Behind the Scenes Archives | Page 3 of 8 | Studio 3, Inc.

A Glimpse at Photography Production

Posted on December 17, 2015

cotton candy dog bone — Studio 3, Inc.

When you stumble across a flawlessly delicious image you can’t help but wonder; how did they make it look so good? While we can’t reveal all of our secrets, we can certainly give you a glimpse into the messy, hectic, chaotic yet beautiful world of Commercial Photography told from our Seattle Producer herself….

Drinks at Happy Hour — Studio 3, Inc.

A job always begins with an estimate request, and historically, those like to come flooding in on Friday afternoons, just as I’m ready to walk out the door for Happy Hour.

Christmas Kitty — Studio 3, Inc.

During the estimate process I learn if I need to find a location, source props, hire a model, or even bring in the occasional docile cat like we did for the Humane Society Cat Calendar. Oftentimes, it’s about finding ways to make the impossible, possible.

Dip Dyed Watches — Studio 3, Inc.

With just two words, “we’re approved”, the Production office turns into a hub of organized chaos. Location scouting, hiring talent, finding the perfect stylist, scheduling Post Production…. it’s all part of the thrill in getting everything finalized for the next big photo-shoot and sometimes it’s just hours away!

Egg Nog — Studio 3, Inc.

For a recent issue of Seattle Magazine I was tasked with organizing 20+ food and beverage rock stars to be in the Studio on the same day for their specialty items to be photographed for a feature story in the magazine. Sounds easy enough until you find out that Bakers start their day at 4:00AM when Bartenders are on their way to sleep!! Scheduling the two to be at the studio at the same time is challenging… but we always find ways to make it work.

Espresso and Sugar Cubes — Studio 3, Inc.

Now, flash forward through the shoot day(s), hours of color correcting and retouching, and final file delivery and it’s clear that a lot of people have put their blood, sweat, and tears into producing that picture perfect image. Then, when it’s a wrap we wake up the next morning, chug our favorite caffeinated beverage, and happily do it all over again.

Break A Cool Sweat

Posted on August 5, 2014

Here we are in the HOT HOT HEAT of the summer and there’s no way we are hanging up our bathing suits just yet! While breakin’ a cool sweat and trying to stay cool, Studio 3 brought in the Marquis Spas ATV (Aquatic Training Vessel) for a much needed dip. The ATV was delivered on a trailer and was fork-lifted into Studio 3. From there, the team hauled that huge piece of heaven onto a custom-built stage. It took 2 days to fill it up and get it to a temperature that was juuuust right. Once the bubbles were flowing, the cameras started rolling.

Marquis Spas — Studio 3, Inc.

Studio 3 has had the pleasure of working with Marquis Spas for many years now. The California based company founded in 1980 strives to provide top-of-the-line aquatic products that aid in rest and relaxation for the “ultimate soaking experience.”

For this particular shoot Studio 3 Film Director of Video Production, David King, filmed the features of the ATV while our Lead Photographer, Craig Wagner, caught some overhead and underwater shots. Craig gives a bit of insight on this splish-splash shoot:

“I was piggy-backing on the video shoot of Marquis’ new ATV. The client wanted to feature someone working out (water aerobics) from under the water’s surface. Since the tank was blue, we chose to give the image an overall blue hue by gelling the key lights.

I shot this using a Canon 5D MKIII in our underwater housing. I also mounted a Canon 5D MKIII above the tank for the overhead image. I remotely triggered the camera and viewed the images in Lightroom. Speedotron packs and heads were used along with our 8’x14′ lightbank with custom flash tubes.”

Marquis Spas — Studio 3, Inc.

The end result was comprised of a five-star video and brilliant stills that capture the endless capabilities of a Marquis Spas ATV. If you think you don’t need one, just wait until you watch this.

There’s still a lot more sunshine comin our way for the rest of the summer. If you can’t take the heat, give us a call! Let Studio 3 take care of business while you enjoy the non-stop flow of ice cold drinks to keep you cool.

1 Second Everyday

Posted on July 15, 2014

“There are so many tiny, beautiful, funny, tragic moments in your life — how are you going to remember them all?”

Imagine a movie that includes everyday for the rest of your life… That’s the motto of the 1 Second Everyday app. As of this May, director, producer, video maker, animator, and app creator Cesar Kuriyama has been recording one second of his life everyday for three years. Kuriyama started creating this video diary on his 30th Birthday and claims that if he lives to see 80, family and friends will have a 5-hour-long accurate depiction of his life. The “1 Second Everyday” app does exactly what the name implies. It allows users to create a video diary of their lives by providing them with platform to record, edit, and store one unique moment a day for a year at a time in order to create an irreplaceable memoir. Kuriyama said that his driving force for this project was the fact that he would gain the ability to flashback through his memories and re-evaluate how he approached each day.

