GIFs and Spins: Making your Product Come to Life

Posted on May 24, 2019May 24, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

We provide 360 product photography 260 days out of the year.

GIFs and 360 product photos put a unique twist on photography and videography. Not only are they fun, but they are an effective tool. As we all know, human attention spans are getting shorter. Therefore, content is getting shorter. GIFs and spins provide customers with a short visual tour of your product/company which strengthens your brand and marketing strategies.

GIFs have been around since 1987. That may surprise you considering they are the star of the show on Twitter. In 2016, Twitter debuted the ability to search and send GIFs in tweets and direct messages. The impromptu #GIFparty started and companies such as NASA, GoPro, and IHOP all joined in the fun. It was a BYOG (Bring Your Own GIF) kind of party.

GIFs are perfect for social media.

Creativity is limitless with GIFs. GIFs tell a quick story or convey a relatable emotion or moment by highlighting a key occasion from an event, offering a behind the scenes view of your office, or showcasing how a product works in an engaging way.

If you’ve read this far but secretly have no idea what a GIF is…

GIF stands for graphics interchange format. They tell a bite-sized story in a few seconds by storing multiple images or still frames from a video in an image file, bringing the image to life with animation, and accentuating key features.

Cruzbike_Q_Spin2

Our latest spin on product photography was for Gerber Gear – highlighting the features and angles of the tool from all sides.

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Spin photography is used to give viewers a more realistic impression of your product which is linked to increased sales and increased visual information.

According to Adobe Scene 7, “91% of individuals surveyed want the ability to turn products around in full 360-degree spin and zoom in on any perspective”.

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Photography can make or break a sale, but research shows that spin photography, in particular, is shown to decrease product returns. A better-informed customer will less likely be unhappy with their purchase.

“Within the first couple of weeks of adding 360 spin images to their product pages, the company saw a 6-8% lift in conversion rates.” –Amazon Spokesperson

What’s next? VR and augmented reality shopping

Ikea and Amazon now have virtual stores. Furthermore, with e-commerce sales rapidly rising, it is crucial to provide the consumer with detailed product photography – giving the viewer the additional confidence needed to buy your product. The days of relying on a customer to see your product in person to make a sale are long gone.

Contact the team at Studio 3 today to put a spin on your product or bring it to life with an animated GIF.

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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.
DA_Seaplane-red-dress-fragments-digital-art_1500
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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Top Tech Toys for 2017

Posted on January 10, 2017May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Yeah, we’re not sure how we made it through 2016 either, but now that 2017 is here we wanted to share what we’re excited about for the NEW year. Although we love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens as much as the next guy, it’s this batch of new tech products that are making their way to the top of our list of favorite things! Sure, Virtual Reality is hot, hot, hot, but we wanted to highlight some other items that are equally whoa-worthy. If you have a love of photography like we do, then grab your hot cocoa, curl up next the fire, and take a peek at some of the latest and greatest tech toys you just gotta get your hands on this year.

Wacom Cintiq Pro
The new line of Wacom tablets to debut this year are bringing the art back to Photoshop. Small, portable, and affordable, now you can draw and retouch in style, directly on a screen that covers 94% of Adobe RGB colors.

wacom-tablet-and-pen — photo credit: Wacom

Microsoft Surface Dial
Even though our studio is equipped with state-of-the-art Apple stations, the Microsoft Surface Dial definitely caught our attention. It brings a tactile feel to editing and makes you feel like Tony Stark while you do it. (Watch the hands on video from TechCrunch.)

ms-surface-dial-on-screen — photo credit: Microsoft

Adobe VoCo
This sneak peek that was unveiled last month at Adobe Max is bringing video editing to new heights. Soon, you’ll be able to edit sounds the same way you edit pixels, and we can’t wait to try it for ourselves. (Didn’t know we did video? You can see some of our work for yourself here.)

