During the ongoing Black Lives Matter events and protests, The Field Museum (currently closed to the public) released a compelling press release (you can read here) standing with The Black Lives Matter movement. The museum states, “We also, as a natural history museum, are aware of how museums have helped contribute to this inequality. Museums like ours have perpetuated structural racism through questionable collecting practices, misguided portrayals of Black and Brown people, and by denying people of color a chance to decide how their stories are told. We have only recently begun to address this legacy and make necessary changes. We have a long way to go.”
For us, it is important to choose vendor partners who hold values we respect and stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, like The Field Museum Special Events team.
Additionally, there is so much benefit in hosting an event at an educational institution. As we continue to educate ourselves, our cultural institutions can help lead the way by providing resources and information. The Field Museum Special Events team cares strongly for our community in Chicago. Like us, they want to be better.
In this Case Study, we’re going to talk about the benefits of:
Choosing an immersive cultural and/or educational space, like The Field Museum as an event venue.
Creating engaging, intimate “collision spaces” that encourage guests to network, even in immersive, educational spaces. (What are collision spaces, you ask? Don’t worry, we’ll explain what we mean.)
Working with a respected vendor partner who can help plan thoughtful details that complement the space.
Most importantly, it is crucial to know where your vendor partners stand, and not just to make a trending political statement. Look for their commitment to actionable steps to making our future better, specifically for our black community, as well as our diverse community, and our community at large.
Of course, during the global crisis, we’ve been missing large events like this. We are proud to feature this immersive event at The Field Museum, so let’s get into the details!
Choosing An Immersive, Educational Venue
Choosing a cultural destination is not only is a great way to show support for educational institutions, but can be super engaging for your guests!
The Field Museum’s new resident, Máximo, was there to greet guests as they walked into the main hall.
At the beginning of the event, Fifth Third associates mingled for cocktails and dinner on the second floor. From there, they could view Máximo’s skull close-up while getting an aerial preview of the stage set-up. Because the Field Museum activated both floors, there was heightened energy and anticipation for Blair’s presentation.
Within the first hour of the event, VIPs were able to explore all three floors of the Field Museum, immersing themselves in the space, and the historic artifacts it houses.
Intimate “Collision Spaces”
When we say “collision spaces”, we mean spaces that provide spontaneous interaction. Generally, these can be highlighted with smaller seating areas, gorgeous furnishings, and inviting decor. On the second floor of The Field Museum, guests primarily enjoyed dinner at high-tops and inside of these furnished alcoves. This arrangement encouraged interaction, while showcasing the view from the second floor.
Not to mention, it was super cozy! (furnished by Kehoe Designs)
These intimate, yet informal seating areas became high-design focal points of an otherwise open-floor venue.
Instead of having a formal seated dinner where each attendee is confined to their seat, guests could mingle. They could converse while exploring the educational resources all around the museum together.
We have ideas about how these intimate seating arrangements can easily be adjusted to respect the needs of social distancing in our current climate, as well. Shoot us an email to find out more!
Thoughtful Details
Fifth Third’s immersive event at The Field Museum had thematic decor, cuisine, and floral that complimented the venue. The thoughtful attention to detail by a fabulous team including Field Museum Special Events (whose catering is always delicious) … made the event uniquely tailored to the space.
Floral included exotic plants like orchids and live mosses housed in sleek, modern containers. The careful placement of these floral vessels complemented The Field Museum’s Neo-Classical Revival architectural style.
Are you planning a future event? Choose your vendor partners wisely.
This Field Museum special event demonstrated so many aspects that can transform an event to an experience. While you’re planning your company’s event, you might be deciding between a hotel, an alternative event space, or a cultural destination. While any ballroom can be set up as a networking area, the closed-off nature can feel more stifling and less natural. This can make interactions feel less organic.
By giving guests immersive spaces to interact with, huge dinosaurs to talk about, and all the thoughtful details to go with it, Field Museum Special Events created an engaging, educational event. A cultural destination like this can provide the necessary space, but also abide with social distancing to keep your guests safe.
And, it’s important to note where your vendor partners stand. Whether now or in the future, months from now, that the conversation continues. A stance is more than just a blog post or a PSA. It is a new way of thinking that fundamentally changes how we live.
