TKA goes back to school

A few ugly dolls and a couple of pretty hands were subjects for the latest pro bono project at TKA Photo. The 3rd annual Bring Your Layouts to Life photo contest was held in December 2009.

Three art direction and design students from local design schools were chosen based on their submitted advertising campaign concepts and layouts.

Caitlan Nolan, a senior at MCAD, won for her Ugly Dolls campaign. Nolan worked with Jeff Schmieg to execute product images of the stuffed dolls. “I thought things ran so smoothly and efficiently,” said Nolan about her photo session. “I have a better idea of what to expect when I do any photo shoot in the future.”

“I was amazed how he [Schmieg] could fix a funny reflection or lighting problem in my photo shoot,” said Nolan. “I thought he was amazing and had so much knowledge about photography.”

Jonathan Anthes, a senior at Miami Ad School, created a campaign for Dutch Boy Paint. Anthes’ campaign was created around the tagline of “true match.” TKA Photographer, Bill Bartlett photographed models’ hands in studio. With each image, Bartlett matched the lighting from Anthes’ stock photos to fit the scene.

“The photo shoot was awesome,” said Anthes. “Bill was great and so willing to help fulfill my vision. I was really impressed with his on the fly solutions for the lighting on the hand to really match that of the image.”

“Jonathan’s concepts were well thought out and were highly praised by all our creative directors that participated in the event,” said Bartlett.

Dewey Koshenina photographed for the winner from Brainco. Gabriel Goldstein created a campaign for Moleskine art supplies.

Koshenina created a small set in the studio for Goldstein’s images. Myron Wolf, TKA Assistant, helped Dewey with painting for the set. TKA Photo has an extensive supply of backgrounds, walls, and props available to clients.

“I really liked the fact that exactly what I was imagining could be created within the studio space,” said Goldstein.

Judging of the contest was conducted by Spencer Smith, Creative Director at Concept Group, Inc and Jason Losiniski, Creative Director at Regis Corporation.

“I think it is great to help out these students. The work was really good this year and tough to judge,” said Losiniski.

"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration."

~ Ansel Adams