Studio 3, Inc.

Photography

Gobble Gobble, Thanksgiving Is Here!

Posted on November 18, 2015

In food photography or in your own kitchen, using the freshest of fresh ingredients is always critical to making a beautiful final photograph – or in your case, a meal! One of our favorite ways to guarantee freshness in the Pacific Northwest is to get our ingredients from Whole Foods Market. Now you don’t even have to leave your desk to get those ingredients because there’s Instacart – a food delivering service that can get you groceries in as little as an hour.

— Studio 3, Inc.

The countless hours you’ll spend in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning are going to require some extra energy. Our client Portland Juice Co. might have just the perfect juice blend to get you that energy. One of our favorites is the Mantra, made with Carrot, Orange, Ginger, Turmeric and Cayenne!

— Studio 3, Inc.

Alright IGers, we know there will be a lot of you posting beautiful photos of your Thanksgiving masterpieces on the big day. Check out our interpretation of a still life painting inspired by the Old Masters Floris van Dyck and William Claeszoon Heda. Using expert lighting techniques and beautiful styling, this photograph was done with no retouching … #nofilter, people!

— Studio 3, Inc.

Make sure you have all hands on deck when it comes to making the perfect Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Sur La Table can get you all the professional cooking tools you need, starting with this pie-making dish.

— Studio 3, Inc.

While we’re all thankful for the opportunity to share this special holiday with family and friends from near and far, we’re most thankful for the person taking care of cleaning up ALLLLLLLL the dirty dishes!

14699T Thanksgiving Test — Studio 3, Inc.

Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Studio 3 to you and your family.

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Food, Family & Fun

Posted on November 4, 2015

The two best things about the holiday season? Here’s a clue. They both start with the letter “F.” Food and … family. If you want to plan some outdoor activities for when the kids are home, or even in between those stomach – stuffed meals, check out your city’s local events that are happening on the Thanksgiving holiday. There’s the Holladay Park Turkey Trot in Portland, and Green Lake Gobble & Mashed Potato Munch Off in Seattle.

Father and son play football. — Studio 3, Inc.

For a second, close your eyes. Think of the senses that bring the holidays to life in your imagination. Do you smell the cranberry sauce in your grandma’s crystal dish, sitting patiently waiting to be eaten on the dining room table? What about the cinnamon smell of the house you grew up in? Infuse your home with the traditional holiday smells from NEST Fragrances.

Cinnamon sticks and cranberries — Studio 3, Inc.

Can you smell that? The smell of deliciously oven roasted turkey? You can’t have Thanksgiving without a bird, and you can’t have a bird without a superior turkey recipe. The Pioneer Woman has all the recipes you could use to make a Thanksgiving meal. Pay extra attention to The Pioneer Woman’s Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey, she promises it won’t be hard to make.

Bird and a hanging feast. — Studio 3, Inc.

Tablecloths, white plates, fall-themed napkins, cutlery, red wine – everything you need is at Costco. So go. On a bus, in a car, on a plane, or in a train, we don’t care. Your local Costco is calling your name.

Table setting, forks, knifes, and wine. — Studio 3, Inc.

If you’re not able to make it home for the holidays, wherever that is, Consumer Cellular can make you feel right at home. Anyone can find a plan that works for him.

Cellphone and food in bed. — Studio 3, Inc.

 

 

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Favorite Fall Food (and drink) Recipes

Posted on October 21, 2015

Need new fall traditions?

Ginger-Turmeric Tea. Its got cold remedies mixed into the sweet and spicy liquid that goes oh so nicely next to a warm fire or in a to-go thermos on your morning walk. It only calls for four ingredients – powdered ginger, powdered turmeric, lemon, and water. A lot of Studio 3’s work is of food and drink photography. You can check some of it out here and here. Feelin’ hungry? Call us.

two cup of orange colored tea — Studio 3, Inc.

tea with lemon and cinnamon sticks — Studio 3, Inc.

