IntEx Imaging - Our history and what’s new for 2021!
Welcome to my blog! My name is Cole Niawchuk and I am the founder and operator of IntEx Imaging.
Since IntEx Imaging is expanding our client base and services, let’s review what we offer and how we make our clients lives easier.
IntEx Imaging is a one-stop-shop for all things photography and videography for clients in the architecture, design, engineering, construction, and luxury real estate sectors. We strive to put out only the highest quality work that increases the reputation and sets our clients apart. The other benefit of working with IntEx Imaging is the time savings of working with one party instead of multiple parties (a photographer, a videographer, a drone operator, etc) while saving them time by working with only one v. To support this, IntEx Imaging has invested in a variety of equipment such as mirrorless cameras, tilt-shift lenses, a nearly bomb proof tripod that extends over 11’, the best tripod head for architecture photography, a gimbal and top notch lenses for video, etc. (Note top self: future blog topics). To elevate things, we have also invested in two drones and have obtained advanced certification from Transport Canada to fly them almost anywhere. We have since expanded to offer 360 virtual tours for marketing and construction tracking purposes, which I will discuss more later!
Originally, IntEx Imaging’s main focus was to provide the highest quality marketing materials in the form of photos and videos, however, our clients’ needs have expanded and so we are also expanding the services we offer.
One of our clients (an architect), was looking for help with tracking progress at a remote construction site where there was significant geotechnical work and construction. Initially, I was completing drone videos of the entire worksite so that they could “visit” the job site without hopping on a plane and taking time away from their work. The client was extremely happy with the drone footage and how it allowed them the freedom to focus on their actual work instead of travelling (which was restricted due to COVID-19). It was also great for them to have super accurate documentation of the construction site at different stages.
To take things to the next level, the architect teamed up with Cupix, who uses virtual tour technology to create a 3D virtual point cloud, which is sort of like a computer model of a construction site. This model can then be imported into Revit, or other commonly used building information management software (BIM) for architects/engineers. Since the architect is working remotely, this allows them to see a frequently updated model of the site without travelling and taking time away from work. It also allows them to collaborate (add notes, RFIs) with their field staff to ensure everything is to spec. The most current model could even be compared side to side with a existing models! Super cool stuff!
I purchased a kit from Cupix that contained a top-notch 360 virtual camera, a drone mount, and a bunch of other specialized gear (like gimbals, small lights, recharging packs and cables, a 15” monopod, etc) - everything I could possible need to capture consistent, quality 360 photos/videos.
There are a ton of other architecture/construction related applications for this technology (creating a model of an existing building that is going to be remodelled, as-builting a construction site for record keeping/regulatory compliance, etc), so I am excited at the prospect of helping other architect/engineer clients become more efficient by using this technology.
Now that I have this 360 virtual tour equipment, I am also offering tours to business owners whose main goal is marketing their business. If you own a business and have a Google MyBusiness listing, there is an option to add a virtual tour of the interior of your business to Google Streetview. Having this virtual tour uploaded to your profile is highly beneficial because it increases your reputability with Google (increased SEO), increases interaction with potential customers your Google MyBusiness account, and builds trust with potential customers who are considering visiting your business. The virtual tour can even be embedded on your website!
I have recently been certified as a Google Trusted Streetview Photographer so I am able to upload content to Streetview and Google Maps for my clients.
Some neat stats from Google:
Listings with photos and a virtual tour are twice as likely to generate interest
On average, 41% of business searches on Google Maps result in an on-site visit
Listings with photos and virtual tours motivate a customer to maker a purchase 29% of the time
Having a virtual tour of your business connected to Google Maps and Streetview will increase your SEO ranking with Google. This can also be a good opportunity to get updated non-360 photos, videos, or drone shots of your business for Google Maps, your website, or your portfolio.
Thanks for reading! Drop me a comment if you can think of any interesting applications of 360 virtual tours for marketing or construction.
Hope to help some businesses out there prepare for the rush back to in-store shopping or work more efficiently by using technology!
Best wishes,
Cole Niawchuk
Founder and Operator
IntEx Imaging
