by suburbs like Wayne and Phoenixville but seems worlds away. With acres of woods to play in and little to no supervision, we ran around like wild animals. We would get hurt but nothing a trip to the emergency room couldn’t fix.

Then we moved to Chicago and I went to the high school that was the basis for movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles. It a culture shock, but it turned out to be a lot of fun!

2. What influences have shaped you?

I am huge history fan. When you really dig into the past it quickly becomes evident that everything we encounter in our daily lives or in business has happened many times before. By studying the way that the great people of history have faced the challenges that confronted them, I haven’t always succeeded, but I am usually able to pick a path that has a good chance for a positive outcome.

Two aphorisms that I like a lot are – “There is nothing new under the sun”, which is from Ecclesiastes. I think this is just as true today as it was 5,000 years ago and will be true in the future. No matter what technology or societal changes may bring us, human needs and desires and motivations remain basically the same.

The other one, from Helmuth von Moltke, is that “no plan survives first contact with the enemy.” Even the most thoughtful business plan will need to adapt and change as soon as it is enacted. Those who are not flexible and dynamic are doomed to failure.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Not so much as an adult, but when I was younger I did a lot of unbelievably stupid things. I was lucky that I never hurt anyone else or myself, but it could easily have been otherwise.

What I tell my children is that they should try to never do things where the consequences can’t be undone. For instance, one should never drive under the influence. If you kill someone else driving while intoxicated, you will have taken away their life, and it will be something that haunts you for the rest of yours.

If you can limit yourself to mistakes that can be corrected and turned into learning experiences, you are doing pretty well in life.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

Originally, I intended to become a lawyer but my father, who was a pioneer in direct response newspaper inserts and direct mail, asked me to look at the Integrated Marketing & Communications program at Northwestern. This was at the early stages of the development of the internet and it intrigued me enough that I decided to enter this program. It was a life changing decision which launched me into a career of direct to consumer marketing and e-business.

5. What are you working on now?

Our newest client is the Guarantee Trust Life Insurance company in Chicago. We just launched a new site for them (https://greatstartinsure.com/) that offers juvenile term life products.

The insurance space is highly competitive and requires a complex blend of creative and marketing approaches using all available online channels. It is also a business that requires our deep knowledge of customer lifetime value and advanced analytics. It’s the kind of project that we love!

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

Almost everyday I am performing a complex dance of planning, managing, educating and doing.

In terms of planning, we are often the entire marketing department for our clients. They set the overall plan and sales objectives and then we create the specific tactical plan to deliver on their goals.

As you can imagine, much of my day is spent managing our team and the working with our clients. Part of managing involves educating our staff. I am a firm believer in continuous learning and continuous development and I emphasize this with our staff. In every position, I want our team to keep learning and growing. In today’s intensely complex and competitive marketing environment, if you’re not ahead of the curve you are falling behind.

Finally, I always dedicate an hour or so a day to learn new marketing technique or technical skill. I firmly believe that organizational leaders need to be able to do as well as lead.

7. Who do you love?

I love my family above all else.

8. What are you passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about endangered species. I would love to be able to be involved with saving the Rhino or preserving a big chunk of the Amazon. Instead I have been thinking smaller.

A few years ago, I joined a group called the Goodied Working Group (http://www.goodeidworkinggroup.com/), whose goal is to preserve a group of small, live bearing fish species called Goodieds. Most of these species originate in Mexico and are either extremely endangered or are extinct in the wild. The members of the group raise these fish with the hope of returning them to the wild in Mexico someday.

Very few people know or care about these fish. To the average eye they are boring little gray fish that have little appeal. The members of our group think differently. For some of these species there are less than 30 hobbyists in the world who are maintaining them. Rare doesn’t even come close to describing these fish.

Anyway, this is my way of helping to save something of value for future generations and to keep an endangered part of our natural world alive while mankind figures out how to be better stewards of our planet.

9. What are you proudest of?

My family, of course. But in terms of my professional life, it was our role as the creator of Hasbro Toys first e-commerce store (www.hasbrotoyshop.com).

We collaborated with a team of incredible people at Hasbro to build their first native e-commerce store along with the entire logistics and warehousing operation, database, analytics platform, e-mail marketing system, online advertising program – everything!

It has been a few years since we created it but the Hasbro Toy Store is still the most fun, exciting and rewarding business build I have been a part of.

10. Describe a great night out.

Dinner in Philly, alone with my wife or with some friends.

11. So what’s next for you?

Just working and continuing to grow our agency.

12. What will your epitaph say?

Won’t have a grave for an actual epitaph. I want to be cremated and just be gone in a blaze. But that is just my physical self.

