etc creative

The blog has moved

2010-01-08T09:40:00.002-08:00

To greener pastures where links work, and you can see the latest photography and video.

http://etccreative.wordpress.com/

So Thankful!

2010-01-05T10:39:00.004-08:00

I'm back at the agency after being out for a month with H1N1 and pnemonia. I am so thankful for having a great group of artists that helped me with my workload during that time, and our clients for being sooo understanding!

I also "missed" the holidays - didn't get a chance to send out holiday cards with being so ill. Better late than never, I suppose - This was going to be the card.

A photo of Big Llou (yes, with 2 Ls), the infamous Santa Claus. (photo by Thomas Chadwick)

Chris Cassidy - Hot Cocoa or the New Year

2010-01-05T10:38:00.002-08:00

Clint Blowers - Atomic Zippo

2010-01-05T10:37:00.002-08:00

Thomas Chadwick - Boxers

2009-11-29T17:16:00.002-08:00

Clint Blowers - GPS

2009-11-19T10:22:00.002-08:00

Chris Cassidy Shoots the Culinary Comforts Cookbook

2009-11-19T10:13:00.002-08:00

It's the right time of year to be thinking, Culinary Comforts- Soups, Stews and More...

New work from Vicky Kasala

2009-11-17T13:05:00.001-08:00

SHINICHI MARUYAMA - High Speed Video Reel

2009-11-17T08:07:00.003-08:00

This is amazing - stunning. Check out Shinichi's video reel. Cut and paste the link into your browser. I'm in the process of updating the blog software to something that will actually let me publish a working link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb_QuIsnovA

Brian Steege's new website

2009-11-10T14:38:00.004-08:00

Brian Steege has a new website. For some odd reason, the link refuses to post.

Cut and paste this into your browser

www.briansteegephotography.com

Clint Blowers in Found

2009-11-09T12:42:00.002-08:00

There is a new source book for photographers called FOUND. When it lands on your desk, check out Clint Blowers' spread in the beverage section.

SHINICHI MARUYAMA

2009-11-09T12:05:00.002-08:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now representing splash photographer Shinichi Maruyama.

It's a difficult name to pronounce, (or even guess how to pronounce) so feel free to call him Shin when you request his portfolio.

Shin is a Japanese photographer that solves the most difficult of photographic obstacles- splashes, high speed photography, and even photographs of explosions. Fire, dust settling- earth elements- ice, steam & smoke. These are all things that Shinichi revels in capturing in camera - in stills or in high definition video.

We will be adding his reel to the website in the next month. Call for a reel in the meantime...847-563-8178.

Fireworks Personal work from Chris Cassidy

2009-11-04T07:57:00.004-08:00

Chris Cassidy - Autumn Leaves

2009-10-29T14:41:00.002-07:00

My favorite time of year.

Brian Steege - a journey

2009-10-23T10:09:00.002-07:00

I love these reflections Brian writes about his photographs

"I love these reflections Brian writes about his pictures.

"The crisp air, the filtered sunlight, and brisk choppy water were so fantastic in San Francisco Bay on our return from Alcatraz that I knew there was a photograph somewhere on the boat.

Who knew it would be me?

Seeing this boy with his disposable camera pointed toward the skyline, I positioned myself in his line of sight and made several exposures.

I then dropped my camera, and realized I was looking back at myself, looking forward, oh so many years ago. I wonder what he saw when his photos came back? Some dude standing in his way? Or his future as a photographer? Only the sea, sky and wind of the Golden Gate know.

Brian"

Luke is here!

2009-09-18T15:42:00.002-07:00

Thomas and I welcomed our second son into the world on September 11th. His name is Luke, he weighed in at exactly 9 lbs, 21 and 3/4 inches, and is completely healthy. Here are Jude and Luke meeting for the first time.

Launching www.THOMASCHADWICK.co.uk

2009-09-18T15:00:00.003-07:00

Thomas has launched a new website... www.thomaschadwick.co.uk Thomas is based in the USA, and the .co.uk pays tribute to his English roots.

Jude didn't make the book or website

2009-09-09T14:51:00.004-07:00

We've been working on a new website for Thomas. It will launch in 2 weeks. Here are 3 shots of Jude that did not make the site or the portfolio. Am I partial to them just because I am his mother?

Clint Blowers shoots for Sailor Jerry

2009-08-27T13:53:00.004-07:00

Clint Blowers shot 8 beverage shots for Sailor Jerry. This is the first ad to come out thus far...

Charlie Westerman - Bus Shelters for Chicago Food Depository

2009-08-25T11:03:00.003-07:00

Some selections from the series of Chicagoans that Charlie Westerman shot for the Chicago Food Depository.

Thomas Chadwick - Ad for Secret Clinical Strength

2009-08-12T08:11:00.004-07:00

Brian Steege - Sunflowers

2009-07-30T10:16:00.003-07:00

"Around this part of the country, large open spaces are usually reserved for corn and soybeans. Beautiful in their own right, but rather pedestrian.

So, imagine the generous soul who set aside a couple of acres to brighten everyone’s spirit with sunflowers.

