Bill Adler Blog

Assignment: Governor Mitt Romney

2012-01-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

Assignment: Santa Claus

2011-12-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Assignment: Herman Cain

2011-10-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Maria Shriver: Snap! Snap! Snap!

2011-07-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

New Work

2011-07-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

Assignment: Corporate Report

2011-06-02T19:29:00.001-04:00

Evander Hollyfield's Ear (or what's left of it)

2011-05-27T17:39:00.001-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
I was just watching Mike Tyson on the Ellen Degeneres Show, which reminded me of a portrait I took of Evander Hollyfield - after Tyson feasted on Hollyfield's ear.

Assignment: Executives

2011-05-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
This is an image from a new series of portraiture commissioned by a national consulting firm.

Assignment: Neal Boortz

2011-05-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
Just wrapped a new advertising campaign for Mercedes Benz featuring national radio personality Neal Boortz.

Photographing Newt Gingrich

2011-05-13T19:48:00.000-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
Here is a shot from a session to photograph Newt Gingrich for a life-size photo stand up.

Assignment: Entrepreneur Magazine

2011-04-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

Assignment: Oracle Profit Magazine

2010-09-21T18:16:00.003-04:00

Assignment: Gratus Capital

2010-08-23T20:18:00.000-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
These financial planners really wanted to kick it up a notch, so here you go. I really enjoy clients that will take a risk with the creative and think outside the box. Great group of people! They were into it.

Assignment: US Senator Johnny Isakson

2010-08-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

(C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com
I recently finished an assignment to produce campaign imagery for US Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). Above is the official media photo, and will also be used on push cards and other collateral. Other photographs included the Senator with different constituent groups as well as a number of portrait studies.Photographing the Senator. Image by David Rice

Annual Nantahala River Trip - Just In

2010-07-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

Every year we venture to Bryson City, North Carolina to enjoy whitewater rafting down the Nantahala River. This is the last rapid (Class III) before the take out. Then it is a quick shower and off to the Jarrett House for their world-famous fried chicken and homemade biscuits. I have been going down this river for over 30 years, and am now joined by my son Ben (13), celebrating his fourth whitewater adventure. (C) Bill Adler www.billadler.com

Official Coca-Cola Board of Directors Portrait

2010-07-21T14:19:00.003-04:00

This is the Official Board of Directors portrait that appears in the current annual report, and is displayed at the Coca-Cola world headquarters on North Avenue. For more information on the creation of this image, please see the feature article in PDN(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

New Portrait: Bethenny Frankel

2010-04-22T08:59:00.004-04:00

This was a shot we created of Bethenny Frankel (The Real Housewives of New York City) for Pepperidge Farm.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Picture of the Day

2010-04-21T18:31:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite Atlanta haunts, Zesto's.
This was taken with my new Sony Cybershot cell phone (8mg image!!!)
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo Session: Def Jam Artist Jeremih

2010-03-07T12:26:00.004-05:00

Here is a sampling of pix from Thursday's Atlanta session. Jeremih's debut single peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Images (C) Copyright 2010 Bill Adler.
http://www.billadler.com/

Alexander Haig: From the Archive

2010-02-21T11:05:00.004-05:00

General Alexander Haig passed this weekend. Here is one of my shots of him (with Admiral Cyrus Vance) from the archive. (C) Bill Adler
http://www.billadler.com/

Assignment: FedEx

2010-02-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

Here is one of the images from a recent Valentine's Day publicity campaign for FedEx.
http://www.billadler.com/

Radio Interview

2009-12-03T11:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was a guest on Atlanta Business Radio. Listen below:

Photo Shoot: Peggy Noonan

2009-11-18T15:52:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple of images from the recent Peggy Noonan photo session. Noonan is an op-ed columnist for the Wall Street Journal and political talking head on all the major political news/gab-fest programs.
http://www.billadler.com/

Assignment: The Coca-Cola Company

2009-10-22T23:37:00.003-04:00

Just finished photographing The Coca-Cola Company Board of Directors for their Official 2009 Portrait. Special sitting with Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent.
Photo: David Rice http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-10-13T19:37:00.002-04:00