In terms of an epitaph, I have always loved this final piece from Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country For Old Men”:

(In my dream, my dead father and I were) both back in older times and I was on horseback goin’ through the mountains of a night. Goin’ through this pass in the mountains. It was cold and there was snow on the ground and he rode past me and kept on goin’. Never said nothin’ goin’ by. He just rode on past… and he had his blanket wrapped around him and his head down and when he rode past I seen he was carryin’ fire in a horn the way people used to do and I could see the horn from the light inside of it. ‘Bout the color of the moon. And in the dream I knew that he was goin’ on ahead and he was fixin’ to make a fire somewhere out there in all that dark and all that cold, and I knew that whenever I got there he would be there. And then I woke up…

Like the rest of us, I have no idea what waits for us after this life. But I think there is something more, and I want those I love to know that, after I die, I’ll be waiting there for them when their time comes.

Chuck Butler

by PCG Staff on October 26, 2017 in Personality with Comments Off on Chuck Butler

Chuck ButlerHi, I’m Chuck Butler.

In my primary role as Principal Composer for Baker Sound Studios’ MONSTER TRACKS music division, I produce custom music for advertising, film, television, and corporate productions. I landed at Baker Sound (in Center City) immediately after graduating from the Berklee College of Music in 1987, and have since had the good fortune to work with many of Philly’s top creatives. I’m extremely grateful to (former Baker owner) Gary Moskowitz for taking me on, and for the opportunities provided by the Philadelphia ad community (particularly such early supporters as Allan Kalish, Howard Rice, Gene Shay, Peter Tilden, Tom Hemphill, Dave Blazek, and Bruce Lev).

My goal has always been to provide high quality original music at an affordable price, and over the years I’ve created well known themes for many local, regional, and national advertisers and won a variety of local and national awards. I’m also an active keyboardist and conductor, and have performed with artists including Aretha Franklin, James Darren, and Shirley Bassey. I served as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Composers Forum (a non-profit that supports local composers) from 2006-2016, and I continue to teach a course in Commercial Composing that I developed for The University of the Arts in 2004.

In 2009 I founded Metronome One Music Publishing to represent my catalog and that of several other local composers. I also consult for a number of music software developers and handle web design and marketing for Baker Sound and MONSTER TRACKS. My one serious interest outside of music is philosophy, and over the past few years I’ve assisted in the publication of several papers and one monograph.

I live in South Jersey with my wonderful wife of 27 years, and am an avid baseball fan and moviegoer. I can be reached at 856-625-7162 or chuck@monstertracks.com. Work samples and additional info can be found at www.monstertracks.com.

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

Awkward, introverted, smart, creative, intensely curious. Naturally I was picked on, but my mother encouraged me think for myself and not worry about what others might say.

2. What influences have shaped you?

As a musician I’ve been influenced to some extent by everything I’ve ever heard. My main influences include Chopin, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Copland, Joplin, Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bennie Goodman, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Brian Wilson, KISS, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Rush, Ray Charles, James Brown, Public Enemy, Squarepusher, Max Steiner, Carl Stalling, Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, and James Horner. As a pianist I’m a huge fan of Fats Waller, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Wynton Kelly, and Chick Corea (in jazz), and Sviatoslav Richter, Maurizio Pullini, and Evgeny Kissin (in classical).

My main role model as a kid was Captain Kirk from “Star Trek.” My main influences in philosophy are Aristotle and Ayn Rand.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

In third grade I thought that a sick note I faked to escape detention would be more convincing if it included medication, so I taped a marshmallow to it.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

Practice, practice, practice. Plus great teachers, tons of critical listening, and extensive real world experience.

5. What are you working on now?

At this time of year I’m mostly scoring political spots, but I’ve also recently completed ad work for Jeopardy!, Horizon Insurance, and Entenmann’s.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

I don’t have a “typical” day because I’m involved in so many different things. I do make time to practice the piano almost every morning, but beyond that on any given day I may be doing any combination of the activities mentioned in my introduction. My favorite days are when I’m just making music.

7. Who do you love?

My wife is my best friend and the person who enables me to spend most of my time being creative. And of course my son, our family, and our close friends.

8. What are you passionate about?

Music for sure, though I notice that this manifests very differently in me than it does in the amateur and non-musicians I know who are passionate about music. I’m also extremely passionate about philosophy and spend most of my “spare” time working in that space.

9. What are you proudest of?

I’m extremely proud of my son, who earned his degree in Biophysics at Johns Hopkins last fall and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Binghamton University (SUNY). Career-wise, I’m proud to have achieved my goal of being a full-time professional musician, and that the work I do has created opportunities for so many musicians in the Philadelphia region.

10. Describe a great night out.

Playing with great musicians is hard to top.