In spirit of this moving idea, David King, our director of video production compiled a 30 second video of what one month with the Studio 3 team looks like… and we’ve all come to realize how lucky we really are! Here’s a 30 second glance at our random, crazy, and beautiful lives:

So, if you’re feeling stressed, excited, discouraged, confused, wired, or tired, go ahead and start your very own video. You might be surprised with the outcome. And if you’re looking for a little extra sunshine in your day, give us a call or pop by the studio. We’ll do everything we can to ensure it’s an experience so grand you won’t need an app to remember it.

Pick Up The Phone!

Posted on July 8, 2014

Stressed about your company’s visual needs? Would you rather spend time having fun in the sun? Let Studio 3 ease your mind this summer. We’ve been smashing out countless videos back to back, while continuously providing outstanding photography and flawless production. Oh, did we also mention that our digital team is amaze balls? Trust us, you don’t want to be the only tanless, overworked one at the company party because you didn’t know about Studio 3. Save the embarrassment of all the “are you kidding me?” looks. We’ll make sure you meet that crazy deadline. There’s no reason to miss out on all the perks of working with Studio 3. And no reason to keep on reading, you’re wasting precious beach time – make a Pina Colada, and start dialing!! Make that golden phone call!!!

CW 15086T Pop phone PR 1500 — Studio 3, Inc.

And to make it that much easier, if you didn’t have our number yet, here ya go:

Portland Studio 503.238.1748, ask for Dalcetta

Seattle Studio 206.282.0939, ask for Marcella

Got Plans Friday?

Posted on June 16, 2014

This Friday, uncover an exclusive opportunity to experience Rock ‘n’ Roll history with Studio 3‘s photography friend and neighbor, BlackRapid. Details from their event are listed below:

BLACK RAPID// 517 ALOHA ST. SEATTLE 98109
JUNE 20 | 2014
7-9 PM

BlackRapid is honored to be hosting folk musician and Rock ‘n’ Roll photographer, Henry Diltz. Henry will be presenting his famous images and personal stories of life in Laurel Canyon during the 1960s and 1970s. Henry has the unique ability to capture candid shots that convey a rare feeling of trust and intimacy. He spent many afternoons with The Doors, Crosby, Stills. Nash & Young, Jackson Browne, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees and many more. Henry has shot over 300 album covers. This is a great opportunity to hear first hand how these iconic images were captured.

This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP: susie@blackrapid.com

CSN COUCH8x10 — Studio 3, Inc.

#TBT: Old School Legends, New School Talent!

Posted on May 29, 2014

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.

basketball 1 — Studio 3, Inc.

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.

Studio 3’s Digital Artists: One Baaahh-d Team!

Posted on May 20, 2014

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.

SheepFinal — Studio 3, Inc.

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.”

SheepProcess — Studio 3, Inc.

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.

Throw “Back Alley” Thursday!

Posted on April 24, 2014

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.

Quinton ClubTrack 3.0 — Studio 3, Inc.

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!

Erik Knudsen: Our Newest Team Member

Posted on April 11, 2014

We are so thrilled to inform you that someone has joined the fun house! Welcome our newest team member, Erik! He has a great story and we are excited to be apart of it. Read below to learn more about Studio 3 Seattle’s new Assistant!

            I grew up on a skateboard in a small, Florida town. Constantly exploring my area and other cities, I met interesting people and saw many sides of many cities. With so many places to skate, trick combinations to experiment with and attempts gone wrong, I realized that skateboarding was a mental game. Those experiences pushed me to be creative and persistent – which is a great starting point for someone entering photography.

            Another personality-molding factor was that while I skated around in Florida, my mother was living in The Netherlands. Almost every year I would spend a month or two overseas. Being exposed to alternative cultures and ways of thinking at such a young age made me realize how much the world has to offer – and that Florida could never be my last stop.

            What I hadn’t yet mentioned, was that my father constantly talked to me about photography. Most of the time I didn’t know what he was talking about. I was more interested in skateboarding. Years later, I now realize his plan was flawless. The black-and-white film class in high school was my favorite. Followed up with a host of photography and video classes, I was hooked. Graduating with a photojournalism degree, I was well on my way to a career in photography.

            Realizing that my true interests reside in commercial photography and that the world was a giant place to explore, I convinced my fiancé to fly with me to Seattle. Without any idea of how it would work, we bought a couple of one-way tickets and headed west to crash my friend’s couch. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

            After a suspenseful interviewing process, I was brought onto the Studio 3 Seattle team and couldn’t be happier. It just seems right.

Erik Portrait 0749 — Studio 3, Inc.

Throwback To The Future!

Posted on March 27, 2014

fluke — Studio 3, Inc.

“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!

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