The Alphabet Book

We have many projects around here. Some will take years to complete, simply because of time most often. This one took about 7 months, but it's finally done.

The AC Ellis Alphabet book is finished. It is a 60 page book full of AC Ellis images from family sessions. On the left side is a letter in the alphabet and a word that starts with that letter. It turned out beautiful - we just received the printed copy today and we are so excited about it.

You can purchase the book just the way it is or you can choose to customize it with your image and/or text. I think it's a great baby gift to give a session and a custom book. How fun and unique. Babies and children love to look at other children so it is sure to captivate the young viewer.

Enjoy the slideshow, sorry not everyone could make it in.

AC Ellis Alphabet Book Slideshow

Here are some images of the actual book. It can be ordered as large as 10x10 or as small as 5x5 and the first names of those appearing in the book are listed in the back.
CA

More Books

More books came in today and more are on their way.
One main wedding book and two parents books are ready to get shipped.

And in case you want to see the whole thing.

Allison and Jason Wedding Book

Amber and Spencer did slightly different albums for each of their parents:
Amber and Spencer Parent Album 1

Amber and Spencer Parent Album 2

Abstract Art: Part 8

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. But follow along anyway.

What you can win:
Option 1: Studio Session
There is a little bit of small print. Must be done between June 28, 2007 and July 28, 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, winter trees, nature colors 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. Each edition has it's own reproduction number.
CA

Patterns

Patterns and textures are everywhere. Can you guess what it is?
CA

Megan + John: 06.02.07

This is a long time coming. It's been crazy around here as I've been spending countless hours in front of these beautiful monitors prepping images for orders, albums and galleries. Yes I am posting at 5:19 am and no I haven't gone to bed yet...

Ok so this wedding was amazing. These two are so great together and so darn laid back. Their wedding was fun, from start to finish. The rented multiple cabins at Camp Lakotia, west of Madison and their guests had the pleasure of spending multiple days with them.

We arrive just as they were rearranging since the rain decided to pay us a visit and the simple arbor was lovely in the wood paneled hall. The reception room was so well lit I immediately fell in love. But it was the colors, old pictures and super fun wedding favors that let me know this was going to be a fun day.

So I went and found Megan in the lodge preparing with her girls who were all so supportive. Then after that we headed around the property for some couples portraits. And back to the reception hall for group images. The girls ALL wore white, with each bridesmaid with a different color sach. This looked really great for the images - who would have thought that all white would be so cool.

The ceremony was short and sweet with a nice performance by a friend who sang with his guitar. And the reception was fun - in the favors they gave each guest stick on mustaches. Some people put them on as mustaches, others as eyebrows and even one as a unibrow. It was funny. Then there was the dancing - everyone was dancing and just having a great time. I didn't want to leave. And I can't forget the cake. Cakes by Monica did them and the red velvet phesant cake was so yummy. I love wedding cake!

Thank you guys for selecting us to be part of your day. It was such a great day!
CA

Out by the lake.

Later in the evening just before the nudie shots.

A couple of portraits.

Exiting the ceremony.

First dance.

Daddy was handing out Patron shots, he asked me if I wanted one... oo I can't drink that stuff! I told him I had to drive home.

The flowers the girls held that matched their sach's.

Vendors:
Bakery:Cakes By Monica
Music: Music in Motion - DJ Service
Floral: Grapevines
Reception: Camp Laodia Dining Hall
Ceremony: Camp Lakodia
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

The S Family: 06.18.07

I love repeat customers and this session was double fun as I got to see the progress they made on their home. Jody decorates beautifully - and not just cause my work was everywhere. But that felt good to see too.

Emerson has gotten so big and is so darn cute!
CA

A little wind blown, but I love the big smile.

The M Family: 06.17.07

This was another extended family session. When I do the extended families I like to get a lot of different groupings. So here are some.
CA

And a bit of fun!

And I still have openings this summer if anyone else is thinking of a session like this.

The M Family

I called Carrie to ask her a question and she ended up scheduling a session. Man I should call more often.

