Vegas: Day 1!

This week, I am in Las Vegas for a couple different reasons. The 1st half of the week, I am taking part in my dream workshop, called the Anti-workshop. It's only been 1 day of class and so far it is A-MAZING! Not to mention, I am in some great company with some fabulous photographers. I've actually never been to Vegas before and this workshop is taking place in the downtown district, which is definitely not the strip...this is the real, old school vegas. Nothing fancy or glitzy about it! I love it! The 2nd half of the week, I will be going to WPPI on the strip, so I will get that whole experience as well...







...the workshop is taking place at a little pub called the Brass Lounge. Rule #1 of the workshop was "Beer Before Liquor, Never Sicker" and Rule #2 was No Bullshit...LOVE IT!...






...One of the best things about going to workshops is how much everyone learns from other photographers attending, not to mention the fabulous people we are learning from!...


...So, our assignment for the day was to challenge ourselves by leaving out fancy cameras behind and hitting the street with a polaroid camera, 10 shots and a cardboard Elvis! Our job was to go out and create some kick ass shots that tell a story in 10 images...






...You know me and homeless people...












...This is Doug, one of the photographers leading the workshop...


...At the end of the day, we had a critique. Some of these images were hilarious!...


...Some shots of Downtown Las Vegas...















... Some things I learned in Day 1:

*"Trash the Dress" Sessions = Old News, google Ophelia. Artists have been doing this for YEARS!!!!
* 1 Powerful image separates the good from the GREAT! And I consider myself 1st and foremost an artist.
* No matter how big, elaborate and crazy a fabulous event/wedding is, I can always find ways to simplify and tell a true story without all the 'fluff'


More to come from Vegas!...


eliesa

Monique Lhuillier & Joynoelle Fashion Show at Hotel Ivy!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure (and SO much fun!) shooting fashion shows at the new, posh, Hotel Ivy. The shows featured fashions from Minneapolis based designer Joy Teiken of Joynoelle and the oh-so-fabulous Monique Lhuillier! Between shows, both designers had trunk shows, where I jumped on the opportunity to get some fun shots of their awesome dresses! Enjoy!









...chaos backstage...


...recognize her? Cana, my fabulous model from FFN was asked to walk in the show!...






















...Joy of Joynoelle...


...trunk show!...
















...this is Angie...she's awesome!...

Remembering Papa...

My grandfather passed away this evening, though everyone referred to him as Papa. I feel like I should somehow honor him or share some memories about him and this blog is the only way I know how to do it! Papa was a business man, first and foremost. He lived by watching his pennies and clipping coupons...always finding 'A Deal'. Though, he had a very nice lifestyle and loved to play cards, golf and end his day with a glass of whisky! He was also a true gentleman! Papa was married twice. My grandmother (Nana) died when I was really small, and he re-married to a wonderful woman named Marie. Marie died about 3 years ago and at her funeral, I remember him going around to all the ladies, taking their jackets and making sure they all had enough coffee and cake! He was a great man who lived a fabulous life! Below is one of my all-time-favorite photos of us! We love you Papa!

eliesa

Large Format: Brandon Style!

So tonight, one of my assistants Brandon brought his large format camera by and we worked on a project for his class, which deals with large format portraiture. Some sweet ass equipment if you ask me...and some stuff I haven't seen in a while - film! ;0) We had a blast (pictures to come) and he also snapped a few of my new hair! Yes...I chopped it off!



...this is a view from my studio at night...




...Brandon is so amazing! Well, he's the shit! I couldn't ask for a better assistant!

Urban Crawl + Mental Health Day w/Camera = ;0)

I took my camera out today to just shoot. It's a whole 2 degrees here in MN today, so I didn't stay out long, but I needed to find some inspiration during this loooooooooong, coooooooooold, graaaaaaaaay winter...















...I haven't seen one of these in a while. I wonder what's on it!!!...



...may spring be upon us!

eliesa