Bringing Albuquerque’s Artists to Life: A Creative Case Study
Overview
In February 2024, Esparza Advertising approached us with an exciting opportunity to collaborate on a unique project for the City of Albuquerque. The goal? To showcase the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene by highlighting local artists, makers, and creators through powerful visual storytelling.
This campaign aimed to:
Create Awareness – Celebrate Albuquerque’s rich artistic community.
Drive Engagement – Encourage residents to interact with and appreciate local arts.
Advocate for the Arts – Inspire organic support and recognition for city artists.
Planning the Visual Storytelling Experience
To bring this project to life, we started with four featured artists. Our main focus was capturing strong hero portraits, along with detailed images that tell each artist’s unique story.
Location Strategy
Initially, we considered shooting at each artist’s studio or creative space. However, not all artists had a dedicated physical location, making consistency a challenge. Instead, we needed a visually compelling, neutral backdrop that provided depth while keeping the focus on our subjects.
Fortunately, we gained access to the Albuquerque Rail Yards, a historic and industrial site rich with character. This setting offered a dramatic yet neutral stage for the portraits.
Overcoming Challenges
Shooting at the Rail Yards, however, presented logistical hurdles:
The space was completely raw, meaning we had to bring in everything—tables, chairs, power sources, and even heaters (since the shoot took place in February).
Coordinating a streamlined workflow to maximize efficiency while minimizing crew footprint was essential.
The Production Team
For a campaign of this scale, assembling the right team was crucial. I prefer lean, efficient sets, reducing unnecessary personnel while ensuring a smooth operation. I personally managed production, location logistics, team hiring, equipment rentals, and directing.
Key Team Members:
George Richardson – Assistant / BTS Photographer
Jesse Rodriguez – Assistant / BTS Videographer
Nicole Cudzilo – Hair & Makeup Artist
Audre Holtz – Post-Production
Campbell Bishop – Director / Photographer
The Featured Artists
We had the privilege of working with four incredibly talented artists, each representing a different creative discipline:
Casey Mraz – Musician
Sara Daniel Rivera – Writer / Poet
Zahra Marwan – Illustrator
Noe Barnett – Muralist
The Photoshoot Experience
This two-day shoot required careful execution:
Each day, all equipment had to be loaded in and out.
We shot during the day, using Broncolor’s Move and Location lighting to enhance natural light for a controlled yet organic look.
By blending artistic vision with technical precision, we created compelling portraits that not only represent the artists but also capture Albuquerque’s thriving creative landscape.
Final Thoughts
This project was more than just a photoshoot—it was a celebration of local artistry and culture. By bringing together talented artists, a dedicated production team, and a historic location, we crafted a visual story that highlights the soul of Albuquerque.
From pre-production planning to post-production excellence, I ensure that your vision is captured with precision and creativity. If you're looking for professional commercial photography that tells a compelling story, contact me today to discuss your next creative project.
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