11. So what’s next for you?

As long as I have clients who want custom music and value what I do, I plan to keep on doing it. We’ve recently begun making some of my tracks available through the AudioJungle music library and plan to expand our presence there. I also have some personal music projects on the back burner that I eventually hope to pursue, and there is always the possibility that my interest in philosophy will lead to additional opportunities. Stay tuned.

12. What will your epitaph say?

I won’t be the one to write it, but hopefully it will say that I lived well.

Tom McKean

by PCG Staff on August 15, 2017 in Personality with Comments Off on Tom McKean

Meet Tom McKean.

Tom is a freelance commercial and editorial photographer, who shoots for area businesses throughout the Tri-State area. He also participates in arts and craft shows in Chester County. He shares his studio and home with his wife, Susan and five Bearded Collies. You can contact Tom at 610.420.0177, and see his photography at www.tommckean.com.

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

I grew up exploring art, drawing and music. I was in my own world with my imagination as an only child. When I was four years old, I was doing cartoons of Captain Cooke and Jerry Lewis. And I also wrote backwards left handed for fun.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Drawing, painting, playing drums, guitar and piano are my adorations. I also taught myself graphic design making logos and brochures. Eventually I discovered photography as my medium of expression. I began my career as a photojournalist for several local newspapers in Philadelphia; my photo journey now has evolved into shooting portraits, places, and fine art.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

I had a client that wanted me to send a photo of beakers. I sent an image of sneakers instead.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

I’m a self taught artist. Never got to school.

5. What are you working on now?

I’m shooting more personal projects and expanding into more corporate work. And shooting video.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

I get up at 5:30 am. I have to get the dogs out and fed. Then I spend several hours with social media and marketing. I then work on what assignments I’m shooting and planning other shoots for the following days.

7. Who do you love?

I have had many favorite artists throughout my career. I love Ansel Adams for his landscapes. Jay Maisel for his bold colors, and Joe McNally for editorial work.

8. What are you passionate about?

Art is my passion that drives my photography.

9. What are you proudest of?

The many accomplishments I have made in photography and the many friends I have made over years.

10. Describe a great night out.

A nice candle light dinner with my wife at a traditional restaurant. Good food or great music!

11. So what’s next for you?

I’m experimenting with video and doing more photography as a fine art form.

12. What will your epitaph say?

“Here’s to an artist who gave his passion for photography to the creative community.”

David Fonda

by PCG Staff on May 23, 2017 in Personality with Comments Off on David Fonda

Meet David Fonda.

I’m an architectural and interiors photographer based in Philadelphia. I have a background in fine art (BFA-Photography), and experience in the editorial, corporate, and industrial, as well as architectural spheres. My clients include architects, interior designers, real estate investment firms & developers, architectural product manufacturers, construction companies, advertising agencies & graphic designers, and editorial.

I live in East Falls, and have offices in the Design Church (www.ennisnehez.com/designchurch/), a renovated 1890‘s church in East Falls.

DAVID FONDA Architectural Photography

Where the Art of Architecture intersects the Art of Photography

610.564.3624
davidfondaphotography.com
david@davidfondaphotography.com

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

Well, outwardly, I was tall, skinny, and shy;  inside, curious, thoughtful, and unsure. Your basic suburban kid.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Geez, how do you answer that! Every experience leaves it’s mark. I guess I’d have to say that the people I’ve encountered have done the most to shape me. Every person has something to teach you if you’re willing to see it.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Yeah!  Do you want them chronologically, or in order of significance?

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

Practice. Practice and never being satisfied. Henri Cartier-Bresson said ‘Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Hopefully, your most recent is your best.

5. What are you working on now?

There’s always a dozen different things that, if I’m not working on them, I should be. Photography-wise, though, I’m putting together an editorial portrait of the former lead guitarist for a quadruple-platinum progressive rock band, who’s now a lawyer. Quite a transition, huh! I want to put him in an empty concert hall, with a guitar and a three-piece suit. I think it’ll be a neat shot, and he’s into it. Finally got a hall that’ll let us shoot in it, so it’s coming together! I’m pumped!

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

There is no ‘typical’ day at work … that’s what I enjoy about it! If I were to answer ‘what is typical about a day at work’, I’d say ‘creativity’. As a small business person you have be able to do it all, and you have to be able to bring creativity to every task. Not just to the photography itself (the most fun creativity!), but to all of the problem solving that goes into making a photo shoot happen, and to all of the chores that make a business run.

7. Who do you love?

Who do you love?…   sounds like a George Thorogood song! I love my kids, my parents, my siblings, and my friends. That’s a question that begs for a more philosophical answer, but I think I’ll just leave it at that!

8. What are you passionate about?

Another philosophical question! Beyond my work, which is where passion comes to me most freely, I’m passionate about equality: all people should have an equal opportunity to live, thrive, and grow. Enough philosophy!

