The Unfound Door

Story Building, Not Just Storyboarding

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:52:13 GMT

Our Unique Approach to Interview Videos

Many video agencies stick to rigid scripts and tight storyboards that aim to control every line before the cameras roll. But in our experience, the best stories unfold when people feel free to speak honestly, and when the visuals capture real, unscripted moments. At The Unfound Door, we follow a process we call story building —a collaborative approach that allows the true message to emerge naturally through thoughtful interviews, intuitive shooting, and collaborative post-production.

We still plan carefully. But we leave space for magic—because that’s where authenticity lives.

1. Pre-Production: Setting the Stage for a Powerful Story

Every great interview starts before the first question is asked. Our pre-production process is designed to set everyone up for success—from your internal stakeholders to the interviewees themselves. We work with clients to identify their goals, build meaningful questions, and make interviewees feel fully prepared and excited—not nervous.

What We Provide:

Discovery meeting to align on purpose, audience, and tone
Collaborative development of custom interview questions
Creative brief for each interviewee, including shoot location and schedule
Our signature “Don’t Panic” document with guidance on:
What to wear (and avoid)
How to mentally prep
What to expect during filming
A shoot schedule to keep things on track
Brand tone alignment, coaching tips, and optional pre-interview calls

Steps We Take:

Conduct kickoff call with your marketing/leadership team
Finalize interview questions with input from all stakeholders
Coordinate scheduling and logistics for each participant
Send preparation materials to all interviewees
Collect any important brand phrases or values to incorporate naturally

For More Information about our Videography Services: https://www.theunfounddoor.com/videography

2. Production: Capturing Comfortable, Authentic Interviews

his is where the magic happens. We approach interview shoots like guided conversations—not interrogations. Our job is to create an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves, share their real thoughts, and speak with confidence. We listen actively, adjust as we go, and capture moments that go beyond the scripted.

What We Provide:

Comfortable, professional set (studio or on-site)
A skilled 2-person crew: interviewer/director + producer or assistant
Full lighting, dual 4K camera setup, professional audio
Interviewing techniques that encourage authenticity:
Call-and-response phrasing
Repeating and reframing key moments
Asking thoughtful, unscripted follow-ups
Optional on-set teleprompter or comfort monitor
Real-time monitoring for quality and emotional tone

Steps We Take:

Set up lighting, camera, and audio gear
Brief the interviewee and ease into the conversation
Conduct 15–30 minute interviews per person (longer if needed)
Capture supplementary b-roll on site if applicable
Review and back up footage at the end of each session

3. Post-Production: Shaping the Narrative Together

Once filming wraps, the real story-building begins. We don’t just choose clips—we involve our clients in shaping the final story. After we tighten up the footage, we send interview “proofs” for review, then work together to select the sound bites that best reflect your message and tone. This keeps your team’s voice and values present throughout the final edit.

What We Provide:

Cleaned and tightened interview proofs (with filler words removed)
Transcripts with timecodes for easy review
A curated “sound bite selection” worksheet to streamline feedback
Rough sequence construction based on client picks
Strategic input on story arc and flow
Up to two rounds of revisions for sequencing and voice

Steps We Take:

Transcode and organize all raw footage
Edit first-pass interview proofs for clarity and ease of review
Send transcripts and links to clients for selection
Receive and incorporate selected quotes
Sequence quotes into a cohesive narrative
Share for feedback before final polish begins

4. Final Delivery: Creating a Reusable Content Library

We deliver more than just one polished video. Our clients receive a library of high-quality, versatile content that can be used across marketing campaigns, internal communications, recruiting, and social media. Each asset is optimized, organized, and ready to work hard for your brand.

What We Provide:

Final video exports in 4K and 1080p formats
“Shorties”: 15–60 second cutdowns from key quotes or takeaways
Optional vertical or square formats for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok
Final exports delivered via Google Drive, Dropbox, or hard drive
Cleanly labeled folders and file naming for easy use
Optional captions, subtitle files, and brand-aligned lower thirds or graphics

Steps We Take:

Apply brand color grading, audio balancing, and final polish
Export in multiple file formats and resolutions
Label, organize, and upload all content to shared drive
Deliver bonus assets (short clips, cover thumbnails, etc.)
Review with client and support with usage suggestions

Conclusion: Why Story Building Works

In today’s media-saturated world, audiences crave connection—not perfection. That’s why our story building approach puts authenticity first. By focusing on preparation, comfort, collaboration, and thoughtful sequencing, we create interview videos that don’t just inform—they resonate.

Whether you’re showcasing your team, highlighting a project, or capturing your company’s culture, the interview process should feel like a partnership, not a performance. We believe in capturing real voices, real values, and real people—because that’s what builds trust, strengthens brands, and moves audiences to action.

If you’re ready to tell your story in a way that feels true to who you are, we’re here to help you build it.

Unlocking New Opportunities

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:00:10 GMT

The Unfound Door Achieves ACDBE Certification in Colorado

We’re excited to share that The Unfound Door, a leading creative production firm, is now officially certified as an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) in Colorado! This certification not only highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence but also opens doors for us to partner with airport-related projects in even more meaningful ways.

What Is ACDBE Certification?

The ACDBE certification ensures that businesses like ours have the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant and dynamic environment of airports. For our clients and potential partners, this means that working with us can help meet diversity goals and potentially benefit project costs, all while ensuring top-tier creative production services.

A Range of Creative Production Services

At The Unfound Door, we offer a comprehensive suite of creative production services that cover every phase of a project. From capturing the human element with people-centric photography and videography to documenting ongoing construction and showcasing final architectural achievements, we ensure every detail is captured beautifully.

Expertise in Aerial Drone Services

We have extensive experience working closely with the FAA and the airport control tower at Denver International Airport, ensuring that our aerial drone flights are conducted safely and creatively, even near an active airport. This allows us to capture stunning visuals of airport projects and concessions while maintaining the highest safety standards.

A Trusted Partner in the Airport Environment

We understand that working in an airport environment requires a unique level of coordination and expertise. Our team is experienced in navigating the complexities of airport projects, and we’re dedicated to delivering creative solutions that elevate your brand and engage your audience.

Efficiency and Operational Excellence

Our commitment to efficiency and operational excellence means that we manage projects seamlessly, providing our clients with clear communication and ensuring that all stakeholders have the information they need. This not only helps keep projects on schedule but also optimizes costs and outcomes for our partners.

Leveraging Our Certifications for Your Benefit

In addition to our ACDBE certification, we hold several other important certifications, including WBE, DBE, EBE, SBE, and WOSB.

We’re thrilled about this new chapter and look forward to partnering with you on your next project!

How to Secure Leadership Buy-In for Photography & Videography Projects

ely@theunfounddoor.com (Ely Hemnes) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:00:13 GMT

A Guide for Internal Marketing & Communications Teams

Visual content is one of the most powerful tools for branding, storytelling, and audience engagement. However, getting leadership approval for videography and photography projects can be challenging. Executives often hesitate due to concerns over cost, ROI, messaging alignment, or production logistics.

This guide breaks down how internal marketing and communications teams can overcome these obstacles —and how The Unfound Door can support you every step of the way.

1. Build a Strong Pre-Production Strategy

Why It Matters:

Executives want clarity before approving a project. A well-prepared pre-production plan ensures leadership understands the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes, reducing hesitation and securing buy-in.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

Develop a Clear Project Brief: Outline why the project is being done and what business goals it supports (e.g., recruiting top talent, showcasing projects, elevating brand storytelling).
Include key messaging, deliverables, and project milestones to set clear expectations.
Anticipate Leadership Concerns: Be ready to address common executive objections, such as cost, time investment, and ROI expectations .
Prepare data or competitor examples to show how similar content has driven engagement and business growth.
Provide Visual References & Examples: If leadership struggles to visualize the outcome, show examples of past successful projects .
Share a proofing gallery or visual storyboard to give decision-makers a preview of what’s possible.

