Tag: Craig Wagner

Perfecting the Pour with Photographer Craig Wagner

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Creating a pour-fectly timed photo for Domaine Serene is one of Craig Wagner‘s favorite photo shoots from the past year. Brushing up on our physics, Craig and the Studio 3 team successfully streamlined the process to create the perfect pour.

  • Pour Photography
  • Pour Photography

Let the Creativity (And Wine) Flow

Once we had the inspiration from the client, we worked backwards to create the result they were looking for. Everything from the way the lighting hit the color of the wine, bottle, and label; to controlling the pour was tested and perfected.

Because of Craig’s experience with splash photography, he knew this shoot would be a step-by-step, trial-and-error process. He prepped for two days in between other photoshoots to perfect this pour before it was time for Domaine Serene to join us in the studio.

“What I enjoy about jobs like this is the problem-solving.” CW

The Pro in Product Photography

With the help of a drill, PVC pipe, wine reservoir, and stop-valve, Craig devised a contraption to consistently pour the wine. With their newly minted wine-pouring apparatus, photographic dream-team Josh Romberg and Craig Wagner worked together to tweak and dial-in the speed, amount, and flow of the pour to re-create and adjust accordingly.

“We knew we were going to go through a lot of liquid for this shoot.” CW

The wine was flowing at Studio 3: 18 liters to be exact. With every click, we cleaned. Looking back, we should have shot a paper towel commercial at the same time. But we don’t cry over spilled wine. Our team did enjoy some with lunch that day.

Our client selected subtleties they liked from each photo: such as bubbles, highlights, and colors. Along with extra components that Craig shot, our digital team seamlessly pieced everything together for one pour-fect photo.

“It takes a team and all hands on deck.” CW

Teamwork really does make the dream work and Studio 3 is filled with a glass half full crew. Stop on in and meet us for yourself! Until then…

Happy Earth Day from Studio 3, Inc.

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We not only create green brand campaigns for clients, we live them.

Earth Day is the world’s largest environmental movement, celebrating sustainability, environmental protection, and the green movement across the globe. Today, we celebrate the earthy efforts of our team and clients- highlighting six clients who put their green foot forward.

Working to reduce our ecological footprint our team jogs to work, takes the Tri-met and Metro Transit systems, and runs errands on our bikes.

Studio 3 TeamBike Portland

Many members of our team have adopted an eco-friendly plant-based diet, positively impacting the planet with each meal. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhood eateries: Sudra, the Slice Pizza Company, and Providore.

Meet the Studio 3, Inc Team

Studio 3 Service Day

Each year our team decides on a service day to honor our community and environment. This year we volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank’s Eastside Learning Garden to dig in and work together on seasonal gardening projects. We prepped, weeded, and cleared garden beds to then plant rows of swiss chard. Go, team!

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In alignment with our office values, many of our clients strongly believe in and practice social and environmental responsibility.

Stash Tea reuses and recycles packing materials in their shipping department while investing in renewable energy through the purchase of green power through Portland General Electric.

Have you heard of Ecoroofs?

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We captured Portland’s Ecoroof Program for Portland client, Environmental Services. These Ecoroofs replace conventional roofing with a living, breathing vegetated roof system. They save energy, reduce pollution, decrease erosion, and significantly lower stormwater runoff.

Other Studio 3 clients such as Costco, Amazon, Adidas, and Nike do their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

“Costco understands that it has a responsibility to source its products in a way that is respectful to the environment and to the people associated with that environment. Our goal is to help provide a net positive impact for communities in commodity-producing landscapes, by doing our part to help reduce the loss of natural forests and other natural ecosystems, which include native and/or intact grasslands, peatlands, savannas, and wetlands.” – Costco Spokesperson

Amazon has installed rooftop solar on distribution warehouses and has implemented wind and solar farms in Ireland, Switzerland, and the United States.

HN_13826L_Bonneville_b_SP_1500Solar Panel

Adidas recently unveiled Futurecraft Loop, a running shoe that was made to be re-made. Adidas designed the shoe with 100 percent reusable TPU and it’s constructed with no other added chemicals or adhesives.

Nike started a Reuse-a-Shoe program which encourages its customers to recycle their shoes. The program accepts any brand of athletic shoes and grinds them into new sports surfaces. So far, 28 million shoes have been tossed in the shredder box.

We have entered the era of conscious consumerism.

In need of photography or videography for your farm, production, recycling, or shipping methods to demonstrate your eco-friendly side? Studio 3 will capture the greener side of your company. We’ll bring cameras, drones, and herbivorous snacks.

Happy Earth Day from Studio 3, Inc.

Tis The Season For Client Comfort

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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season; To-do lists unroll to the floor, coffee is taken through IV drips, and the studio always vaguely smells of cookies.