We know amidst the busyness of planning an event like this, photography can often be forgotten until the very end. Send us a message if you’d like to connect about your vision for the event! We’d love to help capture it. On the fence about why you should hire a photographer? Check out our Case Study about why hiring a photographer might be one of the best decisions you make for your company event.
You can take a look at the whole gallery from our Field Museum event here:
If you’ve been asking for some advice for how to look good on Zoom, you are not alone! These are interesting times of virtual conferencing and online meetings. We ALL want to keep up that professional presence in any setting. And let’s not kid ourselves. People want to look their best in any context. That feedback loop you get when looking at yourself on video conferencing platforms is real. It’s hard not to keep fluffing your hair, straightening your posture, and adjusting the camera.
So, we’ve compiled a series of quick and simple tips to help you look your best on Zoom!
… even if you’re not the most tech-savvy! Where does our expertise come from? (Hint: as a commercial photography studio we are always studying what makes the most flattering light for the people we work with!)
Truth be told, one of the most common questions we get asked is, “What can I do to look good on camera?” Having taken many headshot photos for people in all sorts of professions, we’ve given advice on this countless times. Because we know a little can go a long way, we’ve made our list low-tech so that your Amazon shopping cart won’t explode in the process.
Here is our list of team-tested and approved Gold Grid Studios tips for how to look good on Zoom!
1. Raise your laptop so you aren’t looking down at it.
No one wants the angle that’s coming up your neck and into your nose. Something as simple as a stack of books will do the trick.
2. Achieve flattering lighting by setting up so you are facing a window.
This simple move will ensure even light across your face. This is the most simple lighting option for a flattering on-camera appearance. If you have great natural light in your home, you should even be able to turn off the other lights in the room. This way, you can avoid those yellow reflections on your hair. Additionally, the dark shadows under our eyes are created because of overhead lights.
Most important of all, (and we are sure you’ve already seen this many times): Be sure to not have a window directly behind you. You are bound to only appear as a mysterious silhouette.
3. Drink enough water!
Your skin will thank you. Every single makeup artist will tell you this: The key to looking great on camera starts with a healthy skin routine. A healthy skin routine starts with enough water. After all, your skin is your largest organ! Luckily, we are all at home and can find bubbly seltzers and tap water without having to walk all the way to the vending machine. Our Gold Grid Studios team member, JaNae, recommends adding a little fruit-flavored bitters to your seltzer to keep it interesting! Coconut LaCroix + peach bitters is her current jam.
4. Consider wearing a touch of undereye concealer and a bit of powder – guys and gals alike!
Your camera will absolutely show the oil on your skin and the slight dark circles under your eyes. Mediocre computer cameras, and even splurgy webcams can be pretty unforgiving. Amazingly, adding a tiny bit of makeup can do wonders without going through a full makeup routine!
5. Wear a plain, solid-colored top.
However, don’t wear bright white or dark black (white can be too bright, and black can make you look like a blob.) Avoid patterns, which can distract from your face. Also, you should check out our How to Prepare for your Headshots Case Study for tips about the best types of clothing on camera.
6. Audio Quality is Key.
While it’s not technically about how you look, how you sound is just as important. It can make or break a professional experience on Zoom. Using a microphone or a good pair of headphones is super helpful, especially for blocking out background noise. Anyone have kids and pets at home?
Any simple pair of wired headphones will give you way better sound quality than your laptop’s built-in recorder. Plus, you won’t need to rush to Amazon and buy a full podcast AV set up.
7. Pants vs. No Pants: The Great Debate.
We don’t have a 100% opinion on this one… But, Gold Grid Studios Founder Rebecca puts it this way: “Put on real pants at least 3 times a week. While the feeling of your skinny jeans might not be your favorite going into Week 7 of all of this, I promise it will make you feel like a grown up again.”
On a Zoom call, your colleagues won’t be able to tell if you’re wearing leopard print leggings (like I am as I write this!) However, actual pants might be that added boost of put-togetherness that keeps you focused and influential on your next video call.
8. Here’s the greatest trick of all: Have you tried the “improve my appearance” setting in Zoom?
Yep, that exists. You’re welcome.And, you can easily turn off and on this setting like this:
All in all, these are some super easy things you can do to look good on Zoom without any large equipment investments. Best thing is you don’t even have to leave home to pull them off!
