Studio 3, Inc.

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9859T_LacosteWatch

Time Will Tell…

Posted on March 28, 2016

watch briefcase unionstation — Studio 3, Inc.

LaCoste’s stylish watch blends elements of dignified grace and exquisite fashion. Its dynamic look requires a dynamic image that only Studio 3 can deliver.  Photographer Trevor Boone pulled out all of the stops, shooting in Seattle’s Union Station, a backdrop uniquely suited to reflect LaCoste’s class and refined elegance.

camera flash model — Studio 3, Inc.

Using mostly natural light, Photographer Trevor Boone turned the bustling public area into his own personal playground as he navigated through the uncontrolled environment with skill and precision.  The result is a backdrop with character, proving that Studio 3 can shoot anywhere and everywhere.

model bench briefcase — Studio 3, Inc.

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Not only will our team locate a picture-perfect setting, we’re also experienced in hiring the right talent for your project whether that means partnering with agencies or holding open casting calls in our studios…. and if you need some cute kittens to get the puurrrrrfect image, we can handle that too! 

model umbrella doors — Studio 3, Inc.

 Studio 3 is the premiere photo studio in the Pacific Northwest specializing in long-term partnerships with the top companies in their field.  Now is the time to reach out and bring a spotlight to your brand with precision and authority.

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Marquis Spa preproduction photo for photoshoot

Let’s Make Everyday A Spa Day

Posted on March 8, 2016

Set dressing the spa for photoshoot — Studio 3, Inc.

Our creative partnership with  Marquis Spas  has developed swimmingly over the last 10 years. With Studio 3’s continuing passion for interpreting the client’s vision and turning it into the reality they are looking for. All the while having a great time amidst splashes, friendly banter, and of TONS of warm towels & robes.

Setting up shot with model in the spa — Studio 3, Inc.

Shot with family in the spa — Studio 3, Inc.

The intent of these photos shot in our studio was to match the angle and light of the background photo they loved.  Our crack digital team lead by the famous Carl, worked their magic and composited them together. Giving the client that beautiful location photo of Sun Valley with the spa without ever having to board a plane.

Behind the scenes of spa shoot — Studio 3, Inc.

Model sitting in the tub waiting for her close up — Studio 3, Inc.

Photographer Craig Wagner shooting behind the scenes — Studio 3, Inc.

Do you have a product that needs to be showcased, have a new look or simply look like it was shot in the dessert or Hong Kong. We have the solutions. We’ll get you the vibrant images that scream quality, on budget, on time, every time! Reach out, I think you’ll find it fun and interesting.

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Pinball Wizards photo playing pinball

Getting Hog Wild!

Posted on February 29, 2016

Setting up shot of fun spinning hat toy — Studio 3, Inc.

We had a great time shooting with Hog Wild Toys – who make us feel like kids again with every photoshoot. Speaking of kids, we had some incredible little tykes in the studio to capture the toys in action. They had a blast.

Playing with twirly toy — Studio 3, Inc.

Pinball Wizards photo playing pinball — Studio 3, Inc.

Setting up shot with fun hat — Studio 3, Inc.

Setting up shot while playing with toys — Studio 3, Inc.

Here at Studio 3, we are always playing with toys, whether it be professional toys or the occasional paper airplane around the office.  Bringing out that childlike enthusiasm for fun while providing professional images for a company we love to work with, was the ultimate way to spend a day in the studio.  The smile on photographer Henry Ngan’s face says it all.  If you need photos for your product and want to have a blast doing it, give us a shout. 

 

 

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5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Professional Photographer

Posted on February 9, 2016

It can be tough to find the perfect photographer for your images. Who to work with? How do you know what you’re getting? What will ensure the quality of the final image…and a great outcome? When weighing portfolios and websites, it is necessary to look at these 5 areas before you make that professional photographer hire:

Arm wearing Leatherman tread tool bracelet reaching for cocktail drink on table — Studio 3, Inc.

1. Capabilities: Do they have a portfolio of similar work? Do you see something congruous with your ideas (a similar style for the photography, for example) – that would lead you to believe that they can do this for you too? If you don’t see a professional photograph similar to your concept, that doesn’t mean the photographer in question is incapable of producing the work…it just leaves more up to chance. Go through the portfolio carefully to see if you can envision this particular person creating a photo evocative of your vision.

Espresso coffee cups and cookies for afternoon tea on tabletop — Studio 3, Inc.

2. Experience: Who have they worked with? Who are their advocates? Do they have a roster of clients that speak to their abilities…or are you unsure of who their clientele are? Do you see behind-the-scenes shots or shoots referenced on their social media channels? Do you hear clients singing their praises…or just crickets? Basically the question is whether they have the experience and the chops to execute the shoot you envision…as well as the experience to deal with anything that could potentially go wrong. And right it immediately. And make it amazing.

Cowboy rancher with 2 horses on location on rural ranch — Studio 3, Inc.

3. Professionalism: How professional do they seem? Website, social media, email interactions, project management – are they on top of things or do they seem to drop the ball? Do they have a Team that handles whatever you could need on your project? Do you feel taken care of? Is their focus on YOU? This is an area where, if something is amiss, it is usually obvious immediately. From your first interaction to your last, you should feel that you can trust the professional you’ve chosen, and that they have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed.

Construction worker polishing rust off railroad tie with Stanley pneumatic grinder tool, making sparks — Studio 3, Inc.

