Special thanks to everyone that helped make this year’s NYC Face-to-Face an event for the books! Without a doubt, this was our best one yet.
An eclectic mix of over 40 hand-picked creative directors, agency art producers and photo editors spent the day meeting with 65 AtEdge photographers at 230 FIFTH in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. The 20th floor penthouse is the perfect venue, with plenty of space, good light and stunning skyline views. Handshakes broke the ice, old friends reconnected, and vision met talent.
Hosted twice a year in major cities like NY, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Minneapolis, Face-to-Face revolves around personal meetings that give AtEdge photographers the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their work with senior level creative decision makers in a relaxed setting. We strive to create an experience that is not only professionally beneficial for everyone involved, but also enjoyable, with a comfortable space, great food to keep everyone energized, and complimentary cocktails at the end of the day.
According to Elizabeth Owen, President of AtEdge, “this year, more than ever, our members found themselves discussing concrete, upcoming projects from across the spectrum – fashion, food/beverage, editorial, travel/tourism, automotive, pharma… you name it. We’ve heard from a number of creatives, photographers and agents that their F2F meetings have already led to bids and assignments, with more opportunity expected down the road. Not surprisingly, the creatives were also really interested in seeing lots of motion and CGI.”
Face-to-Face is not a traditional portfolio review or casual industry party. Active buyers from most the important agencies and companies are invited specifically to see innovative, cutting-edge photography. The creatives know AtEdge will deliver and they are excited to meet and talk with our photographers and directors about their work.
“I loved getting the opportunity to chat with such established and interesting photographers. I had some great conversations and gained valuable future partners. The event was fantastic.”
– Kyle Janisch, Associate Creative Director, Grey Group
“I met a lot of people who were a great fit for future projects. I’ve already worked with someone I met for a campaign and hope to work with more!”
– Adrienne Angelo, Senior Art Director | Global Brands Group
“I thought the event was very well run, organized and most of all, I really felt I was matched up with photographers and talent that were relevant to the work my agency and I do.”
– Paul Rubino, Associate Creative Director, Geometry Global
“I was able to see so many good photographers in such a short amount of time.”
– Kristy Kelly, Producer, Chobani
“Such a great opportunity to meet important agency contacts, but also wonderful to mingle and talk shop with a select group of talented artists.”
– Abe Sands, Trident Post Production
HBO Photo Producer Kristi Fitts looking over photographer Paul Aresu’s portfolio.
Veteran AtEdge photographers Erik Almas & Jim Hughes admire each others’ work in between meetings.
One-on-one meetings with a hint of mood lighting
We keep everyone fueled with great food throughout the day
Photographer Jon Paterson sharing a laugh with Director of Art Production Kaia Hemming
Living in a digital era where most of our interactions occur online, establishing real life relationships is a key factor to securing long-term work opportunities. While quality and style of course play a role in selecting photographers for jobs, getting to know the person behind the lens is equally important – everyone prefers to work with someone they can vibe with. Encouraging these moments of personal connection is what AtEdge does best. Tried and tested over the past ten years, Face-to-Face is the optimal environment for making connections that will fuel creative projects for years to come.
“A rare and unique opportunity, not only to see excellent work, but to also get to know the image makers beyond their portfolio!”
– Heather Church, Senior Art Producer, Arnold Worldwide
“Loved it. There was great energy in the room. The people were there to see what is new and no one was just going through the motions.”
– Meredith Ott, Alice Blue (AtEdge member)
“I enjoy having one on one conversations with photographers and learning about their process. It provides great insight when considering them for projects.”
– Teresa Rad, Director of Art Production, TBWA\Chiat Day
“Really enjoyed the chance to meet photographers that I only know through their work. The person behind the website or book is so much more impactful.”
– Erin Albrecht, Senior Producer, Verizon
CREATIVE MATCH-MAKING
Why do photographers and creatives love Face-to-Face so much? Our secret is a deep knowledge of the key players in the industry, giving us the ability to match photographers/directors with the most relevant creatives based on the work they are both doing.
“A very well curated group of creatives!”
– Jacob Pritchard, photographer“I really enjoyed meeting people that were specific to my needs, all very creative, and had something unique to offer.”
– Alex Kleinfeld, Associate Creative Director, Ogilvy“The photographers came prepared with work that directly connected with our agency’s need… a pleasant and constructive experience.”
– John-Paul Cannucciari, Associate Creative Director, VMLY&R“Really beneficial event and AtEdge did an amazing job making it a relaxed, casual, but fun environment to meet and spark connections with creatives and other photographers.”
– Photographer James Chororos“Everyone I met with was super talented and topical to the types of work I’m looking for. I had a great experience.”
– Sara Gold, Senior Art producer, Hudson Rouge“This Face-to-Face was an A+! I loved the after-party and the attendee list was superb.”