Dawn, Paducah, Kentucky.
Film: TRI-X.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-10-12T17:29:00.006-04:00

Cape Cod lighthouse near Provincetown, MA.
FUJI Neopan 1600.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-10-08T19:19:00.002-04:00

Leon Russell in concert, circa 1974.
TRI-X film/D-76 developer.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-10-06T18:05:00.003-04:00

Esquire Shine Parlor, Ninth Street, Chattanooga, TN.
TRI-X film/D-76 developer.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-10-05T15:45:00.003-04:00

Neighborhood children, taken in Chicago. TRI-X film/Edwal FG-7 developer.
(C) Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Photo of The Day

2009-09-25T19:00:00.003-04:00

This was captured with Kodak Panatomic-X 32 ASA film, developed in Microdol-X (1:3).
Copyright Bill Adler www.billadler.com

Photo of The Day

2009-09-24T17:47:00.006-04:00

Here is a shot I captured in Chicago.
Copyright 2009 Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

One Year Ago Today...

2009-09-01T17:00:00.007-04:00

One year ago today I was in Denver, Colorado covering the 2008 Democratic National Convention as Special Correspondent for the Marietta Daily Journal. My pal Megyn Kelly of FOX News posed for a quick snap.

Combat Training Imagery

2009-08-20T22:14:00.009-04:00

This is from a series of photographs I created for a global defense contractor.
(C) 2009 Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Long Afternoons at Jack Daniels - Lynchburg, TN

2009-08-19T18:46:00.009-04:00

This is one of my test images from the Jack Daniels Distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The company has never used an advertising photograph more than one time, ever.

Cheyenne Rodeo 1931

2009-08-17T22:27:00.007-04:00

I found this great image while looking through some old family photos. Apparently this was snapped while relatives were on vacation traveling the West. After a little research I discovered this was taken at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, which is the oldest annual rodeo event in the world (known as "Daddy of 'em all). It was a big year for Frontier Days as the information from the Old West Museum below attests:
"The first Miss Frontier was selected in 1931 when the Cheyenne Frontier Days committee sponsored a contest. All six of the girls who entered were sponsored by a civic organization. Each girl was judged based on the number of tickets sold be her sponsoring organization. Miss Jean Nimmo Dubois had the honor of becoming the first Miss Frontier when the Cheyenne Post of the American legion sold the most tickets to the show." http://www.billadler.com/

Bill Adler Photography Receives 2009 Best of Atlanta Award

2009-07-27T09:31:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Bill Adler Photography has been selected for the 2009 Best of Atlanta Award in the Photographers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

###

Cell Phone Pix

2009-01-26T18:09:00.008-05:00

Here is an interesting shot from a recent AC\DC concert:

(C)2009 Bill Adler http://www.billadler.com/

Eric Draper - Exit Interview with White House Chief Photographer

2009-01-18T15:44:00.004-05:00

Eric Draper, Chief White House Photographer (his actual title is Director of the White House Photo Office) will be leaving after covering President Bush for the past eight years. His access to the President is said to rival David Hume Kennerly's access to Ford. Draper has set a high bar for the incoming photographer, Pete Souza. Photo District News featured Draper in an excellent article a few issues back. I found this video recently and wanted to share:

www.billadler.com

Remembering Eddie Adams

2009-01-16T22:26:00.029-05:00

On the set with Eddie Adams and Phyllis Schlafly.
(C)Bill Adler

Many years ago I had the opportunity to spend some time and study with one of the great photojournalists of the 20th century, Eddie Adams, who left us in 2004. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his chilling image of a Viet Cong guerilla summarily executed upon capture. All told, he won over 500 awards.

When I met him, he was becoming well known for his celebrity portraiture. He was using only a large soft box as the Key light, and black boards for a negative fill. This prevented the light from wrapping around the subject at close range and produced a window light effect with definable shadow quality. I had never seen the use of black boards and was intrigued with this scheme. It was always better to just watch him work than to ask a bunch of questions - which usually lead to an uncontrollable rath of fury. So, I just kept my mouth shut and learned by observation.