That being said, if you are thinking about improving your home as well, check out our Case Study on How to Prepare for Your Real Estate Photography. There are definitely some interior-design-inspo images that can up the ante on your Zoom background! Actually, we even put together a gallery for you of images you can download:
Whether you’ve just finished remodeling, wrapped up finishing touches with your interior designer, or you’ve put your brand new property on the market, you’ll want to start thinking about how to prepare for your real estate photography. Because most people and realtors start their research for the perfect place on the world wide web, you need your interiors to stand out among the others.
Plus, in a growing real estate market like Chicago, you need to know how to prepare for your real estate photography, if only to avoid the #badrealestatepics hashtag (yes, that’s a thing).
Below, we’ve listed our top tips for getting your space ready, so you can showcase gorgeous interiors and entice people looking for the perfect place.
Tip #1: Hire a stylist, interior designer, or professional stager to help prepare for your real estate photography (if you haven’t already.)
Bringing in a professional stager or stylist will bring your space to a new level! They will take care of the furniture and arrangement for you. Because of their expertise, they understand how to stage furniture for photographs.
However, if hiring a stylist falls outside of your budget, start your process with a mindset of “less is more.” Your space should look as clean and minimal as a tastefully furnished hotel. Your furnishings should be somewhat generic, but also stylish and refined.
By the way, feel free to contact us if you need recommendations on stylists! We can put you in touch with high-end interior designers, professional stylists, or more budget-friendly alternatives.
Tip #2: Plan a time frame that includes perfect light for your exterior photos.
Also, take note of what direction your building faces, and communicate that with your photographer as soon as you start planning the shoot. Some buildings look best 30 minutes before sunrise, others look better 30 minutes after sunset. For other kinds of residences, you’ll want to note what time of day they are in sunlight or shadow.
Tip #3: Detailed cleaning goes a long way. Spin your favorite tunes and take the time to eliminate the grime!
Make sure to mop floors, clean counter tops, and dust (even on top of the ceiling fans!) and have everything clean at least an hour or two before your photographer arrives.
You don’t want your photographer taking photos when your floor is two different colors from being partly wet and partly dry.
Next, you should grab your favorite window cleaner, and spritz on all glass surfaces, wiping them down for a streak-free appearance. For television screens and computer monitors, be sure to use appropriate screen cleaner. If there is any build-up on surfaces that you can see with your eyes, odds are they will also show up in the photos.
Tip #4: Find your inner Jackie Chan and karate chop your pillows. All of them.
Don’t simply fluff your pillows… give them a gentle karate chop right in the middle!
This way, the pillows lay looking flat and natural but still have fluffiness. (We’ve met real estate agents who swear by this method. And we’ll always keep an eye out for any extra karate chopping needs before we start shooting!) We’ve got your back on this one.
Tip #5: Hide your cables and wires.
Totally unplug your appliances from both ends, whenever possible. TVs, lamps, and audio speakers should be unplugged with their cables hidden behind them.
Additionally, for larger, bulky appliances like printers, your best option is to clear them off the table. Hide them in the closet for the duration of the photo session.
Tip #6: Eliminate clutter on counters and in bathrooms.
Clear off soaps, jewelry, paper towels… anything personal that you would not see at a hotel. Counters should be as clear as possible.
Also, anything that has a brand name on it (that you aren’t trying to promote) should be removed.
Tip #7: Hide your trash receptacles.
Even the nicest stainless steel trash receptacle should be hidden, unless it is built into the wall.
Tip #8: Keep a few extra light bulbs on hand, and think about color consistency.
Turn on all your lights prior to the session, and leave them on as the photographer is working. Ideally, all the lights are the same color temperature (think warm, daylight, etc.) Consistency with lighting is KEY, and having a few backup bulbs is a great plan.
Unsure of your light bulbs? Take a quick cell phone photo with all the lights on and send it on over to us prior to your shoot! We believe in the power of communication. The more that you prepare for your shoot, the better the results.
Tip #9: Your outdoor landscape needs love, too.
Stash away your poolside toys, and ensure the lawn has recently been cut and pruned before your photography begins. Rake leaves and sweep them off of outdoor patios if your session is in the fall.
