May I Have Your Attention, Please...

This past week, while on the Bend [Trip], I had some time to think and discuss life, love and all it's possibilities with some wonderful women. Sometimes you don't realize something until you say it out loud. And I realized something BIG! I've felt frustrated with myself recently. As an artist, as a photographer and as a person. I couldn't figure out where or why I had these feelings, I mean, I have the best job in the world, right?

Then, I said it. I'm a people pleaser. I love to make people happy. And I know that my images make my client's dreams come true. However, the artist within me needs something more. I need to remember to make myself happy with my images to keep things fresh and creative. I need to make myself happy before I can continue to make others happy.

Thus, I have decided to take my blog back! I will continue to post images from weddings and all our other shenanigans,  but instead of posting images that I know my clients, magazine editors, etc will like, I am going to post the images that I personally LOVE!

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be SOMETHING but to be SOMEONE."

~ Coco Chanel

Cheers to Happiness!

eliesa

Special thanks to Laura for this fabulous photo!

Think About It...

Bend [Trip] Movie!

This is pretty much the best video of all time! I had a blast on this trip and this video sums up the entire atmosphere of this trip. If I ever have a bad day, I am totally watching this, because it inspires me!

And click here to see the RAD BLOG PHOTOS!

LOVEe

Bend [Trip] Update!

Words can not express how lucky I feel. And for so many reasons.

This trip has been SO much fun, but more importantly, I feel like I have walked away with some true friends for life. I know, I know, I'm getting all sappy on you, but seriously. I have had a blast with these women. Whether we are going on adventures, taking crazy photos, or having deep conversations, we have been having the best week ever.

I feel refreshed. Not necessarily in a photography/art/business sense, but in life in general.

Sometimes when you run your own business, you can feel burned out. I currently feel ready to take on the world!

Make sure to check out our fabulously hilarious adventures!!!

And a THANK YOU to Lauren Clark for these first 2 photos!

LOVEe

Bend [Trip] - Bad Ass Women Who Shoot Photos.

I'm on vacation this week with 6 other fabulous women photographers in Bend, Oregon. The purpose of the Bend [Trip] is to simply chill, hang out, shoot some photos, but mostly relax with some amazing people.

The line up is:

Wreckless Girl: http://www.photo.wrecklesscreative.com/
Shannon Sewell: http://shannonsewell.com/
Laura Kay Photography: http://www.laurakayphoto.com
Lauren Clark Photography: http://www.laurenclarkphotography.com
Kelly Moore Photography: http://www.kellymoorephotography.com
Sarah Rhoads: http://wearetherhoads.com/

We also have a kick ass blog that you should all check out HERE!

We will all be updating the blog this week with new pictures from our adventures, so be sure to check in...often!

LOVEe

Joynoelle Fashion Show!

JOYNOELLE PROJECT from capture studios on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Joy on her new collection!

eliesa

Polaroids!

A couple out-takes of our Polaroids from the Storlie wedding!

I LOVE that this couple had film at their wedding!

LOVE > FILM!

eliesa

Joynoelle: Campaign + Show Info!

Fashion week is upon us in Minneapolis!

About a month ago, I photographed Joynoelle's campaign for her new line.

You can all see the first collection we did here!

I absolutely LOVE Joy's clothes. She makes beautiful couture ready to wear and custom dresses + bridal wear and it is always stunning!

Speaking of...Joy's fall fashion show is happening on October 1st!

You have 1 WEEK to BUY YOUR TICKETS!!!!

The event is not one to be missed! In fact, there will be an extra special surprise being shown if you attend that I have been scheming for months!

A special thanks to:

Janell Geason - Makeup
Juut - Hair

All of the lovely assistants that helped!

Here is a photo from our fabulous team! Not everyone is pictured here, but a great shoot doesn't happen without an amazing crew, so THANK YOU ALL!

 

LOVEe

Chicago Portraits!

Brandon and I are in the Chicago area this weekend on a shoot!

Of course, we are never shy to be in front of our cameras.

Enjoy!

LOVEe

Who Inspires You? VOTE NOW!

It has continuously been my goal to inspire people. It started with my camera and creating images that would effect people. Then it moved on to mentoring my crew and spread onto the photography industry.

On a daily basis, I get e-mails, comments, Tweets and Facebook postings asking me questions or leaving the nicest notes of encouragement and thank-you's. It's quite a humbling experience, actually, to think that not only have my images made an impact on my clients, but my words and thoughts have also changed people's lives. I truly have THE greatest job ever!

I saw this posting on Rangefinder's Website for a contest they are hosting for Unsung Heroes. They are currently accepting nominations for the search of 5 Photographers across the country who have made an impact and inspired the people around them!

Now, of course I am ultimately and shamelessly asking for your nomination! (I know, who does that?) It is on my to-do-list in the next 5 years to be published in this industry magazine anyways, BUT, this is a perfect opportunity!

However, with that said, I think it is a fantastic opportunity for all and I hope that you take the time to nominate THE photographer who inspires you!

 To nominate your HERO, click HERE!

For all of you who will take the time to send in your nominations, THANK YOU!

eliesa