A few weeks ago, Verdant Living (http://www.verdantliving.us/) came to me, and asked for something visually different. These guys are awesome – Full of energy, yet respectful of the world and those around them. Their perspective on green living is fresh, new, progressive, and in many ways, appeals to traditional thought, while delivering a sustainable product. This is how we progress as a global civilization: adaptation through technology. That said, being given the task to produce something different puts a smile on my face, and sends my creative functions into overdrive. I sketch, look at the best work of our time, and read on the new trends. For Verdant, I wanted to make sure there was a fall back, in case my work was “too hip for the house” (a phrase made famous by Indianapolis Star staff photographer Frank Espich, who is one of my many heroes). As a result, I not only photographed these images through the ground glass of a twin lens Rolleiflex, I also used the TLR to shoot numerous rolls of chrome, sans the dust and grid lines. It’s truly an honor to be trusted, and given creative carte blanche for a client. Collaboration, however, made it possible. A lot can be said for a client willing to look outside of the box, and be open to the world around them. In a lot of ways, they are personifying their product. So, kudos to Verdant Living for not adhering to traditional “stick builds.” Kudos to them for thinking different. It’s what a good life is all about.