Tip #10: Straighten your rugs, chairs, and tables.
While this is something your stylist will have an eye for when you are getting all your furniture in order, be sure to walk around an hour before your photographer arrives. Make sure all furniture looks straight, and rugs haven’t been upturned!
Tip #11: Consider fresh (real!) flowers.
This is an easy way to add that WOW factor to your space! While fake floral and succulents look okay from a distance, real flowers naturally liven up the space.
Additionally, consult with your stylist – or your favorite florist – on what might look best based on your overall color scheme.
Tip #12: Open all of the blinds.
Flood your space with natural light! Your rooms will automatically look fresher, larger, and more modern. If your blinds or curtains look outdated, simply remove them.
Tip #13: Let everyone know!
If your space has social lounges and workout areas available to your residents, let them know with a kind email and/or posted flyer. Include the date and time the photographer will be there, so they can plan accordingly.
Tip #14: Consider including a few photos that showcase the neighborhood, attractions, and local culture as you prepare for your real estate photography.
If the property is located near the most legendary pizza place in Chicago, your residents should know about it! (Right, Chicagoans?) If there is a public park walking distance away, or a museum, ask your photographer to make sure they take a few photos of the local scene. These add so much value to the location.
Plus, if you have your own images (not lifted from Google), they will be the right style and format to complement your other real estate photographs. Trust us, everyone can spot a stock image from a mile away.
Of course, the BEST thing to do is talk to your photographer prior to the session. Ask questions, and explain where you might be posting your photos (website, Zillow, real-estate sites…) and make a game plan.
When you are thinking about how to prepare for your real estate photography, make a list of all the rooms, amenities, and spaces you want photographed, and share that with your photographer in an email as you are making plans.
What questions does this bring up about how to prepare for your real estate photography? Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to share our advice!
Friends, we are happy to report that there ARE things to do during Chicago winter! As photographers and residents of Chicago, we know our city inside and out. So, our team compiled a list of fabulous suggestions that will liven up your scenery – even during the gross months like February and March.
(By the way, does anyone else think of a mint-flavored Chex Mix when the weather forecast is “a wintery mix”?! We digress.)
Without further ado, here are our top-rated suggestions!
This is one of the most popular things to do during Chicago winter – and for good reason! This unique skating ribbon is located in one of Chicago’s beautiful Maggie Daley Park, and is a place where ice skaters at any skill level can come out to relax, skate, and take in the Chicago skyline. Maggie Daley Park describes it as a “multi-sensory experience” where you can take in the rolling landscape, and then break to sip on a cup of hot chocolate!
If you are craving greenery and humidity while in Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the best things to experience during Chicago winter. Over 100 years old, this “landscape art under glass” location is one of the largest conservatories in the country.
Also, it happens to be one of our favorite places to photograph people! Our sister brand, Rebecca Marie Photography, specializes in weddings and engagements. Rebecca and our team members adore the lush walkways, cactus room, and constant 75 degree climate! (If you’d like to see more of our work, check out our @teamrebeccamarie Instagram!)
The Chicago Riverwalk during Chicago winter is absolutely breathtaking.
Truth be told, you might need to walk outside to take in the full length of Chicago’s newly expanded Riverwalk. One of our favorite spots along the Chicago Riverwalk is River Roast, a rustic-meets-modern restaurant with warming comfort foods and a perfect view of the new Riverwalk expansion.
There are so many places to stop, duck inside, and enjoy a beautiful view of the river. If if suits your fancy, you can grab a warming cocktail or glass of wine.
Speaking of warming cocktails and wine… you should see the outside of:
During colder months, this destination will actually construct outdoor warming globes you can sit inside of while enjoying your old fashioned. Truly, the definition of cozy!
And, on the 3rd Friday of the month, Bridgeport Art Center hosts open studios, where you can walk through artists’ studios who have residence in their space.
On these year-round tours, a knowledgeable guide will describe the history of various buildings in Chicago as you pass them on a double-decker river boat. Don’t worry – you don’t have to sit on the chilly top deck! The lower level interior has cushy seats where you can still see out the window and listen to your guide while sipping a hot drink from the bar.
