2012

Product Photography by Craig Wagner!

Posted on December 11, 2012

We love testing out the latest gear releases, so when we had the chance to test out the Broncolor Scoro S power pack we decided we wanted to test it to the limit! What better way to see what it can do then to combine it with an afternoon of water splashes and fruit drops. Here are a few words from Craig Wagner who loves Product Photography!

My first intention was just to test out the pack. What I found is that the Broncolor Scoro S pack is extremely versatile with the ability to adjust flash duration, as well as the triggering delay. We setup a 33 gallon tank filled it with water powered up the Scoro S pack, attached two heads, one with a medium umbrella on the background and another with 7-inch silver reflector coming from just right of camera. Sometimes with the newer photo equipment you have to refer to the user manual in order to figure out all the little intricacies of the equipment. But the Scoro S is very user friendly with a fantastic display menu allowing the user to easily navigate and adjust to the desired settings. We played around a lot with the adjustable flash duration settings dialing it one way or the other depending on if we wanted a little motion drag or tack sharp precision in our image. For the first image I suspended the apple just below the water surface and used a stream of water to create the burst.

The second image was created by dropping the peppers into the tank of water. Using the studio’s infrared triggering device allowed us to consistently capture the peppers in the desired placement.

For this shoot I used the Canon 5d Mklll with the Canon 100mm lens. With the camera attached to the infrared trigger we were able to simultaneously remotely fire the camera when the infrared lazer stream was broken by the motion of the falling peppers. – Craig Wagner

Product Photographer Chris Eltrich Adding Drama to Center Court

Posted on December 6, 2012

We recently have been having tons of fun with shoes, and Product Photographer Chris Eltrich is no exception. His newest images are showcasing the fantastically shiny Air Jordans, that would make anyone want to be a basketball player. In usual Chris fashion, he was concerned about highlighting the shoe and keeping things simple. He describes this shoot in his own words:

I wanted to shoot a pair of shoes in a simple setup with minimal propping, so I was on the lookout for a pair that had cool textures. I found this pair of Nikes and knew I had found something special. Their tops were made out of a gloss black material with a grid pattern and red accents, and the side details had a contrasting solid red with a Jordan logo. Pair of shoes with sick textures, check! Do we put those shoes on white and call it a day? No! Of course not! We rent out Key Arena and put them on genuine basketball court! Wait… Wait… I’m being told that’s too expensive. Oh….. Um, I guess we fake it? Yes! Faking it, just as good!

So we’ve got a pair of sick shoes and our “Genuine” basketball playing surface, so now we’re ready to photograph them. I wanted the shoes to live in a little pool of light on this “court,” so I blocked most of the light off the background. I wanted the focus to be on the differing textures. both textures lit up nicely, especially the smooth red portion. It took on a milky quality that looked really good. I added a couple of accent lights to make sure the sides didn’t bleed into the dark background, and that was about it.

Stay tuned for more shots of these Air Jordans, as Chris has more to come.

Product Photographer Craig Wagner Art of Science!

Posted on December 4, 2012

Product Photographer Craig Wagner set out to highlight scientific equipment to be viewed as art. He focused on using a combination of color, camera angle, and shallow depth of field to create visually appealing “eye candy” out of traditional lab equipment. We are very excited about this amazing collection!

Again I came across an opportunity to have some creative fun in the studio. Recently I scouted the labs at OHSU for an upcoming photo shoot; seeing all the glass beakers, flasks and medical paraphernalia sparked some visual ideas. I asked the scientist if I could brow a few “props” and he graciously handed me a box and we filled it up!

I wanted to create the sense of a clean, sterile lab, but somewhat surreal so I kept my sets simple. For the most part they consisted of a reflective Plexi surface for the table top and various diffusion panels as my backdrops. This allowed me to back-light the sets using our Classic Fresnel Mole Richardson hot lights, specifically their 1000 watt Baby Solarspot as a key-light. This provided smooth and even light control and Mini moles were used as kickers adding shadows and highlights to the glassware.

