Todd Biss
I have spent most of my life behind a camera. I was always drawn to the beautiful images my Dad would create as an amateur photographer and filmmaker, and I remember spending hours with him editing the “next great” 8mm film. I received my first camera in seventh grade, and I soon had a dark room set up to print black and white 5x7s to sell to classmates.

Determined to make this my career, I went to work assisting various commercial photographers for three years. At the age of 21, I was hired by Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, Inc., a full-service ad agency in Akron, Ohio, as their in-house photographer. Working with some incredibly talented Art Directors and some high-profile clients, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Mac Tools and FirstMerit Bank, I spent the next nine years honing my photographic and people skills.

Prepared for the next adventure, long-time friend and photographer Connie Collins and I teamed up to create a full-service commercial photography studio. Our goal was to deliver beautiful images without delivering the “big studio” attitude. This effort has been rewarded with numerous awards and accolades, but for me the greatest reward is still the highly creative experience of collaboration with talented people.
 
Nearly four years ago Connie and I began a film project that expanded our vision and character. I produced a short film that was written and directed by Connie called A Trampoline. This film screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Istanbul International Children’s Film Festival. This success launched us into other “motion image” projects, including commercials, promotionals, industrials and other short films.

I believe this is just the beginning. Connie’s passion for story telling and my love of images have created a powerful combination. We have continued to surround ourselves with extremely talented people who enhance every project we work on.

I’m looking forward to what’s next.

Connie Collins
I grew up with my nose in a book. Actually, not a book, every book. I would read anything I could get my hands on. I just loved stories. Images were formed in my mind that would last forever. Truths were revealed, beauties saved, evil defeated. It was these images and my passion for stories that moved me to where I am today. 

I have been an addict of images for 50 years. Stills or motion, on paper or on stage, images impact me more deeply than most. For the last 23 years I have had a camera in hand, looking for the perfect angle, light and composition to tell the story.

Five years ago I began to cross-train as a writer/director for film. I wrote and directed my first short film, A Trampoline, which screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival and The Istanbul Children’s International Film Festival. These opportunities encouraged and compelled me to continue writing and directing. 

Our photographic clients have begun to utilize my skills in both film and photography. Todd and I have created numerous short works for commercial, promotional and educational purposes. My desire is to make the world a better place, and I am beginning to taste the fruits of my labor. Last year we produced and donated a mini-documentary, Remember Nhu, that is educating the public about young girls sold into the sex trade in Southeast Asia. Being able to shoot, write and direct stills or films that make a difference is satisfying all my cravings.