Did you know that the origin of the pomegranate is from modern-day Iran? You can use pomegranate seeds and juice for lots of things – sauces, garnishes, smoothies, baking, cooking, and … pomegranate cosmos?!?

pomegranate seeds on wooden table — Studio 3, Inc.

You can also use mushrooms in practically anything – mushroom soup, mushroom pasta, mushroom risotto, (an all time favorite), the list goes on and on. When people think of mushrooms they think of cooking, and when they think of cooking they’ll usually go to a grocery store to pick up their shrooms. But, there’s a more adventurous way to get your shroom on … there’s a new hobby on the books – mushrooming hunting. Here is the 2015 Mushroom Guide for Oregon and Washington. And if you want to get your shroom hunting on, you’ll need these essentials.

different colored mushrooms on dark wood with green leaves — Studio 3, Inc.

If you’re like some of us and you just don’t have the time for cooking, (or maybe you just don’t know HOW to cook), bread, pears, and cheeses are perfect appetizers to start your fall-themed night off right.

Pear, bread, and cheese — Studio 3, Inc.

Oh! Is that the dinner bell?

 

 

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Fall in Love With These 6 Tools

Posted on October 7, 2015

It’s that time — yard work needs to be done without the help of rain to make that soil a little more easy to dig into. Gerber Gear in Portland, Oregon, has been getting the dig-job done since 1939, and has a one hundred percent success rate when it comes to cracking open the earth. Their products are so strong that they’re Army Strong. Gardeners and tradesmen are not the only ones who use Gerber Gear. Gerber Gear is carried along side the United States Military.

gerber hammer black white — Studio 3, Inc.

We’ve shot Leatherman Tools for over twenty years, and we know from personal experience how important their gadgets are in the workplace. Their new model, Signal, has a few extra additions to the traditional multi-functional tool: A blade sharpener, a fire-starting rod, and an emergency whistle. (now go put THIS on your holiday list).leatherman hand tool signal — Studio 3, Inc.When the light is right and the product is so beautiful it just about walks itself off the page. Fashionable, durable, AND cool…it could not be more NW.

danner boots black — Studio 3, Inc.

Go into any Target store and you’ll spot the Levis. In men’s section, women’s section, and can you guess it? Kid’s section. They’re an all-around-brand for that year-round fashionista. They’re also perfect for fall. Dark wash screams cool and collected, and it also keeps the dirt smudges at a minimum.

CE 9595T Levis c PR 1185 — Studio 3, Inc.

We live in a society where people like to stand out, and if you’re one of those, you’d want this type of bike. Renovo is a bike brand made out of…wood. Their bikes are lightweight and sustainable, just the way we like it here in Portland!

white bike brand renevo — Studio 3, Inc.

That cold, misty, smooth sip of apple cider may be the most important tool in your 2015 toolbox. Looking for unusual hard cider flavors?

CW 15183T HardCider a FB — Studio 3, Inc.

We hope these 2015 tools help your fall get off to a great start. Need things photographed for your fall catalog or product launch? Give us a ring.

 

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Ready, Set, Fall!

Posted on September 23, 2015

The alarm is going off, it’s time to start the day. The number one thing that helps with this process? Coffee. That warm, wonderful wake-me-up-cup. Portland and Seattle are known for their hole-in-the-wall coffee shops along with their hand roasted coffee beans. If you’re more of a stay-at-home coffee drinker, Espresso Supply in Seattle, WA, has phenomenal products and tools to help anyone who’s interested in using, making, (AND TASTING), specialty coffee and coffee products.

Coffee checkered thermos bonavita — Studio 3, Inc.

With fall comes cold weather, which means an extra excuse to pile on the layers. Start this season looking F R E S H – outside AND on the inside, too. The cold weather brings more hours spent inside, and opportunities for a refreshing drink…water. Yes, water. Those florescent lights can be draining, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. PLUS, water is good for your brain. Really good, especially if it’s mineral infused water.

blk back water — Studio 3, Inc.