– Photographer Lisa Wiseman“Loved the photographers I met with, the work was relevant to my brand and they were at the highest professional level. Also loved the space and setup.”
– Natalie Gialluca, Photo Editor, Entertainment Weekly
Relaxing cocktails on the rooftop of 230 Fifth after a long day of meetings (Photo by Stacy Brostrom)
Production Director of JUICE Pharma Michael Kaminski enjoying an engaging conversation with Photographer JJ Sulin
Photographer duo Ben and Amy Fairweather enjoy their first Face-to-Face, connecting with Chobani Producer Kristy Kelly
Photographer Erik Johansson sharing some of his work with Beth Mosner
We want to express our gratitude to the following New York Producers and Creatives who helped make this event such a success:
Aaron Alamo | Creative Director | Arnold NY
Erin Albrecht | Senior Producer | 140 (Verizon)
Adrienne Angelo | Senior Art Director | Global Brands Group
Jamie Bakin | VP Senior Art Producer | FCB Health
Jasmine Batista | Senior Art Producer |BBDO Worldwide
John-Paul Cannucciari | Associate Creative Director | VMLY&R
Heather Church | Senior Art Producer | Arnold Worldwide
Andrew DiPeri | Creative Director | TAXI
Kristi Fitts | Photo Producer | HBO
Mary Fletcher | Senior Photo Editor | Refinery29
Kayte Geldzahler | Senior Art Producer | McGarryBowen
Natalie Gialluca | Photo Editor | Entertainment Weekly
Sara Gold | Senior Art Producer | Hudson Rouge
Kaia Hemming | Director of Art Production | Y&R
Lenny Hickey | Creative Director
Amy Houston | Lead Art Producer | Publicis Sapient
Marta Ibarrondo | Creative Director
Hillary Jackson | Senior Art Producer | Campbell Ewald
Samantha Jaffoni | Senior Art Producer | Publicis Worldwide
Kyle Janisch | Associate Creative Director | Grey Group
Michael Kaminski | EP, Director of Production | JUICE Pharma Worldwide
Nadia Kamran | SVP Group Creative Director | MRM/McCann
Dana Kandic | Art Producer | Deutsch
Kristy Kelly, Producer | Chobani Yogurt
Alec Kleinfeld | Associate Creative Director | Ogilvy
Scott Lacey | Senior Photo Editor | Hearst Magazines
Lizzy Lehn | Associate Art Producer | BBDO
Gabrielle Levy | Integrated Producer | McCann
Sarah Manna | SVP, Director of Art & Print Production | Deutsch
Beth Mosner | Senior Art Producer | Link9/Omnicom Health Group
Jeffrey Perkins | Art Producer | Digitas Health
Bill Previdi | Creative Director | HAVAS Tonic
Teresa Rad | Dir of Art Production | TBWA\Chiat\Day
Paul Rubino | Assoc Creative Director | Geometry Global
Suzanna Shields | Senior Art Producer | Wunderman Thompson
Emily Shornick | Senior Multimedia Editor | InStyle.com
Jason Slesinski | Art Producer | Saatchi & Saatchi
Alex Tasch | Senior Art Producer | Havas
Marco Walls | Creative Director | Gyro
Sherman Yee | VP Associate Creative Director | FCB / Neon
Face-to-Face is exclusively for AtEdge members. Contact Elizabeth Owen if you are interested in attending a future event.
Are you an AtEdge photographer looking for some advice on how to navigate our next event? Here are some words of wisdom:
- “Don’t try to show too much, select carefully the best work that shows what you can do. Take time to explain and talk about it. Be confident and show that you love your work.” – Photographer Erik Johansson
- “Know who you’re meeting with and what they’re interested in. Ask for a follow up and give a leave behind.” – Photographer Scott Montgomery
- “Let your personality and the work lead the way. You’re there to humanize your work so don’t worry too much about everything being exactly perfect, just be professional and be yourself and let the connections build themselves naturally. And of course always get people’s contact info before ending the meeting!” – Photographer Lisa Wiseman
- “Focus on the connection between you and the reviewer. Time is precious so keep things moving until you sense sparked interest.” – Photographer David Butler
- “1. Do your research and have a plan for each meeting– but be prepared to be flexible when things don’t go as planned. 2. What is the one thing you most want them to know and remember about you after 20 minutes? It’s OK to leave them wanting more. 3. Finally, don’t be shy. Talk to as many people as possible. Introducing yourself to a stranger could lead to an impromptu meeting that might turn out to be your most important connection of the day.” – Elizabeth Owen, President, AtEdge
The AtEdge Team: Stacy Bostrom, Sara Jaqua, Francesca Galesi, Elizabeth Owen, Susan Baraz, and Bill Daniels (Photo by Jim Salzano)
All photos by Judy Schiller unless otherwise noted.
