Studio 3, Inc.

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Craig Wagner

Our Process: From Start To Finish With Studio 3

Posted on October 1, 2018

 

DA 15622DT Lexus Fish DA 1500 — Studio 3, Inc.

When Studio 3 begins a photography or branding project, our first step is to sit down with the client and dream up ideas. Collaborating on a concept might involve a handful of approaches, depending on the project at hand – anything from examining examples of similar work, creative brainstorming with our in-house team, and establishing a shared visual language using Style Guides, Mood Boards, or Pinterest. Below you can see an example of what a typical brainstorming session looks like at Studio 3.

IMG 5522 — Studio 3, Inc.Once an idea is hatched, our Producer-Extraordinaire Eva Goldfarb kicks it into high-gear – scheduling stylists, organizing set builds, balancing budgets, and handling any propping/costuming as needed. This work frees up our clients and photographers to stay in a creative mindset, and not get caught up in the operational details of the project.
15611T Tea Test — Studio 3, Inc.Onto the shoot! Photographer Craig Wagner is among the best photographers in the Northwest – and has been with the studio since the early days. Forever perfecting his craft, Craig does what it takes to get the perfect shot – even if it means inventing a new piece of equipment specifically for the shoot at hand.   

15463 Production Stills 029 — Studio 3, Inc.
We have a good time on set

DSC0489 — Studio 3, Inc.Lastly, our Digital Team steps in and works their magic.  The processes of Color Grading and Digital Retouching are extremely intricate – just ask Sean Yates, one of our in-house Graphic Artists:

Screen Shot 2018 10 01 at 12.57.56 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

“Color and clarity are of central importance when retouching images. …We always strive for and deliver accurate color.”

In reality, the Digital Team does a lot more than just retouching:

pjimage copy — Studio 3, Inc.

 

Finished product:

CW LanternMoon CL 1500 — Studio 3, Inc.

And that’s not the end! Studio 3 partners with the same clients year after year because they love the end result, and appreciate the creative relationships formed. We take the utmost pride in these collaborations and are always striving to bring something new and exciting to the table for the next shoot. Give us a call today, and find out how Studio 3 can help elevate your brand with the coolest+catchiest photography in the Pacific Northwest.

 

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Digital Retouching, Can you Didg’ it?

Posted on October 17, 2017

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
― Mark Twain

The million dollar question: What sets us apart from all of the other photography studios in the PNW? Well, quite a few things. But it’s hard to talk about them all in 500 words, so I am going to focus on our in-house digital department.

Not only are our digital artists pixel-perfect, they have the ability to turn photos around faster than I can type this sentence. No, we’re not a marketing agency, but we love working with them. We are photography pioneers. We look past the norm and find answers to questions you have yet to ask. How? Magic. Or Intuition, as they call it nowadays.

DA Seaplane red dress fragments digital art 1500 — Studio 3, Inc.

Our award-winning photographers work closely with clients and the digital artists who render our images flawless. Communication is our biggest secret for success.

“Without each other, the quality standards we achieve here would not be possible.” -Craig Wagner, Photographer

— Studio 3, Inc.
— Studio 3, Inc.

“Having an in-house [digital department] allows me to have face-to-face conversation before, during, and after a shoot. Whether we’re discussing how we should approach a job, or what my intention was in how I shot it, I have the asset of having a digital team that feels like an extension of myself.”

–Craig Wagner, Photographer

Our digital team not only makes photos look better in post, they help the photographers shoot more efficiently. It’s photography plus.

“I have the opportunity to talk directly with clients, nipping problems in the bud, saving everyone time and money. We remove a step for the client without compromising the photos.” –Michelle Smith, Lead Digital Artist

— Studio 3, Inc.
— Studio 3, Inc.

Working with a vast array of clients, we have shot some behemoths over the years; trains, planes, and automobiles to name a few. That’s a lot of surface area to make drop-dead gorgeous, which is why we keep stylists on the ready to spot check, scrub out smudges, and make sure each vehicle’s best side is showing. But we don’t have favorites. Whether it be a fleet for Freightliner, or a detailed shot of a Leatherman tool, each job gets the same level of attentiveness and digital mastery.

“It all breaks down to textures and tones. Fifteen minutes of proper styling and lighting prep during a shoot can save an hour of digital retouching.” –Michelle Smith

So what’s next? We are dreaming up bigger and better ways to make you look fabulous. Stay tuned, we’re 40 years young and constantly evolving.

— Studio 3, Inc.
— Studio 3, Inc.

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RAZ SIMONE 9075T (26 of 38)

Stepping On-Location with Studio 3, Inc.

