Manchester, New Hampshire USA
Just as the 2007 calendars were being distributed, we were headed for Manchester so that we could capture the glory of a New England Autumn.
Our host, Bill McDevitt, sent us on our way to the White Mountains. Perfect.
We found amazing fall colors, an idyllic Town Hall and winding roads that twisted through the rocky landscape.
St Paul, Minnesota USA
Our gracious dealer host in the Twin Cities, Mark Kline of Twin Cities Volvo, was kind enough to let us shoot on a Saturday. We were unlucky with a rainy day, but very fortunate that enough recent snow had fallen so that we could see the traditional snowy Holiday Season.
The dealer principal, Greg Nuss, met with us the night before the shoot and encouraged us to photograph some of the proud bridges that cross the Mississippi. Their community had recently suffered the tragic collapse of a bridge that was part of the Interstate system. Fog prevented the shots from making the calendar, but we do want to report here that the Twin Cities' approach to repairing and healing was evident and inspiring.
Calgary, Alberta CANADA
We found out that on the day we approached Nortrux in Calgary about scheduling a visit, their contact person was trying to track down our number. He wanted to extend an invitation to visit the great Canadian Rockies. Grant Cooper, the Volvo Sales Manager, had recently arranged for a VHD430 to be equipped with an after-market rig and he wanted to show it off. We couldn't have pre-arranged a better situation. A unique truck coupled with winter in all of its glory.
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Believe it or not - none of the casinos welcomed our invitation to spotlight their property for our calendar. So...who needs 'em. Gerry Serrano of Trucks West of Nevada, met our crew at Midnight on the Famous Las Vegas Strip and we shot through the night. Thank You Gerry! We were tricky enough to still grab the neon excitement of the city that never sleeps. Even though the corporate casinos didn't understand the might of the Volvo Nation, the town was its usual devil-may-care, welcoming self. A good time was had by all.
San Francisco, California USA
It's hard to beat the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise. This iconic American city did not disappoint - fantastic neighborhoods, beautiful vistas and recognizable landscapes. Dave Schwanke from the TEC Equipment group was a tremendous help, ironing out a few obstacles we had in coordinating the beautiful sunrise photos. Bravo!
Dallas, Texas USA
We scouted out the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolis the whole day before we photographed the truck. In so doing we encountered a huge array of noteworthy locations. This stop on the tour was another example of a great city that provided much more material than what actually gets published in the calendar. Specifically, Big Jake, the huge long horn that welcomed visitors who wanted to watch the twice daily cattle drive.
Harrisonburg, Virginia USA
Edgar Miller, General Manager of this Truck Enterprises dealership, was not only a worthy historian but also a total man about town. Our full afternoon of scouting locations in this history-rich community was warmly detailed with his personal insight regarding battlefields, neighbors and relatives. The day of scouting must have worn him out because his recently graduated daughter had to roust him the next day for our meet at the sunrise location! Lucky for us because she offered up some great art direction.
Montgomery, Alabama USA
The 95-degree heat with high humidity stirred some fussing from the crew, but did not deter the good people from Capital Volvo from sourcing outstanding locations to represent their fine city. From the impressive columns of the state buildings to the graceful columns of antebellum mansions we were thoroughly impressed. Thanks to Service Manager Manuel Owens, our tour guide John and our crackerjack driver Ronnie.
Tampa, Florida USA
We called our friends at Nextran and asked them to be a host city for the 09 calendar. Of course their answer was yes, with one condition: We want to be the location for the month of June. Do you think that had anything to do with our contact person's name, June Gregory? We're not sure, but we do know that we got some great shots at the beach and on the open road heading towards the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Thank you June!
Toronto, Ontario CANADA
This modern and confident city met us with open arms. Block after block of impressive skyscrapers made our job of scouting easy. We chose to place the truck in the particularly intense financial district. We presented the truck as passing through the man made canyons of a major North American city. Many thanks to our driver Elton for grinding through morning downtown traffic conditions, and to John Slotegraaf, Jr. for making it all happen so easily.
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon MEXICO
Hurricane Dolly scared us! On the day of our scheduled departure for Monterrey Dolly made her presence known. We scrambled to reschedule for the next week and thankfully the good people at Camionera de Texcoco were able to stay safe and accommodate our change of plans. We not only had to contend with the weather but also our own Spanish language deficiencies. Our dealer contact Edgar "Allen Poe" Barron and our driver Luis rescued us from confusion and the city flexed its industrial muscle for the camera.
Sioux City, Iowa USA
Corn, corn, corn. Corn for picnics, feed and fuel served as the perfect subject matter for the August spread. Our guide, Jason Klausen, lived across the river in Nebraska and was well acquainted with the farms and farmers there. The crops were in great shape - and to the best of our knowledge so was the agricultural business in the Sioux City region. Special thanks to GM Kevin Christensen for securing the use of a beautifully prepped VT880.
