Technology Photography Archives

Drones: Bringing you the Bird’s-Eye View

Posted on March 15, 2019May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Studio 3, Inc. provides a different perspective with our drone photography and videography in Portland, Seattle, and surrounding areas. With our in-house creative team and drone specialists, we can surely turn your vision into reality.

Studio 3 drone photography and videography — Photo by Josh Romberg

Drones have become a standard in photography and videography. The innovative use of drones can be seen in all types of media, marketing, and advertising. Brands such as Red Bull, Coca-Cola, and GE have turned to aerial imagery on their campaigns. Likewise, a Budweiser commercial took to the sky recently to showcase their switch to 100% renewable electricity from wind power. A message portrayed powerfully by flying above the turbines.

As the use of drones has evolved, so has photography. The technology has advanced rapidly in recent years making it a highly sought-after service. The creativity of drone photography and originality of drone videography leave a lasting impression. From above, everything and anything takes on a different shape, color, and texture.

The drone market has grown tremendously. Now more than ever drones allow access to artistic landscapes and imaginative angles. These creative heights would otherwise be difficult to photograph without cost prohibitive, and somewhat dangerous methods. (Cranes, planes, and ladders…yikes.)

Do you need a sky-high shot of your product, building, or winery? We’ve got a drone specialist for that.

Drones offer a new perspective and create eye-catching imagery. Something that seems so familiar can be transformed by our creative team and camera with wings. Adding value to your mix of content, Studio 3, Inc. provides expert images and video drone services. Leave it to our skilled photographers to create pristine aerial images and video for your creative needs.

“In the confluence of flight, camera, and the harnessing of light lies a magical perspective of the gravity-bound every day that surrounds us. This view is at once powerful and humbling, truly the stuff of dreams. That is the excitement I try to bring to my images every time I put a drone in the air.” Josh Romberg Studio 3, Inc.

Take advantage of the creative opportunities drone technology offers and the know-how from the team. As a result, the finished product will astonish your clients and customers. Drone photography is a powerful tool and resource for your campaign to stand out.

Let us take your photography and videography to great heights.

Digital Retouching, Can you Didg’ it?

Posted on October 17, 2017May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

“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.
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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

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“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

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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.
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Something Only an '80s Kid Would Remember- Studio 3, Inc.'s First Digital Camera

Posted on June 12, 2017May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Digital Photography in 1993 = Big, Ugly, and Awesome… and boy did we think we were cool. Before the digital camera was the norm, it was enormous!

Take a Hasselblad, attach a HUGE digital back, and add cooling fans, a dehumidifying unit, and a large filter wheel, then you can start to imagine our first digital camera. The digital back was a Scitex Leaf DCB, it was 4 megapixels, and it cost $36,000. All of this was attached to a computer slower than molasses, packing a whopping 8 megabytes of RAM.
To take a picture, you would trigger the camera at the computer. The filter would rotate in front of lens to red and shoot. Then green and shoot. Then blue and shoot. One million years later, you would see the image come up on the computer. By aligning the three layers in the camera software, you got to finally see the finished photograph. Piece of cake, really.
This software really was sophisticated. The early versions had a button that was labeled “Guess”… we didn’t like to click that, but it worked. Later versions changed the label to “Auto,” a little easier to stomach.
The thing they must have hidden in the fine print was how much the lenses would be used. Every time you took a shot, it was actually three shots. Due to the fact that our equipment was being used three times as often we had a lot of lenses going in for repair and rebuild. The local shop got to know us pretty well and would give us the heads up when it were time to retire a lens.
This was the beginning of digital photography in the commercial world. It was a huge investment for the studio, and we where the first to take the plunge. It brings back a lot of fun and crazy memories, not to mention the price! $2000.00 for a 2gig hard drive… and that was a Deal!
What a ride it has been.

David Bell, Photographer, Digital Pioneer.