Always wanting to try out equipment, I approached the studio’s Hasselblad rep and friends at Pro Photo Supply who allowed me to demo Hasselblad’s HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter on this project. I mounted the product on our H4D with the standard 80mm f/2.8 lens. I found with it’s extreme tilt and swing capability it provided both technical and creative control of my plane and depth of focus. Up until now I’d only had with my large format Sinar cameras. The shallow depth of focus added to the surreal feel I was after.

Since my subject matter was for the most part clear I knew that the use of color would play an important role in this exercise. So I played with the color palette quite a bit, some times shooting mono chromatic allowing the composition of the flasks and test tubes to carry the image. When shooting other images I selected complimentary colors to create a more vibrant harmonious look and feel. Good old color theory 101!

Product Photographer Henry Ngan Danner!

Posted on November 27, 2012

Product Photographer Henry Ngan continues to amaze us. He recently began a series of images capturing still life in a new light. We decided to celebrate the upcoming changing of the seasons with an outdoor lifestyle shoot featuring Danner boots. For more insight into the creativity of this fantastic shoot here are a few words from photographer Henry Ngan.

First of all, this is why I like Danner boots. You can kick the living daylights out of them and then have what’s remaining re-crafted. Mine are made in the USA right here in Portland Oregon, my own back yard. They just get more comfortable the longer I wear them and that’s why you don’t want to get rid of them when they seem worn out. Just send them back to the factory in Portland, Oregon and they will re-craft them. They feel like bedroom slippers once you wear them in. They are the boots you need to get for rough, heavy duty use. If you take care of them they will last a lifetime and then some. Don’t make the mistake of getting one of the ones made offshore. They won’t last because they are made differently and you won’t be able to re-craft them.

My intention for this shoot was to create a dramatic image through warm detailed lighting. Highlighting the Danner boot in this fashion was my focus. I wanted to show the viewer a beautifully crafted product that will eventually become even better after lots of hard wear and tear. Just 2 lights were used on this set. But I re-directed multiple beams of light using various reflectors to create this image. The story is told by the sum of all the components. But the lighting is concentrated on the boots and fall off on the rest of the image. I am currently working on a series focusing on this type of lighting and warmth. Stay tuned for more images to come!

A sneak peak into Henry’s latest shoot!

Product Photographer David Bell and Leatherman!

Posted on November 26, 2012

We are ecstatic to hear the great news about the Leatherman Raptor shears being featured on Uncrate. Designed for uniformed medics these scissors aren’t messing around. Our very own Product Photographer David Bell was lucky enough to get up close and personal with these cutting edge shears. Spending years with the Leatherman crew and their innovative products, David Bell is nothing short of awestruck! He enjoys making Leatherman’s products appear beautiful by highlighting their unique design and materials. David’s thought on Uncrate’s write up are easily wrapped up in one sentence:

The article, the product, the company it’s all COOL!

Now a few words from Product Photographer David Bell about shooting the Leatherman products all these years…

I try to make these as interesting and aggressive looking while showing all the great features and details. Getting to shoot the newest Leatherman tool is always very interesting. Being able to see the product before it’s released is one of the many benefits. These particluar shears are geared for EMTs and field medics in the armed forces. They are designed to cut through anything and help the medics do a better faster job. When it’s an emergency that is exactly what you need.

I prefer to shoot with a Hasselblad H – 39, using wide angle lenses with HTS tilt shift adapter. I have the camera tethered to an iMac so I can view the images immediately during the shoot. When I am creating feature shots I shoot to a black or white background. For lighting I use Speedotron Studio Strobe Lighting – Grids, Spots and Floods. I look forward to many more years working with the Leatherman team and being first to view the latest products!

To view Uncrate’s write up on these life saving shears follow the link: http://uncrate.com/stuff/leatherman-raptor/

To view more Products Photographed by the Studio 3 team please click here!

Or go directly to: www.studio3.com

Studio 3 Films Director David King WSU Vancouver!

