The follow is a case study about a casino photography project we completed for EllisDon of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ottawa, Ontario. EllisDon is a leading global construction services company, who we have worked with on a number of architectural projects, including the World Exchange Plaza, the H Coats Building, and Carleton University – all in Ottawa, Ontario. EllisDon, the general contractor for the project of the rebranded Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, formally known as the Rideau Carlton Casino, commissioned us to take architectural images of the finished project prior to their grand opening to the public.
The Client:
Who is EllisDon?
EllisDon is a prominent construction services company headquartered in Canada, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development. Established in 1951, the company has grown to become a leader in the construction industry, offering a wide range of services, including project management, infrastructure services & technology, capital services, construction sciences, and more.
With a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors such as healthcare, education, industrial, and commercial development, EllisDon continues to set industry standards for quality and efficiency.
Who is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino?
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a globally recognized hospitality and entertainment brand known for its iconic rock-and-roll theme and world-class service. Established in 1971, Hard Rock has expanded its reach to include hotels, casinos, and cafes in some of the most desirable locations around the world.
The brand is synonymous with luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, thrilling gaming experiences, and hosting live music events that celebrate the spirit of rock and roll.
Owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock International operates a total of 265 locations in over 70 countries, encompassing hotels, casinos, Rock Shops®, and live performance venues. For more information, visit Hard Rock International.
Why did the Rideau Carlton Casino change to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa?
The transformation of the Rideau Carlton Casino into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa was part of a strategic partnership and rebranding initiative aimed at enhancing the entertainment experience while expanding the global footprint of the Hard Rock brand. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is the first Hard Rock location in Canada. This change aligns with Hard Rock International’s commitment to delivering premium gaming, dining, and live entertainment offerings under a globally recognized icon in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
According to Hard Rock International, the rebranding is designed to bring the brand’s renowned energy, music-inspired experiences, and signature amenities to the Ottawa market, creating a unique destination for both locals and visitors. Additionally, Rideau Carleton Raceway emphasized that this partnership reflects a vision to modernize and expand the existing facilities, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving gaming and hospitality sector.
Objective:
Why is Casino Photography Important for EllisDon?
Casino photography plays a pivotal role in showcasing EllisDon’s expertise in delivering complex, high-profile projects within the gaming and hospitality industry. High-quality photographs capture the aesthetic and architectural excellence of the facilities, highlighting the seamless integration of luxury, functionality, and modern design.
These visuals not only serve as a powerful marketing tool but also reinforce EllisDon’s reputation as a leader in large-scale construction projects. By documenting completed works, such as casino interiors, entertainment spaces, and exterior facades, EllisDon effectively communicates its commitment to innovation and excellence to potential clients, stakeholders, and industry partners.
The Process:
Strategic Shooting
Scheduling casino photography during its final stages of construction, just two days prior to its grand opening, required meticulous planning and adaptability to overcome several challenges. One primary obstacle was the presence of ongoing construction work, including tools, materials, and unfinished elements that could detract from the visual appeal of the images. To address this, strategic framing and carefully planned angles were utilized to emphasize completed areas while avoiding unfinished sections. Wide shots were employed to showcase the grandeur of the space, while tighter focus on intricate details—such as interior finishes or architectural features—helped present a polished, inviting impression.
Another significant challenge was coordinating with multiple parties involved in the project, such as contractors and operations teams. Clear communication was essential to ensure that specific areas were cleared or staged temporarily for photography. Collaborating closely with onsite teams, we aligned schedules to target optimal time windows when construction activities were minimal, reducing distractions in the visuals.
Lighting posed its own set of difficulties, as many fixtures were not yet fully operational. Portable lighting was strategically used to augment ambient light, highlighting key design elements while maintaining a natural aesthetic. Furthermore, post-processing was employed to refine the final images by removing minor imperfections or distractions, ensuring the visuals adhered to EllisDon’s and the Hard Rock’s standard of excellence.
By employing a methodical approach, including advanced framing techniques and effective teamwork, the challenges of capturing the casino under tight constraints were transformed into a showcase of craftsmanship and design.
Usage:
EllisDon intends to leverage the casino photography across multiple channels to highlight its expertise and showcase the project’s success. These images will be prominently featured in the company’s project portfolio, emphasizing the quality of their work to prospective clients and stakeholders. Additionally, the photography will play a vital role in proposals, supporting bids by visually illustrating EllisDon’s ability to deliver high-profile and complex projects with precision.
The visuals will also enhance marketing campaigns, serving as powerful tools for digital and print advertisements, social media posts, and website galleries to captivate a broader audience. Furthermore, the photography will be included in press releases and media kits to communicate the project’s success to the public and industry professionals.
Lastly, EllisDon’s newsletters will incorporate these images to update their network and partners, ensuring the achievement receives widespread recognition. This multifaceted usage of the photography ensures maximum exposure while reinforcing EllisDon’s reputation for excellence.
Conclusion:
This casino photography project for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in showcasing excellence and innovation. By capturing dynamic, high-quality images, this initiative not only highlights the architectural and design achievements of the project but also ensures broad appeal across various marketing and communication channels.
Whether through newsletters, press releases, or online galleries, the photographs play a pivotal role in conveying the project’s success to diverse audiences. Ultimately, this endeavor strengthens EllisDon’s reputation as an industry leader, reflecting its commitment to delivering exceptional results in every project.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to learn more about casino photography or our other services, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and see how we can help take your visual marketing to the next level.
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