After driving by several times, and waiting for the flowers to grow, I called on my three muses, Ellie, Margot, and Lucy, to help me make some inspired photos.

With appropriate giggling and curiosity, we navigated the wall of sunflowers until the magic moment came. And, Lucy, freckled and red-haired, provided the ray of light.

With a flower almost as big as her face, she drank in the flower’s amazingly simple beauty while appreciating the forethought of someone trying to brighten everyone’s day with a simple seed change." - Brian Steege

Chris Cassidy shoots for Fresh Gourmet

2009-07-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Look out for your cupcake

2009-07-22T13:53:00.002-07:00

If you're a creative or art buyer in Chicago, keep an eye out for your cupcake, courtesy of Chris Cassidy.

It should look something like this...

Thomas Chadwick shoots Jeff Tweedy of Wilco

2009-07-08T08:52:00.002-07:00

Thomas Chadwick photographed Jeff Tweedy of Wilco for the New York Times Magazine.

Thomas Chadwick - Progressive GBL Shoot

2009-06-25T14:03:00.003-07:00

Thomas Chadwick shot a series of 45 portraits of gay, bi, or lesbian employees for Progressive Insurance. Members of their staff that have a passion for equal rights were also photographed.

New business lifestyle work from Charlie Westerman

2009-06-25T09:04:00.001-07:00

Brian Steege - Heifer International

2009-06-15T09:26:00.004-07:00

Brian Steege shot for Heifer International, a non-profit organization that donates animals and training to families on how to rear animals to create sustainability.

You can buy an animal for donation to a family here

http://www.heiferinternational.org

Clint Blowers - PINK

2009-06-11T09:50:00.002-07:00

Brian Steege - 29 of 31, Portraits of his son

2009-06-10T14:38:00.002-07:00

Brian Steege - 29 of 31, Portraits of his son

2009-06-10T14:32:00.005-07:00

Brian Steege has just completed a personal project where he took 10 minutes a day to photograph his son, Caleb. He aimed to shoot him each day for a month, and got a shot in 29 of the 31 days in that month. He was called out of town on assignment for 2 of those days.

Chris Cassidy shoots for Entertaining Company

2009-06-09T08:43:00.002-07:00

New lifestyle work from Vicky Kasala

2009-06-02T08:22:00.002-07:00

Vicky Kasala has updated her Lifestyle section on the etccreativeinc.com website.

Clint Blowers- shoots for WilsonART

2009-05-22T09:33:00.002-07:00

Clio award for Thomas Chadwick

2009-05-12T11:00:00.004-07:00

The Companions for Seniors ad that Thomas Chadwick shot was just awarded a Clio. It's quite the winner at the award shows- taking home a Cannes Lion, a Chicago Creative Club Award, and now a Clio.

Me and Visitor

2009-05-12T10:56:00.003-07:00

Some of you may know I am expecting a second baby boy in September. On a recent shoot, we had visitor's passes at the office location we shot at, and the art producer gave me her pass for the visitor in my stomach.

Clint Blowers - UK Design Auction Catalog

2009-05-12T10:52:00.002-07:00

Clint Blowers photographed the UK Design Auction Catalog for 2 weeks. The chair on the cover recently sold for a record 1.1 million pounds sterling.

This should be an ad. Although I am not sure what the product or copy should be.

2009-04-22T13:50:00.002-07:00

I saw this last year in France on vacation.

Gail Pollack portraits of Charlie Westerman

2009-04-03T17:23:00.002-07:00

Charlie Westerman's wife, Gail Pollack, painted these portraits of Charlie Westerman. Gail is a freelance creative director, and I love what she is doing in her spare time.

Pallin' around with terrorists

2009-04-03T15:11:00.003-07:00

New York Times Magazine hired Thomas Chadwick to photograph Bill Ayers. Thomas followed the election quite closely and was looking forward to meeting Ayers in person, and hearing first hand, what all this terrorist stuff was about.

Ayers has quite the sense of humor about how he has been thrown into the limelight. When Sarah Palin accused Obama of pallin' around with terrorists, Ayers called Palin to suggest they start a talk show. Ayers suggested the show could be called "Pallin' Around with Sarah and Bill." Palin never responded.

Brian Steege Image Library for Giant Eagle

2009-04-03T15:07:00.002-07:00

Brian Steege wrapped a 3 day shoot with Giant Eagle grocery stores. He navigated around a film crew for 3 days, and still came out with 14 shots a day.

New work from Liza Littlehawk

2009-03-24T13:05:00.002-07:00

ETC CREATIVE now represents CHRIS CASSIDY

2009-03-23T12:14:00.003-07:00

ETC CREATIVE is happy to announce that we now represent Chris Cassidy. Chris and I go way back. When I was a photo assistant- 10 years ago!, I assisted for Chris. He was
very patient and always a lot of fun to work with. Chris works with his very talented wife, Nancy, who props and styles their assignments.

Story Killed - Clint Blowers

2009-02-26T13:21:00.004-08:00

Every so often, a photographer shoots an assignment and the client never runs it. Sometimes in editorial a story that is more of the "moment" will kick it aside. (In this case a story about Sarah Palin took over.....I know what you are thinking.....Sarah Palin, of all the things?) Sometimes in advertising the brand decides it wants a new direction. Sometimes agencies test 4 concepts and only use one.

