Sure Johnson Controls is in charge of public works, utilities, grounds keeping, pass and ID, janitorial services and security on base, but did you know that they are also the eyes of NBK? 

Johnson Controls, Visual Information Services (VIS) provides photography and graphic design services to the military and civil services personnel.

The photo team documents functions like change of command, reenlistment and retirement ceremonies. They take mission related photos including ship repair and maintenance. They also take pictures of servicemembers for use in award recognition, training presentations or to provide information about a command.

The Johnson Controls staff is far from being amateurs because they are hired with a certain amount of knowledge about the job. Some have a degree or experience working in the photography field. They’ve also had security training, so they know what can and cannot be released.

“We would know if something was possibly classified just from working with the type of photography we do. If anything is questionable we go back to the command and get it released for publishing,” said Janis Peterson, Johnson Controls photo coordinator.

The photographers are trained to take an idea from concept to the finished product.

A year and a half ago the company went completely digital after they saw the needs of their customers changing. They financed a completely digital lab, thus allowing the photographer to be more creative with his own work. It lets them come back from a photo shoot, sit down at a computer, edit, crop and then print out the final product.

“The computer is a great creative tool, we’re able to do custom printing without having to take everything into the dark room,” said Narimatsu.

Not only does being a digital photo shop allow more creativity for the photographer, but also an environmentally friendly workspace.

“Now that we’re all digital, we’re chemical free. There’s no hazardous waste, we’re done with hazardous waste. It’s great. The only thing we use in our printing machine is distilled water,” said Peterson.

Visual Information Services also offers tours. Customers and potential customers can go to the office to see samples on how everything is done in the photography and graphics departments.

“Anything our customers need, we can do it.  When they can come to the office and see what we do they’re able to get ideas.  Once they have an idea, we design something for them. It’s a puzzle that we put together when people come in needing something like a logo. I try to visualize what they do and put something together for them,” said Marlene Hageness, graphic designer.

In addition to photography, Visual Information Services also does graphic work such as brochures, banners, flyers, logos, awards and anything else a customer requests.

“It’s endless, whatever you can dream up, we can make it. Give us the elements and we will build it,” said Peterson.

For more information on how you can use Visual Information Services contact them at (360)396-6890 or by email at .