Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 50th Anniversary
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had their 50th anniversary this year. To highlight the improvements that have been made in cars in that time, they wrecked a 1959 Chevy Bel Air into a 2009 Chevy Malibu. Before the Bel Air was wrecked, I photographed the car for the IIHS’s calendar. It was sad to see the car get smashed, but it is good to know there is a powerful organization out there trying to save lives on the road. These guys have probably saved half a million lives in the last 50 years. Think about that. 1/2 a million people, all around who would not be. It blows my mind.
The calendar shoot was very interesting. They allowed me access to their mountain of lighting gear, and I was like a kid in a candy store. There is something about turning on a 50 foot softbox that makes you feel important. Also, the expertise and helpfulness of the photographers and staff at the IIHS cannot be overstated. They are chill, but they work hard. Amazing.
At the crash, I got to work with my friend Jason Keefer. He is a really good photographer, and it was nice to see his process.
After the crash, their tests showed that the dummy in the Malibu had a slight foot injury while the dummy driving the Bel Air had extensive injuries, and would probably have died.
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September 27, 2009 at 1:43 pm //
What a cool gig, billy.
I’d like to hear about your time in NYC at the awards. Will try to stop by soon!