Here is a Clint Blowers piece that never saw the light of day, until now.

Jude

2009-02-13T14:25:00.002-08:00

I have not posted a picture of Jude in so long. I'm so bad about having a picture of him in my wallet to show clients when I make the rounds, so I'm referring all "how's your baby" inquires to the blog.

Behind the Scenes - Portrait shoot with Thomas Chadwick

2009-02-13T14:07:00.009-08:00

One of the things to consider when hiring a photographer for a "real people" portrait campaign is - "If I were being photographed, would I want to be photographed by this photographer?" It's an interesting question. For a recent shoot Thomas had 8 minutes to photograph 150 real people, individually. No small feat.

This is the kind of digital tech set up you need to manage 150 portraits, each portrait having 20-60 outtakes.

Shooting with a long lens is paramount. Getting too close to a "real person" is intimidating and causes them to freeze up.

A game of Simon says.

More Simon says.

Tiagi Lambert was on hair and make-up- all 150 people, by herself and did an amazing job.

This is my work- stacks of releases, contracts, models comps, emails, ftp sites, catering orders. Not sure why it requires so much water.

Vicky Kasala - Ad for Gaiam

2009-02-02T08:18:00.003-08:00

Imagineer article on Clint Blowers

2009-01-29T10:55:00.001-08:00

ETC CREATIVE represents LIZA LITTLEHAWK

2009-01-27T12:35:00.004-08:00

LIZA LITTLEHAWK, what an unforgettable name. For about a year now, I have been getting promotional pieces from LIZA LITTLEHAWK. Whenever I saw her name, I thought "I wonder what she is like?" Her photography has such an organic, light, earthy, and at the same time- feminine touch, that her name suited the work to a T.

Art Buying Guide

2009-01-21T13:28:00.003-08:00

I found this while organizing my computer today. This is the Chicago Artists' Representatives (CAR) Art Buying Guide. It's a good little refresher on the way purchasing and selling art works.

ART BUYING GUIDE

Prepared by: Chicago Artists Representatives
Welcome to the wonderful world of buying art! For your and your clients' clearer understanding of industry standards, members of Chicago Artists Representatives (CAR) have compiled this brief guide. CAR is an organization of photographer and illustrator representatives based in Chicago. Our members are committed to the highest degree of professional service on behalf of the photographers and illustrators as well as for all buyers of art.
There are numerous guidelines and books which form the basis for the Art Buying Guide. This guide is based on standard industry practice and has been reviewed by agency art buyers, the CAR membership, and a copyright attorney. You will have to negotiate with each photographer or illustrator (or their agent) individually, but this Guide should help to explain what are ordinary and customary standards in the industry, and is provided to you for informational purposes only, as a professional courtesy.

USAGE
The artist sells you the use of artwork, photography or illustration, on the basis of reproduction rights, to fulfill the client’s needs. The charge is based on the usage requested–the more you want to use the artwork, the more it will cost.
Copyright. When you commission an artist, the artist owns the original physical artwork as well as the copyright to the artwork. Copyright is a bundle of rights written in a fairly complicated law created by the US Congress. (For more information on copyright research, see the sources listed at the end of this guide.)

Assignment of copyright. (buyout). Many photographers and illustrators sell their artwork as stock. They can legally do so because they own the copyright. It is possible to sell the copyright to the client for an assignment of copyright, but it is very expensive. Many artists won’t transfer a copyright because they then lose the claim of authorship and have no control over what is done with the image.

Limited use. You can buy limited use rights based on media, time, and geographic region. Media options include trade or consumer magazine and newspaper ads, collateral, P.O.P., outdoor, direct mail and packaging. All are based on print run or circulation. Buying all print rights does not include electronic media–internet, intranet, CD-rom, video, or television. Time usage could be 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc.

Unlimited use. If you’re not sure how you may want to use the artwork and don’t want it to be restricted, you can request unlimited use, including all worldwide use of all media for an unlimited time. This gives you unlimited use of the artwork but not the copyright. Unlimited use will cost anywhere from 50% to 200% more, so you will want to consider carefully if these are the rights you need.

Terms of usage. Reproduction rights are granted only upon full receipt of payment. The artist owns exclusive rights to an image unless those rights are negotiated. Unless specifically negotiated, the artist owns the reproduction rights of any out-take photographs or preliminary sketches. The original art remains the property of the artist and is to be returned within 30 days of reproduction.

Models. If there is a model in the photograph you must negotiate his/her use separately with the model's agent.

Comping. When you copy an image from an artist’s portfolio or another printed or electronic source and use it in a layout, that is usage. It is illegal to use an image without permission. You may have seen this logo <--. A group of about 15 organizations came together to bring awareness to comping through the “Ask First” campaign. If you would like to copy an image for your layout, just request it from the artist’s representative. There may be a charge. But please ask first.