One of our favorite classic Chicago venues is House of Blues! This incredible space hosts numerous musicians each week, and has tiers of seating areas where you can pitch up to see the performance. We photographed the Jordan Kahn Orchestra launch party at House of Blues, and they rocked the house.
Be sure to check out this Fortune article, featuring Jordan Kahn AND our photography from the House of Blues!
If you want to learn more about Jordan Kahn, here’s his rockstar website!
And last, but definitely not least,
Chicago Museums are a great way to experience art and culture in Chicago.
Chicago in the winter might not sound ideal, but there are definitely ways to keep your conference attendees and yourself engaged AND warm! We love the new ideas we see amazing planners come up with. Send us an email! We’d be happy to connect you with our favorite DMC and planning teams here to make sure your next event is amazing no matter the weather!
In the meantime, we might just be at London House (you should see our Case Study from The Knot Workshop!) sipping a warming winter cocktail ourselves… Cheers!
It’s the new year and everyone is finally back at the office! Q1 might take a little bit more time to get back into the swing of things, but also might just be the perfect time to show your appreciation for your team. The good news? Figuring out how to spoil your team in Q1 doesn’t have to be difficult. And, the return on investment is simple: people who feel appreciated value their work. This is a win-win in sooo many ways.
In fact, according to a recent report (2010, Robert Half International) cited by Business Insider Magazine, we know employee appreciation is a heckofa* positive thing (*our word, not theirs). Over 50% of managers and HR reps believe that employee appreciation is a HUGE opportunity to improve morale, productivity, loyalty, and innovation in their company.
So, how do you achieve this? We have a few ideas on how to spoil your team in Q1… with photographs to prove it!
Spoil Your Team with Intimate Lunch Meetings in Unique Spaces
We are putting this one first on the list simply because it is one of our favorites. For smaller teams or departments, finding a space that inspires can TOTALLY alter the tone of the first meeting of Q1. From hosting a lunch at The Lyric Opera to dining in a small conference room with a view in Downtown Chicago, we’ve seen how innovative spaces can completely alter the mood of a meeting. There aren’t a ton of people to coordinate or account for, which allows a myriad of flexibility. This applies to the intimate design, floral, or even personal mini champagne bottles you might coordinate for your event! Your team will feel pampered. You’ll feel accomplished. And, the camaraderie of being together (and feeling a tiny bit epic about it) goes a long way.
Plan a Company Off-Site (with memorable activities…)
If the majority of your team works 9-5 at a desk, one of the best things you can do to spoil them is taking them away from the normal routine! In fact, hosting a day-long outing at Whirlyball, Top Golf, or even a dedicated Ping Pong bar like SPIN in Chicago is a great way to get your team engaged. Added bonus: If you hire a photographer, you’ll be able to look back and laugh at all the memories from your outing… and then pick your favorites for your social media narrative!
Spoil Your Team with Massages
Don’t even question this one – we’ve actually taken headshots at a conference for attendees who had a massage upstairs just an hour prior, and everyone was SO relaxed! (Not to mention, they still had their best professional look on!) Working a job in any industry almost BY DEFINITION causes some level of stress, and massages help to assuage the tension almost instantly. Spoil your team by planning to hire massage experts for your next conference, or bring their expertise directly into your office! Obviously, pick a day without client meetings, or else plan to offer massages to your clients as well… it will be too luxurious an opportunity to pass up!
Give Your Team VIP Access
This is probably one of the most direct ways to make your team feel extra important. Whether spoiling your team with tickets to a sporting event, access to a unique Chicago museum, or even a private concert, VIP access makes one feel… well… like a Very Important Person!
Time for New Headshots
Speaking of win-win ways of how to spoil your team in Q1, you should schedule new headshots! While headshots might feel like another necessary procedure, employees will appreciate the opportunity to have a new, professional photo on the website alongside an updated list of their accomplishments in the new year. If you’re worried it might be a lot to coordinate, just send your team our Gold Grid guide for How to Prepare for Your Headshots! Let your photographer (or us) do the rest.
Still trying to figure out your strategy for how to spoil your team in Q1? Reach out to us and we will be happy to share additional expertise! Plus, we can give some pretty great reasons why you might consider hiring a photographer at your Q1 events.