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

Supportive Documentation: We create custom creative briefs, proposal options, and accompanying documents with all the necessary details to make the case to leadership.
Getting on the Visual Page: Our team can develop visual mock-ups, shot lists, and concept galleries to help executives envision the final product.
Discovery + Pre-Production Meetings: We offer consultation sessions to refine project objectives and address stakeholder concerns early.

2. Establish Clear Usage and Business Value

Why It Matters:

Leadership needs to see why this project is worth the investment and how it aligns with business objectives. Many executives hesitate because they don’t fully understand how the content will be used or its long-term value.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

Connect Content to Business Goals: Show how photography and video will support recruitment, investor relations, brand awareness, internal communications, or marketing efforts .
Explain how one production session can generate multiple assets (e.g., social media clips, website banners, internal presentations).
Clarify Usage Rights & Licensing: Ensure leadership is comfortable with how and where the content will be used.
Address any concerns around intellectual property, confidentiality, or distribution rights before production begins.
Share costs and rights with other project partners.
Prepare a Distribution Plan: Outline which platforms (website, LinkedIn, YouTube, advertising, internal training, etc.) the content will be used on.
Show/Discuss examples of how multi-purpose assets can stretch the budget further (e.g., a single video interview can be repurposed into short clips for multiple platforms).

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

Custom Contracts: We can customize usage rights agreements based on client needs to eliminate concerns about licensing or content restrictions. This includes adding confidentiality clauses, if needed, cost splitting rights with other partners, or limiting our external usage of the content. We are open to modifying our agreements for the project.
Return On Investment : We provide expert recommendations on how to maximize the ROI of the content across different platforms.
Varied Assets: Our multi-deliverable approach ensures each shoot produces a variety of assets for long-term use. We also archive client content for future use that will reduce costs.
What Are Shorties (Short Listed Exports)? At The Unfound Door, we provide Shorties—professionally edited, ready-to-use video clips—so clients can take control of their content without needing us for every update. ‣
Why Shorties?Polished & Ready to Use: For interviews, we remove filler words, enhance color and audio, and ensure a smooth, professional final cut. For B-roll, we select the best shots, apply color grading and stabilization, and add cinematic slow motion for a polished, high-quality look.
Multiple File Formats: Delivered in 4K and 1080p .mp4 files, optimized for websites, social media, and presentations.
No Editing Required: Clients get fully polished clips, making it easy to post, share, or integrate into any project.
Flexible & Reusable – Pre-edited content can be repurposed across marketing, internal comms, and brand storytelling . With Shorties, clients save time, stay in control, and maximize their content’s impact —without needing a video editor every time.

3. Maintain Transparent Communication with Leadership

Why It Matters:

Executives don’t like surprises. Keeping leadership informed at every stage builds confidence in the project and reduces the likelihood of last-minute rejections or changes.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

Set Up Regular Checkpoints: Provide brief but informative updates on key project milestones.
Offer curated choices instead of overwhelming leadership with too many decisions.
Involve Leadership in Key Approvals: Identify the critical areas where leadership input is needed (e.g., finalizing the script, approving interviewees, reviewing key visuals).
Give them structured choices , such as “Option A” vs. “Option B” rather than an open-ended request.
Establish a Feedback Process: Define when and how feedback will be collected without derailing timelines .
Offer a structured review framework (e.g., leadership reviews content only at predefined approval stages).

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

We set up structured review checkpoints to ensure leadership has input without slowing down production.
We handle all logistics and coordination so internal teams can focus on getting approvals.

4. Address Leadership Concerns Around Safety, Compliance, and Reputation

Why It Matters:

Executives need reassurance that the production process won’t cause compliance risks, brand damage, or operational disruptions.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

Ensure Compliance with Safety & Privacy Regulations: If filming on a worksite, ensure leadership knows all proper safety protocols will be followed . If available, have a safety team members on site with our team!
If capturing employees, have clear consent and release forms .
Demonstrate How Content Aligns with Company Values: Ensure the project reflects company and brand initiatives.
Show leadership how authentic storytelling will enhance brand reputation.

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

Insurance + Certifications: We provide full insurance documentation including Certificate of Insurance (with Additional Insured, if desired) and Workers Compensation as well as safety certifications such as FAA 107 Drone Certifications. We can also provide WBE, DBE, WOSB, and other certifications.
Talent Releases: We handle employee consent forms and privacy concerns so legal teams have peace of mind.
Our Speciality: We specialize in capturing unique workforce imagery that aligns with corporate values. We work primarily with AEC professionals and know the best direction to provide.
Safety For Over a Decade: Owner, Ely Hemnes, has been on active jobsites nationwide for over a decade. She and her team are well versed in OSHA standards, PPE requirements, and other safety protocols. We have worked on many highly confidential job sites with propriatary information as well as dangerous hazards.

5. Encourage Employee Participation for More Authentic Content

Why It Matters:

Leadership often hesitates to approve projects if they believe employees won’t engage. A strategy to ensure participation helps remove this roadblock.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

✔ Educate Leadership on the Importance of Employee Involvement:

• Explain that authentic employee representation boosts engagement and trust .

✔ Make Participation Easy & Enjoyable:

• Offer incentives like professional headshots or internal recognition for participating employees.

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

✔ We create comfortable and engaging environments to put employees at ease during shoots.

✔ We strategize with internal teams to make participation feel natural and rewarding .

6. Optimize Post-Production for Leadership Approval

Why It Matters:

Executives need to feel in control of the final content while ensuring efficiency.

What Marketing & Communications Teams Should Do:

✔ Curate Select Options for Leadership Review:

• Instead of sending raw footage, present shortlisted, high-quality selections .

✔ Ensure Final Quality Checks:

• Confirm branding, messaging, and legal approvals before final delivery.

How The Unfound Door Can Help:

✔ We deliver structured review rounds with clear options for leadership.

✔ Our post-production team ensures polished, on-brand content with leadership’s needs in mind.

Final Thoughts

By following these strategies, internal marketing teams can secure leadership buy-in, streamline approvals, and create high-impact content .

�� Need help convincing leadership? The Unfound Door provides strategy consultation, professional production, and leadership-friendly deliverables to ensure a smooth approval process.

Want to discuss a project? Let’s chat! ��

How to Stand Out When Applying for Creative Jobs

ely@theunfounddoor.com (Ely Hemnes) — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:00:04 GMT

How to Stand Out When Applying for Creative Jobs: Lessons from the Hiring Side

As a creative professional—whether you're a photographer, videographer, designer, or multi-hyphenate—it’s easy to think your portfolio should speak for itself. But after reviewing dozens of applications for a recent role, I realized there are consistent oversights that hold talented creatives back from getting interviews. If you're currently on the hunt or plan to apply for creative positions, here are some must-follow tips to help you stand out—for the right reasons.

1. Read the Full Job Posting—Then Follow It Exactly

This might sound basic, but it's critical: always read the full job listing, including how and where to apply. For our recent LinkedIn post, we specified two very clear requirements:

You must be based in Colorado.
Applications must be submitted via email and include a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.

We received many applications from people out of state or who only submitted a resume through LinkedIn. Ignoring directions is a red flag. It tells us you either didn’t read the posting thoroughly or don’t follow instructions—neither of which instills confidence.

2. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume should speak directly to the role you’re applying for. That means it might need a redesign, a reordering of experience, or highlighting specific projects more relevant to the job. A generic resume shows minimal effort. If you want the interview, show you understand what the role requires and that your experience aligns.

As for the cover letter, it’s not just a place to list accomplishments. Show who you are and strike a balance between confidence and curiosity. Highlight what you bring to the table—but also express a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt to the company’s culture and processes. Even with experience, joining a new team means being a sponge.

3. Prepare for Screening Interviews Like You Mean It

When you get a screening call, it’s your chance to show you're not just capable, but also invested. Here's how:

Research the company—beyond their homepage. Know what they do, who they serve, and what their values are.
Be ready to answer: "Why us?" and "What do you know about our work?" Make it personal and specific.
Practice a succinct, clear summary of your experience.
Prepare examples of challenges you've faced and how you handled them—especially those relevant to the role.
Always, always bring thoughtful questions. Not asking anything signals disinterest or a lack of preparation.