ASSIGNMENT TERMS
This guide states terms of industry standards although all estimates include individual photographer and illustrator terms. After you have negotiated a price based on usage and assignment description, have commissioned the artist, and have submitted a Purchase Order, there may be some changes.
Assignment description changes. If the assignment description changes from the original approved estimate, the price needs to be re-submitted from the artist or his agent for agency approval. For example, if a photographer or illustrator has been booked to do three images and two are added or if your layout direction changes from a simple scene to a more complex one, you should expect additional cost. Any revisions, not due to the fault of the artist, will be invoiced.
Schedule changes for photographers. If the schedule changes, there must also be further negotiation. Photographers book days at a time, and if you book a day with one, you are committed to paying him, his crew, and any incurred expenses. If you postpone or cancel a photo shoot, the photographer and his crew have missed opportunities to take on another project for the time you originally booked. Most photographer contracts indicate cancellation fees based on how many days prior to the shoot it is canceled. The cancellation fees may differ based on pre- production time needed and the shoot's complexity. Industry standards are: For 24 hours or less
notice, a payment of 100% of photographer and crew fees and expenses incurred are expected; for two to three days notice, 100% to 50%; for four to seven or more days notice, up to 50%.

Schedule changes for illustrators. When Illustrators take on a project, they also budget their time for sketches and finished art. They may or may not take on more than one assignment at a time after they determine whether they can comfortably make both the deadlines. A project put on hold or an unreasonable amount of time taken to approve the sketches seriously affects the amount of time the artist has scheduled for a project. Completion date for a project may have to be rescheduled.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
Call the agent. When inquiring about an artist, please call the agent for a portfolio, estimate, or artist’s schedule.

Icing the artist. If you would like to reserve an artist’s time but are not ready to award the project, you can “ice” the artist through his agent. If another client then asks to schedule the same days with the artist and is ready to "book," you will be contacted for a decision to either release or book the artist. In fairness to all, there is a first-come, first-serve procedure. Once you have determined the status of your project, please notify the agent if you would like to book the artist, reschedule the project, or are releasing the artist.

Artist's portfolio. You assume responsibility for loss or damage of the portfolio until it is returned to the agent. When you are finished with the portfolio, please return it to the agent, preferably within three to five business days.

CAR hopes this guide helps you plan for and commission artists. Please call our organization or refer to the sources listed below for further information.

Chicago Artists Representatives (CAR) 312-409-6211 (Erica's note- CAR no longer exists)
Lawyers for the Creative Arts (LCA) 312-944-2787
US Copyright office- 202-707-3000 www.lcweb.loc.gov/copyright
Graphic Artist Guild Handbook to Pricing and Ethical Guidelines 212-791-3400 www.gag.org
Advertising Photographers of America (APA National Headquarters) 800-272-6264
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP National Headquarters) 609-799-8300

ETC CREATIVE represents Clint Blowers

2009-01-20T13:35:00.003-08:00

We would like to welcome Clint Blowers to our roster. Clint is a newcomer to Chicago, relocating from the east coast.... (and Blowers is pronounced like "flowers", but with a B.)

Thomas Chadwick - 3 ads for Y&R / River North Dance

2009-01-13T15:00:00.005-08:00

This was a fun project with Y&R, for River North Dance in Chicago.

The conceptual photography tied together the themes of Dance and the city of Chicago.

New work from Vicky Kasala

2009-01-13T14:42:00.002-08:00

There is new work on the site from Vicky Kasala.

Thomas Chadwick's Starbuck (RED) posters

2008-12-02T10:38:00.001-08:00

It was difficult to see the actual artwork in my last posting. Here it is as a jpg. Thomas is actually one of the models in the shoot too. I'll let you guess who he is.

Thomas Chadwick STARBUCKS RED Campaign hits the streets

2008-12-01T12:12:00.002-08:00

The Thomas Chadwick Starbucks RED Campaign hit the streets of the USA this past holiday weekend.

Product Red and Starbucks have joined together to help fight HIV and AIDS in Africa. Thomas photographed
128 portraits in 3 days to document people in the community that support the RED movement. A great shoot, and an even better cause.

Brian Steege for Mothers Against Drunk Driving

2008-11-14T12:50:00.002-08:00

Brian Steege shot for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

I'm a photographer too.

2008-10-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a photographer too.

So why am I not one?

I graduated from college and thought I'd try assisting commercial photographers. I was one of the worst photo assistants ever, and I'd be the first to admit that.

One of my worst days was when I dented Steve Grubman's van by driving it into another car. Steve was truly kind- he must believe in karma too.

But really, I'm not a photographer because I make pictures that have little or no commercial value in the advertising world. I realized that by assisting photographers that had a real gift for it.

The other thing that came out of my assisting was that some photographers noticed I was darn good at producing and gave me the chance to coordinate...and then to represent them. And that's how I got to the here and now.

Companions takes home another award

2008-09-19T16:06:00.001-07:00

The Companions for Seniors Campaign shot by Thomas Chadwick took home another award a week ago. The Chicago Creative Club award. It previously took home a Bronze Lion at Cannes.

Scroll down and you can see the campaign with the elderly hands and the youthful hands.

