Brett Ludeke

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Hi, I’m Brett Ludeke, a Creative Director, Producer and Film Director based in the Washington, DC area.

My background spans creative direction, producing, commercial directing, cinematography, and photography. Over the course of my career, I’ve led creative teams in brand identity, website design and development, commercial filmmaking, motion graphics, and 2D/3D animation.

I’ve directed creative work for brands including UFC, GQ, and Five Guys.

Whether I’m leading a rebrand, directing a commercial, designing a digital experience, or developing motion for a campaign, the goal is always the same: create work people remember.

WMATA Stock Photography Library

Service:

Photography

Overview

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority engaged us to create a comprehensive photography library that captured the full scope of their transit system. The goal was to produce a versatile collection of high-quality images that could be used across marketing campaigns, public communications, advertising, and internal materials.

My Role

Creative Director / Photographer

I led the planning and execution of the project, coordinating shot lists, location access, and photography across the Washington metropolitan region.

The Challenge

WMATA needed a cohesive image library that reflected the scale, accessibility, and everyday impact of the transit system. The photography had to showcase the three core transportation services Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess, while highlighting the diverse riders and communities they serve.

The Approach

We developed a strategic shot list focused on authenticity, mobility, and human connection. Over multiple production days, we photographed commuters, operators, vehicles, stations, and accessible transit services in real-world environments throughout the region.

Special attention was given to capturing:

  • Metrorail trains, stations, and riders
  • Metrobus vehicles and neighborhood connections
  • MetroAccess and accessible transportation services
  • Diverse passengers and everyday moments
  • The role WMATA plays in connecting the region

Deliverables

  • Comprehensive stock photography library
  • Curated and edited high-resolution images
  • Organized asset delivery for long-term use
  • Licensing for marketing and communications

Results

The final library provided WMATA with a robust collection of professional imagery that could be used consistently across print, digital, advertising, and public outreach. The new photography helped communicate the scale, inclusivity, and reliability of the transit system while giving their communications team a flexible asset library for years to come.

Key Takeaway

Strong photography does more than document a service, it helps people see the human impact behind it. This project gave WMATA a visual library that reflects how public transportation connects and moves the Washington region every day.