Kim

Hello all. I'm down in KC on a business trip. Making my rounds in Kansas and Missouri. I've gotten to catch up and hang with clients and getting to know some new ones. When I return I will have lots of images to post.

In the meantime, here is my friend Kim. She's a photog down here.
CA

30% off prints special

Need a bit of retail therapy?
Here's a little Black Friday special for you.

30% off all prints. Use Promo code: 30black

Orders placed on Friday only 12:00am to 11:59pm
Only valid on new orders.

If you don't have a gallery up and want to place an order from your older session or wedding, just let me know which image. Wedding clients can reference their disc.

I hope your Thanksgiving has been great and you were able to enjoy some family. We had the entire Ellis clan here and it was a great time. Not a single image to show though as I put the camera down and did other things.

Just an FYI I will be leaving tomorrow for a few days and may be slow at responding to e-mails and phone calls. But I will get back to you and Erin will be in the office periodically when I'm gone.

Ayden turned 5

I honestly can't believe my little boy is 5. Yes every year I'm going to say the same thing. I already warned Andy. Since it has been so crazy around here I hadn't gotten a chance to even download these until today. I was freaking out last night thinking I had shot over them. But my trust card system saved the day. Anyway November 14 was Ayden's real b-day but we had the party on the 11th.

He specified exactly what he wanted on his cake.... flowers, not hard ones, soft ones made of frosting. Worms and a super hero. So here is a 5 year old designed cake. Hagmans made it for him and as usual everyone commented on how good it tasted.

So what comes next besides 6? He already learned to ride a bike, started pre-school. I don't want to think about what's next. I want him to stay affectionate and not be embarrassed to hug and kiss mom in public and to continue to tell me everyday I'm beautiful. Yep he does that. I love it!

Thank you to Maria who got the second two images. Erin was relieved she didn't have the responsibility this year.
CA

Combine

As I sit here this morning getting some work done before preparing for the family to arrive I'm thinking of all the things I'm thankful for. My customers are one of them and the Sather Family is no exception. This is my 7th session with them and I enjoy everyone even more.

John and I headed out to get some combining images. Last time we did the flamer and we are going to try to document all the stages. The Sathers run an organic farm and I love learning more and more about it as I spend time with them.

Here are some of my favs. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and hug those beautiful kids for Ayden and I will you.
CA

It's like a big monster that just eat up the corn stalks...

... and spits out what it doesn't want.

Shh we won't tell where this is taken from, but it intrigues me so much how the machine pulls in each of the stalks and strips the ears off feeding them into the auger thingy (yes I know I don't know the technical terms yet).

I always wonder what is going through John's head when I sit or lay in the middle of the rows while the combine is coming right at me. I bet his hand is on the kill switch. I like this one as you can see the full load of kernals up to. And the arm ready to dump into a truck - if there was one there.

And the corn being dumped into the grain bin. Yeah you should have seen what I looked like when I crawled out of there. Someone should have gotten an image of me.

Just a corn image I really really liked.

H Family

The H family came in earlier in the week on I think the last nice day of the season. We were able to sneak outside for some images rather than being confined to the studio.

Little T is so cute and I love how much fun these three had together... Anyway here are some of my favs.
CA

Rebecca + Ethan

Around this time of the year the available light in the evening fades quickly. If you don't work fast it's gone before you know it. I always have to adjust from starting sessions around 7 or 8pm to 4pm and this night was no exception. But instead of quiting we went out and about and did night portraits.

Here are Rebecca and Ethan, I'm looking forward to their wedding next month.
CA

Shane + Stephanie: 10.05.07

Shane and Stephanie had a small laid back wedding in which they did a wonderful job of incorporating their children. Which were so cute by the way. The old church was perfect and the candles added to the atmosphere.

After the ceremony everyone had a great time in the limo before heading to the Washington Pavilion where Amanda did a wonderful job as always of decorating and keeping things moving well.

Here are some images from their day.
CA

Reception: The Washington Pavilion
Florist: Gustaf's Greenery
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Sid and Flanny

They stopped in for a couple of quick updated images. Love these girls!