Ovation Cable Channel

2008-09-18T11:29:00.004-07:00

Comcast carries a channel called Ovation and they run a great little series of documentaries on photographers.

I'm addicted.

I watched the Sally Mann documentary Monday night. What an amazing woman. She is famous for her series of photographs of her young children, usually naked, called Immediate Family. The series caused quite a stir back in the 80ies. In the documentary, her children were fully grown, and talked a little about their experiences being photographed. Her daughter Jessi loved posing so much she seeks photographers to model for as an adult.

Sally also spoke about the photographs she has taken of her husband over the years, which she has not released, and may never. Oh--- how I want to see those. Her love for her husband, their love for each other, it is just something to witness. If two people belong with one another, it is those two.

Then I saw the David LaChapelle documentary. Whew! It was high maintenance just watching it. He has a show on right now in NYC. Not so sure I am in love with it. Actually, I am sure I am not in love with it.

What struck me in the comparison of the two documentaries is making art for arts sake. I'm a little suspicious of LaChapelle's recent show just because I'm not convinced that he made the work to make art. I suspect he made it as a little bit of a commercial self promotion, calling itself art. That is a brilliant idea and exactly why I don't like it much.

Our friends www.artistsandcreatives.com

2008-09-11T11:44:00.002-07:00

Check out the photographers, creative directors, video specialists, and stylists over at www.artistsandcreatives.com

The CEO is Joe Jombardo. Joe is a breath of fresh air- truly passionate about his agency, the photographers he represents and art as a whole. I have seen photographers grow as visual artists 10 fold under his direction. He and I have a similar approach in that we both art direct and concept for our photographers, and both run production companies as well.

So- when it came time for Thomas to sign on with an agent that would handle the New York market as well as the European market, we called upon Joe first. We're happy to say we are a stellar team, and you can now see Thomas's work at www.artistsandcreatives.com and as well as www.etccreativeinc.com

Pigeonhole

2008-09-10T11:08:00.004-07:00

Pigeonhole. Or Pigeonholing. It's a term with a funny name, it takes my imagination to the damp, dreary underbellies of overpasses.

Some photographers feel that they are pigeonholed. Their definition of this is that their clients call them for one genre of photography only, even though they may have other applications that their work would be suited for.

Now- normally, and perhaps surprisingly, I would say pigeonholing this is a good thing. Agents want their photographer to have niche. Niche is French for pigeonhole. ;) It makes it easier for clients to identify who shoots what well and it creates a memory in the clients mind for photographer's name to become "top of mind". Being top of mind as a photographer of a certain niche is one of the most powerful things a photographer can achieve.

Being niched also makes agents happy because it allows the agent to target market and we agents know that target marketing is a good use of our time.

And then there are photographers that cannot be niched. Thomas Chadwick is one of those guys that is in the niche of not being nicheable.

He shoots people, locations, and products all with one clear style. What makes this possible is that he is 33% photographer, 33% creative director, and 33% lighting master. To be able to light a gravy boat on a table cloth with the same style as a Porsche parked in a garage at night is mastery.

The interesting thing is- when the portfolio spans the breadth of so much subject matter, clients can become confused. They aren't sure what to hire you for, because you've got everything. You have to be clever in how to become "top of mind".

So how does a photographer that is un-nicheable become top of mind? I've butted my head against a wall for 4 years trying to figure this one out, until Thomas and I discovered what works.

Shoot more. Shoot more of each subject matter, niche or genre. And when you're done shooting more, shoot more. Knock them over the head with just how creative you are, no matter what the subject matter.

Here are some new portraits Thomas is adding to the book.

Changes for the blog

2008-09-10T11:02:00.003-07:00

This blog is going to take a different shift in content. Rather than it being a showcase for my photographers latest projects, I will also post about art and commerce as a whole.

The reasons are twofold.

First - By the time I get to post my photographer's campaigns, it is several months since the job has been shot, and sometimes it feels like living in the past to me when I'd really like to step into the future.

Second - By sharing what I know, what I think I know ;) , and my opinions- I hope I can serve the photography & art buying communities in some way.

Summer is NOT over!

2008-08-19T07:58:00.003-07:00

I'm so glad Vicky Kasala sent me this picture she took last week. It's a nice reminder that summer is NOT over.

A little off the photography subject here---

I was shopping last weekend and all the shops have their fall collections out. This irritates me- I know it's crazy- but it does. I want it to be summer ALL of August, and not even be reminded that colder weather is coming until at least mid September.

I wear flip flops until October, and when I pack away the flip flops, that is the official end of summer.

(Does anyone else have a tomato garden? My tomatoes are not going to be ripe until then end of September this year due to the colder summer, so my garden agrees with me. Summer ends in October.)

I'm and agent and a wife.

2008-08-12T12:11:00.003-07:00

Years ago, I was presenting portfolios at an agency and an art director and I introduced ourselves to one another. As per usual. He was looking at one of the portfolios I had and saying how he loved the compositions and how witty the photographs were.

He closed the portfolio and looked down at the leather cover and saw the name THOMAS CHADWICK engraved into the front cover. I could see his mind ticking a little and he said "You're Erica Chadwick, and he's Thomas Chadwick. Are you sleeping with him or is he your father?"

