PPB October 2021

it represents the community spirit of their business or their organization. So, whether it be a factory or company, it’s one thing to just have an aerial view of a group of 100 people outside of the company, but when you organize them in a logo shape, you see them in a living brand. It comes alive. And also, at the same time, it’s a really unique relationship-building experience for employees. They feel very wowed at the opportunity to create the image together. There’s usually the excitement, like ready-set-go, to plan it and then to run it altogether, and the end result has always been amazing. They hang that [photo] in their foyer, in their lobby or they use it in prints. Just hanging it on their wall is a nice reminder of the experience they had together. PPB Can you share with us a few stories of Patty’s People Pictures photos, and some of the annual celebrations? Watson We did a 10-year 9/11 memorial, which was a representation of all the people who passed on 9/11, called AMERICA Remembers. We did the word “America” spelled out. We’ve also done some fun things, such as an ear of corn at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, and that featured random passersby— including a newborn and a 99-year-old— who joined in and were given a t-shirt. Each photo has been unique in its own way. For example, with Susan G. Komen, we were also making a video, and we had a group of children singing Lean on Me while in the formation, and the whole group was swaying back and forth, and it was just the most unique moment. Honestly, I could write a book about the 110 of these we’ve done. Whether it’s children being fun and silly, or joining side by side with strangers, there’s a unique community spirit and they all share in that unity. PPB As an effort that calls for assembling large groups of people, how did Patty’s People Pictures manage it during the pandemic and keep volunteers safe? Watson During COVID, we took a stand in that we are “stronger together,” and paid it forward by donating a significant amount to the local Salvation Army. We also did individual photos and created a mosaic. For “stronger together,” we did a campaign using big words and a tiny Buffalo logo, and we came up with a Buffalo with a face mask to represent community responsibility.” Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB . h h h h No Matter Your Beverage ...we have the glass!  Indoor/Outdoor  Breweries  Events  Brand Awareness ! " # $ % & ' | OCTOBER 2021 | 67 THINK