By Barbara Goldman

Photographer Jason Lindsey's images speak clearly aboutthe work he does. He specializes in shooting travel, lifestyle, children and location work, but what sets him apart from many others is his background in art direction and design. He worked as an art director for five years before starting his own photo business, so he understands what a designer needs and always becomes part of and pushes the creative process. When Lindsey shoots for a client he takes all the information about the brand, what has to be accomplished and then applies his vision. Many times he helps on the initial concepting of a project even when the photographer has not yet been selected.

Recently he and his producer Talia Watkins shot a new campaign for North Dakota Tourism with Executive Creative Director Mike Bruner and Creative Director Jeanne Nelson of Odney Advertising in North Dakota. The goal was to get people to internalize the brand and make it their own. "Give an expression to the experience as well as an outlet for social media-throwing out the challenge 'I'm legendary, are you?' … a platform for people to tell their stories. Go to ndtourism.com and take the legendary challenge," explains Creative Director Nelson. of the concept. The decision was made early on to have the photography focus on the experience rather than the destination. Lindsey was the natural choice for this. "He knows the place, the people and flavor of North Dakota," Nelson adds.

Lindsey and Odney Advertising have worked together previously and on North Dakota Tourism for at least 8 years. "They always do great work and we really work as a team," says Lindsey. For this particular campaign, Lindsey captured the openness and genuineness of the state. His photos actually make people feel as though they have been there. His sense of place and people always bring something unexpected to the shot. Whether it is a panoramic landscape, the workplace or a portrait, his photography takes on an emotional level that lets people connect to the product, service or place - just what the business needs and is all about. Weather was harsh and posed a challenge for the production, but Lindsey, with his flexibility and easy-going work style, didn't fight it- he just embraced it. Lindsey is also a repeat choice and appreciated by his clients because he knows how to watch production costs.

With his detail for design and collaboration on layouts, type treatments, post looks, TV, motion and photography, Lindsey met the challenge successfully for Odney Advertising once again. His legendary imagery for North Dakota Tourism is now being used in ads for print, the Internet and travel guides. Lindsey is represented by www.hennessyreps.com in Chicago.