9. What are you proudest of?

Well, I’m proud of many of the photos I’ve created, and I’m proud of my kids … but I guess what I’m most proud of is what I’ve overcome. Yeah, most of the obstacles I’ve overcome were one’s I put there myself, but they’re the hardest to get past.

10. Describe a great night out.

John Lee Hooker, Jr. at Warmdaddy’s! Great blues, great food, and great seats! Little Ed & the Blues Imperials would do it, too!

11. So what’s next for you?

If I knew what was next, it’d take all of the fun out of it! Marketing. That’s my most immediate need. Work doesn’t just come your way, you have to go out and get in the way of it!  Easier said than done. I need to come up with a ‘creative’ way of giving myself a good, swift kick!

12. What will your epitaph say?

He gave it a good shot.

 

Heather Hunt-Casper

by PCG Staff on February 9, 2017 in Personality with Comments Off on Heather Hunt-Casper

Meet Heather Hunt-Casper

Hello I am Heather Hunt-Casper. I am a co-founder of Open Haus Studio, a boutique creative agency located in West Chester, PA. I have over 24 years of experience in building brands and developing relevant creative strategies for a wide range of clients from consumer to B2B both nationally and locally. I am a creative who has worked on both sides of the business—agency and in-house which gives me great perspective on successfully partnering to build a brand. My business partner, creative collaborator and best friend is also my husband. When we aren’t working, we enjoy time exploring with our son Sammy and Boston Terrier, Menu. Check us out at www.openhausstudio.com.

Now, our 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

Curious. Why?

2. What influences have shaped you?

Being the daughter of an engineer was an early influence. It pushed me to want to know how and why things work. Apple in the early 90s made me discover my inner tech geek. Living in center city Philadelphia for 22 years really influenced me to be myself and stay open to change. Traveling gives me perspective and inspiration.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Once I had a meeting and printed something for it but the toner exploded. I didn’t want to get my hands dirty so I blew the toner off the page. During the meeting, the man I was talking with kept leaning in and looking closely at my face. Afterwards, I ran to my car to look in the mirror. Much to my horror I had a dusting of black toner around my mouth and lower jaw. It looked like a 5 o’ clock shadow. I was awarded the work but I am sure he always wondered about my gender— I am almost six foot tall, too!

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

I’ve learned by being curious about the how, why, when and where of things.  You have to try something to really know if it feels right and you learn so much in the process. Listening to those around you helps you learn and hone your gut instincts.

5. What are you working on now?

We are working on lining up two new web projects and diving into a website and branding redesign. We also have some on-going client work that involves trade shows, sales collateral and a campaign.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

It will vary but there is usually a mix of coffee, emails, phone calls. Then more coffee, more emails, work and a few conference calls. Our days encompass everything from research, planning and strategy to coming up with and presenting work to then execute.

7. Who do you love?

Its hard not to first say my family, friends and dog, but I also really love old people. You can learn so much from their experiences. I also admire—Luke Sullivan, Alex Isley, Sally Hogshead.

8. What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the people and things I love. In addition to #7: technology, design of all kind, creative problem-solving, history, traveling and cheese.

9. What are you proudest of?

Besides my family, it would be Open Haus Studio. It has grown and succeeded through some tough and challenging economies. I am proudest that we have been able to build and maintain strong relationships by doing great work with great people.

10. Describe a great night out.

A night out for sushi with my husband, son and some friends at a great local BYOB and not being the designated driver.

11. So what’s next for you?

We just revamped our website so we got some great buzz and interest. Next up will be working on some new projects!

12. What will your epitaph say?

Always support finding your truth.

Dave Moser

by PCG Staff on December 1, 2016 in Personality with Comments Off on Dave Moser

Hi, I’m Dave Moser.

I shoot people and absolutely love the portrait!  People are endlessly fascinating and at times erratic-the ultimate puzzle and mirror. Our work is featured in ads, brochures, magazines, annuals, and websites worldwide!  After two decades of doing this I am still thrilled to drive by a billboard with my work on it!

I’m located in the Fairmount section of Philly and work out of my home studio. Although based in Philly, we spend most of our time on the road-not to say I wouldn’t love to do more local work!

I live with my beautiful wife Loretta, my exuberant daughter Ruby and lil’ Stevie our dog.

We haven’t had a TV in more than a decade; my family and I don’t like sitting still so we are out and about – hiking, rock climbing, going to live shows, eating at the many ethnic restaurants across the city, and visiting museums. When at home, my wife and I both love to cook, and although we’ve currently been eating more vegan, it’s certainly not exclusive. Additionally I try to meditate every morning.

I’ve got a very eclectic taste in music. I recently held my 17th annual “mix brunch” gathering where I invite a group of people to dine at my house and we trade mix CDs over brunch. It’s always interesting to see what everyone brings and to be introduced to new genres and styles.  This year I walked away with 15 new mixes that I am currently enjoying.