Posted on April 10, 2017

Three weeks into the job and it was time for my first on-location shoot with Studio 3, Inc. I boarded Bolt Bus, a company favorite, and set off for Seattle, eager to see Studio 3, Inc.’s cool studio space in the shadow of the Space Needle.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 12.59.41 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

The day started with Chanel Everett, the studio’s Princess of Production, hand selecting an Adidas wardrobe that interpreted the clients’ art direction. With a mood board compiled of different lifestyle, apparel and shoe photography, we set off for the previously scouted Seattle setting.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 1.01.40 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

Two vintage cars, a cooler, breakfast, lunch, snacks, racks of athletic apparel, dope enough to make any rapper weep, and the slaying photography skills of Studio 3, Inc.’s Trevor Boone—all the ingredients needed for success. I loved the Seattle cityscape, lifestyle photography theme and getting to assist with production stills.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 1.00.01 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

The location was picked to compliment the Seattle rapper’s song “Hometown.” Bringing the urban background of the city into portrait photography, Trevor Boone was able to capture stunning duality that showcased not only his professional talent, but the personality of Raz Simone and an edge to Adidas footwear photography.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 1.00.20 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

Images just came through the Studio 3, Inc. digital team, and we are stoked! Our in-house digital department works closely with our photographers and marketing team—removing power lines, clearing alleyway undesirables, and bringing the client’s vision to life every time. Check out a few of our favorite shots from the day.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 1.00.58 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

We will be dropping more images from the shoot, so be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. When you decide to become a part of the fun, give us a call or stop by one of our studios to talk photography, video and serious retouching skills.

Screen Shot 2017 04 05 at 1.01.14 PM — Studio 3, Inc.

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Written by: Eva Goldfarb, Marketing Coordinator @ Studio 3, Inc.

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Start Your Engines: Vehicle Photography That Keeps Your Motors Purring

Posted on January 26, 2016

Red 29 race car on checkered floor mats for Griots Garage — Studio 3, Inc. Here at Studio 3, Inc. we are big fans of big engines, smooth lines, and sleek rides. Our professional photographers have decades of experience working with large vehicles and wrangling all the angles to show those sweet wheels at their very best.

After many years working with Griot’s Garage, we have had the opportunity to add amazing shots of classic and rare cars to our vehicle photography portfolio. The gorgeous cherry-red car featured above appeared in a Griot’s catalog, as well as the Porsche 956 below.

Porsche 956 race car on checkered floor for Griots Garage — Studio 3, Inc.Gray 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scagliette Coupe on reflective surface for Griots Garage — Studio 3, Inc.

The 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scagliette Coupe was also in another catalog; read the in-depth story behind this vehicle and its amazing history here.Outdoor shot of Griots Garage Tacoma location with 2 red cars for Griots Fall 2010 Catalog — Studio 3, Inc.

It’s one thing to shoot cars in a controlled environment or a studio; it’s another challenge entirely to shoot outside while exposed to the elements. Yet Studio 3 photographers work with vehicles in action all the time. Above, a shot for Griot’s Garage website.

Our work is not just limited to cars and trucks…we also can work wonders with vehicles of the two-wheeled variety. We can make a Ducati motorcycle gleam and pop against black for a promo shot.Black Ducati motorcycle from side on black background — Studio 3, Inc.

And…the same Ducati bike, placed into a digitally enhanced environment courtesy of our Digital Team:Black Ducati motorcycle in industrial location with dark stormy night sky behind — Studio 3, Inc.Speaking of digital art, if our vehicle photography needs an extra oomph…our skilled Digital Artists can provide that special finishing magic to create just a touch of excitement to your photos.

Digital art of Ducati motorcycle racing a fireball through a green field — Studio 3, Inc.Give Studio 3 a call now to accelerate your 2016 campaigns and see how our Team can rev your vehicles go from 0 to 60 in 1 second flat. 503-238-1748 in Portland and 206-282-0939 in Seattle. Get ready for the ride of your life.

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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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Vehicle Photography – Griot’s Ferrari

Posted on January 27, 2015

1954 Ferrari 375 MM car for Griots Garage — Studio 3, Inc.

The 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scagliette Coupe featured above has a rich history and an amazing story…and is a one-of-a-kind custom car that any car enthusiast would go wild over.

This legendary car was originally built for Ingrid Bergman in “Ingrid Grey” with a lipstick red interior, and took Best of Show in 3 different Ferrari events in the United States, including Best of Show at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2014. Shot by Studio 3 legend David Bell, this car was destined to be featured in the latest catalog for long-time client Griot’s Garage.

Griot’s Garage manufactures the world’s finest car care products for any and all vehicles out there – including, of course, one-of-a-kind Ferraris. Although the Griot’s customer may not be in possession of a Scagliette Coupe like the one above, they are discerning when it comes to car care and garage products. Griot’s Garage products will make any car look like a million bucks (or a multi-million bucks, in the Scaglietti’s case)…and Studio 3’s product and vehicle photography captures that aspirational lifestyle effortlessly.

Shot at the Griot’s facility, this photo highlights the Industrial Non-Lifting Floor Paint for garage floors that Griot’s produces,  as well as the polishes, waxes, and compounds that were lavished on the car to showcase it in its best light. Although he has shot this particular car for Griot’s Garage a few times before, this shoot presented a particular challenge to David due to the length of the car.

