In the honor of the Portland Trailblazers’ new–school talent like Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews and team fighting their way into the NBA playoffs this year, we thought it would be fitting to showcase a shoot we did of a couple of Rip City legends! Clyde Drexler and Sam Bowie are not just your average NBA players (which is a huge accomplishment in itself.) No, these two changed the game.
Effortlessly earning the legend title, Clyde Drexler was not only a trailblazing star; he’s a Gold Medalist and key player in the 1992 US Olympic Dream Team, and also happens to don one of those shiny NBA Championship rings. Drexler laid the foundation down in Rip City for incoming stars like Sam Bowie, who was second pick in the 1984 draft. Bowie showed up and showed out during his first year, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. You can only imagine how ecstatic Studio 3 was to receive the opportunity and honor to capture these stars in their prime.
At Studio 3, we honor icons of our own – the ones behind the camera. Studio 3 legend, Craig Wagner, had the amazing opportunity to work with Drexler and Bowie. Sharing the responsibility as they do to lead the way, many have come after Craig and learned much of what our All Star has to offer. Studio 3 is lucky to have it’s own Dream Team consisting of its founders and original shooters, Jim Felt and Henry Ngan. To our lead shooters that have played for our team for almost 30 seasons now, Craig Wagner and David Bell. Not to mention our up and coming rookie squad with explosive talent, Chris Eltrich, Jonny Brandt, and Erik Knudsen. A team can’t be complete without it’s bench and it’s cheerleaders, which is the role that the rest of this squad proudly inherits! Studio 3 is the NW All Star Team of Photography, and we look forward to those Championship opportunities, one shot at a time.
Category: Photography
Studio 3's Digital Artists: One Baaahh-d Team!
Everyone has their own prediction of what the future has in store for our world. Some say flying cars and others say crashing computers… For Studio 3’s Digital Artists, it’s bionic sheep.
This freaky farm friend was brought to life by our deft digital dudes who were approached by Frank Creative to make their furry vision a reality. Lead Digital Artist, Alex Gumina, who worked on this project states that “…in a way, putting together this digital art piece was like making a collage. We sourced different mechanical pieces and worked to make them blend well together.”
Here at Studio 3 we do a lot more than take and make top-notch pictures. We envision. We create. And we deliver.
To Alex, the essential main objective of the production was “try to make a sheep look like a badass.” The project began with an average farm dweller much like this one. But after a series of trial and error, what once began as a timid, hornless sheep later turned into a fearless, powerful, ram.
The future is all about being innovative and original and we take that very seriously. We believe in being pioneers for visual solutions and producing the most unique and inventive images that are fit to “WOW” any crowd. We love creativity and we support the future and as a result, there isn’t a project too crazy or insane for us, because after all, the best inventions began as wild dreams.
Dial In, Tune Out, and Paint the Town Red With Studio 3
Very few things are redder than Anne Hathaway at the 2014 Met Gala. Okay, okay… we know what you’re thinking, but let’s keep Taylor Swift out of this. Y’see, here at Studio 3, we like to keep our trend radar always on alert. We don’t just imitate what we see: we think it, we feel it, we breathe it, and we take it to the next level just like our Digital Don, Carl Beery did with his flashy tattoo. That’s why we weren’t going to stand to be challenged by any strutting star on the run-way. While there were many red hot looks this spring, Studio 3 DEFINITELY “wore it best” this season with our rouge rotary ringer, captured by one of OUR personal stars, Photographer Chris Eltrich. Take THAT Fantine. 
Chris made this image possible through the application of a solid red sheet of plexi glass and a vibrantly colored vintage phone. Besides being inspired by our timeless fashion finesse, Photographer Chris Eltrich explains that he wanted to shoot this because “the phone is very ‘in YO’ face.’ When you look at it all you can think is ‘Pick it up! You pick up that phone!'” We believe that a response that good isn’t generated from just any old red thing “reigning” the runway. With that said, I think it’s safe to assume that there’s absolutely NOTHING that Studio 3 can’t handle. You have a crazy project for us? Bring it on. We’re more than confident that we can produce A1 results, because nothing makes us happier than “wow-ing” you.
Keep Calm and Take Care of Business!