I’m honored to have received top awards in the past several years including: Graphis Photography Annual, International Photography Awards, Px3 Prix de Photographie Paris, Communication Arts, ASMP, and more. In the past year, I’ve also had a solo exhibition at Santa Bannon Fine Art Gallery, and am now represented in the Fine Art world by Santa Bannon. I am proud to recently have a photograph selected by Karen Marks of Howard Greenberg Gallery for the Center for Fine Art Photography Portrait 2017 exhibition.

Dave is principal of Dave Moser Photography. Contact him at:

Email: dave@davemoser.com
Web: www.davemoser.com
Blog: http://blog.davemoser.com

And now, the 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

I was a big kid and really shy up until 7th grade when I made a conscious decision to change my shyness. By the 9th grade, I stopped caring so much about what others thought and it was so empowering for me. It allowed me to befriend a mix of kids from different groups and in a way eliminated the social barriers that exist within high school. I believe this helped shape my philosophy and ability to connect with individuals later on in photography.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Experiences and travel.

So many artists:

Painters: The German Expressionists, Andrew Wyeth, Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly

Photographers: Nadav Kandar, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Eugene Meatyard, Josef Kouldelka, Dan Winters, Marco Grob, and Sandro

Musicians: John Zorn, Mark Ribot, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Krishna Das, Ludovico Einaudi, The Black Angels, Gabor Szabo, Dr. Dre, Ryley Walker, Freddie Hubbard, Bill Laswell and Burning Spear.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Yes!  How else does one learn?

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

By doing it – taking thousands upon thousands of pictures – Put your camera on M, go take pictures, and I guarantee you’ll learn a ton.

Growing up, my father and other members of my family were serious amateur photographers- so I always had access to cameras. I distinctly remember being in Maine at a young age and waiting for the perfect wave to hit the shore with camera in hand. Just being present in the moment transported me, it was the first time that I was fully aware of, feeling with all senses without internal dialogue.  This place of timelessness, of transcendence, is something that still occurs while I’m shooting.

In high school, I did an internship with a father and son business who were family photographers. They were laughing all the time, taking naps sitting up at lunch, and just all around had a mellow environment. It made me idealize photography a bit. Years later, I realized that it was more a byproduct of the individuals that made the environment rather than the profession itself, a youthful oversight. I wasn’t wired the same way, but my need to stay active and focused actually benefited me and really shaped a dedication to the craft.

There were only three programs that offered degrees in Fine Art for Photography at the time I chose to go to college, and the instructors at the University of Dayton really connected with me. I received my BFA in Fine Art Photography with a minor in Art History there.

After graduating top of my class, I discovered commercial photography through assisting- a whole world opened and I loved it. It entailed problem solving, being active, and gaining access to places and people you normally wouldn’t have access to-different people and places everyday with no predictability-perfect!

5. What are you working on now?

I have been giving talks on a recent personal project, The American Housewife. Last year I picked up representation in the fine art world with the gallery Santa Bannon Fine Art due to this project. We are currently showing in “Power to the Portrait” and have quite a bit of upcoming shows.  It’s been exciting to return to my fine art roots and am now embarking on a new personal project that is still being defined – very exciting.

I am getting more commercial work based on my personal and fine art work.  I find this immensely rewarding and am excited to be able to apply my vision to such endeavors.

We recently wrapped a dream job, a multi-year commissioned national portrait series called Love Story. Originally slated to be a book, it is now a permanent installation in a prominent local collection.

On the commercial side, we just photographed Megyn Kelly for our sixth cover of Success magazine, completed a large spread for NJ Monthly on Veterans, and a national consumer campaign for a drug company.  For the national consumer campaign, I shot the stills and directed the video/motion. I am starting to work more and more in motion and it’s a very different animal. I’m diggin’ it.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

There is none! My days are not predictable and are dictated from an ever-changing list of priorities. If I have a shoot, I might be on location shooting all day. If I’m in the studio, I could be shooting as well or I’m behind the scenes doing the millions of things that need to get done from emails, phone calls, marketing, research, planning, etc. No day is the same, but I love what I do and I love that it’s different everyday.  I am fortunate to have an understanding family- when they come home in the afternoon they may find a note saying, “Be back in 3 days, in LA.”

7. Who do you love?

First and foremost, I love my family. I also love people, but this sounds trite without explanation. As I am photographing someone, particularly a portrait, I work hard to connect with the subject. As I learn about the subject and see them loosen up, reveal themselves without self consciousness, I begin to feel love. I know this sounds odd but it’s about connection and understanding. The more you feel you understand someone, not necessarily agree with them but understand them, the closer you feel. Often, as the shooting continues, people appear “younger” to me. It’s nothing short of intoxicating.