I didn't know what to say. So I said "Both".

Yes, I am married to a photographer. It's not a secret. If I wanted it to be one, I would have kept my maiden name. I'm throwing it all out there for clients to make the connection in that I took his name. (and besides, my maiden name was Discher. Erica Chadwick sounds like a soap opera character you think you know, and Erica Discher sounds a lot like "airconditioner" if you say it really fast.)

But yes- I am married to a photographer. And I work with that same photographer. I was a photographer's agent before he was a photographer, but I find that most people assume it was the other way around. This neither surprises or offends me.

The art director's comment really made me wonder- do people see this as some kind of strange alliance? Almost dirty, or suspicious? I felt that from him, and I'm not sure why I got that from him.

What I know is that I love photography. And I fell in love with a photographer. Maybe that is ironic or maybe it makes perfect sense. And that photographer, in turn, fell in love with someone that loves photography, and is a great producer.

We have chosen to work together because it is the most natural and organic way either of us could live or work. Imagine knowing that your partners and co-workers would agree with almost every choice you made. It just works!

The other thing about our partnership is that behind the scenes, we live through our assignments. When we are hired for a job, guess what we are talking about around the dinner table the whole week before the shoot? Guess what we are talking about before we fall asleep at night? The assignment. We give our projects more time and attention than anyone else could.

On to my point- This is a business of ups and downs. Thomas and I have invested everything we have into our business. Not just financially, but everything, including a very happy marriage. Our eggs are all in one basket, and we are hatching up some great projects, good karma, and some unforgettable friends.

In France - It's a small world after all! VICKY KASALA

2008-07-29T08:19:00.004-07:00

While I was in France, I was strolling through the frozen food sections, when I aw something that stopped me dead in my tracks.

A VICKY KASALA picture right in front of me. Vicky spends her time- when she's not shooting- out in the mountains of Montana. She also shoots a lot of stock work when she is there. This picture, staring right back at me in a French grocery store, was of a little girl, out in the snow, with rosy cheeks.

It's been a tough summer of vacations- but I am through the worst of it now

2008-07-28T12:40:00.005-07:00

It's almost August, and the summer has just flown by with lots of fun, and lots of work. Let's talk about the fun!

My sister got married in June if Florida. A beautiful beach front wedding, my sister looked stunning in her gown, she picked out a bridesmaid dress for me that I can actually wear again, AND I acquired another brother-in-law. All good news there.

The reception was a blast, and it gave Thomas and I a chance to practice the family wedding tradition of dancing with crazy hats on.

Upon returning from Florida, I produced an image library shoot for Ashton Worthington. I used to represent Ashton some years ago in the midwest, and it was fun to work with an out of town crew for a few days. Michael Maes shot a few jobs for McDonalds, Babybel, and Northshore Magazines. Brian Steege shot an image library of school kids. Thomas Chadwick updated his portfolio with his new portraits and lifestyle work, as well as a couple editorial gigs. All that in a couple weeks time, and then it was off on vacation again.

On June 30th, Thomas, Jude and I left for France for a month. A month sounds excessive- doesn't it? Not really. Thomas is half French and we rarely get to see his family. Here are a few pictures. We spent a lot of time carrying a stroller around cobbled streets, strangely enough- 12th - 15th century villages were not designed with strollers in mind.

Back home now, and feeling refreshed and ready to go!

Congrats Y&R and Thomas Chadwick

2008-06-19T10:48:00.004-07:00

Y&R Chicago was awarded a Bronze Lion at Cannes for their Companions for Seniors that Thomas Chadwick shot.

Here are are the people that pitched in:

Creatives : Chris von Ende, Tohru Oyasu, Pete Figel
Art Buyer: Kourtney Hoffman (Kourtney also provided the older hands casting)
Photographer: Thomas Chadwick
Producer, Stylist, Casting Agent: Erica Chadwick

You can see the award winning campaign below.

Thomas shortlisted at Cannes

2008-06-18T11:53:00.003-07:00

Thomas's campaign for Companions for Seniors has been shortlisted for an award at Cannes. Root for us to win, ok? And the copywriter on the assignment has also been shortlisted for a TV spot he did, so congrats and good luck Tohru! Tohru says he kicks ass slightly more than us, and we'll have to agree.

Beautiful light from Vicky Kasala

2008-06-18T11:51:00.002-07:00

Sneak peak at some new work

2008-06-10T20:00:00.004-07:00

A sneak peak at some new work from Thomas Chadwick. It's not even in the books yet. He shot this series in New York in May. A new series of portraits is coming down the pipes in the next couple weeks too. Can't believe it's June already.

Brian Steege - Breast Cancer Survivors

2008-04-25T08:41:00.003-07:00

A couple wonderful portraits from Brian Steege of 2 women who are breast cancer survivors.

Thomas Chadwick - Jesus, Mary & Joseph

2008-04-23T08:51:00.002-07:00

A personal piece of Thomas's. We were in Florida for Christmas a few months ago. I grew up in Florida, so seeing Christmas decor on palm trees isn't a surprise to me- but it is to Thomas. On a walk one night we spotted this nativity scene, and decided to ask the homeowner if we could come back to take a photograph.