Throwback Thursday – The Learning Machine

Posted on January 22, 2015May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

the-learning-machine-studio3 You might be asking yourself, “Is THIS for real??”
We know…it’s hard to believe, but this is TOTALLY for real!
Since the advent of this amazing technology, it is tough to recall how cumbersome it was when our noodles were all leashed up. That’s not irony. That’s progress.
On August 13, 1993, The Learning Machine hit the market – and the face of learning was never the same again.
When Zygon International Inc. approached Studio 3, the Team set about creating mesmerizing images for the front and inside of a brochure about the spectacular capabilities of The Learning Machine. It synchronizes your mind into the optimum mind-state for psychological programming! It uses Alpha and Theta mind-states to open your learning centers and expand your mental function! Wait…what?? And it boasts a state-of-the-art Light Shield and Learning Discs system that create a light-sound matrix to “launch your brain into incredibly realistic dream world fantasies!” The Studio 3 Team brought those fantasies into reality by executing a product photography shoot that was as futuristic as it was fun. But that’s not to say we have psychic powers now.
Studio 3’s very own David Bell, unafraid of this wacky new technology, agreed to shoot the mind-bending images for the brochure. When asked about the shoot, he revealed some great insight: “I don’t remember a thing about it.” Hmm. Probably because he wasn’t using The Learning Machine while on set. We’ll forgive you, David. You did shoot some hypnotic images after all.
He did finally recall using the Speedtron Strobes to get the perfect balance of the CD’s reflective qualities, while still being able to read the writing on the CD’s. Which, in the age before Photoshop, was QUITE a challenge! (CD’s and DVD’s are notoriously hard to photograph and to strike that elusive balance between readability and the changing color cast on the surface; see here for an example of Chris Eltrich’s work showcasing this.)
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These photos were shot with a Hasselblad C-500, with a 150 mm lens film camera. The light flares and lasers were all added at the color house during the post-processing phase. The large product shots may or may not have been shot with the SINAR-P 4×5 camera, but since we didn’t try out The Learning Machine in its heyday, it’s a little hard to remember.
And if you’re in the market for your very own Learning Machine, you may still be able to get your head inside one at Zygon International’s website here. But you might want to double-check on that money-back guarantee they offer….
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(And you can also pick up a CD player from them too for the going rate of only $129.95.)
Have some cutting-edge technology photography you need shot? Hope this has been a learning experience to what Studio 3 can provide: expert lighting, stellar photography, plus…we never take ourselves too seriously. Call us today to get in on the super happy fun times!

Technology Photographer Henry Ngan Up Close and Personal!

Posted on January 15, 2013May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Tech-Guru and Photographer Henry Ngan takes us on a micro journey into the inner workings of an Intel board. If you have ever wondered what runs the high processing computer systems of today check out these beautiful images. Read on for a few words from Henry on this tech savvy shoot and yes we call him the Technology Photographer here at Studio 3!

If you look at this internal computer hardware in ordinary light, it would look very industrial and a little on the rough side like maybe an uncut diamond. So my inspiration was to make this motherboard look more like polished jewelry basking in really nice golden light.

The other image was more Star Wars like in cool light. I had to handle the board and attached components very carefully guarding against static charges which would render the product useless. There were only 2 light sources used but the lighting was expanded in many directions using lots of reflectors of different sorts and mirrors. This was shot with a Canon 5D MkIII camera with a 100mm lens and some depth of field optimizing software.

On board the DQ77MK is Intel’s 3rd Generation Core i5 3570K unlocked, based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge Architecture. The 3570K seems to be the gamer and over clocker’s choice at the moment. So I decided to capture this Intergalactic Battleship with the 3570K mounted in the LGA1155 socket cruising overhead in the night sky. The other image of the Q77 chipset board shows off the amazing array of input/output headers, including SuperSpeed USB 3.0, high power USB, dual Intel Pro 1000 NICs, DVI-I plus DVI-D, eSATA, and even legacy support for IEEE1394 (firewire). The board is actually more of a mainstream business board with support for Intel vPro Technology. The i7 3770K is also supported on this board if you need HT for video editing. Sorry for geeking out but this is what goes through my mind when I’m shooting technology. – Henry Ngan

Tech Photographer Henry Ngan: Looks Beyond the "Surface"!