8. What are you passionate about?

Being fully present. Seizing the day. Raising my daughter.

I am passionate about exploring and learning about female culture, and the self-image influenced by media and society. Exploring the culture of “housewife” is simply a springboard into the Female American Culture, where my daughter and wife are so heavily influenced.  After seeing the documentary Ms. Representation, I too realized how much of the Kool-Aid I had drank.

All my work, even my commercial work, revolves around my desire to show and connect the audience with the dignity of the subject while creating understanding.

Travel – food – music – people – culture – nature – history – mythology – art – I’m generally just excited.

9. What are you proudest of?

My daughter Ruby – it’s fascinating and inspiring to watch her grow and cultivate her passions and interests. Our differences in passions have taken me to places I’ve never gone and her world has opened up an entirely new perspective that’s even trickled into my photography. It’s created a new way to relate to people – I can talk about unicycles, horseback riding, mythology, and even Justin Bieber. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in tea parties with American Girl dolls as well as learning about knitting, primitive weaponry and Apophis – the Egyptian God of Chaos.

10. Describe a great night out.

Taking a long walk to one of the many great restaurants in the city, ordering something I haven’t had before, seeing a show and then letting the night unfold before ending up somewhere and doing something that was not planned – a night full of surprises.  Recently my wife and I closed an after hours club dancing, something we had not done in years, and I loved it.

11. So what’s next for you?

I’ve been itching to start a new personal series and when a week opened up a few months ago, I shot three subjects for it and am up to five now.  There does not seem to be a unifying theme so far, but there is definitely a thread. I’m planning on including writing with this series, possibly from the subject point of view.  Some of this work ended up on the walls of a gallery only weeks after being completed. It feels so fresh and new. It’s invigorating.

Trying to balance personal work with a busy commercial schedule can be challenging but never fails to create momentum.

12. What will your epitaph say?

My will states cremation so no gravestone here but in a broader sense: a seeker, artist, friend, father, and lover.

Dave Muehsam

by PCG Staff on January 25, 2016 in Guest, Personality with Comments Off on Dave Muehsam

Dave MuehsamHi, I’m Dave Muehsam.

I grew up in Media, Pennsylvania and graduated from Penncrest High School. I started my adult life with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photographic Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. From there I went to Los Angeles and learned video production.  After 26 years, I sold West Coast Post and my wife and I brought our two kids back East so they would know their grandmother. I still work for a few clients in Los Angeles but the bulk of my local work these days seems to be for pharmaceutical companies. Marketing, sales, meeting support- that sort of thing.  I love it and it keeps me busy.

Dave is principal of All 1 Media. Contact him at:

Email: dave@all1media.com
Web: all1media.com
Phone: 484-643-0578

And now, the 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

If you were to believe my teachers, smart, but lazy.  That’s also what they tell me about my son, so I’m not too worried.  I know when he finds his “spark,” he’ll do just fine.

2. What influences have shaped you?

As an editor, I’ve seen it all.  Good and bad.  I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. This has turned me into a pretty good producer, avoiding costly mistakes before they happen.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Yes, but that shall remain my secret.  I have two more years on the statute of limitations.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

When I first arrived in Los Angeles I was hired by Redken Laboratories as a photographer.  They later decided video was cool and I agreed.

5. What are you working on now?

I just finished a video demonstrating the clinical differentiation for a meningococcal vaccine portfolio (awesome fun) and a two-minute “sizzle” piece for the opening of a national sales meeting. I also help out the Performing Arts department at Longwood Gardens on a regular basis.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

If I’m not scheduled on-site for a shoot, or on a tight deadline, I bid my wife goodbye as she leaves for her job with benefits, make a cup of coffee, fire-up my computer and see what needs to be done. Or maybe I’ll shovel snow or mow the grass.

7. Who do you love?

I love everyone except violent criminals, most of Washington DC and some drug-addicts.

8. What are you passionate about?

Being alive often stirs me up.  I also like being the editor on a project whenever I can- I’ve always loved editing and I think I always will.

9. What are you proudest of?

My daughter and son and  the fact that except for the four years I was with Redken, I’ve always worked for myself and always know who to blame or exalt.

10. Describe a great night out.

A good restaurant.

11. So what’s next for you?

A tropical climate and a margarita fountain.

12. What will your epitaph say?

This space reserved for Dave Muehsam.

 

Harry Giglio

by PCG Staff on November 23, 2015 in Personality with Comments Off on Harry Giglio

Harry GiglioHi, I’m Harry Giglio.

I make still images, videos and TV commercials for corporations, universities, magazines, ad agencies and organizations.

I’ve been selected to the Communication Arts Photography Annual twice, PDN and numerous other trade awards. Most importantly however, my clients reward me with continued assignments for years and become friends…this is my most rewarding accomplishment.