4. Quality: Is the overall feel of the photographer’s work high-quality with a great deal of thought put into it…or do you see slapdash mistakes? How is the styling, the lighting, the sharpness of the photo? Do all the details cohere to create a uniform story? Is nothing overlooked? Do all the elements support the story…or detract? When you feel a balanced harmony when looking at the photograph, the overall quality will shine through.

Spicy fried chicken pieces with Asian sauce on wax paper picnic lunch — Studio 3, Inc.

5. Results: A photo is a means to an end. Will it make people stop in its tracks…or will it be glossed over? Will it tell the story you want it to…or will it miss the mark? A lot of this relies on your gut feeling about your photography partner prior to the shoot…but you can also make an educated guess based on the work in the photographer’s portfolio. You also need to define what would be a success for the photography you need…and how to gauge the results once complete.

If you haven’t gotten the results you’ve been looking for from your photography provider, maybe it’s time to switch. The Team at Studio 3 is always here to partner with you to execute your vision…and push your campaigns to the next level. Give us a ring and see.

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Blast From The Past: Gift Guide!

Posted on December 2, 2015

After all the crazy post – thanksgiving shopping days have come and gone, we’re reminded of all the “IT” items on the wish lists of years gone by. Check out this “blast from the past” gift guide and see if you remember Jones’n for any of these …

It’s Friday night, December 1987 and you’re hoping out of the car to greet your pals with a fist bump wearing your of-the-moment athletic apparel. Fueled by the Back to the Future craze, you were hoping Santa was going to deliver something more in line with a DeLorean. Don’t Fret, good ol’ mom-n-dad had you covered with two words: Lazer Tag!! (This photo was shot on film during the ancient era when Photoshop was just a twinkle in a photographers eye.)

lazer tag photo — Studio 3, Inc.

If you had one of Garmin Navigation’s very first car navigation systems in 1998 you had no idea what today’s would be about to do…Waze? What?!? Today’s high resolution images are a far cry from those early black and white screens. And, if you so choose, today your directions can be spoken to you in a refined British accent.

garmin navigation white — Studio 3, Inc.

In the early 2000’s perhaps you were ditching your skateboard for a Razor Scooter? Feeling a little nostalgic for an afternoon spent practicing tricks with your friends? Check out some ‘scooter tricks’ videos on YouTube.

orange razer scooter blue background — Studio 3, Inc.

Did you know someone (or you were someone, a-hem, we’re not judging) that camped out overnight in the never-ending line that wrapped around the building of your local Game Stop for the latest and greatest gaming system? And, when the doors opened at 8am and you stampeded through the crowds for the sweeeeet sweeeeeet new Nintendo DS? Nah, neither did we. (wink,wink). Sit down Game Boy, Nintendo DS is here!

nintendo white grey — Studio 3, Inc.

Are you a “I have so many books I think I need a bigger house” kind of person? Well, in 2007 maybe the new Amazon Kindle ended up on your list. It cost nearly $400 but it took reading and buying books to a whole new level of obsession. And, for those of us living in the Pacific Northwest, no more pesky pages flapping in the wind when you’re outside on a beautiful afternoon.

kindle white feather — Studio 3, Inc.

What’s on your list this year? AND, how much longer do we have to wait for a flying car?

 

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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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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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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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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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Digital Art – Stages Cycling Stationary Bike

Posted on April 21, 2015

Digital art composite of rider on Stages Cycling stationary bicycle — Studio 3, Inc.

Studio 3, Inc. is THE choice for photography, video, or digital work – because WE make it easy for everyone involved. There’s no guessing around here: we involve the client every step of the way and make the process truly collaborative. We make it easy for agencies, art directors, and brands to get exactly what they want – and consistently delight with what we produce.

Frank Creative always has brilliant idea that we love to run with – and in this case, cycle with. Stages Cycling was just about to launch an innovative new indoor cycling bike, and they partnered up with Frank to approach the Studio 3 Team. The brief was to create some cutting-edge indoor cycling bike shots by merging dark, moody cyclist shots with Iron Man-meets-TRON-inspired digital art backgrounds to explode that coolness factor of the Stages brand. The Digital Artists here first created some mockups of composites, and we made the client and agency welcome at the Portland studio to give feedback directly.

Studio 3 also took care of the casting call, and reached out to multiple cycling clubs and local bike stores to find the perfect athletes to fit the bill. Photographer Craig Wagner utilized his expertise in lighting and shooting to capture that dynamic image of the cyclists on the bikes, setting up Stages Cycling and the SC studio bikes series as the stars of the show. Digital Lead Alex Gumina worked closely with the Team in post-processing to produce a futuristic CGI background with both Frank Creative and Stages cycling in the studio giving feedback during live digital compositing sessions. The timeframe was a tight turnaround of a week – and by the end of the week the Team had knocked this one out of the park with multiple digital composites and indoor cycling bike detail shots for the updated Stages website. (Check them all out here.)

Close up detail shot of Stages bicycle rear wheel and pedal — Studio 3, Inc.Close up detail of Stages Cycling front bicycle wheel — Studio 3, Inc.Close up detail of Stages Cyclcing bicycle gear chain and wheels — Studio 3, Inc.

Tired of worrying about your creative projects, or figuring out a way to coordinate all those moving parts? Take a load off. Do it the EASY way – and call the Studio 3 Team. We’ll make it so easy to get mind-blowing visual assets done and in front of your audience, you’ll forget that you’re actually at work.

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