Intimates with A

It's that time of year. Wedding season and it's when brides start to think of their grooms gifts. What could be better than this? Ok maybe a car or a motorcycle, but they aren't as fun to create and don't boost your ego, prepare you for images on your wedding day or a ton of other things.

I love to do these intimate/boudior sessions, to capture regular women at their best to make them feel special and beautiful. You already are, but sometimes another person or especially my camera is needed to make you realize it. I do still have summer openings. And you do not need to be a bride or an AC Ellis bride to have them done.

This lovely lady isn't one of my brides, but she came to me anyway for intimates for her groom. A you did a wonderful job and he's gonna love them!
CA

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

From Tammy and Matthew

Before I headed out for the West Coast I got this cool photo album and thank you from Tammy and Matthew. I'm trying to think of a cool little project of images to fill it with. I'll let you know when I come up with something. Thank you Tammy for taking the time to write the note and pick out a unique gift. It is greatly appreciated.
Hey the card was cool too.
CA

Cory Ann,

Thank you for photographing my little guy and me. The pictures turned out better than I could have imagined. I had tears in my eyes from looking at the three you posted on your blog. You captured the "essence" of my little guy baby. I had no idea you could do that with him. Your studio is absolutely breathtaking - I hope this album goes well with it. I had Painted Prairie do it for you. It's got that modern feel. Hopefully you'll find is as unique as you and one of a kind. You are one talented woman!
Thanks again!
Tammy & Matthew Leeper

Megan + Michael: 05.17.07

I photographed these two the morning of my departure. Morning light - early morning light can be so beautiful! They were so happy and in love it was infectious. Thank you for waiting while I was away.
CA

Flying

We made it home late last night. I did a bit of unpacking, turned on the computer and decided to wait until Tuesday to work. After all it was a day of traveling and there were 600+ e-mails. I'm amazed at how many junk ones I get. I did dwindel the list down to 8 by 3:22pm. And then needed to get some food in me. Ready to focus on images again with that out of the way.

Here are some images from our flight.
CA

Ayden in the airport waiting, the traffic was light, security line short and we got there so early we had about 2 hours till our flight. Ayden is so cute with his little turtle backpack looking like a seasoned traveler.

Ayden got in his seat and immediately put on the headsets. He was listening to the channel the pilots were on mostly, but had me listen to a few songs also.

And Andy and I

In Oregon and WA

While in OR & WA there were a few things I did, learned and just took images of and want to share. So here is some randomness for you.

In OR you are not allowed to pump your own gas... it's all full service and I loved it!

In OR they have NO sales tax. How cool is that?

In WA Amy made me my favorite drink and made it well. Can you guess what kind of drink it is?

In WA I got to hug Jp, and Amy too, but noone took pics. And my new brothers.

In OR in the downtown area the light poles are covered with staples and pieces of paper from random stuff people have hung up over the years. I thought it was cool.

In WA Randy and JP taught me how to use my 50mm lens as a macro selective focus lens... can you guess what this is?

In OR and WA I had a great time and probably my first true vacation since college. While I did work and did do a little shooting I did have days where all I did was relax, have fun, drink yummy drinks, eat yummy food and it was great! Thank you so much to everyone who invited us into their homes, lives and business. We felt so welcome and relaxed and can't wait to return again. I always heard the saying midwest hospitality, but I have to say the Pacific Northwest does it better. I'll try to redeem the Midwest if any of you make it this way.
CA

Visiting Randy and Michael

We are back, and I have a few more posts from our travels, just getting out of being buried under 600+ e-mails....

After the wedding on Saturday (which I'll show you all some images of when I get home and have a faster computer) we drove from Mt. Vernon to Sherwood, just outside Portland to visit Randy and Michael. Randy used to live in SD and was friend and business partner of Andy's dad Roger. We hadn't seen these two since our wedding 5 years ago and it was so great to see them.