It was so good to see her kids, they have grown so much. Such cuties. The boys were so great with Shelby! And Carrie is lookin good!
CA

A Tribute to Arnie

Last night I got a call from Audra - Saturdays bride. I was saddend to hear that her 80 year old grandfather had passed away Saturday evening after the wedding. Audra had just been telling me how great her grandfather was and how lucky the were to have such a great grandpa. And during the entire reception her grandfather had this cow bell he kept ringing. You see at one wedding he kept dinging the glasses to get the couple to kiss, so during the next family wedding they gave him plastic silverware. Well someone snuck in the cowbell for Audra and Jakes wedding and it was hilarious. I of course just wanted to yell "We need more cowbell!"

So this is to Arnie, who said I was picking on him by taking his photo. I told him I just have a soft spot for grandpa's.

Your family is saddend by your departure and I feel lucky to have met you for one night and to have had the opportunity to create some images that the family can cherish in your passing.
CA

Busy week

I know your probably all mad at me for no posts in about a week. But I've been working hard into the we hours of the morn (aka 4:20am) trying to get things done around here. But here is a quick post for you while I go and get these two weddings and two portrait sessions ready to show you.

While waiting in the studio today for some dads Ayden decided to take some images of me after directing me on how to take them of him.

This first one he says here hold the carmera, so I do and he proceeds to show me how to pose cause he could explain it with just words.

Just a shot.

And my boy.

The Y Family: 06.08.07

Another wonderful family session. Heidi, I know you've been waiting to see this one.

Sometime you just need to be patience - and wait till the parents aren't around. This was at the end of the session. Doesn't he look like a little stinker.

The whole fam.

Mom and Dad.

Lucy.

Albums and Books

Look what arrived and are heading out in the mail. More coming as we got bombarded with orders and they are slowly trickling in.

2 guestbooks and a wedding book

another guestbook

The interior of the guestbook

And in case you want to see the whole thing.

Laura and Chris guestbook

Danae and John guestbook

Audra and Jake guestbook

Leigh and Chris wedding book

Taking after his dad...

I started a load of laundry today and Ayden decided he would help me clean up by cleaning his room. When I went to look this is what I found...

All of the toys

He definitely takes after his dad.
CA

Our weekend.

No weddings, just the fam.

Ayden and Wyatt. They are both 4 until Nov.

So handsome!

Kaleb and Bo looking like they are in a polo commercial - well except the clothes.

From earlier in the week. Ayden found that I had put this in the garage to sell. He is so grown out of it, but like his dad likes to packrat things.

John Sather: 06.09.07

I've decided I need to shoot more often for me. When I'm not being paid and have the pressure of the must have images. So I've created some personal projects and while some of them I think will take years before they come to completion I'm still working on them now.

So here are some images from my first session for one of my projects. I'll let everyone know the projects when I actually finish one. I've photographed John's family a number of times. They are always a joy to work with.

John is an organic farmer in MN and last night I went along as he burned the fields. The burning is done with a huge set of burners pulled behind the tractor with the propane tank behind them. I learned a lot about farming and actually had fun just riding in a tractor. Although I found I got rather dirty with out even doing much. Ok so I did get my work out in as I ran to catch up wtih the tractor after getting into position for some images.

Thank you John for letting me photograph this and being good company.

John.

We started out at dusk.

John looking back to make sure I don't fall off and get burned as my crazy butt stood and shot from the burner thingy.... like the technical terms? You know me always doing crazy stuff.

I kept walking behind the tractor. Actually behind the propane tank to get these next couple of shots I was lying on the ground, I think John may have thought I got ran over or something cause he stopped when he couldn't see me for a while. I had to get up and wave for him to keep going.

Look at the single bright star. No PS.

Just cool of the whole set up moving along. You know when I moved out here I was just mesmerized by the tractors and combines working the fields at night. Something neat about it still.

Coming at me. You could be blinded by those lights.

Umm yeah, it was a little hot.

This is one of the pipes. Although the propane was the fuel to throw off all that heat the pipes frosted over coming out of the tank.

I may have seen it all...

Technically I did see it all, but I'm thinking maybe I've seen it all at a wedding. Last Saturday was such a fun laid back wedding I enjoyed it so much. All the bridal party, parents and especially the bride and groom just enjoyed themselves throughout the entire day. It was great - but you can hear more about that in their post. I told Megan that this antic was getting it's own post.