David wanted to highlight the Ferrari’s sleek, powerful, and undulating lines and so chose to shoot it in profile against a black backdrop. Though he had a 20′-wide sail, it wasn’t quite wide enough to accommodate the entire vehicle on set, and so the final image had to be composited from 8 different exposures layered together to encompass the full width of the car. It was an awesome challenge to fit the whole profile of the car into one single image.

He endeavored to make the car’s stunning lines stand out and enhance the shape of this iconic vehicle, as well as highlight the stellar finish that showcased the Griot’s wax products. This gorgeous aspirational image seen on the front of the Griot’s catalog would entice any car enthusiast to open the catalog and browse for products to make their vehicles look just as stellar. “It’s just about making their cars look interesting, fun, exciting, and gorgeous,” said David. Thanks, Griot’s, for 20 years of business!

Just like that uber-sleek Ferrari, Studio 3 has a rich history and amazing story behind it. We’re still shooting top-of-the-line product and catalog shots that wow our clients each and every time. Artisan photography for a true piece of art, quick turnaround, challenging shoots, elaborate staging…we can do it all and then some – and make the product the star of the show each and every time. Why not give us a ring and have us turn your photography into a sleek, one-of-a-kind, done deal?

Client: Griot’s Garage

Photographer: David Bell

Equipment: Hasselblad H3D-39, 210mm lens

Lighting: Speedotron strobes and kickers

 

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Studio 3 Rides Out On Ducati

Posted on July 22, 2014

ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.

Summertime is all about fast cars and even faster Ducati motorcycles. Studio 3 wanted to explore our dare devil side and kick up the dust to catch the sunset on a few of these bad boys of the road. While the rest of us had fun forming our very own Studio 3 Biker Gang, our talented Seattle Shooters David Bell and Chris Eltrich had the pleasure of capturing these beauties with a Hasselblad Medium Format camera system. Eltrich goes a little more in depth about this sexy shoot:

“The team was looking for a darker, dramatic look… I used Studio 3’s Speedotron lights for all the shots with various light modifiers, but generally each shot had a Beauty Dish as the key light with lights through diffusion panels for accents. A lot of the planning and conceptualizing for the shoot was done by our amazing Producer, Megan Nolan and our go to Digital Lead, Alex Gumina.”

Alex shares his inspiration behind his work here:

“There seems to be a trend in vehicle advertising lately of hyper-processed, super crisp images. I thought it would be fun to do something in this style but needed a subject. That’s where Ducati Seattle came in. I pitched the idea to Megan, our studio producer, and we made our way across Aurora to Ducati Seattle to look at some beautiful motorcycles. We met with the sales manager Mike MacConaghy and before we knew it we had a couple beautiful Italian made motorcycles in the studio.

The original plan was to do a couple composites using shots of the bikes in studio, and environmental shots for the backgrounds. We would blend the two together to make one perfect, seamless image. Since we had the bikes in studio though, we decided to take full advantage of our photographers capabilities and do some amazing detail shots as well. My only request was dark, moody, high contrast, and sexy. What you see here is the end result.”

ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.ducati test — Studio 3, Inc.

We had a blast having the Ducati Motorcycles for a few days. We couldn’t load up on our leather gear fast enough! At least we know we’ll be prepared for next summer! If you want in on the fun, give Studio 3 a call and we’ll bring an extra helmet.

 

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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

 

 

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A Trip Down Memory Lane, In Freightliner Trucks! #TBT

Posted on February 27, 2014

Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.

A trip down memory lane takes us back to summer of 1983, and we’re in the middle of the Alvord Desert. For a few years around this time, we’ve been shooting calendars for Freightliner Trucks in-studio. These trucks were a work of art, show-trucks that were built and painted particularly to collaborate with the themes of each year’s calendar. But it was time for something new and fresh! This was our first attempt to shoot the calendar on location. Tom Stuart, our lead photographer at the time, scouted a few places that’ll be a great large flat space to offer beautiful surroundings to match the hues and beauty of the models and show-trucks we were shooting. So we arrived at Alvord Desert! Tom Stuart and our current Lead Shooter Craig Wagner, geared up, packed the studio van, grip truck, two RVs, and three 1984 Freightliner beauty trucks. They headed to the desert with two clients, three assistants, three models, a hair and make up stylist, and 3 truck drivers in tow.

Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.

For a week, our crew, clients, models, truck drivers, and stylist camped in the dessert shooting at sunrise and sunset and finding time in between to soak up the scenery and it’s activities. While our clients, models, and stylist camped in the two RV’s, the truck drivers slept in the semi-truck sleepers and Studio 3 rolled out our sleeping bags without hesitation, and slept under the stars.

Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.

The fun didn’t stop with shooting during the beautiful hours of sunrise and sunset. Thanks to the wind and rain, most of the day was spent getting equipment set up, with our crew jogging for a quarter of a mile at a time to retrieve our belongings. When we weren’t running for our lives, or shooting with the sun’s timing, the crew was enjoying BBQ’s, the local farmers hospitality with horseback riding, and dipping into the hot springs. With that said, take us back to the summer of 1983!

Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.Freightliner — Studio 3, Inc.

 

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