As we drove up to there home I knew I was going to love it as the driveway was lit with very cool lamps. As their home came into view I immediatly got home envy. It was beautiful inside and out. Once inside- wish I would have taken some inside images, I was in awe at all the beautiful decor. They did an amazing job of pulling it all together. The home has about 5 different levels, curved walls and ceiling and they managed to select furniture, art work and accesories that complimented and contrasted with the home perfectly. I wanted to move in! We had a wonderful meal, good wine, great conversation and the company was the best part.

So this morning I woke up early. I thought darn I woke up too late and I'm not going to get to enjoy the light coming in their east facing windows. But I was wrong, it was only 7:17am. Of course Ayden realized I was awake and immediately required that I fulfill my statement that we could get into the hot tub in the morning. It was so nice with the crisp air and morning sun lighting up the foliage around the home. So relaxing - I think everyday should start that way. From the hot tub we could see out across the valley and on a clear day Mt. Hood, but the Mt. had a haze on it this morning. It was still wonderful.

Then Randy and Michael prepared a yummy breakfast for us. Thank you guys for a wonderful stay, we will be back soon!
CA

Ayden eating his huge yummy burger!

Ayden and Avani cuddling up - we so need to get a pet. These two became friends so quickly.

Here is their home this morning.

And Ayden peeking out of the hot tub.

Ayden is so imaginative. He took the island stools and decided to make a dragon. So he and Andy were riding it while Randy and Michael spoiled us with their cooking once again.

Avani, she is such a good dog.

All of us this morning before we left.

And one last one for Roxie (Andy's mom). Randy and Andy - Randy was saying how much Andy is like Roger at that age.

From Nikki

I loved this little thank you in a matching pocket from Nikki. The trip was wonderful thank you for the note Nikki, I look forward to many more sessions with you and your family.
CA

Cory Ann,
Thank you so much for the wallets! The shots are awesome. I can't believe you get those kind of shots in minutes. You truely have a gift! All of the sessions you have done for me are incredible.
Enjoy your trip.
Nikki

Amy and JP

Before we headed out on Wednesday I got a couple of quick images of Amy and JP. I wanted to do a whole family shoot while I was there, but you know sometimes you just need to be in the mood for it and JP said he needed a hair cut, which I find funny since in his wedding image he has a ponytail longer than my hair is.
CA

Amy and JP

Amy

JP

Just like Ayden doing the head tilt - cracking me up!

Timberline Lodge, Government Camp Oregon

Wednesday as we were headed east to Mt. Vernon we drove by and had to turn around to see the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Randy (who you'll meet soon) recommended we stop here. We fell in love with the place and stayed for the evening. I don't get to vacation much, darn I really don't even get to take a real day off much (I'm always answering calls or e-mails) so we splurged and I'm so glad we did.

Written Thursday Morning:
It's the morning and the boys are sleeping, I couldn't sleep with all this natural beauty around me. The mountain is right out the window with the sun shinning in. I miss trees and mountains so much. Last night we had a wonderful dinner in the Cascade Dining Room then headed to the outdoor pool which they keep a wonderful 90+ degrees. They also had a hot tub, but the pool was so warm, even at 6,000 feet in the late evening we spent more time in it. My little boy does not realize how well he has it.

Then we came back to our room and Jimmy brought us some wood for the fireplace. I was laying in bed with my glass of wine listening to the crackle of the fireplace and feeling cozy when I fell asleep. I split some wine on myself and decided it was just time to sleep and not fight it. The beds are some of the most comfy I've ever slept on. I'd have to say they even beat the Westin. So soft and warm. I woke up to crisp fresh air and the contrast of white snow, evergreen trees and a clear blue skies. I just couldn't go back to sleep, so I threw on some clothes, grabbed the camera and the tripod and set out.

So now I'm waiting for them to wake up so we can have some breakfast and wondering just how something so beautiful is currently being overlooked by thousands of people in the cities below. I wish I could live in a place like this. It woud be heaven on earth.

Here are some images of the lodge and surroundings. It was built during the depression and is magnificant. The timbers used are huge and held together with wood pins and dovetails. The fireplace at the center is massive and a work of artisans in and of itself. It holds the crossmembers and tapers at the top. I cannot do this place justice. If you want a quick retreat this is a place to look into.

