OBATA is a photography and video production studio located in St. Louis. Our photographers specialize in people and locations from around the world. We cover assignments in both still photography and video in the studio and on location.
Our studio helps businesses build their image and brand assets. We do this by shooting original photography and video content. This digital imagery helps them tell their brand story.
We adopted and embraced digital imaging technology from its beginning and continually invest in new technology as it advances.
Decades of experience across a number of industries
We bring more than 40 years of experience to our video and photography planning, pre-production and post-production services.
Our photography and video assignments cover more than 35 countries across 5 continents.
LOCAL RECOGNITION
Experience
How we work
We work with our clients for each assignment to build a shot list and agenda, schedule, scout locations, and work through resource and travel logistics.
Our goal is to limit any surprises before shooting whether on location or in the studio. However, when the unexpected takes place, our team responds accordingly delivering the best possible results every time.
We typically shoot both digital photography and video b-roll footage for most assignments. In addition, we can record audio on location or in our audio recording session room.
We have built a reputation for creating stunning digital images for a broad range of studio and location photography assignments.
Broad assignment experience:
- Corporate photography
- Executive and employee portraiture
- ESG photography
- Annual report photography
- Marketing photography
- Drone photography
- Brand image libraries
Industry experience:
- Professional services
- Healthcare
- Industrial
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Technology
- Consumer products
Brand Image Libraries
OBATA creates and curates brand image libraries that tell your company’s story.
What is a brand image library?
Brand image libraries are images and stock video footage shot by a professional photographer.
Building brand assets
These images and footage build your company’s brand assets. They become the components of your brand library. And, your company. owns them, which means you can use them freely across a variety of communications.
Imagine a library of images at your disposal of your employees, facilities, and customers. These images speak to your brand more than any stock image could.
What’s the benefit of a brand image library?
We believe that image authenticity, relevancy, and ownership are important benefits over generic stock photography and video footage. Benefits include:
- We make your images real, unique, and ownable
- Image brand assets can be used freely across various corporate and marketing communications
- Creating image libraries enables you to maximize your social and digital marketing reach, and
- More importantly, maximizes your return on investment.
Safety
Safety is always our first priority.
We work with clients during our planning and pre-production process. We identify potential situations that could need extra safety precautions or on-site training.
When on location, we also apply situational awareness gained through years of experience. When shooting aerial video footage and photography with our drone, we adhere to FAA guidelines.
Photography & Video Production Services
Planning and pre-production services
Planning
Outline shot list, scheduling, resource and travel logistics
Talent review and casting
Many of our assignments feature client employees, customers, and/or suppliers. When outside talent is required, we work to find the best fit.
Script writing and interview guidance
Scripts for video narration are edited for tone and timing, with consideration of how they work with images and graphics. Interview goals must be clear, and interview subjects need to be prepared, but not coached.
Video mood board and storyboard development
We develop mood boards to represent images, materials, pieces of text, graphics, intended to evoke or project a particular style or concept. In short, a visual representation of what the aesthetic look and tone of the video would be. Separately, we develop storyboards to graphically represent how your video will unfold. We use several pictures representing each shot, with notes about what’s being said in the script during that shot.
Production services
Image capture
We shoot ultra-high resolution images and video b‑roll footage. This provides a high-quality and versatile range of image applications. These applications range from social media to large display prints.
Audio recording sessions
Our team can record audio on location or in our audio recording room. We provide transcriptions for review, then do an audio edit for final review, before our final audio polish. We have teleprompters to help with interviews, or speeches, as needed.
Post-production services
Digital image processing
After images are shot, we then import and process them for analysis and further manipulation. Image files are cataloged and archived on our storage server.
Image optimization
We deliver high-quality images in the right format, dimension, and resolution for print and web applications
Photo illustration and retouching
Our digital artists are skilled at photo retouching, image assembly, photo illustration, and 3D modeling.
Image asset storage
We offer safe and redundant storage and off‑site backup of all image assets.
Motion graphics and animation services
Motion graphics and animation are unique ways to communicate with your audience. We combine visual communication, motion storytelling, and audio to create content that will help share your brand story. It will reach people in different ways, and present your message in a captivating way. Our motion graphics have been used for a variety of multimedia assignments including teaching, marketing, spreading social awareness, and training.
Drone video and photography services
Our drone photographer is FAA 107 licensed and is fully insured. Our FAA-certified drone operators safely capture aerial footage that produces stunning visuals from a unique and dynamic perspective.