With 2010 having come and gone, it was in and of itself yet another very interesting year, a tad bit more so than previous years of recent history. In the end though, it had treated me well… in a roundabout way. Most of all I was able to expand my own distinct and creative way of seeing people, places and things. And even more so, to convey and share that with others. So…to get a glimpse into my year’s journeys, I invite you to view some of the best photographs from my commercial assignments as well as personal fine art photography work of 2010. Enjoy…and for all of us, to a MAGICAL 2011!

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This presentation shows a distinct selection of Marian Kraus photographs from his client’s architectural photography assignments, advertising photography assignments, event photography assignments as well as his personal fine art photography shot in 2010.

Recently I was awarded a multilocation contract via OnRequest Images that allowed me to work on Marriott properties in and around Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Rockford. My client, Seattle based OnRequest Images, is a leading provider of world wide custom photography services and software for global enterprise brands. ORI simplifies the creation and management of visually powerful, brand-aligned photography. Amongst many top 500 fortune companies Marriott Hotels International had chosen ORI to assist with a rebranding project.

The project comprises of several phases and the pictures above depict some of the properties that were involved in phase one. The client required emphasis to be put on comfortable, inviting and homey settings. My assistant Jason Barnes and I believe to have created and achieved that with careful and specific lighting and placement of furniture and the like…

The question was: How do you make “ordinary, everyday kind” plastic parts look somewhat sexy…? My client BMC feels that I had the answer…

Founded in 1979, BMC is the leading global supplier of high-quality glass reinforced, polyester thermoset compounds. Serving a broad range of industries, BMC has successfully grown both organically and through acquisition to become the world leader in Bulk Molding Compounds (BMC). With seven ISO 9001-2000 registered facilities on four continents, BMC delivers dependable quality, logistical convenience and cost savings to customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) is a mineral filled, fiberglass reinforced polyester (vinyl ester and phenolic) based molding compound. BMC is a thermosetting material that undergoes an irreversible cross-linking reaction when exposed to the heat and pressure of the thermoset molding process (i.e. ambient delivery of material to a heated molding surface). A somewhat tacky, dough-like mass in its unmolded state, BMC is converted to an infusible, solid state using injection, compression and transfer methods.

BMC provides a competitive alternative to die cast and drawn metals, sheet molding products and engineering thermoplastics. Notable BMC properties include resistance to creep and discoloration when exposed to heat and load, notched impact performance, high modulus and surface durability (resistant to reagent/stain, chemical, scratch and ultra violet attack). BMC can be formulated to meet specific a performance profile. This unique customization allows for the elimination of costly additives and reinforcements where possible. This “cafeteria approach” to material development sets BMC apart when evaluating price versus performance properties.

Now, for several years I have had the pleasure of photographing various products that are made form BMC’s raw material by a variety of parts manufacturers. I “joyfully disappear into the microcosm of plastics” when I set the parts up, turn on my Speedotrons and gel them up with multi colored sheets…

Marian Kraus Photography presents you with a high dynamic multi media show of travel, architecture and nature photography collected along the way of his 12 years as a professional photographer.

With more than a decade of experience, Marian Kraus Photography has developed a reputation for providing the highest quality of fine art photography for travel, architecture and nature assignments.

The Chicago-based photographer has an eye for the unusual, finding beauty in everyday objects. Through apt use of composition, a mastery of light and an unmatched eye for detail, Marian Kraus can take a seemingly mundane assignment and turn it into something exciting and engaging.

At its best, photography is a fine art. One glance at Marian Kraus’ travel work will confirm that to even the most sceptical critic. The work features bright, vibrant photos that enmesh the viewer in the smells, tastes and feel of faraway places. After looking at a Marian Kraus travel photo you aren’t just left feeling that you have been there – you are convinced of it.

The challenge of architecture work is making the everyday stand out. Marian Kraus does that with exterior shots that literally pop off the page.

The art of nature photography is taking the already beautiful and finding ways to make it even more special. With spectacular detail, Marian Kraus does just that.

Marian Kraus Photography is eager to take your next photo assignment and turn it into a piece of fine art.

Uniquely Innovative and Functional Designs of Re-Purposed Furniture & Residential Accessories.

Marian Kraus adds life to refurbished furniture from the State Street Salvage in Chicago through creative photography.  Kraus’s skill in fine art photography resurrects these otherwise trashed works and gives them a whole new purpose.

Re-inventing the average and mundane into something irregular and exotic is not an easy thing to do. Yet, that’s exactly what Marian Kraus Photography does with its advertising photography.

Let’s face it – your product may be many things, but pretty or interesting to look at is not likely one of them. Functionality, after all, is the cornerstone of any great product. However, when you are attempting to attract potential customers it is essential that you grab their attention and keep it.

That’s where Marian Kraus comes in. By utilizing his skill as a photographer your boring widget can truly be transformed into a piece of art.