Chronos High Speed Camera
Want a camera that can shoot 21,000+ fps? Want it for 1/10th the price of other cameras? Um yeah, we can’t believe todays technology is this amazing either! Certainly a game-changer for any cinematographers looking for affordable slow motion capabilities.

black-cronos-camera — photo credit: Kron Technologies

iPhone 7 Lightning splitter
Get a new iPhone 7 and missing some of those old ports? This dongle is a must have for any iPhone 7 owner, allowing you to play music and charge at the same time. Because… multi-tasking!

Now, reach out and let us know what inventive ideas you’ve got floating around in that noggin and what you’re inspired to create in 2017. We’re ready to collaborate with you on your next photography, video, or digital art project.

Cocktails, there's an app for that.

Posted on February 26, 2016May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Drink Photography set up with photoshop layers
This week at Studio 3, photographer Henry Ngan got things revving with a photo shoot of a new app called the Perfect Drink App-Controlled Smart Bartending. The new product from Brookstone is designed to make the perfect cocktail.Do you ever come across a stunning drink photo and wonder, How did they do that!? We can’t reveal all of our secrets but we can show you a behind the scenes look at the process of professional drink photography.
Shooting a cocktails for drink photography shoot Preparation for cocktail photo shoot cutting lemons
Setting up the hero shot of the cocktail and new technology
At the end of the day, Henry nailed a beautiful and elegant representation of a brand new product that is soon to be in the homes of everyone you know. Give us a ring and dazzle the world with your product with professional images that only Studio 3 can provide.
Final image of cocktail app production shoot

Throwback To The Future!

Posted on March 27, 2014May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

fluke
“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!”
We’re taking a flight back in time with Fluke Manufacturing! This week we’re busting out the film strips and having a flashback to the days of pre-digital shooting. Our Lead Shooter Henry Ngan captures the era in this classic Fighter Pilot Tech shot on film! Henry and the rest of the Studio 3 crew had a blast working with Art Director Val Kurita, who now Product Manages Chaudiere Design, Inc. in Seattle, WA. And with retired successful Graphic Designer Gary LaComa who is currently creating Fine Art Photography , you can check out his gallery at Saatchi Art and shop on Zentopia to snag some of his beautiful art work. Gary hops in the time machine to share a few words with us about his tenure with Studio 3…
“This image was a core brand image for a new product introduction for Fluke Manufacturing. It was designed to be the visual icon for this new product in advertising, print collateral, and point of sale posters. The overriding concept of the product was “speed” which lead to a vision loosely visualized in my head and sold to the client. The client’s trust in us to deliver the goods was the primary reason we got this project. It was a very important introduction that the company had invested in heavily. The stakes were high.
…It was always exciting working with The Boys and getting the results we did on this and many other projects. This campaign, built visually around this image, was a huge success for the client.
I would like to add however that I chose to work with Studio 3 on many of my clients projects over a decade of effort for 3 primary reasons. First their technical expertise. Henry and his support crew were, and always has been, technically way ahead of their time (even back then). This image was actually created in the camera and on film, unlike today where a computer screen and digital manipulation reign supreme. Second reason was their attitude about working as a team. Unlike many photographers, they allowed me to work with them in the trenches. We worked together hands on… as a team. Many photographers are less than enthusiastic about this collaborative style of work and prefer that you sit in a chair and yes/no “their” creations. Third my confidence in them to deliver. I knew they/we would deliver the product we sold and to do it efficiently and within my client’s budget and schedule. “

It’s always fun sharing these stories from way back in the day!

It's About That Time..

Posted on March 11, 2014May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

We’re springing forward with new technology! Studio 3 is keeping up with the recent time change with the new Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch! Inspired by losing an hour this past weekend, we thought we would focus on the hottest watch around. According to the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, wearable devices are catapulting into todays market! This snazzy timepiece is compatible with the Galaxy Note 3 and other Galaxy smartphones. You can place and answer calls directly from your wrist, how crazy is that!? With this clean accessory, you get style and substance. Pairing with that, we had Senior Shooter David Bell work his magic with lighting to enhance the clean smooth timepiece of the future. Once the smartwatch presented itself as inspiration, we had David Bell run with it:
“Hip and happening are always connected, you gotta love technology! Very cool Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch that keeps you connected all day. The shot is inspired by the fact that it works where you are. Clean and simple, like the watch.”