Ok off to take some more images to post...
CA

The pool in the evening.

Jimmy bringing us wood.

Mt. Hood early in the morning.

Later in the morning looking in the opposite direction.

Mt. Hood.

Some trees.

From inside the lodge.

Some of the amazing metal work.

The main floor.

The ground floor. Can you find me in this image?

Ayden at breakfast the next morning.

Swimming in the morning.

A morning by the fire. Doesn't he have the cutests little butt.

Our room as we were leaving.

The Oregon Zoo

Well you all wanted more personal stuff, and you are getting a heavy dose of it now. That's because I can't work too much from here and have some time for personal images and such. Back to the happy stuff...

Before heading out of Portland on Wednesday we had to stop at the zoo. We go to as many zoo's as possible. So far we have been to the Omaha (Henry Doorly) which is my favorite by far, Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo, Minneapolis, Manhattan Kansas, Kansas City Zoo, Sacramento Zoo, hmm I'll have to ask Andy if he can remember any others.

And we are almost caught up on the happening in OR. A few more posts and you'll be following in almost real time.
CA

Ayden with a spotting scope.

Ayden and I in a self portrait, I am so not good at these.

And my boys.

Do you know what today is?

Today is the 5 year anniversary of our wedding. Of course it's over shadowed this year as we are in a hotel room with Ayden and my niece preparing for my sisters wedding tomorrow. That's ok, it wasn't a great day in memory.

I was hoping to take a vacation with Andy since we never got a honeymoon (be sure to hint this point to him when you see him), but alas we are here. Maybe we will go somewhere for our 10th. If we make it that far, he he.

People often ask me why I like to shoot weddings. There are many reasons, among them meeting new people, the adrenline rush (like I used to get in sports), and one major one.. I enjoy being the calm one who helps make your day better. I wish I had had something like that at my wedding.

There is always a lot of choas and stuff surrounding a wedding, but I'm either blind or you all hide it from me well. I love that I get to be a part of all of yours great day. And so happy that I get to document all the happiness.

So if you ever start to get stressed, just remember to let it all slide off your back everyone has similar issues and chaos. And if you ever really want to feel better and know that your troubles are minor - well ask me about our day and the drama and events surrounding it.

Ok off to do something to make me forget and hopefully make me cheery again. And I'll try to find an image when we get back

Hey Andy when you read this when we get back- I love you!
CA

My boys arrived

I was so happy when my boys flew in. And Ayden was carrying around his own little bag. it was so so cute. After we got a couple of snacks, Ayden napped, and hung with the Prutch's Amy, Andy, Ayden and I headed out for some shopping in Portland. There was a lot of great little shops that I had noticed a couple days before when the Prutch's and I went to Brunch at Kornblattes and I just had to return. I missed my little boy so much. I couldn't get enough hugs and kisses!
CA

Ayden looking cute towing his own bag. He even got on and off the escalator with out any problems.

Shopping. I do not know why Ayden insists on tilting his head and making faces, but he does.

After shopping we went out to dinner and the boys had a blast throwing rocks into the Columbia River.

We are still in OR and for some reason I can read but not respond to e-mails. So I am not ignoring anyone, just can't seem to get things to work.

Sushi with Evrim

Ok you get two posts today as I try to catch you up on my OR/WA happenings.

One of the many things I am enjoying about Portland is all the great food to go with the great company! On Monday I had the pleasure of experiencing sushi for the second time ever, and I got to spend some time with Evrim of Evrim Icoz Photography. After meeting at his studio we headed out to Saburo's Sushi House which opens at 5pm and until then the line forms. We got there early enough that we didn't need to wait too long. Here are some images. Andy should be proud I used my chopsticks well, but man that was a lot of fish I only ate two pieces of salmon, one yellow tail and two slices of rolls. Yummy stuff.

Interesting fact: my dad is a commercial fisherman and while I have eaten a lot of fish the first time I ever ate it raw was last year in Chicago with Andy, Amy Prutch and Prem.