The best man used to be a diver in college and apperantly he makes a habit of skinny dipping. So he asked how late I was going to be at the reception and I told him. He stole me away for a brief shoot with him and the personal attendant as they left the dining hall, which by the way has a wall of windows facing the water, and took off towards the lake. As they ran they were stripping down their clothes and then they jumped off the end of the dock in broad daylight totally naked. I was laughing so hard as were the bride and groom.

Like I said I may have seen it all as far as weddings go.
CA

Gabriel

Gabriel came into the studio for some 3 month old images. They get big so fast.

O no there's that black box...

Mom always makes me laugh. It was so cute when he laughed, his leave kept moving.

I loved this little cashmier outfit. I want an adult size one.

All four of them.

And one of the one that continually tries to elude me.

Us at Cass' wedding

The Ellis clan at Cassidy and John's wedding

Ayden was waiting when I got to the site of course being a most handsome ring bearer again - and carrying the real rings after we told them how pissed he was at Candace and Dustin when he stepped forward and realized he didn't have them - man it was funny.

Andy and my Dad being the goofy guys they are.

My whole family: Dad, mom, Cassidy, Wyatt, Reannah, John, Magnum, Ayden, Myself and Andy. It was funny when taking this I told Magnum to get in the image like I do with all siblings and forgot that I was supposed to be in it and Ayden and Andy too. See what happens when you get a family member to be the photog. Dusty took the image for us.

The three girls. O my dad and dealing with PMS (4 women). I bet that was fun!

My dad and Ayden. I just cherish these images. Come and visit dad.

And Andy and I. Cassidy was so thoughtful to call us out to the dance floor and play our song from our wedding, Nothing Else Matters, by Metallica. Thanks Cass!

From Brenda, et all

And this is exactly why I did the special. Thank you ladies for the note.
CA

Cory Ann:

Thank you so much for the Mother's Day Special! Because of you - I know have a picture that captures the women who have influenced me so much in life. You truly have a kind and caring heart for offering such amazing pictures!
Thank you,

Brenda Merkel, June Ohm, Bev Letsde, Shirley Sanger

From Becky

Becky sent me a gift certificate for Amazon for doing her maternity images and this is what I got. Books by two artists I really admire.

Super cool Richard Avedon Portraits book. It slides out of it's holder and opens in an accordian style. A wonderfully neat presentation of his images which are all b&w large format.

And Annie Leibovitz: American Music. I think this is about my 5 book of hers. As we were unpacking the house we took a lot of stuff out of storage. Including books of my that I haven't looked at for years as we lived in a small apartment. In them I found early purchases of mine that were Annie's books. I wasn't even aspiring to be a photographer then. I guess subliminally I just always admired the art.

Thank you Becky, Congratulations! Can't wait to see Sam.
CA

Wyatt 06.06.07

Wyatt dropped in for his four year images update. Just a quick session in the studio. He is getting so big.

Father's Day Special

By popular demand after the Mother's Day Special I will be doing a Father's Day Special.

Each grouping is $15 and includes a 5x7 print that you can pick up at later at the studio. Of course if you want to purchase additional images later you may. The session takes only a short period of time (about 5-10 minutes) and you can continue on with your day. No appointment is necessary, just stop on in.

Bring your dad's, grandpa's and even father figures. Let's get an image of you and the important men in your life.
The $15 fee basically covers the cost of your print, so the sitting is included- free of charge. See the family tips on the right of the blog in resources for some good clothing chioces.

Call or e-mail with any questions. I hope to see many of you there. Wish my dad was in the area to do this with me.
CA

When:
Sunday June 17th 12pm-2pm

Where:
AC Ellis Photography New Studio! See address on side of blog or on last post. Click on it for directions.

What:
$15 for grouping includes the session and a 5x7 print. A group is a the people in the image. Each time the people change it is another group. Your print will be ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks at the studio or at Tuli.

Not:
An opportunity for a family or individual portrait. Just dad's and kids.

The dad's in my life:
Early image with a p&s

Film days, didn't even know I wanted to be a photog, black sheet as a background. O how I would do it different now. Look how chubby Ayden is.

My dad and his grandkids

Ayden and Papa Roger

I love this one.