4. Your Online Presence Matters—A Lot

If you're applying via LinkedIn or referencing a portfolio site, make sure both are polished and up to date. That means:

A professional (but authentic) photo on your LinkedIn profile.
A clear headline and summary of who you are and what you do.
If you’re open to work, activate the “Open to Work” banner.
Ensure your portfolio represents your style and the kind of work you want to do. Curate it. Show your best, not just everything.

5. Creatives: Let Your Visual Work Speak—But Don’t Forget the Words

Many creatives find it challenging to “sell themselves” in writing. We’re often visual thinkers, not marketers or salespeople. But remember: your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Make them count. If words aren’t your strong suit, consider working with a friend or mentor to tighten them up.

Your visuals show what you can do—but your application materials show that you care, pay attention, and are ready to be part of a team.

What are Shortlisted Exports?(shorties)

ely@theunfounddoor.com (Ely Hemnes) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:45:14 GMT

Shortlisted Exports: Why Quality Content Matters

At The Unfound Door, we’re passionate about creating high-quality video content that truly reflects the essence of your brand. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through our “Shortlisted Exports” – or, as we like to call them, “Shorties.” These curated, professional snippets are crafted to be versatile, visually captivating, and effortlessly shareable, perfect for both interviews and B-roll.

What Are Shortlisted Exports?

Simply put, Shortlisted Exports are professionally edited snippets from your raw footage, condensed into polished, usable clips. Whether it’s an interview or dynamic B-roll, these short, purpose-driven videos are designed to enhance your marketing, communications, and storytelling.

Shorties go beyond just cutting down footage. They are thoughtfully edited to maintain narrative flow, highlight key moments, and present your content in the most engaging way possible. Our team leverages multi-camera angles, high-quality audio, color correction, and precise cutting to make sure your Shorties are visually and audibly flawless.

Why We Provide Shortlisted Exports

Our goal with Shorties is to make your video content work harder for you. By delivering polished, compact clips, we make it easy to incorporate high-quality content into your social media, presentations, and internal communications.

Here’s why they’re essential:

Efficiency in Storytelling: You don’t always need the full-length video to make an impact. Shorties allow you to convey important messages or captivating visuals in a fraction of the time.
Easy Integration: Whether you’re updating your website, creating social media posts, or enhancing a presentation, these high-quality snippets are ready to use without the need for further editing.
Enhanced Engagement: People’s attention spans are short. Presenting the most engaging moments first helps capture your audience right away.
Versatile Format: Delivered in both 4K and 1080 HD mp4 files, our Shorties are compatible with a variety of platforms and editing software, including user-friendly tools like iMovie and Canva.
Professional Quality: We ensure that each Shorty is visually consistent, crisply edited, and professionally balanced in audio, giving your brand a polished, reliable presence.
Empowering Marketers: We know that marketers don’t always have the time, bandwidth, video editing expertise, or computer processing power to open massive raw Premiere files. Shorties are designed to empower you by being easy to use in basic programs like iMovie, Canva, and others.

Why Shorties Matter: Don’t Let Quality Footage Go to Waste

Not all the beautiful footage and sound bites we capture make it into the final edited deliverables. It’s Just the nature of video production – not everything fits the storyline or project goals. However, that doesn’t mean the other great content should go to waste.

That’s why we create Shorties – to give you access to all the best moments that didn’t make it into the final cut. These are long, quality clips without music or fast transitions, perfect for other types of marketing. Whether it’s an extended shot of a project site, a particularly thoughtful interview excerpt, or captivating B-roll, we make sure you get the full value from the footage we’ve captured.

Shorties for Interviews: Showcasing Authenticity

Interviews are often rich with insightful content, but long, unedited takes aren’t always practical for every use case. Our Shortlisted Interview Exports address this by focusing on the highlights – the most authentic, relatable, and impactful moments – and presenting them in a concise, shareable format.

We take special care to eliminate filler words, awkward pauses, and background noise while also using secondary angles to create smooth transitions and keep the visuals dynamic. The end result is an engaging, professional clip that communicates your message clearly and effectively.

Shorties for B-Roll: Visual Storytelling with Impact

B-roll footage can beautifully capture the atmosphere, setting, and essence of your story. However, raw footage can be lengthy and unfocused. Our B-roll Shorties are expertly curated to showcase the most visually compelling moments, allowing you to highlight your environment, team, or project without losing your audience’s interest.

These B-roll Shorties can also serve as moving backgrounds for website banners or tradeshow booths – a perfect way to add a dynamic, professional touch to your visual presence.

The Value of High-Quality Shorties

We believe that high-quality video content is an investment in your brand’s reputation. By creating Shortlisted Exports, we ensure that your footage doesn’t just sit unused or get overlooked because of its length. Instead, you have impactful, professional content ready to use whenever and wherever you need it.

With The Unfound Door’s Shorties, you’re not just getting video clips; you’re getting purposeful, powerful storytelling tools that enhance your brand’s visibility and message.

A Standard in Our Video Packages

Shorties are included in all Full Day Videography Project Scopes at The Unfound Door. We believe in providing our clients with as much value as possible, and including Shorties ensures that you can use the footage we capture in versatile, creative ways long after the main project is completed.

B-Roll and Interview Shorties Samples:

Proudly Trademarked

We’re proud to say that “Shortlisted Exports” is a trademarked service of The Unfound Door. We stand behind the quality and value it brings to our clients and are excited to continue empowering you with content that makes an impact.

Looking to enhance your video strategy with our Shortlisted Exports? Let’s chat! We’d love to help you elevate your brand through the power of high-quality video.

Bringing Brands to Life: Why Animated Logos Make a Lasting Impact

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:15:29 GMT

A great logo tells a story.

An animated logo brings that story to life.

An animated logo is a dynamic version of a brand’s logo that incorporates motion, effects, or transformations to create a more engaging and memorable visual experience. Instead of a static image, an animated logo can move, shift, fade, expand, or morph in a way that reflects the brand’s personality and identity.

These animations can be subtle—like a gentle fade-in or a simple line drawing itself—or more complex, involving 3D effects, fluid transitions, or interactive elements. The goal is to enhance brand recognition, make an impression, and add a level of sophistication to digital content.

Animated logos are often used in video intros, social media content, websites, presentations, and anywhere a brand wants to create a strong, lasting impact. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in how a brand is perceived.

Research published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science found that animated logos with lifelike movements positively influence consumer attitudes, particularly for brands perceived as dynamic. (Lichtlé, 2016).

The ROI of Motion: Why Animation Pays Off

An animated logo isn’t just a design upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in your brand. In an increasingly visual and fast-paced digital environment, brands have just seconds to make a first impression. Motion helps you use those seconds wisely.

Here’s what the ROI of an animated logo looks like in action:

Increased Brand Recall: Studies show that viewers remember animated visuals better than static ones, leading to stronger brand recognition over time.
Higher Engagement: Video content consistently outperforms static posts in terms of clicks, likes, and shares. An animated logo adds professional polish to video intros, boosting viewer retention from the start.
Improved Perception: A clean, thoughtful animation signals that your brand is modern, forward-thinking, and detail-oriented—attributes that build trust.
Stronger Consistency Across Channels: From YouTube and social reels to presentations and digital ads, an animated logo creates a cohesive, professional presence across every platform.
Long-Term Value: Unlike one-off campaigns, an animated logo is evergreen content. Once created, it becomes a versatile brand asset that can be repurposed for years.

In short, an animated logo does more than move—it works.

Motion adds depth, energy, and a lasting impression—turning a simple logo into an experience. Whether it’s a sleek reveal, a dynamic transformation, or subtle movement, animation helps brands stand out in an increasingly digital world. It’s the extra layer of personality that makes people stop, watch, and remember.

But great animation isn’t just about movement—it’s about purpose. Every frame is carefully crafted to reinforce brand identity, ensuring the animation feels natural, intentional, and engaging. It’s where design, storytelling, and technical expertise come together to create something truly memorable.

