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Photographer captures essence
of oil industry Judy Patrick Photography expands into full service
advertising and public relations agency Kari Hanson PNA Contributing Writer
Judy Patrick is not just another shutterbug, snapping photos for anyone who will pay her. As a successful photographer, she's also wife and mother, a 20-year resident of Alaska and deputy mayor of Wasilla — all while successfully running her business, Judy Patrick Photography.
Working as a photographer in Alaska since 1984, Patrick’s business has evolved from a one-person photography service to a four-person agency that today offers a unique combination of services, including photography, public relations, advertising, and graphic design.
"I'm a photographer that does other things," Patrick commented. "I've always been a photographer that has created ads or brochures for my clients." A gift from above First and foremost, Patrick is a talented photographer. Her photographs are featured regularly in Petroleum News • Alaska, and appear in advertisements, brochures and annual reports all over the state.
"I believe that photography is my gift from God. When I was 12 years old, I decided that I wanted to be a photographer. ... I just woke up one morning and said 'I'm going to be photographer,'" Patrick recalled. "My mother hoped I would get over it."
With no prior experience, Patrick convinced the editor of her junior high school yearbook to let her take photos. From that point on, "I never, ever, wanted to do anything else. Aside from waitressing in college, it's the only job I've ever had," Patrick said.
The images Patrick captures portray the oil industry in a way that delivers beauty from an unlikely source. Earthmoving equipment and hauling gravel don't always make the best photos, but Patrick has a knack for making her subjects appealing. Her photos can make oil rigs look like golden, majestic sentinels standing guard to the splendid sunsets. She can find and deliver a message, even in photos of a bulldozer rearranging dirt.
Patrick's on location photography requires trips to the North Slope, her favorite location for shooting. "The Arctic is so cool to work in ... take Northstar Island, for instance. Northstar is an offshore island in the Arctic Ocean. That in itself is unique, but I try to look for interesting angles. I'm always trying to tell the story visually."
"Judy's photos take on a character of themselves, as she has a good eye for capturing the essence of the oil and gas industry," commented Roxanne Sinz, public affairs manager for Unocal.
And, Patrick's easygoing nature and style help bring out the best in the people who are the targets of her camera. "She makes everyone feel relaxed and is fun to work with. At times, not everyone in the industry is thrilled to have their picture taken, but Judy naturally puts people at ease," Sinz said. Serving the industry well Judy Patrick Photography exclusively serves the oil industry in Alaska. Patrick's client list includes Alaska Interstate Construction, BP Exploration Alaska, Crowley Alaska, Flowline, Forest Oil (formerly Forcenergy), Nabors, Phillips Alaska, Peak Oilfield Service Co. and Unocal. Her most recent photography work includes documenting the Northstar construction for BP, and the Osprey platform construction for Forest Oil (Forcenergy).
Patrick has a deep commitment to the oil industry in Alaska, and views herself as an industry advocate. "I'm tired of seeing the bad rap that the industry is getting. It floors me to see what's out there in the media, and that it's not true," Patrick said.
Her firsthand knowledge of drilling, construction and exploration makes her an expert on what's really happening on the North Slope.
"I'm bound and determined for my friends in the Lower 48 to view the industry objectively."
Patrick's commitment to her clients runs equally as deep. "I'm a photographer and an ambassador, almost an advocate, for the oil industry and my clients. Many people don't even realize that I do more than just take pretty pictures," Patrick said. Changes ahead In addition to photography, Patrick's company takes on work that allows it to feature a combination of talents. She recently added a photo editor and graphic designer to her staff and plans to serve her clients in the future with web design, advertising placement and design and public relations.
"I'm the leader of this great team now. It's not just my business anymore," Patrick commented.
Her recent projects included designing brochures for Alaska Interstate Construction and Peak Oilfield Services. Combining her photography skills with the talents of her creative team, she is able to help clients focus their message and improve a company's public image.
Patrick's company is entering an exciting phase of its existence, becoming more of an agency, and offering new services to a select group of clients. The company is poised for new possibilities that the proposed gas pipeline would bring to Alaska.
"I love to document things, like the Osprey and Northstar projects. Documenting is the most interesting work I do," Patrick said. "I missed the oil trans-Alaska pipeline because I was still in high school. I think the gas pipeline could be a career highlight for me."
Her goal will always be to provide the best possible service to her clients and maintain valuable relationships that are so important to her. Often, clients become friends. "Our working relationship has led to a friendship," said Sinz at Unocal.
Patrick says she's at her best when she's in a helicopter with the door wide open snapping photos.
"I love what I do so much," she said. Even on vacations, which are rare for a small business owner, she takes a camera along.
"It's a sad thing," she said. "I always have a camera ... If I don't have one, I buy a disposable camera. It's a compelling thing for me to document the world around me."
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