Ride to work in style. Biking is in, and it’s in big time. People do their part to save the environment, they exercise and look sleek while cool cruising to first period class or that 8am meeting. Finding the right bike for your lifestyle can be a bit time consuming. River City Bikes in Portland, OR, is a great place to start. They’ve been around the block for twenty years, and can help you with that first new (or used) bike purchase. Looking for a less “traditional” type of bike? Look no further.

black bicycle red light — Studio 3, Inc.

Admit it. A phone is a good distraction for that afternoon slump. With the amount we use them these days, they’re always visible. People don’t just want their phone to be smart, they want them snazzy & sexy. There’s plenty of alternatives to all those Apple products, too.

samsung phone model colorful screen — Studio 3, Inc.

Eating is an important component to a productive day at school and work. People say breakfast is the most important, but we say lunch! If you don’t have time to pack your PB&J in the morning and want to spice things up, try this pulled pork recipe. It’s fast and easy. Everyone around you will be oinkin’ at you for a taste.

pulled pork sandwhich yellow corn — Studio 3, Inc.

Ready, set, GO! Give Studio 3, Inc., a call this fall season. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Green Tea Sangria

Salad, Sangria, & Salmon: Get Foody With S3

Posted on September 9, 2015

The school year is here but before you say goodbye to all the summer festivities, remember there are still plenty of weekends to salvage the warm weather and sparkling sunshine. Which, as we know, is especially important to us PNWers who are used to…let’s say… a “shadier” type of living. It’s like we all announce, a packed week calls for a packed weekend!

Here at Studio 3 we LOVE cookouts. So why not sneak in one last backyard BBQ full of salad, sangria, and salmon?

It’s always great to start with fresh ingredients from Portland Farmers Market.

cooking lemon chives — Studio 3, Inc.

Easy tip: Use the Chef’n Citrus Juicer for a delectable topping to your salad.

Food Green Salad Cheese — Studio 3, Inc.

When you’re waiting for your charcoal to heat up on the grill, why not whip up this Sangria recipe made with Stash Tea.

Green Tea Sangria — Studio 3, Inc.

Grilling adds smokiness and texture to your salmon – it’s also an essential for any sort of backyard meal. Are you fishing for the perfect salmon recipe?

salmon on grill next to vegetables — Studio 3, Inc.

Salmon Sandwich — Studio 3, Inc.

Fall is around the corner but there’s still time for fun. Enjoy this meal and remember to soak up the sun. (and DRINK!).

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17 Ways to Get Your Clients to Love You: A Studio 3 Guide

Posted on August 12, 2015

Collage of Studio 3, Inc. team member employee portraits — Studio 3, Inc.We’ve been in business a long time, working with some clients for a decade or more. To us, the client relationship is paramount, and we go above and beyond to nurture it. What would you experience if you were a client of ours? Here are some direct quotes from our Team Members about what we mean when we speak of “Studio 3 Customer Service:”

Client Relationship Manager Jessica Lynes:

We take the time to anticipate our clients’ needs, ensuring that they have exactly what they need/want before they even know that they need or want it!

We always have their “favorites” when they’re here: foods, drinks, music, etc. is met with a “Wow! Thank you so much, I can’t believe you remembered!”

Portland Producer Liz Swales:

We get the client’s job done: efficiently, flawlessly, and simply, while exceeding their their expectations.

We take care of them like royalty…AKA feeding them fun and amazing food!

Chaos Wrangler Niki Gillespie:

We streamline the behind-the-scenes details to ensure the smoothest client experience. Clients love our process but never are over-aware of it. No bottlenecks.

Seattle Producer Kaitlin McMillan:

We will do anything! If the client wants it done, we’ll get it done for them – no hesitation or questions. Any budget, any client, any person, any product… we have a solution for even the most difficult of requests.

We create an “atmosphere” while a client is on set: you can bring your laptop and do work, you can play ping pong when you’re just here tagging along for a shoot, you can watch the news and drink coffee with your feet up on a couch. We inspire creativity and hard work all while in great company.

