It’s not new news, but most of the time, even in our changing world—many advertisers still want to talk more about themselves than their consumers. In their version of the advertising strategy, features outweigh benefits in key messaging platforms. Especially with limited dollars, “more bang for the buck” comes with cramming every nook and cranny of a spot with something to say about the product. I’m not casting judgement. I get it—with the pressure to succeed, and success ever more tied to ROI, it’s tough to be a marketer. But I urge us all to still focus on the consumer. Something I think we did well (along with our client) in these recent spots for HSHS (Hospital Sisters Health System) in Green Bay.

You may have read a post here months back, on a 60 second spot we shot with Michael Prince for the brand. Well, these are the harder-hitting siblings of that spot. What we’d call the “service line” spots for cancer and orthopedics. These spots carry some pretty heavy loads—boasting that “we provide the most treatment options,” that “we beat national survival rates” and that “we are among the nation’s best” when it comes to cancer. Product features, not benefits. But notice how the facts are surrounded both visually and verbally with “life”, “hope” and “a new belief.” Things I believe every person with cancer wants as much as the latest and greatest treatment.

By identifying that what we see in a cancer patient is a path to new life, we brought context, benefit and a personal connection to what would be a list of ingredients. Kudos to the team and the client on recognizing the fine balance between logic and emotion, especially when it comes to our health.

Notice I abbreviated Photo Showdown in the title? Pretty fancy, right? And, space saving. Anyway, this weeks photos are also fancy and we need you to vote on which one is your favorite. This weeks photographers are Nick Pipitone, Michael Prince, the returning champ—Danielle Fritz, and myself. These are our attempts at capturing “Motion”.

A. Blurry Runner

B. Defy

C. Joyful Fountain

D. Motion

It’s finally is starting to feel like summer again, and that’s why we chose the theme “Green” for this weeks contest. Also, this week it just so happens to be a battle between our male photographers; Michael Prince, Nick Pipitone, Ben Halpin, and myself. Only one of us will make to defend our win against the ladies next week, and here are our photos.

A. Always greener

B. CHARCHAR

C. Jon Lester, Yankee Stadium

D. This Is My Serious Face

Please share, and thanks for voting!

Strangers. They can be creepy, unusual, attractive, and at times enticing. They often go unnoticed and forgotten. They can be you or I to some. And, more often then not they can be remarkably interesting if only you watch. That is of course why they make the perfect subject for a great photograph.

This weeks players are Michael Prince, Nick Pipitone, Danielle Fritz, and our returning champ–Ben Halpin. There entries are below.

A.) A Stranger Approaching

B.) Lake Titicaca Gunman

C.) No Other Place

D.) Parking Garage Stranger

As always, please vote and share!

Sue takes the trophy again with only a two vote victory. Colorful Chaos Reigns.

The results were as follows:

1. Colorful Chaos – Sue, 34.45%

2. City Lights – Danielle, 32.77%

3. Spectral – Dave, 20.17%

4. I Remember When – Michael, 12.61%

Thanks to all of our voters last week, it was the most we’ve had in Photo Showdown history. Hopefully, the numbers will keep going up.

Next week the theme will be New. Sue will try defending her crown against three of our other talented photographers next Monday. See you then.