What I've learned from Cory Ann

Kristina's last day was Friday while I was away, but she did come in on Tuesday before she left to collect her check, umm I mean say goodbye. She also left a list of many of the things she has learned while working for me. I have not edited it at all.

Tainer I'm going to miss you! I'll have to book some wedding in Omaha so I have an excuse to come and see you! Can you say shopping and dancing?
CA

What I've learned from Cory Ann...

1. How to go light hunting.
2. How to grommet.
3. How to shut down a Mac computer.
4. What to do with junk mail.
5. That she WILL see your boyfriend naked if he has a hot bod.
6. That she'll make YOU get naked.
7. She gives good presents.. like bras, staplers, Coach, old headbands, and skinny jeans.
8. A Little Drunk is Better Than Dead and Love Addict.
9. How to work a tape dispenser... I dominate that thing now.
10. That filing is FUN.
11. That moving is not fun.
12. How to lay a wood floor.
13. To shoot from above.
14. To wear my hair down when I get married.
15. To not talk or ask questions if she's in a bad mood.
16. Grooms are cute.
17. To not forget the step stool.
18. More importantly, to NOT FORGET THE BELT.
19. Wedding rings look good on stirpper boobs.
20. That she can dance.
21. Glass is sharp and makes you bleed.
22. Quickbooks.
23. DJ's suck.
24. How she does a million things at once.
25. How to print labels.
26. That chairs can be sexy.
27. That mixed nuts are annoying and cashews rock.
28. That her son is adorable... "You're so beautiful Mommy."
29. How to put things together (too many to list) and be handy.
30. To bring extra shoes.. pointys for 8 hours = not good.
31. Tiffany and Co. is the only way to go. : )
32. Tha she'll take nasty Polaroids of you and hang them up.
33. Random religious facts.
34. Bob. haha
35.That she'll be dirty or wet after every shoot.
36. How to make dresss out of pictures.
37. What a chuck is.
38. Not to leave prints in your car for a week when it's negative degrees outside.
39. How to make entire rooms into closets.
40. That she knows a little about everything.
41. How to put frames together.
42. That she needs a bigger garbage can.
43. That she'll make you work with lighter fluid.
44. That trashing your wedding dress is fun.
45. That she's the best boss EVER and I'll miss her so much!

Cassidy + John: 05.26.07

You all remember the OR trip right? Well the whole reason for it was for the wedding of my younger sister Cassidy. I told you it was the wedding of a very special person. We got in on Thursday and hung out with the family for a while and stole my niece Reannah to swim at the hotel with Ayden. Then Friday was for setting up and rehersal and a very good dinner at the Lemon's home (John's parents).

Saturday morning was a bit more set up and then for wedding prep. We met back at a hotel room for Cassidy and the girls to start getting ready. Then Cass and I headed out for some images, but the good ones came later when light was better. Ok so to the ceremony. I'll just narrate with images from here...

Cass and dad left for the ceremony in a horse drawn carraige. It was so cute!

While John and the rest of the bridal party assembled to ride in ahead of them on the fire engine (they both work with the fire dept.) This is John and thier son Wyatt. I'm lovin' the old look with the white suit.

Ok so look at this proud father walking her down the aisle. Our dad is such a big teddy bear.

And John's mom shed a few tears during the vows.

Vows

Exiting all happy!

The entrance into the reception.

Dance with Dad. Magnum (other little sister) and I were both crying

John on the pogo stick. I tried it out too. Not easy in a skirt.

And a couple of portraits of my little sis Cass as the bride.

Congratulations sis, glad we could be there. I hope it was everything you dreamed of. We love you!
CA

Check back later for another post with some images of my clan.

From Patti

Patti knows how much I love my little boy so she made me this cute bracelet with his name. Thank you Patti it's so cute and I'm keeping it away from Ayden he hords everything- I swear he acts like he has no toys and doesn't get to do any cool stuff at all. Must work on that. Although he did dance with me tonight. So cute!
CA

Candace and Dustin on the Lovesac

I got a call today and guess who is grazing the home page of the Lovesac website with their presence? That's right Dustin and Candace. Of course they are being all goofy in love like they always are. Woohoo you two are famous.
CA