I have a large studio in  Pittsburgh,Pa. but 85% of my assignments are on location.

I’m not really the type of person that that will go on and on about all the things I can do or what a great shooter I am. I figure you are all accomplished creatives and will see that in my work … or not. To be candid, I am the type of person that is much more interested in other folks as opposed to trying to get others interested in me.

You can contact me at www.harrygiglio.com or www.harrygiglioproductions.com.

And now, the 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

I was a kid that always challenged the rules, helped anyone that was downtrodden and punched the bullies in the face.

2. What influences have shaped you?

The day i realized that the most important and powerful tool I have as a shooter is my personality.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

No, even the very bad decisions taught me valuable lessons. Looking back i see that everything happened for a reason…to teach me… and I couldn’t have leaned life’s lessons any other way.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

My college training is in art and design. As far as shooting goes I learned that by looking at life around me and interpreting what I see and how I feel about it with a camera and lights. Over and over and over again…until it was worthy to show someone.

5. What are you working on now?

I just finished a portrait series on wounded veterans and presently I am beginning to start the prepro for 10 videos of accomplished alums from a prestigious business university.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

The only typical part of my day is drinking 3 or 4 cups of strong coffee. My days go where my assignments call me and by the needs of my clients.

7. Who do you love?

I love my wife, children, friends, family and the One that is the Lord of all.

8. What are you passionate about?

I can not tolerate abuse of any kind to people or animals. I try to find work that promotes that cause. Working with professional talent is nice but I am drawn to shooting non actors. I enjoy getting to know people, gain their trust, become their friend and guide them toward self expression on camera. People, their stories, their lives and their uniqueness fascinate me. I’ve learned that the I have the most success as a shooter and as a person by learning as much as I can about my subjects, clients and assignments. I strive to make images that show people what they don’t see.

9. What are you proudest of?

Never having to work for a living.

10. Describe a great night out.

Authentic Italian food, friends, good wine and getting home safely….and early.

11. So what’s next for you?

Finding more assignments that help people and benefit life. Using my abilities to tell stories in unique and emotional ways, make my clients look like heroes, and most importantly touch people and effect how they think and feel.

12. What will your epitaph say?

“I told you I was sick.”

12 Questions: Dennis Steele

by PCG Staff on August 3, 2015 in Personality with Comments Off on 12 Questions: Dennis Steele

Dennis SteeleHi, I’m Dennis Steele.

I am a freelance writer/producer/voice actor, with commercial clients such as the Phillies, the PA Lottery, the Inquirer, Car Sense, the Sands Co., plus numerous Medical/Pharma clients, financial service firms, political campaigns and insurance companies.  I’ve narrated a number of films, including “Seeing the Gross Clinic Anew,” produced by The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and “Footsteps in the Snow,” a Lifetime Movie Network presentation, produced by Nancy Glass Productions.  I also generate about 600 on-hold messages a year.

My writing/production credits include: Steven Singer Jewelers, EP Henry, Solar City, Dish Network, etc. I’ve produced corporate videos, TV commercials, fund-raising films and just recently completed an animated video with my buddy Dave Blazek for Xylem, Inc.

Notable Accomplishments:  Voice on virtually all Phillies TV and radio commercials for 15+ years, creator of the “I Hate Steven Singer” radio ad, which became the cornerstone of Steve’s decade+ “I Hate Steven Singer” campaign.  Two Philly Gold Awards and four Addys.  Little League baseball/softball coach for 18 years.

I live and work in Villanova and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 35 years.  Three of our four kids are “off the grid,” and are highly-functioning adults.  Addicted to television and media of all sorts, love good food and wine, sports (esp. the Phillies,) bicycling, and hearing and telling good stories.

You can reach me at steelecreativity@gmail.com and www.steele-creative.com

And now, the 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

My family insists I’ve been “showing off for company” since I could talk.  I have two much older siblings and one much younger, so I had no real “sibling rivalry,” and I spent a lot of time on my own.  I watched a lot of TV as a kid, and as a result, just like our parents warned us, it rotted my brain.

In the third grade, I was cast in a college production of “A Music Man,” and my fate was sealed.  I’ve been performing pretty much ever since.  I was in an all-city boys choir in middle school, acted in plays and sang in a rock band in high school and college, and I received my BFA in radio/TV and film from the University of Cincinnati-College/Conservatory of Music (CCM).  So the professional baseball career had to be put on hold.

2. What influences have shaped you?

First and foremost is my wife and best friend, who is the smartest, most decent, logical and ethical person I know.  Not sure where I would be without her.  My mother, who is 94 years-old, taught me resilience and the benefits of seeing the glass as half-full.  I have some great men in my life ,whom I looked up to and still do:  My dad, my brother, my older brother-in-law, my father-in-law.  Professionally, my old friend from high school, Tom Sandman, who advised me to go to CCM, and helped get me my first “real” radio job, as his assistant at WEBN in Cincinnati.  I learned so much of what I know about writing and production from him.