Digital Artist Carl Beery:

Clients appreciate our experience in pre-media print and web production. Knowing how print collateral and websites are built helps me ask the right questions before problems arise.

Years of experience interpreting markup also helps us make the edits that clients want to see, ensuring a flawless final outcome for all.

Digital Artist Tom Radio:

We make the impossible POSSIBLE when it comes to post-production!

Video Director David King:

We care about building relationships throughout the creative process and we keep client satisfaction as our #1 goal.

Photographer David Bell:

Listen. Pay Attention. Make them the most important thing happening then and there. Make it fun.

Photographer Craig Wagner:

We always try to give our clients more than what they’re initially asking for (like different angles on the same setup), and we are ultimately flexible when working. We won’t consider the creative brief set in stone, and are bold enough to run with an idea, which clients appreciate on set.

Photographer and Studio 3 co-founder Henry Ngan:

By offering them any level of service they need to make their projects a success.

By thinking out of the box creatively to provide a unique vision and fresh look.

Photographer and Studio 3 co-founder Jim Felt:

We always follow through on our promises.

We care about the future relationship with every single client. We value their friendship and the ability to create fun images for them. We are proud of our relationship with each and every client, large or small.

Can’t wait to experience what it’s like to be a Studio 3 client? Reach out and bring us your next project. You’ll experience all of the above…and more.

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This Photograph Inspired My Entire Career: 4 Professional Photographers Weigh In

Posted on July 29, 2015

At Studio 3 we have a number of talented professional photographers ready to take gorgeous, arresting images for any client need. But all photographers, even those at the pinnacle of their careers, got started somewhere. Often it was a single, iconic image that ignited the creative passion. For example:

Jim Felt, Photographer and Co-Founder of Studio 3, Inc.

strange days album photograph — Studio 3, Inc.

For Studio 3, Inc. co-founder Jim Felt, the iconic photograph that inspired his love of the FUN side of photography was the album cover photo from The Doors’ Strange Days. Shot by Photographer Joel Brodsky (with much of it put together on the fly with minimal budget), this photo spoke to Jim’s love of the absurdity of life. Up until he saw this photo, Jim says that he shot mostly in black & white and didn’t like color photography that much, but this photo spoke to him with its moody monochromatic palette. As a photographer he was drawn to the idea of directing any scenario imaginable and shooting it, and thought it so much fun to see the details throughout the image that wrapped all the way around to the back of the CD (where the band’s portraits were relegated!) (Interesting story behind the photo here.) Radical for its time in that it was album cover art that didn’t depict the band, this photo captured Jim’s attitude to photography in genera;: that we shouldn’t take it so darn seriously because it’s so incredibly FUN.

Jim Felt specializes in portrait, large vehicle, and lifestyle photography. His photos often depict a lot of things happening that draw you into a picture with fun and interest.
14734 59CadModelCar — Studio 3, Inc.Lifestyle photography by Jim Felt.

Henry Ngan, Photographer and Co-Founder of Studio 3, Inc.

henri cartier bresson tower jump — Studio 3, Inc.

For Henry Ngan, the other co-founder of Studio 3, the French master of candid photography Henri Cartier-Bresson proved most inspirational. This particular photograph, he notes, shows Cartier-Bresson’s ability to capture the moment as it happens. The photographer carried a small 35mm Leica camera in an age when the professional camera was huge – and he did this in order to be able to shoot spontaneity unobtrusively.

Of Cartier-Bresson, Henry says: “He inspired me to capture the decisive moment.”

No matter how big or complex the project, Henry embraces all challenges and always makes the cutting-edge look its very best. A master of texture, he specializes in product, large vehicle, and technology photography.

cat equipment vehicles large product photography henry ngan studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.

Vehicle photography by Henry Ngan. (Shot while sitting inside a large Caterpillar shovel and hoisted aloft to get an aerial view!)

