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Chicago Product Photography

 

Initial Contact

Glass artist David Morris contacted me regarding photographing his artwork. Up to this point, David had been photographing his work himself with his camera phone. However, he needed high quality professional images to apply to juried exhibitions, and thus get wider exposure to a more upscale clientele. We discussed various styles and techniques and settled on a clean presentation on white.

The Shoot

Since much of the work involves clear glass, the trick is to be able to light it to be able to get a clean white background, without losing the edges of the glass.  It takes careful lighting and technical experience to achieve the desired result.  You want to have a crisp white background with drop shadows to show the 3-dimensional quality of the work, but must be careful that the light is not so bright as to lose the edges of the clear pieces.

The Result

Here’s what David had to say about our experience working together:

As a new artist, it became apparent that it was necessary to market and sell my art glass. Initially, cell phone snapshots were OK, but it quickly become obvious that professional help was required. G. Thomas Ward photographed my art so well that it seemed I transitioned from hobbyist to “artist” with a few clicks of a camera. Lighting, shadows, background and reflections are so important for marketing art. Gary was incredibly easy, flexible and comfortable to work with. Though cell phones are quick and informal, professional guidance and specialized tools make a remarkable difference when presenting art work. I cannot thank Gary enough.

Though I normally photograph people, events, public relations and other types of corporate photography, it was fun and interesting to exercise my photography skills with David’s artwork. And it was great working with David. If you’d like to see more of David’s artwork, you can find him here: Fabulous Intentions Glass

 

 

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Event Photography

Photographing Live Performance

The oft-quoted “Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life” may seem elusive to some, but I must confess that I am one of the lucky ones to whom this rings true. I love photography, and the fact that I get to do it for a living is immensely gratifying. One of the things I love about photography is the people, places, and events it introduces me to.  Especially when I’m photographing performances.

Chicago’s Most Colorful Chorus

On Saturday, Dec. 9th, I had the pleasure of photographing “Naughty or Nice,” the holiday concert of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois. G. Thomas Ward Photography has had a long standing relationship with CGMC, photographing many of their shows, along with images for posters and promotional material. While I photograph many corporate and non-profit events, I always look forward to the creativity, musicality, and flashy entertainment of CGMC. They are, after all, known as Chicago’s most colorful chorus, and for good reason!

One of the things I love about photographing CGMC is the challenge that it provides. Capturing the atmosphere, the excitement, and the playfulness of the choir is essential to bringing the concerts to life through photos. With so much movement and variable lighting, it takes a trained eye and a quick shutter finger to know when the moment is “just right” for that perfect photo. Luckily for me, CGMC is masterful at what they do, so being able to capture them in their element is a true joy for me.

Whether you’re looking for corporate headshots, event photographs, or a way to capture your next big production, make sure you find someone who can bring out the best in your team, company, or event. You’ll know if they’re the right fit for you if they’re curious, asking questions, and providing constructive guidance. Finding the right photographer is similar to finding the right employee: sometimes, you just know, and that partnership is a wonderful thing.

business headshot chicago by g thomas ward

First impressions matter, especially in the business world. People make snap judgments about you. In fact, studies suggest that it only takes one tenth of a second to form an impression about a person. When someone looks at your corporate headshot, they’ll make judgments about your personality based on how you look. As it turns out, it isn’t easy to get past a bad impression.

In the digital world, the internet is your first chance to make a good impression, and impression matters. Knowing this, we highly recommend that you invest in an appealing, professional headshot. Sure, you can save money by asking a friend or a family member to take a picture of you using their camera. But, if you want to create a solid first impression to potential clients and customers, hiring a professional photographer is the way to go.

Whether you like it or not, your corporate headshots define you, your brand, and your business. As the business owner, it is important to remember that you are the face of your business. Keep in mind that this photo will be used on your website, social media accounts, and other company materials. Using poor quality, amateurish, or dated photos can have a real negative effect on your business.

Since most of our business transactions and communications usually take place online, it is important now more than ever to invest on a good corporate headshot. Unfortunately, some business professionals overlook it.

Today’s customers are savvy. They are going to do their homework before doing business with you. They want to make sure that they are dealing with trustworthy and reliable professionals. If they visit your website and find unappealing photos, chances are that you can come across as unprofessional. They may also think that your products and services are cheap, too. No one wants that.

