Über uns

809cgi specialises in combining photography with computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create powerful, dramatic and highly realistic images. We are one of only a handful of companies worldwide operating at the cutting edge of CGI technology, enabling us to achieve the uniquely high-quality results that our clients demand. Thanks to many years of experience in different and very challenging photographic sectors, we can complement this technical expertise with the creative flair that ensures each image is stunning, memorable and emotionally charged.

Since opening our doors in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2008, we have created a range of images that demonstrate the beauty of our combined approach. From simple packshots on a plain background to the most sophisticated car photography within recreated real-life settings, these show how each visual element can be enhanced, changed, replaced or even invented to form a believable result that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve.

Photography

Our photographer Johan Visschedijk mainly focuses on photographic visualisation, and has particular expertise in shooting cars, lifestyle, stills and landscape images.

Johan was born in 1963 and started working as a photographer in 1988. After a few years, he decided to specialise in food photography and has since worked for all major brands in the Netherlands and abroad. In 2007, he branched out into car photography, a field in which he has built up extensive experience in using CGI solutions.

Johan is a passionate photographer and enjoys the challenge of working under different conditions all over the world. He will seize every possibility to give each image the edge, refining and perfecting it long after other photographers would have quit.

CGI

809cgi specialises in the very latest generation of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). In our CGI department, we create almost everything you can think of: product shots, liquids, cars, fabrics and even architectural visualisation.

It is our aim to utilise the most up-to-date techniques of the 3D graphics industry to provide high-quality results in a manageable and affordable amount of time. We feel we have only truly done our work if people really do not see that an image is in fact wholly or partially computer-generated.

Our CGI technician Pashá Kuliyev specialises in Autodesk Maya, the 3D software package we work with. During his degree course, he concentrated on studying the way high-dynamic-range imaging works. As a result, last year he managed to transfer the light characteristics of our studio lighting equipment into Maya, which allows us now to light the virtual sets in a natural photographic manner. This is a supplement to the HDRI shots we create with our SpherocamHDR roundshot camera, which is capable of capturing 26 f-stops.

Among different technologies that we utilise are photogrammetric and laser range scanning techniques to acquire 3D data sets of locations, which are then transferred to Maya to recreate these locations virtually.

The quality that we offer is basically determined by the combination of the technology we use plus our creative eye and art direction skills. We always aim high and our goal is maximum realism. See our portfolio for what we have achieved so far.

3D database

We believe in offering our clients the greatest possible flexibility and service. Our technological capabilities and skills naturally allow you a far greater range of options than are available elsewhere. With CGI, individual elements can be adapted whenever and almost however you wish, enabling you a wider choice of creative possibilities than with standard photography alone.

809cgi also has a database of basic images available for your use. For example, HDR images with corresponding background images. At the moment we are working very hard on compiling a 3D database of old buildings and their corresponding materials. Classic buildings, sidewalks, signs and streets: you name it, we can create it. Once we have filled up this database, we can easily create backgrounds for advertising shots. One example is the showcase we built for our Volvo shot. See our showcase for what we have achieved so far.

This capability gives us the option to visualise environments cost-effectively and with greater control over the results. Logistically, it is also far easier as since city roads have no longer to be blocked off for shooting but instead are visualised as virtual sets.

Studio

Our studio is equipped with everything necessary to turn a good shot into a great one. In addition to our CGI technology, we have our own dolly, crane and even an egg-shaped room. Having all these facilities and our key creative people in-house enables us to offer you greater flexibility, more control over the creative process, and better results.

Added value

We aim to use our photographic skills and technical artistry to enhance the style and atmosphere our clients have in mind. We therefore work closely with you to establish an agreed aesthetic, derived from our shared understanding of taste and perception.

Our goal is to produce superb images, and we believe that together we can achieve that goal. We know we have succeeded when an image – no matter how simple – is emotionally powerful and directly appeals to an individual's sensitivities. Technological excellence alone cannot produce the ‘wow!’ factor – you also need outstanding photographic vision and skilled art direction.

And all that’s what you can expect, every time, from 809cgi.