The G Family

Some little angles. I love how they were dressed. They made me work this day, but the first image just makes it all worth it. We try so hard to get the everyone looking at the camera smiling picture, but it's one's like this with interaction that I think are the best. And that should be blown up.

Let's start with my absolute favorite first.

Not a fan of my camera, but still cute!

cracks me up...

From Jonathan

Cory Ann,
Thank you for helping me document such a significant moment in the Fishback family... in life. : )
Jonathan

You are most certainly welcome. It was a pleasure to do.
CA

Megan + Michael: 09.29.07

Another wedding when I got travel to a new place. So of course we left super early. But he new GPS got us right there and extra early so we drove around and found some beautiful areas for portraits.

We did many images before hand as we arrived early and figured we mind as well get to work. We got all kinds of group images out of the way and then snuck Megan away for some creative time.

I'm not big on tradition. I think it's great to do your own thing, but one tradition I love it the waiting to see the bride until she walks down the aisle. Love the high emotions. And Megan and Michael did this and it was worth it.

After the ceremony we did all "formals" (which I think I'll now dub group shots as they aren't nearly as formal as years past) outside in front a tree with a huge canopy that framed in the fields in the background. The fields happened to belong to Megan's dad. I didn't know this when I took them over there, but I thought it was a great side note to tell the kids someday. Then we took a few extra in a couple of other areas before heading to the reception site.

The reception was at this amazing hunting lodge called The Hole in the Wall. And had such a warm close atmosphere for the group. Perfect! Just before leaving with the storm clouds brewing outside we snagged Megan and Michael for a bit of creative portrait time. They are so great together and in front of the camera. I love this set of images. We got to create just for them.

Thank you for the great time!
CA

A little classic hollywood style lighting. You wouldn't believe how we made it.

The handsome groom

I love that they waited to see each other and Michael was grinning big upon seeing Megan.

As they walked down the aisle Megan glanced at her mom. Who was in tears. I LOVE EMOTION!

The exit

And for some portrait time. This was near an old boarded up school that just happened to be Megan's mom's old school.

And some evening portraits. This was after hours as we were getting ready to leave. We had to stay extra and play.

And the reception at The Hole in Wall. A very beautiful hunting lodge.

Ceremony: Big Springs Baptist Church
Reception: Hole in the Wall Lodge
Florist: Flowers by Jan
Caterer: Hy-Vee Vermillion
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Cassie + Josh: 09.22.07

Wow I am so behind on my wedding blogging, so here goes...

I was excited for Cassie and Josh's wedding it was outside on the shoreline in Chamberlain. Not many people take the chance of doing an outside wedding in SD, but they are lovely and allow for some great photography vantage points. When we pulled up at Cedar Shores I was even more excited to know everything was happening at the same place. No driving to and from - it was wonderful to have everything together.

Cassie did an amazing job of decorating. Both the wedding and reception decor was beautiful. She integrated her favorite flower in with grace and had some unique centerpieces as well.

Everything flowed nicely and it was a great day for all. Thank you for selecting us. Here are some of our favorite images.
CA

The arbor

Josh patiently waiting for the ceremony to start. He was walked down the aisle by his daughter (see Maria's blog later) which was cool.

The ceremony.

Josh wiping away Cassies tears. Tender moments ahahhha

The happy family exiting.

A few portraits.

Cocktail hour. Just had me laughing.

And the first dance.

Ceremony: Cedar Shore
Reception: Cedar Shore
Florist: Ms. Bumblebees
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

From Jessica

Hi Cory Ann!
I have been meaning to drop you a note to thank you for the blog photo and tee I received a few weeks back. You are such a thoughtful gal - it is too bad all businesses aren't run like yours!

We have a 3 week old baby now, so I have been trying to get my husband to let me schedule a family photo with you! I hope he gives in soon! maybe after the holidays!