Looking at Marian Kraus’ work with Chicago’s State Street Salvage illustrates that perfectly. Taking the raw images of refurbished furniture and the tools used to refurbish it, Marian Kraus finds to compel the viewer. It’s not often that a sander can be made to look like art, but with Marian Kraus’ skilled eye it becomes an object that you can’t take your eyes off of.

More importantly, it also becomes an image that compels you to seek out more information about State Street Salvage. And in a hyper-competitive business market that’s invaluable. Also invaluable is what Marian Kraus’ advertising photography can bring to you.

How do you break loose from a 20 year corporate job and begin an unrelated creative profession…? Find out the inspiring story of Marian Kraus Photography. Personal insights behind his advertising and fine art photography and the rise of his Muse are being shared in this intimate and up close interview.

How does someone break away from a two decade corporate career in the steel industry to become one of Chicago’s best commercial and fine art photographers? If you are Marian Kraus, you do so by following your passions and inspirations and by never second guessing the decision to leave the protective comfort of the corporate world for the ambiguity and uncertainty of the commercial and fine art photography worlds.

The people of Chicago and beyond should be grateful of Marian Kraus’ bravery. Relieved of the shackles of the corporate world, Kraus has embarked on a decade plus of creative work that is both breathtaking and inspiring.

By taking a fine art approach to his commercial work, Kraus creates work that is both effective from a marketing perspective and worthwhile from an artistic level as well.  It’s clear that photography is a passion for Kraus. His work makes that self-evident.

Today Marian Kraus continues to provide the highest quality of fine art photography for travel, architecture and nature assignments to his broad variety of clients. He is able to find beauty in the mundane and is a master of composition, light and use of colour.

Effective commercial photography blurs the boundaries of art versus commerce. As a fine art photographer Marian Kraus epitomizes that. Put him to work for you and reap the benefits of his vision.

Commercial photography from Marian Kraus Photography lets your business experience the kind of marketing material that best demonstrates the qualities of your products. Make use of Kraus’ keen eye for imagery by accessing visual sales tools that really work. Passionate retail photography says more than words can ever express, instantly communicating ideas that sell services and products to your clientele.

Many marketing photography studios are only able to give you stale, lifeless shots of the products you’ve worked so hard to make great. Advertising and retail photography from Marian Kraus captures what makes your trade and consumer products unique, creating dynamic images that properly convey the spirit that has gone into your work.

Marian Kraus creates commercial photography that properly reflects the hard work that has gone into your products, crafting images that sell. Marian Kraus Photography’s studios and on-location photography is available for print or online applications, selling your services and products in an effective manner.

We bring you results that showcase your business’ products at their very best, delivering timely results in high end digital photo formats. Marian Kraus Photography creates advertising photography that effectively demonstrates your hard work the way it’s meant to be seen. Experience the success that comes with vibrant, memorable commercial photography.

Building photography with Marian Kraus gives you the ability to showcase the design and aesthetics of your corporate, residential or institutional architecture in the best possible light. With exterior photography from Marian Kraus Photography, enjoy the use of breathtaking photography images that create the perfect solution for advertising, internal use, marketing applications, personal appreciation and more.

Marian Kraus is a highly experienced exterior photography expert that has shared his skills with Chicago’s businesses for many years. By leveraging artistic and commercial sense, Kraus is able to give you corporate and advertising photography that features the most impressive aspects of your building’s architecture in a manner that is both memorable and unique. View samples of some of our client projects following this gallery:

Our services bring you the premier resource for exterior photography, celebrating the unique design of any building by capturing it in a stunning image. Marian Kraus offers architectural, corporate and advertising photography that gives you access to Chicago’s leading visionary. Kraus provides a comprehensive range of services that includes corporate and retail architectural photography, residential exterior photography, institutional and commercial photography and landscape architectural photography.

Your team has worked hard to create or co-create a beautiful building, office or facility. Marian Kraus Photography will capture the unique design of your building in a manner that pays its architecture the respect it deserves.

Interior photography is one of Marian Kraus Photography’s specialties. From residential and retail spaces to corporate and institutional buildings, Marian Kraus is Chicago, Illinois’ leading provider of breathtaking interior architectural photography.

Kraus has an eye for the details of interior spaces that make up the essence of any room. His interior photography captures the features that make your space stand out, finding the perspectives that lead to memorable photos while maintaining a dedication to the creation of commercially accessible interior photography. We present you with a variety of interior photography services, perfectly suited for any of your interior photography needs.

Marian Kraus Photography is always available for interior architectural photography that covers corporate interiors (such as offices, meeting rooms and more), interior architectural photography for hotels, spas, restaurants, hospitals and institutional spaces and interior architectural photography for retail and residential properties. Marian Kraus is experienced in creating unforgettable images that highlight the most important architectural features of your property. By balancing artistic and commercial sense, Kraus stands out in the field of interior photography as an unparalleled choice that is synonymous with the unique spirit of quality architecture and design. Find the only solution you need for your interior architectural photography requirements at Marian Kraus Photography.