Craig Wagner, Photographer

omega blank and white photograph shadrick williams — Studio 3, Inc. Craig Wagner originally started as a Photography Assistant at Studio 3 many years ago. For Craig the photograph that inspired him the most at the beginning of his career was Omega by Shedrick Williames (above, from Craig’s personal collection). After hearing a talk by Williames in his college class, Craig sought him out to apprentice for him. Williams (or “Shad” as he was known to friends) took young Craig under his wing and taught him high standards for black-and-white photography and his exacting methods for quality prints.

Craig says, “I still enjoy this image of his, the sense of isolation: a new beginning for Man. I feel that even today the statement he may have been making is still current.”

Craig’s photography exhibits a depth of tonal ranges, bright colors, and stellar lighting. He is known for large product, vehicle, beverage, and indoor/outdoor photography.

red kenworth truck on black craig wagner — Studio 3, Inc.

Vehicle photography by Craig Wagner.

David Bell, Photographer

driest of the dry smirnoff vodka 1955 iconic photo bert stern — Studio 3, Inc.

Photographer David Bell has been with Studio 3 for over 10 years, and cites Bert Stern and his great pyramid shot for a Smirnoff ad as his inspiration. Shot on location and the pyramid reversed in the martini glass, all of his work at that time was very inspiring to the young photographer and provided a window into the world of advertising photography. The original bad boy photographer, Stern’s images redefined art and fashion in the 1950’s and 60’s. David was particularly drawn to the bold and graphic nature of this shot, one that changed the advertising world in its simplicity.

David says about this photo: “The light. Waiting for the right light. Beautiful.”

David Bell is known for his dedication to creating delectable food and beverage images and makes each item pop with his expert lighting. He specializes in product, food, drink, and vehicle photography.

Strawberry Honey Shrimp food photography studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.

Food photography by David Bell.

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Branding = Consistent Photography. So Why It Is So Darn Hard To Achieve?

Posted on July 23, 2015

leatherman tool climbing advertisement product photography studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.

Leatherman advertisement, circa 2012. Photo by David Bell.

We all know that a company’s brand needs to have a consistent “look” when putting oneself out there. Point-of-purchase images, product photography, website design, advertising campaigns, product packaging, social media channels…all need to look as if part of the same company so as not to confuse the consumer and provide a singular branded experience.griots garage polishing kit product photography studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.

Griot’s Garage is all about products to make your car shine. David Bell’s photography for Griot’s features solid primary colors, checkered floors, and sleek collector cars.

But there are some brands out there whose images are all over the map. You know who they are. When you come across one of their product images, banner ads, or social channels you’re confused momentarily. Could this be the same company…? You definitely don’t want your audience wondering at each touchpoint. Here are 4 reasons why companies fail to show consistency in their branding photography:

1. Switching up your visual content providers too frequently

Playing switcheroo has become an issue for some brands when it comes to visual content. Often on to newer, more buzzworthy, largest online following…whatever is the latest and greatest, some companies are quick to jump on the popularity bandwagon. But does that really result in stellar, consistent visuals for your audience? Partnering with the latest Insta-star making headlines may be great for grabbing people’s attention momentarily…but does it really make sense for what your brand stands for? It could be a step backwards in your strategy that leads to muddled visuals and a garbled brand message.

2. Different people at the helm taking the visuals in different directions

Advertising, marketing, and branding agencies often suffer a high turnover due to the frenetic, high-paced nature of the work. With turnover can come multiple directions for the visuals when different people are steering the ship. Full steam ahead with all on-board is necessary when going through a comprehensive re-branding…but it takes time for those visuals to resonate in the marketplace and achieve customer acceptance. After you’ve been in business awhile, being more resistant to change (at least regarding the company visuals) can often provide reassurance and the impression of brand stability to the customer.

3. Team members having difficulty working with one another

Sometimes the message comes out garbled because the team creating it suffers from a lack of cohesion. As a vendor, it can be a challenge working with a client team where we get conflicting direction or there isn’t a clear hierarchy in decision-making. Often the resultant image isn’t as strong as it could be because of this lack of focus – something that needs to be addressed and fixed internally before reaching out to your photography provider.

