Visual Narrative, Process, and Practice
This blog is a place to share ideas, lessons, and observations gathered over more than three decades of working in photography, video, and visual storytelling. It reflects how I think about narrative, craft, collaboration, and the role visual media plays in helping people and organizations communicate with clarity and purpose.
I approach visual storytelling as an evolving practice. Each project, collaboration, and challenge adds to how I see the world and how I help others tell their stories. This blog is part of that ongoing process, a place to reflect, refine ideas, and share what I continue to learn through real-world work.
You’ll find writing here on photography, video production, narrative structure, creative process, and the practical realities of working with clients and teams. Some posts are instructional, others reflective, but all are rooted in experience and an ongoing commitment to doing thoughtful, honest work.
A Walk in My Woods: Year One - 2024
A year of walking my woods has been a journey of discovery, resilience, and appreciation for nature’s rhythms. What started with a storm’s impact turned into a deeper connection with the land, observing its changes through the seasons and reflecting on the lessons it offers. From unexpected challenges to quiet moments of awe, this annual reflection captures the evolving story of my time among the trees.
Why Original Photography Still Matters in an AI and Smartphone Era
Smartphones, AI, and stock photos are everywhere—so why invest in original photography? Because trust matters. Businesses, especially community banks and local brands, need real, authentic images—not generic stock photos. I’ve used everything from a 1960s plastic camera to an iPhone in my work, but one thing remains true: the best tool is the one that tells the most compelling story. Let’s talk about why original photography is still essential in today’s visual landscape.
A Portrait in the Brewery: Photographing Boulevard Brewing Company’s Founder
Photographing Boulevard Brewing Company’s founder, John McDonald, in the late ‘90s was an unforgettable experience—one that reinforced my passion for environmental executive portraits. This shoot, captured on medium format film, tells a story beyond a headshot. It’s about leadership, craftsmanship, and the dynamic world of brewing.
Exploring AI-Generated Corporate Headshots: Are They Ready for Professional Use?
As AI technology advances, I explored how well AI-generated headshots compare to traditional corporate photography. I tested an AI headshot service using iPhone snapshots to see if it could produce polished, professional-quality images. While AI-generated headshots offer quick and convenient options, how do they really stack up against a professional photo session? In this blog, I share my findings, including the pros, cons, and whether AI headshots are a viable option for businesses.
The Power of Custom Sound: Elevating Your Video with Original Music
Sound is half the story. While compelling visuals draw viewers in, custom scoring and sound design elevate a video to an immersive, emotionally impactful experience. In my latest blog, I explore how collaborating with composer Beth Burnett transformed my bio reel video, proving that the right soundtrack can take a project from good to unforgettable.
A New Year, A New Chapter
Welcome to 2025! This year is off to a strong start with exciting projects in Oklahoma and Rhode Island, reflections on diverse 2024 travels, and new updates about exploring my forest property. Join me in celebrating another year of creativity, storytelling, and adventure.
Expanding Horizons: Indermaur Media’s Services for Small Businesses
Discover how Indermaur Media empowers small businesses with creative media solutions, including photography, videography, website development, and social media management, tailored to help brands thrive.
A Snapshot of Indermaur Media’s Services: Photography and Video for Corporate and Commercial Clients
Discover how Indermaur Media’s new one-page PDF highlights our full range of photography and video services, offering clients an easy way to explore our storytelling capabilities. Learn about the process of creating this overview and the collaboration that brought it to life.
From Vision to Reality: Creating a Video for a Subscription-Based Business
Discover how we collaborated to create dynamic videos for a subscription-based business, from heartfelt script delivery to a polished website intro featuring her horses.
Supporting Rhode Island Small Businesses Through RI Rebounds Grants
Discover how I helped Rhode Island small businesses through the RI Rebounds grants by creating professional websites, high-quality videos, and impactful visuals to elevate their brands.
Behind the Lens and In Front of It: Releasing My Demo Reel Video
After years of overcoming the fear of being in front of the camera, I’m excited to share my journey from behind the scenes to the subject. In this new bio video, I step into the spotlight with a teleprompter and more confidence than ever.
Bringing Orientation to Life: RICTA’s New Student Video
Discover how we brought RICTA’s student orientation to life with a dynamic video. Learn how thoughtful visuals and a professional voiceover create lasting impact.
A Glimpse Behind the Lens: My First CEO Photo Session with William Esrey
In this blog post, I recount one of my first major corporate photography assignments—capturing William Esrey, the CEO of Sprint in the 1990s, for a magazine cover. From unexpected time constraints to creative risks, this session was a turning point in my career. Discover the story behind the shots and how I balance client demands with personal creativity, often finding the most memorable moments in the final minutes of a session.
How Visual Storytelling Enhances Communication in Biotech and Financial Services
At Indermaur Media, we bring biotech, financial services, and commercial storytelling to life through compelling visual narratives. From capturing innovation in labs to portraying authentic financial lifestyles, our photography and video work drive clear communication and lasting impact.
Capturing the Flavor of Newport Cooks: A Journey in Culinary Storytelling
Join me behind the scenes at Newport Cooks, where I capture the essence of their lively cooking classes through photojournalistic photography and video. Discover how these visual stories bring their culinary mission to life and create lasting connections.
Producing and Directing Remote Videos for Compliance and Training: A New Era of Video Production
In the evolving world of remote work, producing high-quality training and compliance videos has become essential. Discover how I guide remote video production with expertise in lighting, composition, and messaging to deliver professional results from anywhere in the world.
Journey to Mount Rushmore: A Road Trip, like a Multimedia Project, and the Heart of Storytelling
Embark on an 18-day journey from Rhode Island to Mount Rushmore with me, as I explore the parallels between a meticulously planned road trip and the art of storytelling through multimedia projects. From capturing awe-inspiring moments to adapting to the unexpected, this trip was a reflection of the work I do at Indermaur Media. Discover how a cross-country adventure and my passion for visual storytelling are more connected than you might think.
From Photography to Web Design: Expanding Indermaur Media’s Offerings
Discover how I transitioned Axel Roze’s website to Shopify, enhanced their visual marketing, and continue to support small businesses with web design and maintenance services that drive growth.
Visual Storytelling for Community Banks: The MVBofC Project
Dive into the world of community banking through a visual storytelling project with FHLBank of Topeka and Mountain View Bank of Commerce. This blog highlights the journey of capturing the resilience, impact, and stories that define a community.
Riding Out the Storm: How a Tornado Taught Me Lessons in Adaptability, Preparedness, and Resilience
After a tornado hit just days after moving into my new home, I learned valuable lessons in adaptability, preparedness, and the power of storytelling—lessons I now apply to every media production project at Indermaur Media.