In the summer of 2010 Amy Marquis and Scott Kirkwood from National Parks Magazine came to Aurora Novus to build a multimedia piece that included an editorial shoot, and a video for their website which would accompany an article in the magazine featuring the Valles Caldera National Preserve; a dormant super-volcano that many are advocating to become a recognized National Park.  National Parks Magazine wanted to showcase the Valles Caldera National Preserve by giving an introduction to the land and its history, discussing why it is worthy of becoming a National Park and to present what is currently happening in Congress to this end.  Aurora Novus sent Blake Gordon to the Valles Caldera to shoot still and video and to gather audio interviews with scientists and researchers at the National Preserve.  Aurora Novus was able to create a powerful piece that not only highlighted the long, interesting history of the Valles Caldera but also illustrated the importance of its current fight for National Parks Status.

View the Project here

Late in 2009, Brian Pridgeon, Worldwide Marketing Director at SanDisk, wanted to profile select photographers around the world, who were members of the SanDisk Extreme Team. The object was to exhibit their work and to illustrate why they trust the capacity, durability and reliability of SanDisk cards. Each Extreme Team member was interviewed, and some were also shot as they worked, to create 2-3 minute videos that are running on SanDisk’s worldwide web sites and their Facebook page. Aurora Novus was able to use its international list of storytellers and editors to create compelling, inspiring and informative pieces, in some cases in the subjects native language (French, German and Portuguese), that illustrated SanDisk’s capabilities and highlighted their Extreme Team member’s work and passions.

View the project here.

The Lowepro-Aurora Photos Design Council has been featured on the Lowepro website including a video produced by Aurora Novus that showcases the design council’s activities during the 2009 Aurora Photographer’s Meeting.

Lowepro describes, “An inspiring meeting of minds! The Lowepro-Aurora Photos (LPAP) Design Council kicked off at Aurora Photos’ Photographer Meeting in Sebago, Maine in September. Notable pros and Lowepro partners tossed around ideas and tested new products. Check out a few of the highlights in the video below. The LPAP Design Council will take part in interactive design sessions, discuss emerging technologies, and share insights on the rigors and challenges faced by commercial, outdoor, adventure and sports photographers, and photojournalists.”

View Lowepro’s write-up at http://www.lowepro.com/community/aurora.

Aurora Photos contributors gathered on the shores of Sebago Lake, Maine for three, sun-filled days at the beginning of September for the 4th Annual Photographer’s Meeting.  Generously sponsored by Lowepro and Nikon, Aurora photographers and staff were honored to hear guest speakers Rich Clarkson, Rich Clarkson Associates, Miriam Marseu, Sports Illustrated and Amber Terronova, PDN Magazine.  Attendees enjoyed group discussions, informative lectures by staff members, portfolio reviews, slideshows, delicious seafood paella with Maine micro-brews and even a rousing game of tug-of-war.

A new addition to this years meeting was the Lowepro Aurora Photographer Design Council.  A product of the long-standing relationship between Lowepro and Aurora Photos, the council gathers photographers of varying specialties together to provide insights into Lowepro products design and functionality.  Pete Hill, VP Design and Development at Lowepro and Tim Grimmer, Lowepro Product Manager were on hand to share ideas with Aurora photographers Justin Maxon, Shoshannah White, Corey Rich, Peter McBride, Jose Azel, Michael Eudenbach, Woods Wheatcroft, Rhea Anna, Todd Korol, and Chris Noble.

View a video of the 2009 Photographer’s Meeting, highlighting the Lowepro Aurora Photographer Design Council. Produced by Aurora Novus.

Aurora photographer Corey Rich conducted a photo shoot this past October for Road Runner Sports’ latest sportswear catalog, with a focus on running and the running lifestyle. The still images and video content was shot during a four day assignment in Vail, Colorado and San Diego, California. “Shooting the video and stills with the same camera allowed me to piggyback the productions”, says Corey. This allowed him to use the same locations, talent, and crew for both productions without the needs to add extra shoot days. The result? A video that perfectly compliments the print component.When asked about the shoot, Corey said “This style of production represents the future of visual storytelling. The new technology, coupled with a new way of approaching the subject, allows me to work in an environment where the only limit is my own imagination.” All content was captured using Nikon DSLR cameras- the stills on the Nikon D3 and video on the Nikon D90. To view the final video edit for Road Runner Sports on Aurora Novus, click here.

 To see more work by Corey Rich, visit Aurora Photos.

Aurora photographer Bridget Besaw is the photographer, videographer, interviewer and executive producer (along with Nature Conservancy Magazine) of a 10-part multimedia series titled, Salmon Country. The culmination of the project is a seven minute overview video and 9 two minute shorts on The Nature Conservancy website. A photo essay will run in the Summer 2009 issue of Nature Conservancy Magazine.

To gather footage and imagery for the pieces, Bridget traveled to Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to interview fishermen, researchers and even farmers (among others) about the changes facing salmon and their habitat. Production for the pieces was done by Aurora Novus with Russell Chadwick editing and producing and Ian Shive producing.

To view the pieces, please visit The Nature Conservancy Website. Read the rest of this entry »

Aurora Vice President and photographer Corey Rich was interviewed by PDN this month for an article addressing the increasing prevalence of including video with still image photo shoots.  Discussing the addition of HD video to his offered services, Corey says “It allows a single individual to create video content with a high-end production value and look yet doesn’t require a crew and equipment as was the case just six months ago.”  Using his Nikon D90, Corey shot a “test piece” in conjunction with Aurora Novus featuring his Studio Director, Blaine Deutsch to help clients to get a feel for what the camera can offer.

“I was meeting with a client and trying to explain to him about what this camera can do and I could tell there was a disconnect. So I pulled out my laptop and showed him this little movie and it was like a lightbulb went off in his head and he instantly got it.” Corey got the job, and is looking forward to creating more video in conjunction with his photo shoots. “Now I’m not just getting paid to be a still photographer, I’m also getting paid to be a visual storyteller,” he says. “Best of all, I’ve got a smile on my face because this is all super fun and exciting.”

To read the entire article, visit http://www.pdnonline.com.  To view video visit http://auroranovus.com/videoshow-crich2009.html.

View more work by Aurora Novus and Corey Rich.

Responding to the ever-growing demand for motion picture and online content, Aurora Photos announces the launch of Aurora Novus, its new West Coast-based company that specifically addresses the needs for digital storytelling.  Aurora Novus, located in Los Angeles, will oversee the development of new media for current and future clients seeking a multimedia format to present still photography and video, accompanied by narratives and music.  These short, powerful films range from traditional, documentary-style to experimental and edgy productions.

For more information and samples of Aurora Novus’ work visit: http://www.auroranovus.com/.