Thank you for thinking of me! Your awesome!
Jessica


Jessica,
You need to get that baby in to see me. I need my baby fix. Tell that hubby of your for the holidays you want a gift certificate and a smiling happy husband at a session. Hope to see you again soon!
CA

From Steve

Hi Cory Ann,
What an awesome job you did with your openhouse. Your studio looks awesome! Thank you for inviting me. It has bee fun watching you grow. Keep up the great work. I'll see you soon!
Steve

Once again this is why I love my lab!
American Color Imaging

Studio Session Special

Studio Sessions are cool because:
- they are a great alternative to stuffy school portraits
- they are an easy way to update your image
- a wonderful alternative for a yearbook headshot if you don't want to do a full session
- they are quick
- you don't have to change outfits or backgrounds
- the studio is cool to come to

So for a holiday gift or simply for yourself purchase two studio sessions and get the third free. That brings each session to only $33 dollars. They will be delivered in individual gift certificates perfect for gift giving.

If you purchase before 11:59pm on Monday 11.19 then we will include one 5x7 print ($20 value) with your regular print order for free in each session.

Offer valid until Tuesday 11.20.07 at 11:59pm
Additional 5x7 valid until Monday 11.19.07 until 11:59pm
Not to be combined with other offers.

To purchase follow this link to our cart.
CA

Intimate/Soma Books

One for us and one for L. They turned out great!

Soma means body and since I recently found out bodyscapes is trademarked in the photography profession we won't be using it anymore (I am big on honoring others copyright, trade and service marks). So these specific sessions, which focus on the light on the body parts will be part of my Soma Essay(tm). Stay tuned as there is more to come on this topic.

Thanks to Andy for helping come up with a name.
CA

View our entire book.

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

Arby's in town

I'm so excited we got an Arby's in town. I think I've already eaten there 4 or 5 times. This is good - for my taste buds, not so good for my arse and thighs.
CA

Canvas Special

Only Thursday 11.15.07 from 8am through Friday 11.16.07 at 5pm
Buy one get the second 50% off. Must be same image same size.
Just go to your gallery and enter promo code: CAN1501107 in your comments or image notes upon checkout.

800

From Kristina

Cory Ann and Erin,
Thank you so so much for the pin-up T! I love it! Leave it to you, CA to find softest cutest fitting shirts... and I love the graphic! good work. It was so sweet of you to send me one. I will let you know - Joel is super jealous : ) I miss you both lots and hope all is well. I've turned into a major blog addict.
With love,
Kristina

We miss you too girl!
CA and Erin

Complimentary Duplicate Sale

24 hours only Tuesday 11.13.07 from 6:34pm through Wednesday 11.14.07 at 6:34pm
Just go to your gallery put what you would like in your cart and enter promo code: DUP1107 into your comments at checkout to secure this wonderful sale.

Stay tuned for a couple more specials in the upcoming days.
CA

Fall Gone

Fall, the colors are beautiful, but it comes and goes so fast. Still can't believe we've already had snow flurries and barely any time to get the leave pills cleaned up around here.

A colorful leaf.
CA

AC Ellis Pin-Up Tees

We made these for all our intimate ladies (aka AC Ellis Pin-Ups) out there. You may only get one if you have done an intimate session. So you won't even see me wearing these super sexy tees. Common' ladies I know a few of you have gotten one, send in some images. If you have done an intimate session and haven't gotten yours yet e-mail and let me know your current address.
CA

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

From Emily

Thank You!!

Dear Cory Ann,
I cannot thank you enough for the BEAUTIFUL pictures. You truely have a gift and I cannot begin to express my total excitement for my wedding day, thank in part to you. I feel honored to be your client. So thanks much... I will be in touch!
Sincerely,
Emily Pankow

Emily,
I am honored to have you as a client.
CA

Jeannie rocked the ac ellis tee

I got this image from another photog that we sent an AC Ellis Tee too. LOVE IT Jeannie!

So all of you with your tees out there, send some images in so I can add them to the blog. I'd love to see them in action all over the country or world! I know a bunch of new shirts went out to some hot ladies... I'll put you on my favorite peeps list. ; )
CA

Visit Jeannie.

T Family

So after a long drive to Wessington Springs I got to spend a few hours with the T family. I loved the property and wish we had a better day to explore it, but it was still fun to do some lifestyle images. I want to go back when the weather is better.
CA

Laughing at daddy.

I did these lifestyle ones in a special treatment to help create a better sense that you are sharing an intimate everyday look into their lives.