I was the creative director on this one (wink, wink, nudge, nudge-tom). After he set up the shot from the front, I knew we had to shoot it from behind. The plugs- I love the plugs!

Charlie Westerman - Northern Trust Annual Report

2008-04-23T08:01:00.006-07:00

Some selections from the Northern Trust Annual report...Charlie went to Sydney Australia and Austria this past year with Northern Trust.

Like mama, like son

2008-04-22T14:44:00.002-07:00

They say like father, like son. Here we see, like mama, like son. This picture is from last fall, but I just discovered it today when helping my father go through his photos on the computer. He took this one, and it's a classic.

Thomas is in PDN this month

2008-03-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

The Companions for Seniors ad below was featured in the BEHIND THE LENS feature of PDN this month.

picture of jude and i

2008-03-10T19:12:00.002-07:00

a photograph of jude and i reading a book. thomas took this with an antique camera and some polaroid

Vicky Kasala - American Express

2008-03-05T13:27:00.002-08:00

It's so strange sometimes, seeing your photographer's work in the public domain. Especially when you aren't expecting to see it. Vicky took a picture of her picture, hanging in Costco on the American Express ad banner. I saw the same thing when I was at Costco. (it seems like I am always at Costco, why is that? Something about being a mom and Costco go together.)

I think I have that camcorder, too. Weird!

ARTISTS ALLIANCE MIDWEST CHAPTER MEETING - MARCH 11

2008-02-29T09:33:00.002-08:00

There is a new agent's association forming out there- and it has been named the Artists Alliance. I have decided to head up a meeting here in the midwest after attending the first meeting in NY back in October (2007).

The first ever Midwest Chapter meeting of the Artists Alliance will be on March 11th, at 6:30 pm, and a location to be declared closer to the date. It will be held in the downtown Chicago vicinity.

The new Artists Association will work to address issues that affect agents and the artists that we represent. It will be member driven, and we would love to have every agent in the business to be involved.

If you are an agent and would like to come to the meeting, please send me an email and I will get you an invite.

erica@etccreativeinc.com

Vicky Kasala Purina Ad

2008-01-18T09:15:00.001-08:00

Jude

2008-01-15T14:48:00.001-08:00

A picture of Jude & I from December when we got our Christmas tree. The boy is growing like a weed.

CREATIVITY / AD CRITIC THOMAS CHADWICK

2008-01-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Thomas Chadwick's campaign for Companions for Seniors made it to the AD CRITIC / CREATIVITY website.

Here is the link. http://creativity-online.com/

I think you'll have to cut and paste the link into your internet browser because my blog software just won't create a link it this morning....argh!

Thomas Chadwick - DWELL

2008-01-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

I love DWELL magazine. Doesn't it just make you want to gut rehab your home?

Here are some outtakes from what they ran in December of Richard Wright, a home furnishings gallery owner. The pieces he has in his gallery are from all over the world, made by the most famous furniture designers, from decades past.

Vicky Kasala Wachovia ad

2008-01-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

So thankful......! Do things happen for a reason?

2008-01-06T07:36:00.001-08:00

Just returned from a 3 week stretch in Florida for the holidays and some shooting.

Do things happen for a reason? I don't know- but I can't help but think they do after I avoided a personal and business disaster on Jan 2.

We arrived back on the 2nd of January at 3 am. In the morning, the radiators in our home came on at full force. I headed off to run some errands when Thomas called me-in a panic- and said that all our radiators were spitting out water all over our home.

I dashed home and helped him turn off the boiler, drain the water out. Mop, clean. It took a few days to clean it up. Water was everywhere.

Now- some might think this was a total disaster. I didn't look at it that way. Sure- there is a lot of damage in our home- BUT- what if I had come home one day later on the plane? My house would have sunk like a pirate ship with 15 tons of gold if we had not been here to turn off the water. I know that my whole home and all it's contents would be write offs. Not to mention all of my business paperwork and computers. Can you imagine?

Thank my lucky stars we were here to turn off the boiler. I'm so thankful.

Send your good energy to Linda!

2007-12-17T17:27:00.002-08:00

Our dear friend, Linda Levy, is currently in the hospital after brain surgery.

This news was so unexpected.

Linda Levy is the midwest representative for Workbook. I write that sentence, and it does not even begin to describe who Linda is in the least.
Linda is always passionate, loves photography, and the photographers she helps promote. She is genuine, authentic, and has the most integrity that I have ever encountered in a human being. If Linda says she will do something, she does it before you expected it done, and better than you would have imagined.

This is especially shocking to me, as I was planning to send out an invitation with Linda tomorrow to invite all midwest agents to a meeting for a new association for artists' agents. She and I were both so excited about this new platform within our industry, and the community that would be formed through this association.

Life is so precious.

Please keep Linda in your thoughts and send her all of your energy.

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll steam your car up

2007-11-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

I went to Thomas's shoot last night and I finally have a new skill to add to my resume. (not that I am looking for a new job...)

