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Belmont, Massachusetts-based photographer Anthony Tulliani recently did a shoot for Reader’s Digest. Reader’s Digest is a general-interest family magazine founded in 1922 and is published 10 times a year. It has 50 editions in 21 languages. Anthony’s images were used for the May 2024 issue of Reader’s Digest, specifically the “Everyday Heroes” series.
The client found Anthony through a Google search while looking for photographers around Cape Cod. After mostly finding wedding photographers, they expanded their search to include all of eastern Massachusetts, which led them to Anthony.
Although Anthony had not previously worked with this client, his work stood out, particularly his shots in outdoor scenes. Karen Matthes, Art Director from Reader’s Digest, was drawn to Anthony’s personal project, “Red Bellied,” where he used an underwater camera rig to document wildlife in collaboration with a friend. This, combined with his previous experience photographing for Rowing Magazine, made him the perfect fit for a shoot focused on a water-based environmental group.
This was a great example of how creating the work you want to shoot can attract clients looking for that style.
Pre-production for the shoot was straightforward but crucial to its success. The goal was clear: a vertical group photo that fit the magazine’s format and candid shots showing the women, members of OLAUG (Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage), working in the water.
Since the client wasn’t local, we had a phone conversation to discuss the magazine’s vision for the piece. After that, the art director connected me with the group of women and we coordinated a date that worked for everyone.
The shoot took place at a private pond in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where the women regularly gather for their clean-up efforts. Despite the simplicity of the location (a small beach along the pond), it was mid-October, a warm, overcast day, which made for great shooting conditions.
On the day of the shoot, the energy was great. Five OLAUG members were present, along with a neighbor who assisted with the logistics. The women were enthusiastic and excited not just for the opportunity to be featured, but also to get back in the water and continue their environmental work. Their joy translated into the photos, capturing their dedication and camaraderie.
Working with the women was a great experience. They were a fun, lively group, and I think they appreciated the energy and enthusiasm I brought to the shoot. My openness and genuine excitement helped us connect easily, and being a Massachusetts native with a love for the outdoors gave us plenty to bond over. It made the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
Anthony worked from a boat for much of the shoot. He faced some logistical challenges, including directing the women from a distance and working in overcast conditions. He used a telephoto lens to capture candid moments of the women as they cleaned the pond. With the cloudy weather, the lighting worked well for the group shots.
Coordinating with the neighbor rowing the boat added another layer of complexity. We had limited time in the water, so I only had a few chances to capture sharp, interesting moments.
The stability of his lighting equipment was tricky to maintain on a sandy beach, but with the help of an extra pair of hands, he managed to get the shots he needed.
Another challenge was creating tonal separation between the women, as they wore similar wetsuits. I used lighting and arranged them based on the pops of color in their gear to avoid them blending together.
In the end, Anthony’s perseverance paid off. Though he captured several variations of the group photo, Reader’s Digest selected an image featuring all five women, a choice Anthony was especially pleased with as it ensured no one was left out.
This project for Reader’s Digest was a significant moment in Anthony’s career, marking his first major publication. The experience showed the importance of his personal work and the SEO efforts he had been focusing on to increase his visibility as a photographer. The validation that came with this project has only strengthened his commitment to his craft and his love for capturing authentic moments in natural settings.
See more of Anthony’s work on his website.
Credits
Art Director: Karen Matthes
Talent: Susan Baur, Diane Hammer, Mary Grauerholz, Robin Melavalin, and Julia Benz
Further Reading
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