Editorial
A recent feature we collaborated on with PLATE Magazine is out! It incorporates some of our favorite people behind the magic at Surly - both the Brewer's Table and the Brewery! Photographing food is obviously a big part of what I do, but I more enjoy the people behind it. For this shoot, we were able to focus on Jerrod, Ben and Jorge for this article and it was an absolute blast - and they let me put them in some rad light!
Erik Eastman of Easy and Company
I've been pretty busy lately - and happily so. We have some really wonderful projects that are coming up. I was going through my archives the other day and I realized that there is SO much work from the last year that I would love to share.
For starters, I have really been loving many of the portraits that have been created this past year. I have the chance to photography so many truly amazing people and I wanted to take a moment to show you some of my favorite images.
LOVEe
Ann Kim of Young Joni
Bob Edmond of Big Daddy's BBQ
Alex Roberts, Lucas Rosenbrook and Mätti Sprague of Restaurant ALMA
Gavin Kaysen of Spoon & Stable and Bellecour
Daniel Boulud
Jorge Guzman of Surly Brewer's Table
Adam Eaton and Laurel Elm of Saint Dinette
Mike Phillips of Red Table Meat Co.
Steven Brown of Tilia and St. Genevieve
I want to take a moment and introduce you all to The Restaurant Project.
It is an idea that struck me a couple of years ago (and frankly an idea that wouldn't go away). I actually tried to push it away, but the idea was persistent; it challenged me and so I listened. For the last year and a half, I have been working to develop the structure, concept and creativity behind this business and I am so happy I did.
I started The Restaurant Project because I believe it is time for a shift. Imagery, video and self marketing have never been more important. Many people are doing parts of what we do, but we want joining The Restaurant Project to be different. Essentially, I am asking restauranteurs to rethink the way that they have ever spent their marketing dollars before. A bold statement? Yes, but someone has to make it. I think it is time for restaurants to invest in themselves. So what's included in the investment? So many beautiful things.
"So, you like take food photos and video for social media, right?" -- Wrong.
The Restaurant Project offers an easy, one button solution for restaurants to tell their stories. Through Photography, Videography and Strategy, we provide a steady stream of gorgeous content and then empower you to use this content in a big way.
First, our clients will own full licensing rights to all of the photo and video work we create for them. Did you get that? Unlimited licensing rights. We want our clients to be able to use their content freely - for websites, social, press opportunities and beyond. We offer Monthly + Quarterly subscription services to keep your work fresh! When it comes to photographers, we have the best (award-winning in fact).
Secondly, we want to educate and empower our clients. You have all of this beautiful content, so let's talk about how to use it best. I teamed up with Annie D'Souza to be our strategist and I can't begin to tell you how damn perfect she is. Annie is a leader. She is experienced and has an approach to building communities and connecting with people that is inspiring. Do you feel a little overwhelmed with exactly how to use Instagram these days? Great, we can help you with that. Does your PR team want to develop a more helpful strategy for your marketing plan? We've got you.
Lastly, we want to look towards the future. Video is proving to drive action and putting video on your website alone increases conversion by 80%. Eighty Percent. That's huge. Lauren Schneck is leading video for The Restaurant Project and she is amazing. Her background in reality tv lends a very authentic, yet refined approach to video that translates perfectly to food and the kitchen.
I have lofty goals for The Restaurant Project. I know it's bold and I know it's not cheap, but I also know it is a game changer. It's an opportunity for better work and better connection with not only your guests, but also the media. It's the chance to grow from within and tell your own story.
Can you still hire me outside of The Restaurant Project?
Of course. It's business as usual for eliesajohnson.com for our editorial and private client work, but this new project is an extension of our services. I hired the best to implement video and education sessions for our restaurant clients, so your team can be empowered to work better for your business.
Without further adieu, I would love to introduce you to The Restaurant Project:
Website: therestaurantproject.co
Instagram: @the_restaurant_project
LOVEe
For the September issue of Mpls / St. Paul magazine, I was asked to photograph a set of portraits for their fall fashion story. It turns out that I had a connection to all of the people, which made photographing this all the more special.
When it comes to photographing real people in a 'fashion' sense - I love to still make it feel real. I wanted the portraits to be authentic to who our subjects were and why they had been chosen to highlight their personal style.
I wanted to share some of my favorite outtakes and behind the scenes from this shoot, because the energy with all of our subjects was absolutely amazing! A big thank you to Betsey Kershaw, Kimberly Ferguson, Linda Kaysen and Paul Buttenhoff for all the great moments! You can check out the full story here.
Philando Castile's mother, girlfriend, cousin and family lead the march to the Governor's mansion in St. Paul, MN.
Photo by Paul Nelson
Ashley and Ashley Mary Art
Keith of Concrete Pig
Erin of Francois et Moi
Lisa and Susan of Victory Vintage
Lyric Opera House // Chicago
Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria // VIP dinner prep
Cosmo Goss of Avec // Chef Portraits
Showtime
Gala Reception