Interested in taking your logo to the next level?

Reference:

Lichtlé, M. (2016). The Effects of Animated Brand Logos on Consumer Response. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. Retrieved from Gale OneFile .

Expanding Horizons: Nationwide Photography Services

ely@theunfounddoor.com (Ely Hemnes) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:29:26 GMT

Delivering Consistent, High-Quality Photography Services Nationwide While Upholding Your Brand Standards

At The Unfound Door, we’ve always taken pride in providing exceptional photography services to businesses in Denver and the surrounding areas. From headshots to construction site and office lifestyle imagery, and drone photography to corporate events, we’ve built a reputation for delivering quality, creativity, and reliability.

But now, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting expansion: The Unfound Door is now fully equipped to coordinate and execute photography shoots nationwide.

Why Go Nationwide?

Over the years, many of our clients have asked if we could extend our services beyond Colorado. They wanted the same level of quality and professionalism that we’re known for, but in other states where their businesses or projects were based. After carefully planning and building a trusted network of skilled professionals across the country, we’re now ready to meet those needs.

Seamless Coordination, Anywhere

Expanding nationally doesn’t just mean we’re willing to travel. It means we’ve developed a system that ensures consistent quality no matter the location. Here’s how we do it:

Local Expertise: We partner with trusted local photographers who understand the nuances of their areas.
Centralized Project Management: Our Denver-based team oversees every aspect of the project, ensuring seamless communication and quality control.
Advanced Technology: From virtual pre-shoot consultations to cloud-based project reviews, we use cutting-edge tools to stay connected and efficient.
Brand Consistency: We ensure that your brand standards are upheld across every region, delivering visuals that align with your unique identity no matter the location.
Industry Knowledge: Our team’s deep understanding of industry-specific requirements ensures that the photography aligns with your sector’s unique needs and expectations.
High Standards and Equipment: Our Standard Operating Procedures, combined with the use of top-tier photography equipment, ensure that we consistently deliver the highest quality visuals for every project.

Case Study: A Nationwide Campaign

Recently, we partnered with Westwood Professional Services for a campaign requiring cohesive visuals across multiple states. The project included:

Capturing headshots in six cities: Fort Worth, Houston, Kansas City, Pleasanton, Modesto, and Fresno.
Delivering the final assets within a tight deadline of four weeks.

By leveraging our expanded network and centralized management, we:

Organized local teams in each city to execute the shoots.
Coordinated shoot schedules to ensure consistency in style and quality.
Edited and compiled all assets into a cohesive final product.
Maintained the client’s brand standards throughout every stage of the project.

Westwood Professional Services was thrilled with the results, praising our ability to manage such a complex project while maintaining their brand’s vision.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our goal is to bring the same personalized, high-quality service that our Denver clients love to businesses across the nation. Whether you’re a local company expanding your reach or a national brand looking for a trusted partner, The Unfound Door is here to tell your story through powerful visuals.

Explore a selection of portraits from across the nation.

READY TO LEARN MORE?

Why Your Construction Business Should Avoid Stock Photography

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:45:08 GMT

Build Trust Through Authenticity.

In the highly competitive construction industry, establishing a strong and authentic brand presence is essential. While stock photography might seem like a convenient option for your marketing materials, relying on it can undermine your credibility and effectiveness. Here's why your construction business should steer clear of stock images in advertising.

1. Lack of Authenticity

Stock photos are inherently generic, featuring models and settings that don't represent your actual team or projects. This impersonality can make potential clients question the authenticity of your business. They want to see real images of your work and the people who will be handling their projects.

2. Inappropriate Safety Practices

Many stock images depict construction workers without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or engaging in unsafe practices. Using such images can inadvertently signal that your company doesn't prioritize safety regulations, which is a significant concern for clients who value compliance and worker well-being.

3. Overused and Unoriginal Content

Stock photos are accessible to anyone, meaning the same images might be used by multiple companies—even your competitors. This overexposure diminishes your brand's uniqueness and makes it harder for you to stand out in a crowded market .

4. Misaligned Branding

Stock images may not align with your company's specific services, values, or brand identity. This misalignment can create a disconnect between your advertising materials and what your business actually offers, leading to confusion and mistrust among potential clients.

5. Lack of Local Relevance

If your business operates within a particular community or region, stock photos likely won't reflect the local environment or culture. Authentic images that showcase local projects and landmarks can enhance your appeal to clients who prefer businesses with strong community ties .

6. Reduced Client Engagement

Clients are more likely to engage with marketing materials that feature genuine images of your projects and team. Stock photos can appear staged or insincere, which may lead potential clients to question your reliability and commitment to quality.

7. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Using images that don't accurately represent your work can set unrealistic expectations. Clients may feel misled if the quality or style showcased in your advertising doesn't match the services you deliver, leading to dissatisfaction and negative reviews.

8. Missed Storytelling Opportunities

Every construction project has a unique story. Authentic photos allow you to highlight your company's journey, values, and successes. Stock images can't capture these narratives, causing you to miss out on powerful storytelling that can engage and attract clients.

Solution: Invest in Visuals

To overcome these challenges, consider investing in original photography and visual content that genuinely represents your business.

Hire a Professional Photographer

A professional can capture high-quality images of your completed projects, works-in-progress, and team members adhering to safety protocols with appropriate PPE. These images will be unique to your business and can be used across various marketing platforms.

Showcase Your Team and Projects

Featuring your actual team and real projects builds trust and credibility. It allows clients to see the faces behind the work and the quality they can expect from your services.

Highlight Safety Commitment

Demonstrate your dedication to safety by showcasing images of your team following industry-standard safety practices. This reassures clients that you prioritize the well-being of your workers and the integrity of your projects.

Engage with the Community

Use visuals that reflect your involvement in the local community. Whether it's participating in local events or contributing to community projects, authentic images can strengthen your connection with potential clients.

Conclusion

While stock photography might offer a quick fix for your advertising needs, it lacks the authenticity and impact that genuine visuals provide. By investing in original content, you not only differentiate your construction business but also build a stronger, trust-based relationship with your clients. Authentic imagery communicates professionalism, reliability, and a true commitment to excellence—all essential qualities that clients seek in a construction partner.

Elevate your brand by showing the real story behind your success. Your clients will appreciate the transparency and are more likely to choose a business that values authenticity and integrity.

WORKING TOGETHER

Why Work With Us?

We Know A/E/C

We have made the Construction our business for over a decade. We keep up to date with all new OSHA regulations and ensure that everything is safe and accurate.

Woman-Owned Certified

We hold several certifications that your company can leverage. We have the following municipal, state, and federal certifications.

WBE / EBE / DBE / SBE / WOSB

Our Portfolio

Your Brand, Your People, Your Visual Assets.

View Our Portfolios Below.

Why You Should Invest in Professional Photography for Your Company.

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:40:52 GMT

Why You Should Invest in Professional Photography for you Company.

As a company, you want to stand out in your industry and make an impact in the marketplace. One of the best ways to do that is through high-quality photography. Here are some reasons why investing in professional photography is a smart decision for your company:

1. First Impressions Matter

Your potential clients or customers will likely judge your company based on the first images they see. If your website or marketing materials feature poorly lit, low-quality photos, it will reflect poorly on your brand. On the other hand, professional photography can make your company look polished and professional, setting the right tone for future interactions.

2. Showcasing Your Products and Services

Whether you're selling products or services, high-quality photography can help you showcase them in the best possible light. Professional photographers are experts at capturing the essence of your offerings and making them look their best. This can help you attract new customers and increase sales.

3. Stand Out from the Competition

In a crowded marketplace, it's essential to stand out from the competition. Professional photography can give you a competitive edge, making your company look more professional and established than your competitors. This can help you win more business and establish yourself as a leader in your industry.

4. Build Trust with Your Customers

Using professional photography can help you build trust with your customers. High-quality images show that you care about the details and are willing to invest in your business. This can help you build a loyal customer base that trusts and respects your brand.