Rushing through your week? Constantly busy with day to day errands and to-do lists that need checking off? No time for a breather? Well, Studio 3 is here to spread a little wisdom —
KEEP CALM AND TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS!
Studio 3 is constantly busy finding ways to stay on our creative toes while making sure we’re taking care of business smoothly. Inspired by this outlook on life, our amazing Portland Studio Assistant Jonny Brandt speaks on what moved him to come up with this concept:
“I wanted to take the concept of multi-tasking in the workplace and exaggerate it in a fun way. By combining this with meditation, my goal was to remind the viewer to always keep a good balance in your life.”
From time to time we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the constant work flow and we forget to remind ourselves that taking a deep breath and break for ourselves is just as important as staying on top of our daily duties. Finding balance is key, whether it be a rolled up yoga mat tucked under your arm next to your briefcase, 5 minutes of mediation during lunch hour, or a martini after a meeting – whatever floats your boat.
With summer weather inching its way closer and closer to the Pacific NW, there are tons of Yoga conventions hitting cities near you! Now is a great time to take advantage of the outdoors and show off those yoga poses! Grab everyone at the office and take a field trip to finding inner peace, “Auuuummmmm……”
Spring Into Style With Keds!
Spring means a lot of things: blooming flowers, constant showers, and our favorite… spring-cleaning. Now, before you decide to write us off as crazy, it’s important to consider the positive outcomes that spring-cleaning can bring. In the best-case scenario, you will open up your closet (that by now looks worse than the aftermath of “Twister”), throw away your worn-out kicks and threads, and HOPEFULLY replace them with new ones. However, in the chance that you experience the worst case scenario… Well, we can’t help you with that. BUT we can produce some pretty sick photography and would LOVE to use your closet as a still-life, that is if nothing is growing in it. But, for the sake of helping you spring into style, let’s just say this is a best case scenario. So get ready to do a little seasonal shopping! With that said, let us introduce you to our favorite spring essential, one the most emblematic shoes in history, the Keds’ classic Champion Sneaker. 
This undying style was captured by lead shooter, Craig Wagner. Craig created this elegant black and white image by doing what he does best: applying just the right amount of light and shadow for a flawless, timeless look. However, Craig isn’t the only star in this production. Did we mention our Portland Studio Producer, Liz the Whiz, is building her hand and foot modeling portfolio? If you want these photogenic stems in your next shoot, contact Studio 3 for bookings. You hear us Keds!? To put it plain and simple, if you’re one of those spring-cleaner’s out there who happens to own a pair of stylish Keds, let us be the first to admit it’s not always necessary to say “goodbye” to the old. Unless you don’t own a pair. In that case, get to cleaning your closet and say “HELLO” to the new! Get off on the right foot this morning and go get yourself a pair of Keds… the only shoe worthy enough to pass under the spring cleaning radar.
Throw "Back Alley" Thursday!
There were a lot of good things in the ’80s, like “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” on Saturday mornings, neon Vuarnet t-shirts with acid washed jeans, and of course, “Mr. T Cereal.” But, there’s still one thing that beats all the rest… and no, it’s not the Richard Simmons Show (even though you were close if that’s what you were thinking). When it comes to the ‘80s, it’s all about the bodacious babes.
With that said, let’s throw it back to the “hair-raising” era of the ‘80s for a totally tubular production with Quinton Cardiology Systems Inc, who is now in merger with Cardiac Science Inc. If you weren’t pumpin’ it in your living room to a Jane Fonda aerobic video, you were gearin’ up in the brightest ensemble with a pair of fabulous leg warmers to hit the gym. Every ‘babe’ was an accessory to any open treadmill around. This bad bod was captured at the end of the decade by our one and only, Lead Shooter Craig Wagner, who has an exceptionally keen eye for lighting. Craig recalls that this sultry production showcasing Quinton’s “Clubtrack” Treadmill, was made possible by an extensive amount of electric light generators and the edgy alleyways of our beloved Emerald City. But he says the REAL star of the show was the ever trending smoke machine which was infamous for adding a retro effect in almost every “mysteriously fab” ’80s photo/video. Fun photo shoots like this were no rarity for Studio 3… and this one represents the epitome of the ’80s.