Here are some images.
CA

The line.

Look at all the sushi.

Evrim with the catch.

Me using the chopsticks.

Portland GTG

I love GTG's (get togethers). Amy arranged a GTG with other photogs while I was in town and like I said below what happens when you get a bunch of photogs together... we take images of each other. Here we are on the green screen. Except bigger thing to come from JP with the green screen, but I thought I'd share with you all my friends. Some old and some new, some I've communicated with for a while on-line and it was great to finally meet.

It was so great to feel so welcome by the Portland and Seattle gang. I tried to do a SD GTG, but noone wanted to. Too bad this was fun!
CA

Chris Purdum and I

Amy and JP

Amber and I

Amy, Amber and I

I don't know why, I just like this image.

My new brothers and I

Randy Kepple and I - at the end of the night.

Me during the ceremonial signing of the bar... I am now an honorary member of the Portland Mofia

Of course I didn't take these as I'm in them, but the logo is on there for internet theives to keep away.

Portland and the Prutch's

Last Thursday I flew out to Oregon and Washington. For a bit of work, networking and some R&R. The Prutch's of AJ's Studio. who I think I met a little over a year ago at a photographers convention have been nice enough to let me stay with them. I have been not only learning so much about photography but most importantly how great they are. I have officially adopted them as my new parents. And also with new parents comes a couple of new brothers. These two boys are a testiment to great parenting. They are well mannered, loving, fun and considerate. I love them!

So while I haven't been able to keep you up on the happenings day by day I'm going to try to fill you in as I get a chance to work on some images.

Thank you Amy, JP, Wyatt and Hunter for letting me be the +1 all week. I have really enjoyed my stay and I'm going to miss you!
CA

Some of my most favorite people and stuff we have been doing...

My me for the Wii
- I was sore for two days after playing this thing for the first time.

JP and Hunter playing the Wii

I got to be part of family night and Hunter and I won on the scratcher.

My new brothers

What do photogs do when they get together? Take images of each other. Me by JP and Randy:

No I'm not back in SD yet, I still have a wedding to photograph this weekend. More images from OR to come.

From Megan

I always love it and laugh when I get a thank you and the images haven't even been viewed yet. That means you had a great time and have confidence in my abilities. It's wonderful!

Here is a recent note that I got from Megan. Of course I did hear after that she did love the images!
CA

Tainer and the Think Tank

Ok so I know I look funny when I wear my "tool belt", but it really it's a great way for me to keep everything on me while I'm shooting fast paced stuff. Well of course I can adapt, so when Kristina forgot to pack it I told her her punishment would be to wear it. Doesn't she wear it well?
CA

And here are the two of us at Pennie and Jacob's wedding, taken by David Hoffman who was nice enough to second shoot with me.

600

From Candace and Dustin

This made me laugh, made me smile and even made me cry. My gosh I love you guys!
CA

Dear the most amazing photographer in the world,

You have no idea how great you are. Your pictures are amazing. I think between the proposal, engagements and the wedding our entire family and group of friends know your blog address by heart. You're a popular lady!!

I am so glad Dustin and I took time for a Mr. and Mrs. Schaible shoot! Getting away from the craziness for a few minutes and spending some time together was so fun. I cannot believe how great the pictures turned out. We look like Rock Stars. I knew they were going to be good, I mean come on you're Cory Ann, but I never thought they would be that good. Some of the images are so sexy. I can't wait to grose out our grandchildren with the thought of grandma and grandpa being intimate. =)

My advice to all brides is to spend a little alone time with you. You have this wonderful, warm grace about you that makes people relax. And this amazing gift to turn a simple window sill into art. I was so worried about my hair being perfect and my dress fitting just right that I was making myself sick. Spending time with you was the first time that day that I realized everything had come together. That I didn't need to worry about all of those little things because they didn't matter. I was getting married to the greatest man in the world and an out of place hair or smeared mascara wasn't going to change that. Taking pictures with you made me feel calm and sexy. Like a bride should feel. And what girl wouldn't feel sexy wearing a dress she adores, posing like a super model, knowing she's about to marry the man of her dreams. I have never felt so beautiful. I truely felt like a bride.