Having a professional headshot is definitely an investment but one that is necessary and is worth it. If you are looking for a photographer who can deliver the fresh, professional images you need, contact G. Thomas Ward Photography today.

Chicago Facility Photography

No matter what profession you are in, you know that working directly with clients can pose interesting challenges. However, we do what we do because we hope that our hard work will ultimately be appreciated. That’s why I am always incredibly humbled and grateful when a client goes out of their way to tell me what a wonderful job I’ve done for them.

I recently had the good fortune to work with Jackie Stuckert at NAPCO, Inc., an amazing company that manufactures and sells bathtub refinishing products and provides training for bathtub and tile refinishing professionals.

When Jackie initially contacted me, she was looking for an experienced photographer to take company headshots for their new website.

“Our need was for professional headshots. I have worked with photographers enough in the past to know that some are frankly much better than others, and I wanted the best. Our website is our virtual storefront, and I wanted out team to look their best.  When I sat down with Gary, I was floored! He’s just amazing!”

On our first phone call, Jackie explained what her goals were for the shoot: they wanted to get rid of the stock photos they currently had on their site and wanted to highlight their own people. She didn’t want overly “slick” photos but instead wanted more friendly, authentic photos of the NAPCO team and work environment. She wanted people to look great, feel comfortable, and not look like they were sitting specifically for a photo shoot.

G Thomas Ward Production Facility Photography

Jackie had a vision. I listened to Jackie, asked her a few questions, and offered suggestions for photo ideas and techniques I thought would work well for the NAPCO team. The collaboration Jackie and I shared for this shoot was instrumental to the overall success of the shoot. By throwing ideas back and forth, reviewing photos my clients like and dislike, we can land on a vision for a shoot that fits each their needs and goals.

When conducting a photo shoot, I strive to make everyone feel at home and at ease. In the days following the 1st shoot, I was pleased when Jackie told me that I “made everyone feel so relaxed and natural,” and that she noticed that I took the necessary time with each person to help them feel comfortable.

Jackie was so pleased with the results of the first session, she hired me again a couple weeks later to take additional photos of the Napco plant and the workers in action for their marketing materials.  During the 2nd shoot, while we were between shots, I had some down time, and noticed there was a training class in progress. There were 3 new trainees interacting with the instructor that I managed to get several candid shots of.  Later, I shared these with Jackie and was blown away by her response: “He took the best photos of our facility! They were casual but they truly capture what we do here…we didn’t even ask him to do that. He went above and beyond…that’s Gary for you!” Thanks, Jackie!

Fortunately, Jackie and her team had such a great experience that I’ve since been hired back for additional engagements. Since the initial headshot shoot, NAPCO has invited me back to photograph their products and services.

Napco photograph of training

I continue to have a great time working with Jackie and her team of professionals at NAPCO. I can’t wait to work with them again.

If you are looking for a professional photographer for your company headshots, marketing materials, or upcoming events, please reach out to me. I would love the opportunity to speak with you about your goals and how we may be able to work together.

Chicago corporate, event, portrait and editorial photographer

A corporate event plays an important role in strengthening your relationship with your clients, staff members, and customers. Whether you’re planning a conference, awards dinner, exhibition, or convention, corporate events can promote your business internally and externally.

A successful event is one that attendees will never forget. Enthusiasm and fun is the key to creating an unforgettable event. Hiring entertainers can help you achieve that goal.

Here are 3 reasons why you should find good entertainment for your next corporate event.

Keep attendees entertained

Conferences and seminars are can be boring. People will be sitting through hours of presentations and lectures. No matter how stimulating the content is, many of them will look exhausted, bored, or disengaged by the end of the day.

One of the best reasons to hire entertainment at corporate events is to keep attendees entertained.
Have bands or comedians perform during breaks in the action. When planned and executed well, this helps attendees relax, laugh, and creates a good vibe at the event. This will also stimulate the audience and energize them for the next sessions.

Generate interest

Entertainment is crucial if you are trying to launch new products. This is especially important if you choose to do so in at a large exhibition. Since different businesses will be vying for people’s attention and show off their products, you need something that would grab people’s attention. Entertainment such as live music will help generate interest and entice attendees over to your booth.

Motivate employees

Hosting a corporate event is a great way to train your staff and familiarize themselves with new products. It is also a great way show your appreciation and reward them for their hard work. By incorporating some entertainment into your event, you’re giving them a chance to have fun and let loose. A well-planned corporate event can motivate employees, which in turn will help increase productivity.