Posted on January 7, 2013May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

We recently had a chance to have Microsoft’s newest gadget, the Surface, in studio. Everyone had fun seeing all the different applications this machine can run. No one was quite as excited as our resident Tech Photographer and guru Henry Ngan who always sees the beauty in technology. Read below for a few words on this shoot from Henry Ngan, photographer and Rachel Meyer, producer:
Henry Ngan:

I was most intrigued by Microsoft’s own launch of the Surface tablet. This was Microsoft’s way of assuring rapid adoption and guiding its ODM and OEM partners in producing hardware that would take advantage of the new Windows 8 eco system. Finally, a tablet that not only consumes content but is also a device that facilitates productivity so you can get some work done.
The Surface is really well made from some exotic alloy and comes with its own kickstand and a colorful removable keyboard/cover. So, I wanted to show off its beauty and how well this device could become someone’s digital assistant. Some of the images were shot in a beautiful living space in Portland’s Pearl District. The beauty shots were done in the studio.

Rachel Meyer:

Anyone that has spent more than a few minutes with Henry can tell you that he is a total Tech Geek, so when he had the opportunity to shoot the Surface, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him happier. I think that the sleek look of Surface, along with it’s practicality really inspired Henry.
The goal of the shoot was to show the product in a variety of environments and uses, while still keeping it very modern. Everyone on set was pretty amazed by the product itself, and its fun to see how much the models enjoyed the product as well!
Now if we can just get Henry one that he can take apart, he’ll be in heaven!

Check out a few images from the shoot below:

To view more Technology images created at Studio 3, Inc. click here!

V-Tech Electronics & New Product Photography

Posted on March 13, 2009May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

VTech, the leading manufacturer of portable and user-friendly electronic devices and product, has added a new market to its line-up of wireless phones and children’s electronics: wireless Internet streaming radio. Craig Wagner of Studio 3, Inc., was hired to shoot the new product photography for the latest revolution in home audio, the VTech IS9181 WiFi Internet Radio.
Images from the Studio 3, Inc. photo shoot were showcased at the 2009 CES in Las Vegas, the 2009 SXSW Festival in Austin, and the Timeless concert series in Los Angeles. The new Wi-Fi Radio allows customers to play over 11,000 free Internet radio stations worldwide, stream music libraries stored on home computers, or connect to any digital audio player.
Studio 3, Inc. was thrilled to partner with VTech and produce new product photography images for such an exciting new product. Craig Wagner always enjoys shooting product photography and has some insight on the recent shoot.

Typically, when I think of Vtech, what comes to mind is bright colored electronic toys. So when I heard they were wanting us to shoot a radio that streamed stations from a WiFi signal I was intrigued. What is this latest product?
In the past I had shot for a local projector company, Infocus who has amazing projectors. This new Vtech client had seen past images from the Infocus shoot and wanted a similar look and feel.
So I chose to start with a Black Plexi surface to create a more eloquent look, which was exactly what my client was looking for. Creating pools of light on diffusion panels with gridded Speedotron heads help to accent all of the different facets on the radio and really allow it to be a hero in it’s own right. The lighting really allowed this product to go from ordinary radio, to a sleek instrument that you would want to display in your own house.
In order to capture this product photography, I used the Hasselbald H2D body with the standard HC 2,8/80 mm lens knowing it would create nothing short of beautiful, creative justice. The design of this lens ensures a flat image plane, low distortion and great color correction. This camera and lens combo is suited for almost any task in studio photography and allowed me to get the client exactly what they were looking for.

http://www.infocus.com/
http://www.hasselbladusa.com/
http://www.speedotron.com/
http://www.cesweb.org/

To View More of Our Product Photography Check Out Our Website.