Posted on November 20, 2012

We are so very excited to partner with Washington State University in Vancouver to highlight their beautiful NW campus. We shot the campus over three days to capture student interaction, campus activity and the amazing NW environment. For insight into this video project read below to hear from our Studio 3 Films Director, David King!

When approached by Washington State University to produce a recruiting video for their Vancouver, WA campus, the questions we asked ourselves were, “what makes this campus unique?” and “how can we use that to help tell the story of Washington State University Vancouver?” All it took was a visit to the beautiful campus to answer both of those questions. The setting, with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, along with the diverse student body tells the story of a small, local campus with all of the amenities of a major University.

We shot the footage over three consecutive days. One day before the students returned for the fall term in order to get some beauty shots of the buildings and surroundings. Then a week later when the students returned to school to get the feel of student life. One more day to shoot a couple of time-lapse sequences and it was time to edit.

We thought at first that a voiceover accompanying the video, explaining the virtues of the WSUV campus would be the way to go, but soon realized that the imagery itself said plenty about what it was like to attend school here. The administration came to us with a desire to show how a local campus could give a prospective student the large university experience and we were able to accomplish that by just letting the campus speak for itself.

What a beautiful campus!

To view more video projects created at Studio 3 Films, click here!

Lifestyle Photography Rouge & Whimsy

Posted on November 13, 2012

Lifestyle Photographer, Dana Jonas, made the best of the changing Fall colors by taking her camera out in nature. She gathered up some AMAZING stylish clothes, a beautiful girl, an extremely talented stylist, and an impeccable make up artist to shoot some one of a kind fashion photography. We love seeing her new work and inspiration. Everyone involved had a blast, even though they had to fight the cold and damp weather, they still stated it was one of the best shoots they had been on. We loved the location and look forward to going back in different seasons! Read on to see, Dana Jonas’ insight on this colorful shoot:

All in all I think this project was a little creative therapy for me. Fall was killing me this year, I felt like I spent the entire time whipping my head around trying to find the perfect location for this shoot. I think I went out location scouting over 5 times (full days of scouting). It was mentally exhausting. Logging all these so-so locations because fall held out on us for so long. It was so refreshing to walk into this wonderland. Kruckeberg Botanical Gardens couldn’t have lent itself better to photography and the crew I worked with couldn’t have been more perfect. Ashli Thompson on MU&H, Tan Tran on Wardrobe styling (he also designed the epic jackets and outfits towards the end of the shoot) and Elle DeBell as our phenomenal model. We are already planning our winter return! Looking forward to getting creative with these guys again 🙂

Here is a sneak peek at a few images from this foliage filled shoot! We’d love to hear which image you like best.

To view more Lifestyle Photography created at Studio 3 please click here!

Photographer Craig Wagner: Meet the FLESHRIPPER..

Posted on October 31, 2012

Photographer Craig Wagner at Studio 3 worked on this upcoming HALLOWEEN image! See below for the scary story.

This Halloween morning started out like any ordinary morning. I arrived at the studio in the eerie dark, Starbucks coffee in hand ready for the days work. I’m usually the first to arrive at the studio, but today I noticed something odd! The back door was propped open and the alarm was not activated. I peered inside not quite sure if it was safe to enter. Behind me I heard foot steps, as I turned I was startled by our studio producer Rachel Meyer. I was glad she showed up when she did since now I’m not alone… Once inside I hit the lights, NOTHING! I grabbed a flash light from the cabinet and we started to head for the circuit breakers. As we entered into the darkness of the wood shop, I encouraged fearless Rachel to lead the way, my trembling hand holding the dimming flashlight. Suddenly I heard the deafening sound of a chainsaw with the words, “FLESHRIPPER” written on the blade! So I bolted…out the back door alone. As I ran down the street, I realized…..I survived my meeting with THE FLESHRIPPER!

– Studio 3 Survivor

THE FLESHRIPPER IN ACTION! Coming to a studio near you.

