Conceptually Speaking

As I often tell people, I love to get involved in concept development. So when prestigious Seattle law firm, Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson contacted me for a quote for new website photography, I had to stop and ask "what is your firm hoping to communicate with the company website?"

First image in landing page slideshow

Not many photographers start with this question, but for me it is the key to everything I do. As a people and product photographer, it is often more important to understand WHY I am taking a photograph as it is to know WHAT I am photographing!

I met with the marketing team to discuss objectives and develop some ideas. Previously, their site echoed many other legal websites that speak to various concepts but lack the kind of cohesive message that custom photography can provide. Their branding was set, so that provided a nice color palette to draw from. The site design was already place so we needed to create images that would work with the existing format. 

Second image in landing page slideshow

What emerged from my interviews with their marketing team was how strategic and client focused their approach to legal representation is. I discussed how the random stock photography currently employed on their site was not communicating that fully. Their site also did not convey approachability and struck a corporate tone that could deter individual clientele. Since the firm has practice groups in many areas of personal and corporate law, it was important to maintain a broad appeal.

Taking a cue from the strategic legal perspective and vision they offer their clients, we focused on a simplified iconic approach to the photography. Props representing strategy and problem solving set a universal theme of solution-based legal advice. 

Studio still-life photography was chosen to keep a clean, quick conceptual narrative running throughout the various pages of their website. I chose the color orange to work with their existing branding colors and set out to find the appropriate props. The objects we chose convey vision, strategy and core competencies in their discipline. Yet the effect is approachable and consistent — and doesn't detract from the copy. 

In the end, what started out as a request for new photography of the lobby, building exterior, and offices, evolved into a total photography overhaul that greatly enhances the online image for this firm. To see the website photography in action, check out Lasher.com

P.S. We also handled portraits of the law practice groups to complement the new site!  

Scratch Distillery

Scratch. As in “made from scratch.” That’s the notion behind the potions at Scratch Distillery in Edmonds, WA. I was attracted to the smart branding and contemporary interior design at the craft distillery that recently popped up in my hometown. After meeting the owners, I knew I wanted to capture this homegrown business in photos! 

Scratch Distillery owners Kim and Bryan Karrick

Owners Kim and Bryan Karrick have added a modern, sophisticated destination to Edmonds’ Marina District. And with it, a fun new way to learn about the process behind making fine gin. 

In addition to tastings of current lineups of Scratch Gins, Kim and Bryan offer a hands-on gin making experience called GINiology! Together they take you through the history of gin, and build a foundation for you to create your own gin blend — from scratch, of course! With 30 unique distilled flavors to choose from, guests can concoct their very own masterpiece to take home in a signature Scratch bottle. Better yet, the mixology is recorded and available for guests to reorder for future enjoyment after the first bottle runs dry!

I was on hand captured to capture the festivities as a group of friends celebrated a birthday with their very own GINiology experience. Especially cool was the guidance of Kim, who has a very keen pallet! Nothing like having an expert by your side to help you craft your own distinct gin. Can't wait to enjoy this experience myself and produce a bottle (or two) of a special Bernstein Mix!

“We believe that you cannot make a great Gin unless your truly love Gin”

— Kim Karrick

Kim Karrick, the Gin Genius!

We love supporting small businesses, and telling their stories through photography. We love the cohesive branding this small business is using in their packaging, interior design, and products. We wish them much success, but by the looks of it they’re already winning!

Now Hear This!

I meet quite a few entrepreneurs with new products that need to be photographed, and I love to hear their stories! I was recently contacted by Matt Ellison, maker of the GurglePot, to do some product photography of his newest invention: the ChirpyTop. Now it just so happens that we were already the proud owners of a GurglePot, so I was very keen on meeting the man behind the brand!

If you don't know what a GurglePot is, you’ve probably seen one — they are everywhere! GurglePots are ceramic water pitchers in the shape of a fish. The charming feature of the design is the gurgling sound the pitcher makes when pouring liquid. They are fun and functional — and come in over 22 beautiful glossy colors. I think Matt is on to another winning concept with ChirpyTop. 

ChirpyTop in action.

ChirpyTop brings the same conversation-starter effect to pouring wine. This time the design is a bird that chirps as wine flows from its beak. Available in six vibrant colors and metal finishes, ChirpyTops are packaged like a new iPhone and make great gifts. Both products are great for entertaining and will have guests young and old smiling as they fill their glass!

ChirpyTop is a great gift for wine enthusiasts!

My approach to the photography was to shoot the ChirpyTop like a high-end tech product. Taking a low angle and shooting up at the product made a star out of the packaging and really elevated the perceived value. And what entrepreneur doesn’t like the sound of that?

Shoot with us if mediocre isn't your thing!

Two Raging Grannies

I’m so proud to be associated with the documentary "Two Raging Grannies" by director Håvard Bustnes. This film has traveled the globe and earned numerous awards. And the two outspoken Seattle grannies featured have picked up fans all over the world! 

Håvard contacted me from his home base of Trondheim, Norway. He was coming back to Seattle to get additional film footage and needed help creating the promotional poster. What a thrill to collaborate with a fellow creative from halfway around the world. I jumped at the chance to offer concept ideas after seeing a sampling of scenes.

Håvard was very open to my idea of juxtaposing one granny with a freshly baked pie, while the other granny assumes her protest stance with a bullhorn. After seeing the preview footage of Shirley and Hinda, it was no doubt they had the personalities to pull it off. This dynamic duo were also game to simulate some stunt driving with their motorized carts, too! 

Director Håvard Bustnes with Shirley and Hinda

This outtake shows Håvard offering guidance to our stars during the poster shoot. 

It has been pretty exciting to see this film premiere around the world and watch Facebook for updates. Sometimes the poster itself is featured in the publicity shots — in a multitude of languages! But perhaps the best perk was seeing the screening in Seattle and spotting my name in the credits. 

Thanks again to Håvard and Faction Films for this special opportunity! Learn more about the film here and check out the trailer here.