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Back in 1995, Jim Fiscus and Lisa Fiscus were unaware that their experimentation with the nascent art of photography combined with digital imaging would result in producing award-winning advertisements. Although Jim, the photographer and Lisa the lead digital artist at Jester Image Works are married to each other, their Atlanta based companies are separate entities. Their shared desire to create multi-layered images that are photographically real has had Jim and Lisa collaborating on a myriad of projects. "In the beginning," says Jim, "our images were really simple with only a couple of digital elements. Now our final images consist of many layers: some of which are photographed on location with others shot in studio and then composed."

More then a decade of three-dimensional thinking has certainly paid off, culminating in a number of awards, IE the One Show, PDN-PIX and Show South. In August of 2001, PDN recognized Jim and Lisa's work in a series of ads for World Championship Wrestling and again in February 2002 for RJ Reynolds.

Whether it's Jim's use of bright or desaturated color, unusual characters or a specific digital effect, one is immediately intrigued by his images. To create that visually compelling impact, Jim is involved with every facet of the production. Extensive pre-production is especially vital. Before arriving on location, Jim, collaborating with Lisa, determines how the layers will be shot. The choices of lenses and lighting used for each layer are contingent on the placement and effect of each layer. "If you shoot a picture that requires fifteen pieces and you have light coming from incorrect angles, it's going to look fake," says Jim. To further support the creation of a complex image, Jim will develop storyboards, depicting each layer of the final image. As the photo shoot progresses, a Polaroid of each layer is posted on the board for the client.

Both Jim and Lisa embrace the same simple philosophy: "Enjoy it when it's fun, focus when it's difficult." Perhaps that's why their client list includes Anheuser Busch, Coors, Phillip Morris, Coca Cola, ESPN, American Airlines, Sun MicroSystems and RJ Reynolds. Commenting on their success, Jim says "We've been fortunate to work with some very talented people." Especially each other.

Do you shoot digitally or with film?
J: I shoot in film. I shoot with a Mamiya RZ 67 camera using Kodak film. The film is exposed and processed to create the correct levels of contrast that I want. Everything is scanned by Jester Image Works, at which point the image becomes digital.

Do Clients unfamiliar with the extensive nature of your process initially find it difficult to work that way?
L: No, not at all. The Fiscusphoto.com website demonstrates the building of an image, layer by layer. Once the client has experienced that process, our approach makes sense to them.

When Fiscus Productions and Jester Image Works collaborate on a project, how does the creative get distributed?
J: When layouts come in the door, I will go over them with the art director after which Lisa and I will determine that layers that will ultimately be need.

How would you determine your style?
J: Illustrative environmental portraits.
L: Images with multiple perspectives.