The premise of the shoot was to photograph a parked car, with a couple inside making out. With steamy windows. How exactly does one steam windows?

Thomas had thought about it, and had brought along a humidifier, which he had gurgling away inside the car. Which would do the trick, right? It worked for the lighting tests, and as he neared closer to shooting, this cold front came in off the Lake ( he was shooting in a parking lot right next to Lake Michigan) and just evaporated our steam. The windows in the car were closed, we did everything right- but the steam just went away with the cold front. A chemist might be able to explain why, all I can say is that it happened.

He had 15 minutes left to shoot before the police were going to kick us out of the park. So I did what any good agent would do. I got in the car and "huffed" - I think that is the right word- on every window in the car until they were fogged up. Thomas got the shot just in the knick of time. Whew!

Bios

2007-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Finally- I've updated the etc creative site with photographer's bios. Now that you know about them, I suppose I should also do one for myself...

Jem Southam - my university professor

2007-11-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

While Thomas was out shooting in LA, he went to a photography bookstore. I could look at photography books all day long and squander my mortgage money on them... Thomas bought me a lovely book by Jem Southam, my (our) university college professor at Exeter School of Art & Design in England.

We were his photography students 10 years ago (if you do the math you can figure out how old I am from that little statement there), and Jem's work was beautiful then, but even more so now. And even better- he has signed with Robert Mann Gallery in New York, and had many books published of his work.

Here are 2 of his images of the rockfalls in Cornwall. At one point in time I really wanted to buy a print from Jem, and he was going to sell it to me- but I was a poor student and obviously didn't have the cash. Now that same print is- well- let me just say, I should have bought it when I had the chance. I'm so sad it isn't hanging on my wall in my living room.

copyright - Jem Southam

Die Hard Batteries - Thomas Chadwick

2007-11-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Art Director - Ben James Client - Die Hard Batteries

You might think this is some nice retouching, getting those positive negative characters to stand in that product shot of a battery. But- no-, the art director Ben
James pushed for this under the hood interior of the car to be made as a set. The set was massive. Thomas flew out to LA to shoot this, and came back with a nice little present for me- which I will write about in my next post.

Halloween

2007-11-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jude was a lion. Imagine our surprise when our next door neighbor came by, who was also a lion. RRRRRGGGHHH!

PDN Event in Chicago - TONIGHT

2007-10-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

I will be reviewing portfolios at the PDN event tonight in Chicago.

It starts at 6:30 tonight. Hope to see some great books, meet some new people,
and maybe catch some drinks afterwards???

Anyone that wants to come -art buyers, photographers, etc- check out http://www.pdnonline.com

Brian Steege - Premier Health Partners

2007-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

A photograph taken from a campaign that Brian Steege shot for Premier Health Partners. My personal favorite. Look at the motion and focus on the girl's dress. It couldn't have been shot better.

Thomas Chadwick - Companions for Seniors Campaign

2007-10-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of the elderly women in these shots turned 102 years old the day Thomas photographed her.

etc. creative, inc. represents Vicky Kasala

2007-10-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that etc. creative now represents Vicky Kasala. Vicky is a New York based photographer that shoots lifestyle, children and animals.

You can see her work at www.kasalapictures.com

We will have her work live on our site in the next week. Stay tuned.

2007-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Back from vacation

2007-10-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm back from vacation. Some people go to Europe to see the sights. Jude went to
eat- apple and tomatoes. He's obsessed with produce. Likes to throw fruit and vegetables around like they are baseballs, as well as chow down. He was in heaven when he discovered an apple tree in the yard at the cottage.

Carpe Diem

2007-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Wish me luck! Thomas and I are going to France tomorrow with the baby in tow. Does anyone have any tips for traveling 8 hours on a plane with a one year old? Other than don't take him?

Jude will finally get to meet his European family and get to practice his French. Ba ba ba ma ma ma in French is the same thing as it is in English. "i'm hungry."

Here are some pictures I took last time we were there- there being- Le Limousin- a section of France southwest of Paris. It borders Bourdeaux. Beautiful countryside- filled with small independent farms that produce cattle, horses, apples, and is shaded by old oak trees.

I only know one other French person in Chicago, and strangely enough- she frequented the same village that we visit- Pompadour.

Welcome Sarah!

2007-09-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce everyone to Sarah. She is now working with me at etc creative and it has been wonderful to have her around.

Don't know if you noticed, but I have been skimpy with the blog posts. ----just TOO BUSY to blog- so now that I have Sarah to help me out, you will be hearing from me more often.

Sarah is currently studying graphic design at DePaul and we are so happy to have her!

Thomas Chadwick - Joan

2007-08-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Thomas Chadwick photographed Joan and her partner- Natalie a few years ago. Then Joan was a teen, and was living as an openly gay high school student. (see Joan in orange, and Natalie in red)

Time has now passed, and Joan has a new partner, Laura, who she met at college. (you'll recognize Joan, and Laura is in green)

I love the comparison of the 2 photographs.

Tennis

2007-08-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Jude learned to play tennis on his recent trip to Florida. Here he is testing the tension in the strings. Also picture is his coach, Thomas Chadwick.