Tray Of Cookies
During the holiday season we understand you would rather be at home with a book and warm cup of Stash Tea, so we have done what we can to bring the cozy here.
Cue the elves (aka Studio 3, Inc.’s production team,) sit back, relax, and let us make your photographic dreams come true.
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We have decked the halls, strung the ornaments, and lit the client area with holiday cheer.
The Studio 3 Inc. creative team not only does whatever it takes to make your project a success, we do it while feeding you cookies and telling you jokes.
…We have even been known to have Fashion Santa drop by every now and then (We know him!)
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Our studio is equipped with ample snacks, coffee as strong as our wifi connection, tea, any magazine you could dream of, and a crazy amount of crayons for the kid in you.
There are multiple conference rooms available for those times when you just need to be alone. Client meeting, business call, or impromptu dance party; We’ve got you covered.
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We pride ourselves in providing a comprehensive client experience. Not only can you expect top of the line photography but also a welcoming work environment, great food, and even better company.
Drop us a line, let’s talk photography! We’re here 24 hours a day, it feels like, but let’s say 9-5. We can’t wait to work with you.
Happy Holidays!!

Let's Unpack This: A Look Inside Studio 3's Location Lighting Kit

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When shooting lifestyle or product photography on location in the Pacific Northwest you rarely know what you’re going to get. The rain gods in our home states of Oregon and Washington are prevalent and powerful. Deluge or mist, the Studio 3 team arrives on location prepared for anything.
How do we juggle variously lit environments, keep a tight timetable and budget, and still exceed our client expectations? Experience. We have perfected our method in the madness that is this glorious industry.  Now, thanks to the Internet and the power of social media marketing, we are able to share some of that wisdom with you.

What does the Studio 3, Inc. team need to create beautiful photography on location, you ask?

Be it a location shoot for Danner Boots, ShedRain Umbrellas, Amazon, or Kaiser Permenante our fail-safe location lighting kit includes;

  • Radio Slaves
  • 3 Lighting Stands
  • 3 ft. Soft box
  • Medium Umbrella
  • AA Batteries
  • CTB Gel
  • CTO Gel
  • Light Meter

This minimalistic kit is best used for atmospheric, lifestyle, and commercial work.
“[This lighting kit] is best used in situations where your key light is the light already available. When working on location you’re supplementing available light with the strobes you bring with you. An important part of that is to match the color temperature of that available light—we do this using gels [CTB or CTO]. This allows you to separate your subject from the background and really focus the viewer’s attention on the product. ” – Joshua Romberg, Photographer
In need new lifestyle photography for your next campaign? Give us a shout; we’ll get the gear.

Let's Make Everyday A Spa Day

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Set dressing the spa for photoshoot

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
Shot with family in the spa

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
Model sitting in the tub waiting for her close up
Photographer Craig Wagner shooting behind the scenes

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.

Building Buzz with Product Photography

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Stung Fermented Drink Mate & Die Mead in glass on table with meat and cheese party appetizer board
When Stung Fermented wanted to modernize their look and make their photography competitive in the marketplace, they called on Studio 3 to deliver. We were able to go on-location at Stung Fermented’s Portland meadery and execute a shoot designed to build excitement around the up-and-coming brand.
Photographer Craig Wagner positioning Stung Fermented mead bottle on barrel for product photography shoot on locationBringing mead back from the past (with a hip, modern twist!) is no easy feat, so the Stung crew relied on photographer Craig Wagner‘s expertise in lighting, sets, propping, angles, and positioning to make their product shine.
Row of stainless steel Stung Fermented mead jars on shelf in meaderyAssistant photographer Jonny Brandt adjusting lighting umbrella at the Stung Fermented photoshoot behind the scenes
Photography Assistant Jonny Brandt attended to the hundreds of details on set that were crucial to a successful shoot – so the Client could relax knowing their brand was in experienced hands. Photographer Craig Wagner shooting drink photography of Stung Fermented on tabletop
StungFermented-MeadPhotoshoot-DrinkPhotography-Photography-Studio-3When you have a buzzworthy product (like Portland’s next favorite libation!) you want to make sure your launch – with fully rebranded website – goes off without a hitch. It’s Studio 3’s exceptional results and professional handling that keep the process humming. Give us a ring and see.Stung Fermented 3 mead flavors, bottles on barrel with glass at meadery
 

Keep Kissing Boys in the Street

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Keep Kissing Boys on the Street song title graffiti art with rose petalsIf you haven’t yet heard Greg Holden’s song “Boys in the Street” it’s high time you must. Profiled by Time and the Huffington Post, Holden is an artist who identifies as straight, but wrote the song in support of his gay friends. The song tugs on the heartstrings with a powerful message about gay acceptance and love.

Spied in L.A., Nashville, San Francisco, Brooklyn, and now Portland, a stencil reading “Keep Kissing Boys in the Street” has been popping up (in response to the father’s accusation that the son had been “kissing boys in the street” in the song). This Valentine’s Day the Studio 3 Team gave this street art stencil the loving touch with some on-location photography, falling rose petals, and a digitally-enhanced sparkle. Let love, tolerance, and acceptance reign in all your relationships – and keep on kissing those boys in the street. (And check out the Instagram hashtag #boysinthestreet for more!)

5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Professional Photographer

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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
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
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
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
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
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.

Start Your Engines: Vehicle Photography That Keeps Your Motors Purring

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Red 29 race car on checkered floor mats for Griot's Garage 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 Griot's Garage Gray 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scagliette Coupe on reflective surface for Griot's Garage
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 Griot's Garage Tacoma location with 2 red cars for Griot's Fall 2010 Catalog
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
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 behindSpeaking 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 fieldGive 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.