The images and moments you captured are priceless. You are an outstanding photographer with a great gift. Thank you so much for everything.

Take care,
Candace Schaible

I really can't beat what she said. it meant a lot that you were our photographer. I can't thank you enough for the proposal and how good of a job you did. YOU RULE.
Dustin

Shieva's Grad Announcement

We had one last annoncement to design for the year. Erin really does love doing these. I love to see what she can come up with and to push her harder for more.

Here is the lovely Shieva.
CA

My Panton Chairs

I absolutely adore modern furniture. While the rest of the photog world absorbs themselves in antiques and big poofy stuff I'll stick to the clean and simple lines of the modern era. I bought these two beauties for the studio. I am in love. They are my sexy chairs. Their curves just call you in. Amazingly they are also comfy.

Designed in 1968 by Verneer Panton it was the first single mold chair. There are no joints, it is made with a single piece of material. They weren't affordable because the cost of production, but now they are and I have them in my studio. Like I've said before I like to surround myself with all kinds of art. My furniture, my photos, my light fixtures, everything. These fit right in. Someday I'll get some for the house too. For now they get to look pretty in the new studio.

I was going to use one of these for an abstract contest, but with the Mother's Day Special I figured everyone would remember them. I think they could make a cool series on the wall. I may have to shoot them more.
CA

From Masondra

I had completely forgot about it, but Ayden hadn't. His mind is more of a trap than mine is. When we went to MN last trip we stayed with our friends (past clients) the Metzgers and baby Koen had a lovely blanky that Ayden liked. Well Masondra sewed one up for Ayden and now he's attached to it. It has gone to daycare with him, it's the blanket of choice at nap time and at bed time. Thank you so much Masondra for sewing it for him. He loves it! You guys are the best - the real perks of my job, new wonderful friends
CA

Blog Fun - Need info

So we have had some fun giveaways on here and we are preparing to send out a ton of prints. However a few of you responded on the blog itself and didn't e-mail your addresses. So I need information for the following people. If you can e-mail me that would be great. This is the thread I'm referring to.
Amber Kay FIGURED OUT
Tracey FIGURED OUT
Krista FIGURED OUT
Lori (is this my hyvee friend?) FIGURED OUT
Jody (is this my SIL?) FIGURED OUT
Jennifer Skog (I'm going to check your website)
Kristin B. (I think I know who this is, just checking)


And there were a couple of you who got 20" prints. Well that was about the time my e-mail had issues. I know who all but two of you are. So if you got an e-mail from me saying your were one of these winners drop me another e-mail so I can write you down and get you a print. I know of Heidi, Masondra and the Bisgards so far.

Thanks everyone!
CA

Mother's Day Flowers

Well Andy and Ayden tried to treat me write on Mother's Day morning but I had a session that I forgot to tell them about and also the afternoon sessions. So I did get a couple of cute cards and also some lovely flowers. And I got brunch when I came home from my morning session. Here are some of my flowers close up.
CA

Look at this little bitty bug on the lilacs he picked tonight. I would not have seen this if it weren't for my camera zooming in and I noticed it moving, just covered in pollin.

Stephanie + Dustin: 05.12.07

This was so totally awesome!

Kristina and I knew it was going to be a good day when the guys all showed up loud and having fun rather than having bahumbug faces. Way to set the stage!

After the formals, which were no were near the church, we stopped at a wonderfully run down old house. Stephanie didn't even mind one little bit. Didn't even flinch. She was cracking me up. I think I was more worried about the dress than her. Which ended up with out a speck on it.

After the ceremony the wedding party had a bit of fun on the way to the reception- darn they had fun the whole day! That's the way it should be. Then we had some yummy bbq.

Thanks for being so cool and choosing us to enjoy your day with you.
CA

Here are some of my favorite images.

And one little detail shot. Now I know some of you won't get it, but I think it's funny. It was behind the bar, don't worry we got a normal shot too.

