“Constructed” Images – building photographs and phodeos from parts

Some people ask me why my business is called “Constructed Images”? Why the word “constructed”?

Well, I think it works for me for 2 reasons actually:

1. My method of making photographs and phodeos involves the assembling of many separate exposures into the final visual form, and
2. I photograph architecture, so my market is the building industry; architects, interior designers, and builders. These people “construct” the structures where we live, work, and play. So that seemed like a good tie-in.

The process of “constructing” images from many different exposures creates a lot of options and freedom, to ultimately create an image that my clients envision. Many photographers work differently, to capture the image in one exposure. This is the artist coming out. And many/most purchasers of photographs want the “look” of that particular photographer. However, the purchaser is then stuck with that, with only some editing available to customize the image.

I build my photographs with as many as 25 different exposures, usually with varying lighting for each exposure. All these exposures are then blended together to make the final image. Because I have all these “pieces” to work with, the final image can vary quite a bit. And, by communicating with my clients, they can tell me what to change to make it look like what they want.

My phodeos are also built from different pieces or exposures. However, the “construction” process involves a patent-pending method to assemble the final video-like form. Again, the client can provide feedback as the phodeo is assembled, and we can customize the final product.

The intent of this process is to really give the client what he/she wants, with little compromise. After all, the customer experience is really what separates businesses. I want to provide a unique product and customer experience.

Phodeo Concept - why not just call it "Video"?

What's all this about “phodeo”?  What is that?

Well, a phodeo is the result of taking photographs to a video-like form.  (PHOto > viDEO)  Of course, that is already done, in the form of modified slideshows.  They even transition with the famous Ken Burns technique called “pan and zoom”, as you can see in his documentories. And fades are standard fare.

I think there is enough difference in my phodeos to warrant a new term.  Traditional video has an inherent time basis.  The “action” usually changes with time; the view of the subject changes in some way as time progresses.  Or the camera moves.  When still photographs are used, there is no change in the subject with time.

However, with my phodeo, there is a change in the subject.  While the subject itself doesn't change (usually), the lighting does.  This lighting change provides some dynamism to the phodeo, as it progresses.  Remember, this doesn't have a time basis, though.  The change in lighting can occur in the time frame I choose.

This lighting change is due to the way I develop the still images for the phodeo.  Using proprietary lighting and blending techniques, I get still images with varying lighting.  Then I use a patent-pending process to put the images together into this audiovisual form.  From there, the phodeo is handled like normal video, in that special effects, audio, and text can be added.  Higher resolution than even HD can be used for displays with very high resolution.  This would work for computer display for  one-on-one showing.

Take a look at one phodeo I produced of the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building. 

Phodeos work well for architectural subjects, which don't move.  That is my interest and target market.  I want to differentiate my work from standard video and videographers,  and hopefully garner clients that appreciate the difference.   It would also work well for other subjects that have minimal changes in the subject.

So take a peek at my other phodeos on my YouTube site; gregsprenger.

http://www.youtube.com/user/gregsprenger?blend=1&ob=5

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading,

Greg

The Relucant Blogger

Well, here I am, writing a blog.  Even a few months ago, I would have never thought to start a blog.  It is against my general nature.  However, everybody says that is the nature of creative businesses these days.    You NEED a blog.  So, here goes; let's see what happens.

My reluctance is a based on a few general principles that I have lived by for many decades.
1. Don't offer unsolicited advice.
2. Humans have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and we should use them in that proportion.
3. The world doesn't need 1 more opinion about things.

However, the marketing folks say I need to get my “voice” out there; no one else can do it.

So, a little background.

I have a educational background in the sciences.  (BS Physics)  I have worked in the corporate R&D world for some decades, and have finally decided if I don't try this photography gig now, I never will.  In those years, I have been lucky enough to work for a few good employers, did interesting work, got recognized in the industry with some awards, and my creativity was recognized with over a dozen patents on a variety of technical areas.  SO, I bring that technical slant to my photography.

Architectural photography is quite technical in nature, with the use of all kinds of photographic “tricks” to make buildings look good.  Multiple exposures, HDR, Photoshop(r) blending methods, special lighting techniques and tools are just some of these tricks.  So these approaches come pretty easy to me.

I have also found out after shooting a variety of styles for over 30 years, including portraits, still-life, landscapes, and beauty, that I prefer to shoot things that don't move.  Buildings don't have bad hair days, don't talk back, and aren't late to shoots.  However, weather is still important, and sunsets provide great lighting.  While buildings don't provide that sometimes wonderful human interaction, they do speak a different language, largely due to great architecture.  That moves me.

I am going to share technical thoughts about my work, a new visual medium, thoughts on this new social media stuff, a little bit of business talk, and then see where that “river” leads.

We are the sum of our DNA and experiences, so we are all unique.  And have different stories to tell.  I am hoping that “my story” prompts you to inject your story in this mix as well.  We don't need to hear another lecture; conversations are so much more fun.

Please add your thoughts as we travel along.