For the last year or so the word Platypod has surfaced again and again in posts I see online. I think the first time I heard the name was through Scott Kelby on Twitter, and then after that is was Photo Joseph, Gilmar Smith, and Rick Sammon. Truth be told I had no idea what a Platypod was at the time – although the name stuck with me.

(Side Note: If your product has a name that is as immediately rememberable as Platypod is you are off to a great start)

I  had meant to look this mysterious product up, but before I made it that far Scott Kelby posted a behind the scenes photo of his in use. Ah Ha! I instantly understood what a cool idea it was, but I still had so many more questions.

My actual introduction to the company was accidental. I don’t even remember how the topic came up, maybe during a recording of Behind the Shot with him, or during a recording for the podcast he does with Larry Becker – The Picturing Success podcast – but one day Rick Sammon mentioned he knew the founder of Platypod, Dr. Larry Tiefenbrunn. Within a few minutes Rick had introduced me to Dr. T and we were talking about all things Platypod, and all things photography. Of course, if he was the founder of a photography product as original and well designed as Platypod he must be a photographer himself, right? Yup, Dr. Tiefenbrunn can shoot.

Larry started in photography at the early age of 15 with a Konica T3. He was so serious that he even attended a Nikon School Seminar, and a Master Darkroom class. In no time Larry was developing his own Black & White file in walk-in closet!

Dr. Tiffenbrunn is not only the founder and CEO of Platypod, but he is also a practicing Pediatrician. He currently heads a 5 person practice in New Jersey, where his images line the hallways and exam rooms. How he manages to to that job and run Platypod I have no idea, he does that and more. Larry is a father of 6 with his wife Mina and enjoys photographing the family – including his kids spouses and his grandchildren. Somehow, Larry still finds time to explore and improve his craft, shooting portrait, travel, macro, and product photography.

Join businessman and photographer Dr. Larry Tiefenbrunn and me as we explore his product photography, and discuss the success and future of Platypod, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Personal: Portfolio on SmugMug

Website: platypod.com

Ansel Adams: The Negative