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Ceremony: Grace Lutheran Church
Reception: Estelline Legion

Abstract Art: Part 7

I decided to try and make this one harder. Have fun and dig deep to figure it out.

Rules:
- You must guess exactly what this is.
- I will not be giving any hints or comments until someone guesses correctly or it starts to drag on.
- Guesses must be submitted by commenting on the blog.
- Current and past employees of AC Ellis photography are not eligible.
- If you have won the last blog contest you are not eligible.

What you can win:
Option 1: Studio Session
There is a little bit of small print. Must be done between May 28, 2007 and June 15, 2007 upon my availability and not on weekends. Upon request I will send you a gift certificate if your not in this area, but know someone who is you can send it to them (they are also held to the same stipulations). What a great gift!

Option 2: Signed Print
Of any AC Ellis Original, random image shown. Excluding the fire and ice pieces, the orchid, the snow covered winter trees, and also the body art (abstract 1). All personal work is now limited reproduction and these have already been reproduced and given away. Only one print from each reproduction will be given away and the rest will be sold. There will only be a maximum total of 10 reproductions each. So if you currently have one of these in your home consider yourself lucky, one of the few and in possession of an investment in art.
CA

Hint #1 since noone is guessing

Hint #2: guess exactly. 5.22.07

Hint #3 05.28.07

Hint #4 05.29.07

Hint #5 05.30.07

Hint #6 05.31.07

Hint #6 06.02.07 Last one, no more left.

From Raquel and Pheonix

It's the little things. And this is why I like to give back, because I know it's appreciated. You are most certainly welcome Raquel. And I didn't have the quote book. I love it, thank you for the note cards and pencils too. I love stationary and writing stuff. And of course quotes.
CA

Cory Ann,
I know this isn't much and you probably already have this quote book. I wanted to thank you for choosing us. You are so genuine and are absolutely amazing at what you do!

Thanks again!
Raquel and Phoenix

Randomness

If you hang out with me for very long you will realize soon enough how my mind works. About 100 thoughts per minute. Seriously there are very few things I can do to clear my brain and I can keep many things straight in it at the same time. Don't know how. Just do. Erin and now Kristina find it amusing how random I am.

The power of the supermarket are perfect for random people like me. You see I went into Hy-Vee for some ice cream the other day. And this is what I came out with. Ice Cream, New toothbrushes for Ayden and I, Soup to warm me up after or before the ice cream (it was dreary out and soup is great for that). Then I walked by the Whole Food section and noticed that Burt's Bees had a new product. I love their products so I picked up the new Deep Pore Scrub and the old faithful Citrus Facial Scrub. Of course all the while I was thinking of about 50 other things.

So yeah, and then as I was checking out and Lori (spelling, name?) just randomly asked if I was Cory Ann. I replied yes I am and she said she reads my blog regularly. I thought ooo ooo my 2 minutes of fame. It was nice meeting you Lori.
CA

Clint + Lindsay : 05.13.07

Some engagement images from this morning. They were so cute together. And thank you for being so darn patient you two!
CA

For a project

Happy Mom's Day!

An image from the other night for a project we are working on. Nash and Cayden.
CA

Tammy + Matthew: 05.11.07

Tammy and Matthew spent a bit of time with me. It was fun to watch the two of them play peek-a-boo.
CA

Playing Peek-a-boo.

Becky: 05.10.07

I do not know what they are drinking, but I want none of it. Women all around me are prego. Of course I'll take some images. Going for something a bit different here.
CA

Broncos Fans: 05.10.07

Our first true studio session. A gift for dad. Shh, if you know them don't tell, he hasn't gotten it yet.
CA

Julie + Aaron: 04.28.07

I know this is a bit late, but darn that photoshop and the readers did ask for more and that takes more time to work on.

Julie and Aaron were married last weekend in Sioux Falls. My gosh was everything perfect! The dress, o the dress. I saw it and was in awe. The bead work and embrodiary were so lovely and it fit Julie perfectly. So much about the dress is the fit. The dress was lovely on it's own, but Julie made it stunning!

Aaron had to be the sweetest groo