Locally, I don’t have a voice-over career without Scott Sanders, Gary Bridges and Gary Moskowitz, former owner of Baker Sound.  My love of American History and politics can be traced to two influential teachers, one in high school and one in college.  I can’t underestimate the influence of Looney Tunes, Monty Python, Firesign Theatre and the National Lampoon.  And a great group of friends in and out of the business continue to shape and motivate me today.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Every day I do at least one dumb thing.  I’m very forgetful.  Seriously, I lose my keys about three times a week.  My dumbest career move was taking a radio job, sight-unseen, from an ad in a trade paper, which landed me in Flint, Michigan.  The station was #1 in the market, but the facility was so bad, they had a room air conditioner in the production studio.  Think about that.  The nine months spent in Flint were the most surreal times of my career.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

I learned how to sing, including breathing, in the Boys’ Choir as a kid.  I received a lot of great training in announcing in college, including pacing, script marking and microphone technique.  WEBN in Cincinnati was formative in my learning how to tell stories with just voice, music and sound effects.  And before I ever started shopping a demo to ad agencies and studios in Philadelphia, I had read over 3000 spots as a station producer.

5. What are you working on now?

I just finished collaborating with my buddy Dave Blazek (the brilliant ad writer for the Inquirer and author of the syndicated cartoon, “Loose Parts”) on an animated “Year in Review” video for Xylem, Inc. in NJ.  I created sound files for Nationwide Bi-Weekly Administration’s phone system, and recorded some on-hold messaging for long-time client, Spectrio, in Florida.  Last month, I wrote and produced a series of 15-second radio spots for Steven Singer that are currently running on satellite and internet radio. Last week, I actually did a political ad. I wrote some Dish Network radio copy for the Radio Agency in Media, and I narrated seven corporate jobs for various pharma/medical clients.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

That’s one of the things I love about my job; there really isn’t a “typical” day.  Every day is different.  But there are patterns.  I seldom get booked for a vo job more than a week in advance, so my schedule has to be fairly flexible.  I get up pretty early in the morning; usually before 6:30, because my wife and daughter are up and out early for work/school. I have a wonderful workspace in my home, with plenty of room to write, or play music (to distract me from writing,) and a basic rig for recording vo at home.  I prefer working at one of the local studios to working at home, but these days, it’s unavoidable.  When I’m in a studio, it’s usually at Baker, Alkemy X, Philly Post, Center City Film and Video, 2nd Street in NoLibs or Mars Audio in Gulph Mills.  When I’m not doing the work, I’m trolling for more work, or working to get paid for the work.

7. Who do you love?

I love my wife most of all, my kids, my new daughter-in-law and her family, my extended family, including my wife’s enormous clan, my mom, my siblings and their kids and grandkids.  I’m blessed to have some tremendous colleagues who’ve become close friends.  Our neighborhood is unusually close, and we’ve made some great friends there. And my wife and I have some close friends whom we’ve known since we first got to Philly in the 80’s.  Can’t forget our two Westies.

8. What are you passionate about?

Again, my wife is right at the top of the list.  I’m intensely interested in my kids’ lives and try to stay close, without hovering.  I have a passion for collaborating with people, whether it’s working on a project, playing music with friends (I play a little guitar and mandolin…very little), or cooking with a group of people.  I care very deeply about current events and politics, although I never wade into those waters except with family and close friends, and never on social media.  I love music, all kinds.  And I love history, especially American history.  I love the pursuit of excellence, whether it’s in sports, music, art or storytelling.  I’ve been known to get passionate about the Phillies and Eagles.

9. What are you proudest of?

First, my marriage, and the life my wife and I have built together.  Next are my kids.  They are a constant source of joy. I’ve been able to make a pretty good living here as a freelancer for going on 28 years.  And there’s only a couple of people in town who don’t speak to me, so that’s good.  I’m proud to have so many long relationships and steady, regular clients.  There’s nothing better than good word-of-mouth, and repeat business.

10. Describe a great night out.

A great night out usually involves people I really like, good food, wine (red).  Lots of laughing.  Stories.  Once in awhile, a good cigar (not good for the voice.)  Very often, it involves music, either making it, or enjoying it in the foreground or background.

11. So what’s next for you?

I hope to keep my clients happy for another year. There are always surprises; new projects, new opportunities.  I’d love to do more work like narrating documentaries.  I’m open to whatever lurks around the corner that we can’t see yet.

12. What will your epitaph say?

“That guy really knew how to parallel-park.”

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