5. Versatility and Reusability

Investing in professional photography means you'll have a library of high-quality images that you can use for a variety of purposes. From social media posts to marketing materials to website banners, professional photography can be repurposed in many ways. This can save you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, professional photography is a smart investment for any company. It can help you make a great first impression, showcase your products and services, stand out from the competition, build trust with your customers, and provide versatility and reusability. So go ahead and invest in professional photography, and watch your business grow!

Check out our services!

The Importance of Copyright

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:24:02 GMT

Allow us to provide clarity on the topic of copyright in the creative industry. This area is often complex and clients frequently have questions and concerns.

Copyright refers to the legal right that a creator has over their original work. In terms of photography or videography, the photographer or videographer holds the copyright as the creator of the work.

Think of it in terms of a painter and their artwork. The painter holds the copyright as they created the piece, regardless of who owns it. In the same manner, the photographer or videographer holds the copyright as the creator of the photo or video.

As a client, you are granted specific rights by the creator through agreement. These rights typically include exclusive use of the work. This would be equivalent to owning the painting and having the ability to display it in your home, office, or business.

In some cases, the creator may also use the work for their marketing purposes, which is often reflected in the contract. However, we understand the desire for confidentiality and are happy to accommodate if the client requests that the work not be shared.

This complex system is a common practice in the creative field, providing protection for both the artist and the client. The end result is a beautiful work of art that is enjoyed by all.

If you have any questions regarding the distinction between copyright and usage rights, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Understanding the intricacies of these rights is a crucial aspect of our services, and we are committed to ensuring that all of our clients are informed and confident in their rights. Let's work together to navigate this complex topic and ensure a clear understanding for all involved.

Considerations for Your Next Headshot Session

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:59:05 GMT

Before scheduling your photography session, we would like to provide some recommendations and considerations to help you get the most out of your headshots.

Here are our top three tips...

1. Consider the style and look you want to achieve with your headshots. Do you want to convey a corporate and professional image, or would you prefer to show the individual personalities of your team? This will help guide the type of backgrounds, poses, and other details that will be included in your headshots.

2. Consider the backgrounds you'd like to utilize for your session. We offer two options: a solid color backdrop or an environmental background. The solid color backdrop provides a clean and consistent look, while the environmental background can add visual interest and a sense of place. You can also choose to have both options for added flexibility!

3. Consider how you want your team's photos to look together. Do you want each person's headshot to be cropped and framed in the same way, or do you prefer a more varied and unique look? We can work with you to find the right balance of consistency.

Check out some recent examples below, and email us at ely@theunfoundoor.com to inquire about booking a shoot for yoruself or your team!

Project Highlight: Fransen Pittman Storytelling Series

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:33:14 GMT

There is no greater storytelling tool for your business than video!

We recently had the pleasure of creating a series of videos for Fransen Pittman Construction to tell the story of one of their team members, Saeed Saeed. His history and journey to Fransen Pittman is inspirational, and it was an honor to get to showcase his story, and how much the construction industry and Fransen Pittman mean to him.

Saeed’s personal experience serves as the perfect example of Fransen Pittman Construction’s culture, and their mission to help everyone succeed. This video is a short take on the culture at Fransen Pittman, but you can head to our blog to view the longer version as well as some additional footage the team plans to use for their website, trade booths and more. Check out all the videos in the playlist, and some photos from our time together below!

Project Highlight: Iron Woman Construction New Hire Video

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:24:41 GMT

This was another fun project f or Iron Woman Construction & Environmental Services !

Iron Woman Construction works hard to create opportunities for their current, contract, and new employees to grow within the company. They provide a multitude of unique benefits that help not only themselves but their family's health and happiness. This video was created to help potential hires hear what current team members believe are the most impactful perks of working with this company.

We know how challenging it can be to find new team members that match your company's culture and expertise, but we are here to help!

Check out the full video below!

AGC Colorado 2022 ACE Awards Presentation Videos

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:33:45 GMT

Congratulations to all of this year’s AGC Colorado ACE Award winners!

This event was the biggest night of the year for the construction industry here in Colorado and was an absolutely spectacular showcase and celebration of the variety of innovative projects completed this year.

It was such a privilege to be a part of this incredible event and to be able to capture and produce videos of each category to honor the nominees and winners.

Check out the gallery and videos below!

If you’d like to download or share any photos or videos from this event, please email us at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Project Highlight: NACA Inspired Schools Network Funding Video Series

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:01:31 GMT

It was an absolute honor to work with NACA and the wonderful surrounding community!

NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) is a New Mexico-based organization that supports leaders throughout the nation to create excellent schools, as well as educational and cultural opportunities for the indigenous communities that they serve.

NISN recently received a grant from the Department of Education to create easily accessible educational content for school and community leaders that are looking to build a charter school, and we had the pleasure of creating a series of videos to help with the process of seeking funding opportunities, setting up facilities, and weaving a rigorous academic curriculum with cultural identity.

Check out the full five-video series below!

Project Highlight: Swinerton Resource Group Motion Graphic Video

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:02:35 GMT

One of the many things we love about the Swinerton team is that they prioritize inclusion, and celebrate and support all of their people!

Swinerton provides various Business Resource Groups as a part of their growing DEO initiatives to be inclusive and supportive to their teams across the nation. These motion graphic videos were created to start conversations during Construction Inclusion Week.

We had a wonderful time animating this video! If you have any questions or would like to inquire about our animation services, please email us at ely@theunfoundoor.com.

Project Highlight: The Stanley Hotel

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:30:07 GMT

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a staple for travelers everywhere. Whether it be because you are enjoying the Colorado landscapes and what comes with the natural splendor, or you love The Shining by Steven King, which was inspired by this iconic location.

Recently, Saunders Heath and MOA Architecture renovated the Caretaker's Cottage with remnants of The Stanley's past, as well as transformed spaces into those from The Shining (does anyone remember the scene in the Green Bathroom?). We were so excited about being part of this project.

This was such a wonderful project, and we are in love with the photos we captured alongside Kyla

Chambers!

Project Highlight: Animations for Engineering Economics Inc.

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 19:08:14 GMT

Engineering Economics Inc. (EEI) have a unique software "built by engineers to prove building performance, and continues to be flexible adapting to needs of the daily operation of your facility" called BalanceCx.

They wanted to show its value by creating a promo video using animations, virtual interview with a team leader, recordings of BalanceCx, stock footage, and title graphics. We think it turned out pretty great!

Even if your company is limited on creative assets (i.e. photography, videography, graphics, etc.), we can still create magic with animations, and will work with you to find a great option for your vision and budget.

Check out the video we did for Engineering Economics Inc. below! Email us at ely@theunfounddoor.com for more information about animations for your business!

Project Highlight: AVAJEN Company Videos

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:21:11 GMT

Recently, we had the pleasure of completing marketing and promotional videos for powerhouse IT company, AVAJEN.

AVAJEN recently launched a new website, and have been expanding their business rapidly, so their digital assets were in need of a major overhaul. We created these videos to fully encapsulate their services/differentiators, client testimonials, team for recruiting efforts, and overall awesomeness! We created a variety of videos including client testimonials, team interviews, new client introductions, promotional clips, and more that you can check out below!

If you need attentive and experienced IT Services for your company, we highly recommend reaching out to AVAJEN.

For more details about video services for your business, visit our videography page here , or send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Project Highlight: Environmental Headshots for April Hermann

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:49:46 GMT

We're firm believers that big life changes should be captured, and we were honored to capture these new headshots for April Hermann as she transitions to a new role as Principal at Downstream, Creators of Memorable & Unique Education + Sports Designs. April is well-known and respected in the A/E/C industry, and such an incredible woman, we know she is going to do amazing things in this new role.

For this headshot session, we explored the Denver Art Museum district in Downtown Denver, and took advantage of the various colors, textures, environments and backgrounds to highlight her vibrant personality. Finding a space that suits each of our individual headshot sessions is so important to us, and we're always happy to work with your ideas, and help find the perfect space for you.

Scroll down to view more photos from April's session, and send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com to book a headshot session or ask a question.