4. Photographers not truly “getting” the brand

You can choose to work with a photographer or studio based on their past portfolio, but you can’t always predict what kind of visuals they will create for your brand specifically. Sometimes, the fit just isn’t right. The photographer just doesn’t “get” what you’re about. The resulting visuals fall flat, or are shaded with nuances you feel aren’t quite representative of the brand. It’s always a gamble trying a new photographer or studio, which is why once you’ve found a clear winner, you want to stick with them for life.

stash tea floral teacups product photography studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.

Craig Wagner’s shots for STASH Tea feature brightly-lit whimsical setups, often with Studio-created “natural”-look lighting.

Studio 3, Inc. has been shooting photography and video for a number of brands for years (in some cases, a decade or more!) As Leatherman has noted:

“Someone like David Bell has 10+ years of shooting Leatherman tools, so there is no need to train anyone in our brand guidelines each time we need images. Having that partnership [with Studio 3] has allowed us to develop the “look” of Leatherman over time, providing that consistency of visual representation of how people see our tools, which is valuable.”

Leatherman — Studio 3, Inc.

Leatherman’s photography is high-contrast to showcase the intricate detailing on each multi-tool, often open with all the tool options visible. Shot by David Bell.

Dare to do something different by staying the same. Your branding will thank you for it. And your customers will, too.

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Brooks Macros

Before & After: Put Your Best Foot Forward with Studio 3’s Shoe Photography Retouching

Posted on July 18, 2015

before and after brooks sneakers retouching shoe photography studio 3 — Studio 3, Inc.Shooting modern athletic sneakers is actually a complex art. Studio 3, Inc. has shot a variety of footwear over the many decades we’ve been in business – in fact, shoe photography is one of our specialties!

The colors in modern sneakers pose many issues for post-processing and retouching work. Why? Because the 80’s are back to stay – and the eye-searing bright neons, pops of complimentary color, and swaths of new textures can fight for dominance in the photograph. Placed side-by-side the different colors and textures are a major selling point for the discerning consumer…but for the photographer they can be a real challenge to shoot in a way so they appear true-to-life and inviting. Also, the product itself may have certain areas that are less than perfect as-is. Enter the essential Digital Artist, who in post-processing gives all those design details the Studio 3 treatment to make them cohesive and the product a total stand-out.

Brooks Macros — Studio 3, Inc.

The Before photo: color looks a little “flat” in areas; adjacent color bleeds; seams need smoothing; small surface imperfections; reflective areas too reflective; logo appears not to as a solid color.

Even with our photography professionals’ extensive lighting and shooting experience, straight out of camera the sneaker presents some issues that a skilled retoucher must address before the photo can truly be called “finished.”

First the minor surface imperfections need to be addressed, including glue in the seams, divots in plastic areas, seams not appearing smooth, stitches being askew, and texture not “reading” when on a reflective part. Then the major color-correction work begins: blacks are darkened to appear “true;” color is mixed with complementary colors to tone down the brightness in some areas. Colors bleeding into areas they shouldn’t are smoothed out and toned down. Any colors that appear washed-out or with other underlying color tones are saturated more to appear more vivid.Brooks Macros — Studio 3, Inc.

The After: the sneaker appears bright and perfect, just as the brand envisioned.

Then finally the entire sneaker was “knocked-out” (i.e., isolated from its surroundings) in order to be placed onto a clean black background for the client.

Do you see the difference? Which sneaker looks nicer, more vibrant, cooler? Which one do you think a shopper would be more drawn to? Don’t let your images fall prey to the “oh, it looks good enough” syndrome…make sure they POP with Studio 3’s retouching capabilities. Give us a ring to see how we can make your footwear FLY.

Brooks running sneakers shot by Jonny Brandt. Post-processing retouching work by Digital Artist Carl Beery.

 

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