Now, we hope you’re feeling inspired. Get off your computer and GET PHYSICAL!
Make Some Noise With Sol Republic!
Get into the groove with Studio 3 rockin’ Sol Republic headphones! We couldn’t help but turn up the volume and jam out on set while shooting this stylish piece of headgear. With the beautiful warm sun peeking out, it’s the perfect time to whip these bad boys out and sport them into your everyday wear and routine! Take notes from the greats like 18 time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps, or Hip Hop legend Grand Master Flash; not only do they swear by the quality in it’s “boom power”, but it also adds that extra bit of swag when they step out the door with these.
Just a few short years ago, Sol Republic was just a business plan starting out in a Wilsonville, OR based company. Scott Hix, one of the founders, had a plan to attack the premium headphones market. Alongside Hix, co-founders Seth Comb, and Kevin Lee – who played a key role in the Dr. Dre headphone success, put their business plan in motion. Within months, you were able to find Sol Republic Headphones at every Apple Inc. and Best Buy Corp. retail store around. They were featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and InStyle.
We are always inspired to learn of Oregon based companies making a worldwide presence! Represent the NW swag and snag you a pair – make some noise for Sol Republic!
Throwback To The Future!
“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!”
We’re taking a flight back in time with Fluke Manufacturing! This week we’re busting out the film strips and having a flashback to the days of pre-digital shooting. Our Lead Shooter Henry Ngan captures the era in this classic Fighter Pilot Tech shot on film! Henry and the rest of the Studio 3 crew had a blast working with Art Director Val Kurita, who now Product Manages Chaudiere Design, Inc. in Seattle, WA. And with retired successful Graphic Designer Gary LaComa who is currently creating Fine Art Photography , you can check out his gallery at Saatchi Art and shop on Zentopia to snag some of his beautiful art work. Gary hops in the time machine to share a few words with us about his tenure with Studio 3…
“This image was a core brand image for a new product introduction for Fluke Manufacturing. It was designed to be the visual icon for this new product in advertising, print collateral, and point of sale posters. The overriding concept of the product was “speed” which lead to a vision loosely visualized in my head and sold to the client. The client’s trust in us to deliver the goods was the primary reason we got this project. It was a very important introduction that the company had invested in heavily. The stakes were high.
…It was always exciting working with The Boys and getting the results we did on this and many other projects. This campaign, built visually around this image, was a huge success for the client.
I would like to add however that I chose to work with Studio 3 on many of my clients projects over a decade of effort for 3 primary reasons. First their technical expertise. Henry and his support crew were, and always has been, technically way ahead of their time (even back then). This image was actually created in the camera and on film, unlike today where a computer screen and digital manipulation reign supreme. Second reason was their attitude about working as a team. Unlike many photographers, they allowed me to work with them in the trenches. We worked together hands on… as a team. Many photographers are less than enthusiastic about this collaborative style of work and prefer that you sit in a chair and yes/no “their” creations. Third my confidence in them to deliver. I knew they/we would deliver the product we sold and to do it efficiently and within my client’s budget and schedule. “
It’s always fun sharing these stories from way back in the day!
It's About That Time..
We’re springing forward with new technology! Studio 3 is keeping up with the recent time change with the new Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch! Inspired by losing an hour this past weekend, we thought we would focus on the hottest watch around. According to the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, wearable devices are catapulting into todays market! This snazzy timepiece is compatible with the Galaxy Note 3 and other Galaxy smartphones. You can place and answer calls directly from your wrist, how crazy is that!? With this clean accessory, you get style and substance. Pairing with that, we had Senior Shooter David Bell work his magic with lighting to enhance the clean smooth timepiece of the future. Once the smartwatch presented itself as inspiration, we had David Bell run with it:
“Hip and happening are always connected, you gotta love technology! Very cool Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch that keeps you connected all day. The shot is inspired by the fact that it works where you are. Clean and simple, like the watch.”
Excited about the new wearable technology addition to our wardrobe, Studio 3 did some research on what this sexy little device can offer. Check out this commercial showing the ‘Evolution’ of the dreamed about futuristic watch that became real…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_cZvpx3D0