Project Highlight: Promotional and Tutorial Videos for Honeycomb Gardens

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:09:00 GMT

We are delighted to show off these "how-to" and promotional videos we put together with the amazing team over at Honeycomb Gardens. Utilizing "stop-motion" techniques, we were able to give a fresh presentation to the "how-to" genre that equally satisfied our creative urges and tastefully reflected the spirit over at Honeycomb Gardens.

Honeycomb Gardens is an amazing venture that delivers beautiful, professionally designed plant collections straight to your door, and continues with educational support going all season to help you get the best results!

Check out both their promotional videos and how-to videos below. For more information about promo or educational videos for your company or brand, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Project Highlight: PROJEX Video Series

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:56:26 GMT

It's always a pleasure working with our friends at PROJEX! The "Who We Are" video series we completed for them explores the history, purpose and drive of the company told from the perspectives of Co-Founders Matt and Hal. With these two videos, we were able to highlight what makes PROJEX different, as well as the importance of their client relationships.

Watch the videos below to learn more about PROJEX where individualized, tailored, custom workplace requirements are met. A unique Denver company with a culture that fosters an imbued commitment to excellence in all endeavors. Visit www.projex-inc.com for more information about their company, and send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com to learn more about how we can help showcase your business through creative videography services.

Headshot Tips for Your Next Session

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:30:02 GMT

We know being in front of the camera can be intimidating, especially when you're solo. Which is why we wanted to share a few of our best tips for feeling your most confident, and looking your best!

Dress for your role. Your headshots should represent you realistically, and may be someone's first impression of you, so dress how you would normally dress when making a first impression in person!
Wear layers. Layers help you easily switch up your look so we can capture a few different outfits without you having to change each time.
Wear what makes you feel most confident. When you feel confident, you look confident! Nothing is more distracting that fidgeting with clothes that don't fit well or that don't make you feel amazing.
Stay away from flashy jewelry and busy patterns. Both of these things distract from YOU!
Wear your hair and makeup like you normally would. Avoiding anything you wouldn't wear on a daily basis in real life.
Avoid a hair cut right before your session. Just in case it isn't just the way you wanted!
Listen to your photographers direction. We've done this before - no matter how weird it may feel, we promise all of our direction is to help you look your best!
Smile and have fun! Enjoy the moment! Blast your favorite music, and remember what a powerful badas* you are!

Have questions about headshots, or want more tips? Don't hesitate to shoot us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Capturing SwinHERton in Colorado, Georgia, and California

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:22:31 GMT

Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of getting to travel around the country to capture the strong leading ladies of Swinerton for Women in Construction Week.

We are beyond honored to have gotten to join them in celebrating these amazing women, and to have gotten to create powerful photo and video content for them in Colorado, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. We captured 9 female interviews across 5 job sites in three states, and had such a blast getting to work with and get to know these wonderful women.

We were able to provide them with hundreds of photos for marketing and commemoration, as well as several videos including behind-the-scenes content. Check it out below!

To learn more about our travel photography and videography services, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Elevate Your Brand with Professional Product Photography

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 21:54:53 GMT

While product photography may seem simple, there's certainly an art to capturing images that showcase your product in action and encompass who you are as a brand. Custom product photos can help set your brand apart, and help with brand recognition.

When it comes to product photography, we offer services customized to fit your needs and your brand. We offer two types of product photography; Drop Shadow with Solid Background and Staged Product Photography. Drop shadow photos are great for product listings on your website, while staged product photos offer your audience an opportunity to see your products in a real-life setting.

We recently shot individual product drop shadow photos as well as lifestyle product photography for C60 Purple Power to highlight their beautiful packaging as well as showcase how to use their products. These photos will be used across marketing materials, social media, and on their website. For more information about product photography, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Browse the photos below!

Honoring Colorado Contractors Association's 2022 Pioneers

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:58:10 GMT

Every year, The Colorado Contractors Association (CCA) honors Pioneers in the construction industry who have made a significant contribution to the infrastructure of Colorado. We are so honored to have gotten to help them highlight this year's Pioneers, which include Ben Connell - Chairman of the Board of Connell Resources, Jack Goodell - CEO of Goodell Machinery and Construction, Dan O'Dea - Chief Pre-Construction Manager at Concrete Express Inc, and Jim Kirkland - General Partner at Kirkland Construction.

Getting to sit down with family, friends and long-time employees to listen to them speak about these trailblazing men was beyond touching and inspiring. From facilitating these virtual interviews, to editing the final videos, we're so proud to have gotten to put together these videos to really encapsulate who these men were and the lives they touched through their work.

Check out the videos below!

Brand Identity: The Importance of Custom Brand Photos for Your Business

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 22:48:12 GMT

Humans are highly visual creatures, and your photos are going to be one of the first things potential clients or customers notice about your brand. We’re able to make connections and process visual information almost instantaneously, and an individuals decision to trust, engage, or commit is made in milliseconds. When it comes to make a lasting impression, a photo really is worth a thousand words, and as your brand grows, your photography should reflect that. Here are a few reasons why custom photography for your brand is more than worth the investment:

1. i Custom photos build trust and enhance your user experience.

Ever visit a website full of stock photos and question whether or not the business is legit? Us too. Custom photos allow you to humanize your brand by showcasing your personality and products and services in a unique way. People aren’t just interested in what you’re selling; they’re interested in the "why" and custom photography helps individuals relate to you and understand you better than copy alone. Custom photos provide users with a sense of authenticity and transparency you can't get without them.

2. They aid in brand recognition.

Powerful and harmonious photos are more memorable and more likely to stand out to consumers than stock photos they've seen before. When someone sees your photos, you want them to instantly know they're yours!

3. Custom photos are reusable in so many areas of your business!

Not only do custom brand photos make your website look amazing, they can be reused for everything from social media and marketing materials, to brochures, ads and so much more. The ROI on custom photography is tremendous!

Check out these beautiful rebrand photos we just shot for our friend Julie at Business Rewritten, and send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com to inquire about booking your own branding shoot!

Digital Marketing Checklist

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 22:12:17 GMT

How can I effectively spend my marketing budget for 2022?

Last week, we discussed how we can help you plan your creative assets for next year and this week, we’re providing you with an inclusive list of digital assets that we provide businesses to help inspire ideas, and help you brainstorm things you may not have thought of but that can add great value to your business and your marketing efforts.

With all of our services we include the following:

Discovery
Pre-Production: The Planning and Logistics
Production: The active creation and fun.
Post-Production: Finalization and Delivery
Usage Rights: Yes, Full Usage Rights
Collaboration: We want you to be part of the process and success. Therefore we provide proofing galleries (with most services) so that you select your images for retouching. Drafts of videos and draft review meetings to fine-tune your final products. Communication, Expertise, and Support ;) Professional Direction and Logistical Coordination Included.
Secure and shareable online delivery with digital downloads.

To learn more about our processes, click here!

From photography and videography, to consulting and things like animated logos and graphics, we’ve got you covered!

Preparing for the New Year: Budgets and Discovery

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:04:39 GMT

Let’s talk about new year planning…

We understand that budgeting and preparing for creative assets can be challenging. With so many choices available, determining what your business can afford, what it *actually* needs and how specific assets will serve your business can feel totally overwhelming - but we’re here to help!

We believe in guiding all of our current and potential clients through this journey regardless of where you currently are in it. We have spent years perfecting our questionnaire to help you organize your ideas and gather all of the information you’ll need. We also offer quick “Discovery” calls if you’d prefer to chat through your vision and get advice and more customized options.

This collaborative correspondence with our clients is super important to us and our goal is always to empower you with all of the options available to you, and this back-and-forth gives us the best insight into what you truly want and what you are working with budget-wise. Transparency and service is the name of our game, and having these conversations now will reduce the pressure during "crunch time".

For more information or to set up a call, email us at ely@theunfounddoor.com .

To download Our Values Guide with more information about us, our services, and the importance of photography and videography for your business, click the button below.

To download Project Photography Questionnaire for an overview on how our process works, click the button below.