Excited about the new wearable technology addition to our wardrobe, Studio 3 did some research on what this sexy little device can offer. Check out this commercial showing the ‘Evolution’ of the dreamed about futuristic watch that became real…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_cZvpx3D0

Raising the Bar with Anthro

Posted on December 19, 2013May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Recently, our video department had the exciting opportunity of shooting for Anthro Corporation. Anthro started with a plan to make technology for furniture. Our plan was to take their vision, highlight their latest addition, and bring it to life. Director David King speaks more in depth about putting together this clean and subtly sexy clip!

For anyone who has a job where spending long stretches sitting at a desk is a requirement, I’m sure there are many a day you wish you could just stand up for a while, stretch the back, get the blood flowing back into the legs, and keep on working. When I’m wearing my editor’s hat, it’s not uncommon to pull 10-12 hour shifts sitting in front of the computer. Because of this, when we renovated our edit suite here at Studio 3 Films, finding an adjustable work surface that could be used while sitting or standing was top of the wish list. Once you do any research at all on the subject, the company that tops your search list is Portland-based Anthro Technology Furniture. As an editor, I’ve been aware of Anthro’s product line for many years and was thrilled to be able to build our new edit suite around a desk from the Anthro Elevate series. Motorized height adjustment, tilting keyboard surface, cable management and adjustable monitor arms make this workstation infinitely adjustable for maximum ergonomic comfort. I’m standing as I write this!

Shortly after getting the new desk, Anthro approached us with a need for a video, showcasing one of their desks for an upcoming trade show. While I knew Anthro for their creative field products, they are also very big in the education and medical furniture fields. The product that we were asked to feature is called “Steve’s Station”; a Radiology Desk, featuring acoustic panels, dimmable ambient light, as well as Anthro’s signature height adjustment. The folks at Anthro had a vision of showcasing Steve’s Station as if it were a luxury car, using sexy, low-key lighting, subtle camera movement and a moody music score. I’ve worked on dozens of car commercials over the years so I knew exactly what they wanted and thought it would be great fun to translate that look and feel to an adjustable workstation. It was certainly easier to light without all the reflective surfaces you get from an automobile.

-David King

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Commercial Photographer David Bell Tick Tock!

Posted on February 5, 2013May 22, 2019 by Studio 3 Inc

Commercial Photographer David Bell had some spare time on his hands, and the inspiration to create a collection of beautiful images showcasing the technology and texture of the Diesel watch collection. A few words from David…

I decided to shoot a collection of Deisel watches in order to create a new product photography series for my portfolio. I’ve always loved how fascinating a watch can be from the technology, materials, gadgets, weight, and pure beauty of the details.
I included added textures to highlight the specific components of each watch by photographing them in different environments to compliment the design. I chose these products due to the challenge and pleasure I derive from photographing something with extreme complexity. My goal was to make the watches stand out individually and seen as a series. I wanted them to pop and stand alone from the backgrounds in a hero type fashion. I chose the backgrounds based on specific element in the watches so it had a beautiful composition. As you can see the bold watches were matched with dark and gritty backgrounds to compliment the gears.
I chose to work with the Hasselblad H3D-39 megapixel back camera with the tilt shift adapter. The decision to use this camera which is a medium format platform is due to the large sensor that allows for capturing fine details. The high res nature of this equipment is my ideal shooting device. My chosen lighting technique was either dramatic or high key depending on the background and the end look I desired. I used the Speedtron Studio Strobe Lighting kit with utilizing grids, spots and floods; that helped with creating the desired effect. I am looking forward to my next inspiration and having a day off to play and be creative. Enjoy the collection below!