An Experiment!

Today it was a whole 40 some degrees in Minnesota....WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!! What better to do than go on some photo exploration? Judd came across the HDR technique, which stands for High Dynamic Range imaging. Basically, it's bracketing the same image and layering them to create shadows and highlights and a 'surreal' effect! So, I went out and tried my hand at it. Looking online, I couldn't believe that these images had no 'crazy photoshop effects' added to them, but what I found out was a pleasant surprise..

...the originals...


...after the images were combined to make one image...






...this last one, I put myself in the frame. I wanted to see how this transfered over with people. I also added 1 photoshop 'action' to see how that effected it. I don't see too much of a difference with the action...





I'm not sure if this is a technique that I would use on a daily basis, but I can see how it would sure be cool in the right setting! Especially if one was on a white sandy beach with clear blue water and awesome clouds.......I'm dreaming, I know.....it's the MN winter!


eliesa

...A little happy song!...

This song makes me SO happy! I'm sure we have all heard it on the new MacBook Air commercials and every-time it comes on TV, I'm instantly happy...so, what's a girl to do, but google it?




Enjoy!



eliesa

New Studio Space!

Here's a preview of my new studio space! I should be moved in June 1...isn't it gorgeous?!?!? ;0)












I am SO excited for this space! Big, BIG things are in store for 2008! If there are any photographers out there who are looking to rent space for an office, meeting or shooting space, this studio is going to be SO sweet! So, feel free to e-mail me about that opportunity!

eliesa

Chocolat...

...So I was going to eat this yummy piece of chocolate tonight when all of a sudden the meaning of life was in front of me! It is my constant goal, my purpose, my drive to inspire people with my work. That is the single reason why I love to take photographs!

Just thought you all should know!

eliesa


p.s...Vosges Chocolate is the BEST chocolate EVER! Seriously Haut!

Large Format: Revealed!

A couple of weeks ago, one of my RAD assistants, Brandon, took an environmental portrait for his Large Format class! It was SO much fun for me to have a old-school-large-camera out and in action! Brandon is awesome and as much as he says I inspire him, he does just the same for me!




eliesa

Vegas: Recap!

So, to recap: VEGAS WAS AWESOME!!!!! I met SO many new photographers who totally inspired me, so I have to share them with you! I also found some cool new product, but most of all I am totally and completely EXCITED for the 2008 wedding season! Big, BIG things are in store...everyone get ready!



OHana Photography
Yvette Roman Photography
Jose Villa - Who is an AMAZING all FILM shooter!
Asgeir Fotographica - Straight from Iceland!
{b}ecker - Who threw some fabulous parties!
Ray Santana - My new friend from Miami!
Alex Rodriguez - My other new Miami friend!
Shauna Couri - We shared a cab and were instantly friends! This girl ROCKS!
Jasmine Star
Bumatay Studio
Richard Photo Lab - I'm convinced this lab will change my life!
RAD Studio
Josh Solar Photo - I love this guy's engergy!
Red Photo Co. - CORALEE IS SOOOO AWESOME!!!!
Perez Photography
Karie Mclain Photography
Nate from the Image is Found - Their work inspires me SOOO much!
Lisa Robbins Photography - Lisa also works for Blu Domain!
Jason Armond Photography
Jason Domingues Photography
Karey Michelle Photography - Love this girl! Soooo coool!
Lily Rose Photography
Daniel Chin Photography
Toni Snell - The photographer from Down Under!
NPhocusPhotography - Nick won the Poker Game!
Jennifer Longaway Photography
Lan Bui
Tim and Cheryl Halberg - These two are soooo nice - seriously, they let me hitch a ride one night!
Blue Eye Photography
Cypress Albums
JAYTSA Photography - This couple is SO Fabulous!
AltF Photography - John Michael Cooper and Dalisa are amazing!
Boutwell Studio - Chenin lead the workshop and she was AWESOME!
Anti Workshop - Check it out! This was my dream workshop and it was worth every penny!


I also caught up with the awesomely fabulous Brianna Graham at a party this past week! I met Brianna while attending one of her past workshops this last year and her and her husband Patrick have just been the most supportive people ever since! Check out Brianna's gorgeous work AND if you are a photographer, I HIGHLY recommend her workshops!

...this is Aaron of Dieppa Photography...SO cool!




One of the Cool New products I found were the Foto Cabina photobooths! I just LOVE how GOOD they make you look! If anyone is interested in learning more about them, contact Teddy@fotocabina.com. Above are some images from the booth...(I apologize for my crappy scanner! They are INCREDIBLE quality!)



Lastly, I have to rave about the 'Alabama Boys'. I ran into this crew at the poker game and kept running into them the rest of the week! 1) They shoot film = coolness 2) They shoot film REALLY WELL = double coolness 3) Their work is some of the most inspiring stuff I have seen in a long time! 4) They are really cool dudes with some of the greatest business cards around! Check them out - their company is ABRYANPHOTO

Poker!

What would Vegas be without a little poker? Last night at WPPI, some photographers put together a kick ass poker tournament at Cesar's Palace and it was SO MUCH FUN! I met some fabulous photographers who seriously ROCK!














...Meet the cool dudes from abryanphoto.com - they are AWESOME!






...This is Peggy, who was in the workshop with me - SO cool!






...Becker is out!...












...This was intense! Everyone was waiting to see who would win!...





Rob Greer and Nick Collins ended up splitting the pot and calling it a night - after over 4 hours of play! Good game boys!

eliesa

Viva Las Vegas!

This last Saturday, the workshop group had an awesome opportunity to shoot in the Neon Museum in Vegas with some oh-so-fabulous models! The purpose of this shoot was to learn about shooting into direct sun and also using studio lighting in bright sunlight! This was the last day of the workshop and it was FABULOUS!
























...The Anti Workshop was AWESOME! Viva Las Vegas!


eliesa