To download our Headshot and Portrait Photography Guide with more information about how services work, pricing, and more, click the button below.

Take a Look Inside the New Ed Robson Arena at Colorado College

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 22:00:08 GMT

Take a look inside the new Robson Arena and Yalich Student Center at Colorado College!

This arena is a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art, sustainable sporting event venue that benefits both the college and the City of Colorado Springs by offering a space for a variety of events, including Olympic events. The arena will also further Colorado College’s commitment to sustainable design with a carbon-neutral, net-zero energy goal.

We originally completed photography for Concepts in Millwork at the Robson Arena right as they completed construction, and recently had the pleasure of returning to capture even more of the beautiful spaces inside the arena and the student center for the project’s general contractor, Nunn Construction.

"Ely and her team at TheUnfoundDoor were an absolute breeze to work with. From start to finish, the whole experience was professional and very organized. Their upfront coordination was highly impressive; asking the right questions on my expectations for the photos which instantly put me at ease. I felt confident that getting photos of our highly complex project with multiple user groups was in good hands. Some unforeseen conditions popped up the day of the shoot and they went above and beyond to coordinate the rest of the shots from my list while I was out of town, staying in touch with me the whole time. Delivery of the finished photos was made easy through their online gallery system. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend TheUnfoundDoor to any firm in the AEC industry looking for high-quality project photography and can’t wait to work with Ely and her team on another shoot!" - Rachel Short, Marketing Manager for Nunn Construction

Nothing brings us more joy than hearing feedback like these, and getting to be a part of cool projects with you.

“It is hard to put into words what this means for our campus and community,” Colorado College Vice President and Director of Athletics Lesley Irvine said during an interview with Fox News. “Ed Robson Arena will enhance our ability to compete, however, the opportunity to build community on campus and within the city is beyond exciting. This was a transformational day for Colorado College.”

We applaud everyone who was a part of this project, and can’t wait to watch the Tigers play here this winter!

Scroll down for a look inside the space! Click the images to expand them.

Pikes Peak Transformation Project

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:27:50 GMT

Pikes Peak is one of the most visited mountains in the world, and the summit is a National Historic Landmark that has been one of Colorado’s top tourist attractions for decades! During it’s construction, the Summit Complex was the highest ongoing construction project in North America (over 14k feet!), and we had the absolute pleasure of getting to capture it from start to finish!

Back in 2019, we spent a day with the team of GE Johnson documenting a day in a life of the workers who planned, prepared and built this beautiful space. This challenging project created a facility that takes advantage of the inspiring views and natural beauty of Pikes Peak, and that offers a Visitor Center, a Utilities facility and a High-Altitude Research Laboratory. It is an amazing feat for the men and women at GE Johnson to work in those difficult conditions every day at the summit of a high peak. It was not only challenging to get their equipment and resources to the location, it was also hard on their bodies. They were diligent at doing "Stretch & Flex" (morning stretching routine) to prepare their bodies for the hard day of work at that altitude. And the cold!

This July and October we returned to the peak to shoot the continued progress for Concepts in Millwork , EVAC North America , Lyons Sandstone , MAPEI , and GE Johnson. We showed up before sunrise to capture the stunning views, and were able to photograph all major spaces, including the exterior, exterior overlook, main stunning lobby, cafe, museum, and more. We also documented important details like the Pikes Peak Marker!

Many of these companies submitted the images for project awards, and the work they put into this project is certainly worthy of praise.

This project was a labor of love and intention by the City of Colorado Springs, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Colorado Springs Utilities, GE Johnson, and many others, and getting to see it come full circle is truly incredible. We are proud to have photographed this project throughout the last few years with such amazing clients.

Check out the photos below! To view the full image, simply click the photo.

If you would like to purchase these images for download, please send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Conversations with Business Developers

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:09:09 GMT

Do you know what a Business Developer *actually* does?

Last month, Kimberly Wybenga, Marketing Manager of Mark Young Construction, reached out to me to have a honest conversation to help demystify what Business Developers do.

"Nonbusiness developers especially seem to have opinions of people who work in the business development (BD) field. Coworkers might think business developers don’t work that much since they’re not in the office as much as they are. Whereas if you ask business developers’ family or significant others, they see us coming home after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. many nights and getting up before they want to pry their eyes open. Our families probably think we work too much and need to balance hours. Other people think we’re always going out and having fun," wrote Kimberly in her article about the project for MARKETER.

We teamed up to gather a few other Business Developers in our circle and were able to have some amazing, open and transparent conversations about what Business Developers in the A/E/C industry do, who they are, and what makes them special to help shed light on all of the elements of this dynamic role.

This was a “just for fun (and education!)” project, and it was honor to be a part of these casual, but important, conversations to help celebrate individuals like us who are working every day to build their business. We are so grateful to Kimberly for organizing these conversations, and are touched by the feedback so far.

“Great work, Kimberly! Thanks for sharing your insights. BD often is a "catch all" in this industry. Finding your unique ROI as a business developer and being able to clearly articulate it to your firm and the industry is critical to your success.”

~ Krista Trofka, Mastermind Host, Relationship Builder, AEC GrowthLab

“Love these videos and your mission to share what BD is. Most of this can be applied to Marketers too. People often assume my job is social media and advertising, but it’s so much more. We are the face of our companies and represent the industry as a whole. Impressive lineup in these videos too!”

~ Susie Lanners, Marketing Coordinator, Iron Woman Construction

“Great comment on Biz Dev being a gardening project (thus needing a long-term outlook).”

~ Peter Hodges, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Precision Contracting

“Great article, Kimberly Wybenga, so many on-target points!"

~ Helene Jewett, Principal Owner, Strategic Development Services

This four part series includes conversations with Kimberly, myself, Alejandra Spray, and Conor Ryan, and touches on things like busting myths, the importance of having a good business developer, and so much more!

You can check out the conversations below, and read Kimberly’s full MARKETER article here.

Kimberly Wybenga - Conversations with Business Developers

Ely Hemnes - Conversations with Business Developers

Alejandra Spray - Conversations with Business Developers

Conor Ryan - Conversations with Business Developers

The Value of Video: 5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs It

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:31:30 GMT

It's no secret that the world is falling more in love with video each day, as Youtube numbers reach a record of 1 billion hours watched per day, and apps like TikTok and Instagram remain the top downloaded apps month after month. Brands are becoming increasingly aware of what their consumers (and potential clients!) want, and video is undeniably at the top of the list. We love numbers here, so below we're sharing our top five reasons for why your business needs videos, and how it can add incredible value to your brand - with the numbers to prove it!

1. Videos attract attention.

In 2021, the average person watches approximately 16 hours of online videos per week, which is 52% more than just two years ago. Video holds 5x more attention than photos, so it doesn't come as a huge surprise that video is able to capture and hold attention for hours on end.

2. Videos provide a high return on investment.

87% of video marketers report that video gives them a positive return on investment, and marketers who incorporate video into their campaigns experience 34% higher conversion rates! Not to mention - attaching a video in an email can lead to a 200-300% increase in CTR.

3. Videos build trust.

With video, your message and culture have more room to shine through, and it allows your viewers to really see your personality, style, etc. Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text.

4. Videos influence action.

According to recent research, 55% of users/consumers watch videos before making any decisions. Don't just tell them how great your team, product, service, etc. is - show them, and inspire them!

5. Videos help define your brand.

Video is a quick way to highlight your brand, differentiators, and personality even without audio! They allow viewers to get an inside look, and help bring your brand down to a personal level.

Video marketing offers businesses an appealing, versatile and easily shareable tool to reach their audience, and we want to help make the process easy, and efficient for your team. To learn more, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com, or check out our video page . To watch some of our videos, head to our Youtube page here!

Event Photography and Live Streaming: Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers Retirement Celebration

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 23:02:23 GMT

’Tis the season for celebrating your people - no matter where you are!

We recently had the pleasure of completing event photography as well as live streaming for the Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers Retirement Celebration where they celebrated in-person and virtual retirements from 2020 and 2021. This was such a special event to be a part of because it allowed this team to celebrate with everyone who wanted to be involved, regardless of where they were.

