Bay Area advertising photographer Mel Lindstrom of Mel Lindstrom Images Inc. received bronze-, silver- and gold-level ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation (AAF). At the February event, Lindstrom also won Best of Show for the year. In the long history of the AAF program, no other photographer — or entity other than an ad agency — has received this recognition.

San Francisco-based photographer Mel Lindstrom was awarded a total of 47 creative awards last year. The accolades include eight International Black & White Spider Awards; two APA Something Personal Selects; nine MarCom Awards; three Silver Winners from Create magazine; four Silver Davey Awards; six International Aperture Awards; two Addy Awards...

San Francisco photographer Mel Lindstrom closed out 2007 with six silver-trophy Davey Awards; one bronze Summit Award; five accolades at the Hermes Awards (three platinum, one gold and an honorable mention); a gold and a silver Addy Award; and one award at the APA National Competition, all recognizing his photos for recent advertising campaigns.

As it does once every two years, our editorial focus this issue returns to studio photography. As we researched stories focusing on individuals and the industry, it became clear that these photographers, regardless of their specialty, have one thing in common: They make photos rather than just take them.

The photographers we present in these pages are masters of premeditation with an obsession for detail. From concepts to completion, they use time-tested skills as a foundation for cutting-edge lighting, exposure and post-production techniques. Without exception, they inventively capture their clients' desires on film, and often deliver much, much more.

Our thanks to all the featured photographers (and their staffs) who cheerfully cooperated in presenting their work...