Try your own, “Fleshripper Martini”! You might be one of the lucky survivors…

I can’t really say where my inspiration came from for this image, perhaps it was from listening to Cosby’s “Chicken Heart” way to many time as a kid. What ever the exact inspiration we had a blast in the studio. Myself and the crew definitely had the “ghoulish spirit” this year. We pulled together props to build the set, sprayed fake blood all over our Studio Producer Rachel, and Matt chose to play the part of Michael Myers. We were ready to go! This is the type of scene I love to light because it’s dark and moody with subtle details. And the blood made it a fun challenge!
I found shooting with our Canon system exporting into Lightroom perfect for this adventure and of course I used my Speedtrons. I wonder what the sequel will be like. – Craig Wagner

Executive Portraits What's your good side?

Posted on October 23, 2012

Often times executive portraits can be simple shots of the staff on white, black, red, whatever color your team desires. However, here at Studio 3 we like to mix it up and add some interest to showcasing what’s best about your employees. The environmental executive portrait often adds interest to not only the employee but what a company has to offer. Two of our senior photographers, Dana Jonas and Henry Ngan, have recently portrayed architects and construction workers on site, to give meaning beyond the title.

Read Dana Jonas’ thoughts below on how to find the perfect location for a fun executive portrait:

My favorite part about this whole project was finding the location. I just kept thinking, they’re architects, I want to find something magnificent for them, something that really stands out. I was driving on 15th, in Seattle, and even though I’ve passed this bridge probably a million times, my head whipped around and I think I even said out loud, “Ah-hah!”. So after a super sketchy u-turn, I pulled over and went to check the bridge out. As soon as I got up there, I knew it was the perfect spot. I got so into photographing it, I don’t think I came down for another 20 minutes! It inspired me from the get go, something I always look for in locations.

Getting dirty on the construction site and Henry Ngan’s thoughts on how to put someone’s best face forward:

People are fascinating to me, especially when it comes to their accomplishments. I strive to bring out strong points and the nature of a person’s day to day. Before I take the picture I find out more about them, what they are most proud of, what they love about their career. I want to capture who they really are, what their career means to them, and the value they add, all within the portrait. An environment chosen by them, only adds to that story.

To view more Environmental Executive Portraits created at Studio 3 please click here!

Technology Photography! You've got mail

Posted on October 9, 2012

It’s no secret our photographers love shooting technology. We’ve got a group that has a passion for Technology Photography! With the constant innovation it’s often times hard to keep up. At Studio 3, instead of our photographers getting frustrated by the constant change, they get inspired. Read below to see their words on not only the changing environment of technology, but what they love about shooting it:

What I find extremely inspiring about technology is it’s incredible pace! I believe in the near future we will be able to see technology manifest right in front of us. With that said, I freaking love showing all the possibilities of new technology, that inspires me to push the envelope and do some really unique stuff.

-Dana

Technology is my middle name, I am inspired on what technology can do to enhance our lives, by accomplishing tasks with much more efficiency. I am the type of guy that is a tech guru, knowing everything that goes on inside, underneath the hood, inside the box, therefore I find it thrilling to stand in the consumer’s shoes…how am I going to convey what this product can do for you? Therefore, I always try to show the product in a good light: friendly and approachable.

-Henry

The challenge of making it interesting and drawing the viewer in, that is so inspiring. On top of it all you have to make the product look new fresh and different, that’s my favorite part. I am always so excited to see what is new, hot, and how I can show it off.

-David

I get inspired by the “top secret” nature of shooting the product, knowing about technological advancements before the general public has always been cool and inspires you to concept something way more exciting than just a black box. In fact, I have actually shot a black box, one of my favorite shoots, where we shot it on a roadway set with a vivid sunset as the background. We shot it on an 8X10 transparency, with all the effects done in camera and the client loved it!

-Craig

To view more of our Technology images photographed at Studio 3 please click here!

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Product Photography by Craig Wagner!

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Product Photographer Chris Eltrich Adding Drama to Center Court

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