For this particular event, we live streamed directly to the clients Youtube account, and helped them with in-person audio and AV as well. Check out the stream, as well as some preview images from the day below!

We were so glad to be part of this celebration, and we want to help you get your entire team, family, friends, etc. involved from far and wide as you start to plan holiday events. Shoot us a message, or an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com to learn more about live streaming services and event packages!

Swinerton Topping Off Ceremony: The Importance of Quality Construction Images

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:47:48 GMT

What an honor it was to celebrate the topping off of the Block 162 building in the heart of downtown Denver with our clients, Swinerton!

With construction sites, it is especially important to capture quality imagery at individual construction sites or events like these, because they only happen once and can serve as an incredible way to showcase your work. We always recommend capturing important milestones like a Topping Off ceremony, OSHA Stand Downs, or vital meetings with GC, subcontractors, and the client. The Unfound Door provides usage rights so that your company can use the images without restrictions for future marketing and communication purposes.

Over the years, we have a lot of experience on construction sites, and safety and adaptability is the name of our game!

For this shoot, we began with some lifestyle shots of the construction site. It was the perfect day for a 360 view at the top level of the building, capturing the amazing Swinerton and subcontractor teams hard at work. The views were spectacular in every direction, and wherever we went we were met with laughter, smiles, and thumbs ups!

Later in the day, we captured the Topping Off ceremony when the final beam was placed. This momentous occasion was followed by lunch, gifts, and congratulations to all involved (and a great adherence to the social distancing and mask wearing guidelines). This was such a great event with amazing people and we know this beautiful glass building will add to the cityscape of Denver and be admired for years to come!

A huge congratulations to everyone who worked on this stunning project!

For more information about our construction photography services, visit our Photography page, or send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

To view more photos of this event, click here.

Timelapse Videos: What They Are and How They Can Work For Your Business

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:26:42 GMT

Timelapse videos are a cinematic tool that adds movement to your video and helps show the passage of time. They are the perfect way to capture a construction project, renovation, art project, and more!

We offer both standard timelapse videos, as well as hyperlapse videos, that involves a camera moving in 3D space, adding another dimension to your video project. You can learn more about both types of videos from my partner Graham with Black Dove Studios in the video below.

We offer timelapse videos as an addition to a larger video project, or as an individual service!

To learn more about our timelapse video services, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Small Business Assets: How We Can Help Your Small Business Thrive Online

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:20:04 GMT

As more and more small businesses are moving much of their sales & marketing online because of COVID-19, it can feel overwhelming trying to make the transition as smooth and effective as possible. Your visual brand should be impactful, genuine, and professional, and that's where we can help!

We provide services such as:

➡ Brand strategy

➡ Photography , including portraits, lifestyle, products, spaces, etc.

➡ Videography, including promotional videos, tutorials, social campaign videos, highlight reels, and more.

➡ Social media management

➡ Website design and development, including e-commerce!

…as well as creative direction to give your business everything it needs to thrive in our current context.

To learn more about us, our services, and how we can best help your business, visit the "Our Services" tab above!

We're so excited to get to know you and your business.

What Is a Creative Director, and Why Do You Need One?

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:15:41 GMT

If you've been feeling a little overwhelmed and confused about your creative direction as a business lately, you're not alone. We want to help you get organized, and effectively and efficiently execute a plan for your business through our Creative Direction services.

You may be wondering...

What is a Creative Director?

Regardless of the industry, a creative director is the guiding force behind a creative team’s overall course from start to finish. They develop vision, form big-picture decisions, map out future results, and implement the creative philosophy set by the team while matching the client’s objectives. The creative director is also a fulcrum between the creatives and clients. A creative director's role goes beyond being an innovation idea generator. It is essential that creative directors quarterback all communications, effectively and efficiently manage internal and external teams, and also inspire diverse creative perspectives.

What does a Creative Director Do?

A creative director will help manage meetings, document brainstorming/pre-production sessions, and spearhead the start-to-finish concepts of the project. Setting and meeting the parameters set out in the initial meetings is the objective. An effective creative director will also champion both creative and client teams by being open to other people’s opinion and concepts. During the production process, creative directors can also take the role of art directors, producers, and creatives themselves.

Why Is Creative Director Valuable to Your Project?

Having a creative director on your team allows you to propel your imagination without fear of losing the big picture or initial objective. They can help you untether your ideas, reach higher levels of creativity while still documenting the journey and building a plan-of-action. Stellar communication, problem-solving, and project management skills are also attributes of a great creative director.

For more information about our creative direction services, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com.

Landscape Photography Tips

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:10:00 GMT

Whether you are using your professional DSLR/Mirrorless Camera or your phone, you can capture stunning imagery with a few simple considerations.

Location, Location, Location: Landscape Photography is as much about planning, as it is about taking the photos. Take time to do your research of the area ahead of time. On the day, walk the location and find the right angles and composition that speaks to you.

Time of Day: The best time of day to shoot is “Golden Hour”. As the sun sets, the light grows softer and is not as harsh. Colors are vibrant and contrast is greater. If you would prefer brighter high noon light for your landscapes, consider how best to position the camera in relation to your subject to minimize lens flare.

Consult Your Equipment: Having a Tripod will allow you to capture the highest quality landscapes as it will stabilize your shots. This will allow you to try out HDR and long exposure techniques. Wide lenses will also give you the larger-than-life perspective. Polarizing and Graduated ND Filters can help with manipulating the available light and enhancing natural elements such as colors.

Maximize the Depth of Field: Usually landscape photos require the foreground and background to be sharp, therefore a f8 or higher are utilized. With that said, a shallower depth of field can be a powerful creative tool. Try out many different apertures to accomplish your desired look.

Consider Composition: The “Rule-Of-Thirds” is sure way to aesthetically-pleasing imagery that is balanced and provides easy focus for your eye. Practice and train yourself with the Rule-of-Thirds, and then learn to break the rule. By purposefully breaking the rule, you can push your artistry.

GET CREATIVE:

Create Perspective and Movement with People
Take Advantage of Reflections: Photographing locations with calm smooth waters provide an added layer of symmetry.
Change Your Vertical Focus: There is more to see beyond eye level, try getting to higher ground for a longer more vast perspective.
Lengthen Your Exposure: If you like the look of motion in your images, slow down your shutter speed (on a DSLR), set-up on a tripod, and allow a long exposure to blur the movement for dynamic shots that come alive!

Experiment and Get Out There!

We hope these tips help you capture your favorite spot! If you try any of them out, be sure to tag us @theunfounddoor so we can see them!

Introducing: Kid's Photo Modeling Adventure!

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:27:24 GMT

Looking for something fun to do with your little ones that will get them out of the house? We have just the thing!

My photography partner, Kristin, is one of many parents who have mentioned to me that keeping their kids busy with fun, unique activities right now is challenging, especially now that school is out for the summer.

So last week, Kristin, her effervescent daughter Leela, and I ran around Denver to discover fun places for Leela to model. (We even stopped for a snack to support a local business called Leven to keep our energy up! I mean, how cute is their pick-up window?!) We also did a little scavenger hunt to find certain colors or subjects which made it more engaging for a young lady. And of course, Kristin and Leela got some fun mommy and me shots together! You can check out more photos here.

We had so much fun on this shoot and we know you will too. Therefore, we are offering engaging "Photo Modeling Adventure Shoots" for you and your kids! These fun, quick shoots are a great summer activity that give you and your kids an opportunity to explore Denver (and surrounding areas/parks) and get outside. Plus, you'll get fun unique photos at the end of it! This isn't your typical "family session" - it is a photographic adventure that your kids will remember!

Kid's Photographic Adventure Portrait Sessions will include:

1 Hour of Adventure Photography
Many Locations Options in Colorado (parks, downtown areas, neighborhoods, etc.)
A Minimum of 30 Retouched Images
1 Fun GIF
Easy Shareable Online Gallery with Digital Download Usage Rights

To book a shoot or learn more, send us an email at ely@theunfounddoor.com, or click the button below!