Hi Tech Photo Fun: Intel’s Classmate PC

Posted on February 10, 2009May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

This January, Intel launched its new, convertible Classmate PC at the CES in Las Vegas. Henry Ngan of Studio 3, Inc. in Portland was hired to shoot the new hi tech photo advertising campaign.
The Intel-powered Classmate PC has received worldwide, enthusiastic support. The government of Portugal declared an initiative, providing clamshell Classmate PCs to all elementary school children via their local computer manufacturers and telecom service providers. Telmex, one of the leading telecommunications companies in Mexico, recently announced a donation of 50,000 Classmate PCs to students across the country.
Intel Vice President, Gordon Graylish, noted, “There are 1.3 billion school-age children around the world, and of those, only 5% have access to a PC or the Internet. The IT and hi tech industry has a huge opportunity to contribute to how technology can improve students’ learning and students’ lives.”
Studio 3, Inc. was delighted to be part of the Intel Classmate PC project. Henry Ngan has a few words on how he captures the perfect hi tech photo:

In order for our client, Intel, to communicate their ideas and their offerings to the educational and governmental community, I was tasked with creating beautifully lit hi tech images of their line of Classmate PCs and accessories as product photography. In addition to creating these beautiful images, we were given the task of building an entire set. So… we built classroom sets to put these products in realistic settings in our studio instead of doing this on location. Doing studio photography instead of shooting on location allows more precise control over the details, lighting, and timing in order to optimize the overall look the client is after. We used Speedotron lighting with various light modifiers to create the mood or the beautiful soft product lighting. I captured some of the images with Hasselblad H2 with Imacon Digital back. The others were captured with Canon 5D MkII camera with various lenses.

http://www.hasselbladusa.com/
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras
http://www.speedotron.com/products/category/black_line
hi tech photography

Capturing Architectural Photography: Bonneville

Posted on November 15, 2007May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

The big story this season for Studio 3, Inc. was partnering with Bonneville Environmental Foundation on an opportunity to photograph some architectural photography of the construction of wind turbines at White Creek Wind Farm in Roosevelt, Washington.High up above the north side of the Columbia River in Klickitat County are towering wind turbines, 89 of them, manufactured by Siemens AG overlooking the ridges and capturing the winds that come howling through the Columbia River Gorge.They are in nice neat rows one after another on a wheat farm that is now multipurpose. They are the future of power generation because they provide the answers to concerns such as emissions from coal fired generation plants and fish migration on the Columbia River.Wind power is clean and renewable and does not impact salmon migration up the Columbia to their spawning grounds as do hydro-electric dams along the river.All of this wind farm construction is driving new employment in rural Klickitat County, a place that has struggled with high unemployment after good jobs in lumber and aluminum industries dried up.
The tips of the turbine blades soar 415 feet off the ground, creating an imposing view from the wheat farms and cattle ranches dotting the hills surrounding Goldendale. With winds of 30 mph, one 290 ton turbine can generate enough power to supply 100 homes for a day. That’s amazing! Read below to see how Henry captured some great architectural photography images:

My idea was to show how farming and wind power generation can co-exist together.Farmers and ranchers essentially now have a secondary revenue stream without impacting their primary business of growing crops or raising cattle.I used a large format Hasselblad H2 with an Imacon digital recording back.Various prime lenses were used from a 35mm wide to a 210mm tele.Some images were shot with my handy Leica LX5 giving me a little more portability.There was always some danger lurking all around with cranes, towers, loaded trucks with a single tower section, and construction crews that may not be aware of my presence. So I always had to be wearing full safety gear including steel toe shoes, hard hat, and safety vest. In the end, I got fantastic images.Bonneville Environmental Foundation strives to increase the visibility of clean, renewable, distributed energy technologies and Studio 3, Inc. is proud to be a part of this project.

For More Architectural Images Visit Our Website!