Business headshot photography tips Chicago

Let’s face it: there are infinite number of ways to pose for photos, but no matter what pose you choose, it can seem awkward and uncomfortable if not done properly.

Think of your corporate photos as your online “storefront.” Prospective clients and customers will often take the time to check these corporate portraits out before contacting you. That’s why flattering, professional portraits help you put your company’s best foot forward.

This week, let’s take a look at some of the posing mistakes you want to stay away from, along with some suggestions on how to avoid common pitfalls. Hopefully these tips will steer you clear from these mistakes and end up with more flattering portraits!

Business headshot photography tips Chicago

Smiles

A genuine smile is something that comes from within you; it isn’t an accessory you can put on like a hat. As such, it’s important that you have a good relationship and rapport with your photographer. A good photographer understands smiles and knows how to get the best from you!

If you’re still struggling getting that natural smile, take a break and think about those things that make you happy. Casually chat with your photographer about these moments, and just relax. Remember: we delete unflattering photos and take the time to find the perfect photos for you.

Straight joints

A lot of people don’t know what to do with their arms and hands when posing. Without proper coaching, some people stand straight as a board with their arms practically glued to their body. This isn’t a particularly flattering pose when you consider that this pose makes your arms look bigger, especially if you’re wearing a short sleeve polo or sleeveless blouse. Plus, straight arms generally look stiff and unwelcoming. To make your arms look slimmer and more relaxed, bend your arms slightly and pull them away from your body. Also, relax your fingers, bend a knee and don’t be afraid to take a few photos with your face directly aimed at the camera.

Shoulders square on

The shoulders are the widest part of the body. Posing with your shoulders directly at the camera will make you look much larger than you actually are.

Whether you’re standing or sitting, angle your shoulders slightly toward the camera and bend forward at the waist. This will have a huge impact in your portraits!

Obsessing Over The Details

It’s important to carefully consider your wardrobe, jewelry and grooming well ahead of your session.  Once  you’re in front of the camera, however, let the photographer worry about these details.  What people see most in a picture is not whether every hair was perfectly in place, but rather, the overall energy and positivity in a picture.  So, it might sound cliché to say, “have fun with it”, but truly being “in the moment” and projecting a positive energy will make you far more attractive than perfect hair ever will.

 

unique ideas for corporate events in chicago

One of the biggest challenges of planning a corporate event is finding a way to set it apart from the usual business gatherings. If you are in need of ideas for your upcoming events in Chicago, we’ve got you covered.

In this blog post, we’ll give you a few ideas that you can use for client entertaining, group outings, team buildings and company events in Chicago. Here are a few.

Food stations

Ditch the formal dinner and spice up your event with food stations. With this set up, mini buffets or dining stations are scattered throughout the venue; thus, allowing guests to get up of their seats, enjoy great food and mingle with other guests. It is a popular approach for those who prefer a more casual, congenial atmosphere.

JOOJ Blow Dry

On November 9, 2015, JOOJ Blow Dry, a mobile salon company opened its shiny doors to the public. These chic air-stream trailers visits corporate offices, events sites and downtown streets to provide customers a convenient and accessible hair styling experience. Sleek blowouts, chic updos, bouncy curls and loose waves are all on the menu.

Treat your clients or employees to a luxurious and relaxing styling experience with this chic mobile salon.

Private painting parties

Add some fun to your team-building event or office party by holding a private painting party. Guests will leave with a one-of-a-kind creation and a new-found talent to explore.

Bottle and Bottega hosts private painting parties in their studio or at the location of your choice. They can accommodate a group of 10 to 100 persons.

unique ideas for corporate events in chicago

Chicago Chocolate Tours

Stroll through Chicago’s most decadent chocolatiers and dessert boutiques and sample something from each one. Here, you’ll be able to sample some of the city’s most delicious offerings such as truffles, warm donuts, pralines, cupcakes and chocolate drinks. This tour will not only provide a fun way to learn about the history of chocolates, it will also solve your clients’ and employees’ sweet cravings.

As always, should you find yourself planning a corporate event, don’t forget to consider G Thomas Ward Photography to document the occasion. With both extensive photography and video experience, your unique corporate event will be sure to be remembered.