He also used a tripod, focused and then intentionally kept his head above the camera so as not to place any physical obstacle between himself and the subject. This created a sense of intimacy and trust, resulting in photographs that are revealing and honest. It was never about cameras or lighting or complex studio sets. It was all about interaction between Eddie and the subject. It was about creating a dynamic in which the capture became secondary.

http://www.billadler.com/

Back Cover Photograph for New Hot Rods CD

2009-01-13T16:48:00.013-05:00

Just submitted the final image to appear on the back cover of the new Hot Rods upcoming CD, The Hot Rods. Destined for big things, this "punkabilly" ensemble is backed by JustWest Entertainment (consisting of powerhouse promoters Lanny West and Leslie Fram, the morning radio personality at New York's premier rock station RXP 101.9) and Jonny Hibbert, the man that discovered REM and produced their first mega hit, Radio Free Europe. The band has just signed an exclusive deal with Universal Music Group.

Author Photograph: Geoff Smart and Randy Street

2009-01-13T11:27:00.007-05:00

I recently received my copy of Who: The A Method for Hiring (Random House), by management wunderkinds Geoff Smart and Randy Street. We created the author jacket photograph last summer during our second photo session. This new study became the number one book in the world sold on Amazon.com and has been on the New York Times best seller list for weeks. www.billadler.com

Providing Diplomatic Photography Services

2009-01-11T14:09:00.007-05:00

This particular niche is an excellent source of business development. It allows front line access to high level personalities and events, while further positioning you among other potential clients. Obviously, geography is a factor in your success, as the majority of embassies and consulates are located in Washington, New York and other large metropolitan areas.

Targeting your prospects must be done with great care. You are there to provide professional services, true, but politics are always a consideration - whether your personal convictions or governmental concern. For example, providing services to the Canadians or Japanese is not an issue. The same cannot be said of the Iranians or North Koreans, so spend some time researching prior to contact.

Understand that it is of the utmost importance to acknowledge the qualities of personal manners, etiquette and decorum. Many times you may be traveling with a diplomatic entourage, and it is essential that you are able to completely blend in. Attention should be on wardrobe, with a predisposition to dark suits, white dress shirts and polished shoes.

When attending a gathering with a senior officer, such as an Ambassador or Consul General, always allow sufficient personal space to allow them to roam unrestricted. The actual term for this is to “not restrict their movement” as a Secret Service agent pointed out to me many years ago when photographing President George H. W. Bush. I was in just a bit too close to allow free movement in any direction, and I have taken this advice to heart. It is important to try to photograph each person speaking to your subject, but equally important to do so unobtrusively. Properly executed, you are not even noticed. Ideally, you need take only one shot. These particular images are important in that they serve not only as a visual database for future recognition, but a powerful public relations tool to forward to each guest. There is great news value in an individual “conferring with the Ambassador”. Make sure you take wide angle shots to capture everyone in the room. These may be required for security reasons.

Whenever possible, try to photograph using available light. Your gear requirements should include a vibration reduction lens to allow for razor sharp images in low light conditions. To further facilitate this process, a digital camera with a large chip, (such as high-end Nikon or Canon) is essential. Every time your strobe fires you cause a distraction, so use sparingly. Obviously this caution will not apply to all situations, such as a news conference or taking group photographs. I work with the least amount of equipment possible for numerous reasons. First, I enjoy the freedom of movement this affords. I dislike being bogged down with gear. Secondly, a bunch of cameras and a bag hanging from you simple takes up too much room in small quarters and are not practical. You want to avoid distracting any attention from your client. I usually work with one camera, one fast variable focus lens and one mounted strobe. My bag is small, containing an extra body, flash, media card reader and batteries. Usually there will be draped tables at events, and you can stash your bag there temporarily.

Timing is everything, and these images must be delivered as soon as possible. I carry a notebook computer in my car to allow me to burn a DVD immediately and pass on to the public affairs officer if needed. I can also FTP the images to a server for client download, create and post a slide show and email specific shots to news outlets as directed. This allows for almost instant distribution, increasing the opportunities for publication. My workflow includes importing the images into Lightroom for naming, global corrections and exporting high resolution files directly to DVD.

Other types of photography services needed may include staff photographs for websites and PR. Formal publicity portraits are common requests for the Ambassador, Consul General and other senior personnel. http://www.billadler.com/