I focused on the spider web and blurred them to create a sense that your spying on them.

N Family

We met at a park in Sioux Falls to photograph this wonderful family. It was a park I hadn't shot at, however I must be the only one in South Dakota who didn't know about it because there were seven other photogs when I was leaving and stopped to count. And I didn't know a single one. Wow.

Anyway it was a great morning and a lovely location. The whole family was great and up for some non-trad images. I loved the kids.... loved them! They may have to turn into my little models in the future.

Here they are. Can you guess which park? I was trying to shoot where others weren't.
CA

The whole clan.

My future competition or co-worker

loved this tree, have so many ideas in my head for it.

These two played so well together. Zach is a great big brother!

Look out girls.

And I had to get mom with her boys, yes I got one with their whole faces, this just made me laugh.

April + Paul

Some fun engagement images on the one nice day before it turned cold on us again. April made a late appearance at my last wedding to make a record four ac ellis brides as one wedding. Looking forward their wedding.
CA

Ayden Reading

On another personal note, Ayden has taken to drawing or reading (well looking and/or listening) to book by desk lap. It was so cute the other night that I had to grab the camera. Of course he heard the shutter and caught me in action.
CA

Trick or Treat

And some personal images of my boy, who will only be 4 for one more week. So sad I'm going to have a 5 year old. Ooo last year on his b-day I got myself some boots, what shall I get this year? (You know cause I did all the work for those 9 months and that one painful day).

Anyway back to the images for Halloween.

Andy takes his pumpkin carving very seriously. Ayden drew out his face and Andy copied it onto the pumpkin.

And a tradition from my family is to cook up and eat the seeds- precooking. Yummy!

All of our jack-o-lanterns

You know I don't care for the whole knocking on doors and asking for candy, but I love how cute he is on his tiptoes trying to reach the doorbell. And being a dragon of course (see earlier post for a better image).

Helping the big boys take off their make-up. I threatened to show the images of them in the headbands with make-up remover to the girls. Nah, I'll just blog them so their moms can show them (aka Nikki). he he.

Natalie + David

I'm looking forward to next wedding season, heck this one isn't over. But I love meeting new people and these two were great. We got just a bit of fall color left in the images and the light was lovely.
CA

Halloween Portraits 2007

And the gang from Halloween. Drop me an e-mail if you were there so I can let you into the gallery. I love seeing the kids and kirby in their costumes. Be sure to remember for next year.
CA

My little monster...

Boysen WIO

And the Boysen's in for session number twenty-two.
Cory Ann

Jacobsma WIO

And these munchin's which always give me a run for my money.

Wermers WIO

I love these kids, they photograph so well and are so well behaved.
CA

Brian and Mary's Books

These just went out this week. In addition to their book Brian and Mary select two 5x5 soft cover duplicates to give out. What a wonderful gift, they are so cute and come in their own little case.
CA

View their entire book.

All the books

I love that they selected images that would not otherwise remember. Why wouldn't they remember, well they were up at the altar and all of these insert images are their family and friends during the ceremony.

A little subtle detail on the classic cover.

John and Danae's Book

Another book done and gone. Mailed this one out a while ago.
And in case you want to see the whole thing.

Gallery Reactivation and Holiday Additions

Hello,
I know it's been a while, but with all these weddings and sessions I've been keeping up on the editing, albums, photoshoping, orders, etc. We've managed to stay ahead of all that (a goal this year), but fell behind on the blog. I have much to show you in the upcoming weeks as I get some weddings and portrait sessions ready. Just hang in there...

With the Holidays nearing and the requests for cards coming in we have decided to reactivate the galleries of our clients from this past year. If we have missed your gallery please contact us and we will get it up for you. You should be receiving an e-mail with your link and passcode. If your e-mail has changed drop us an e-mail to update it.

The galleries will be active until December 5th. To ensure delivery for the holidays get your order in my November 30. For the first three days there is a 15% off discount on your order of $25 or more. After that check the blog for limited time only specials.

Click here to find your session or event, to obtain a password e-mail us or the client.

With the gallery reactivation you will likely notice a few additions and changes.

- Many have experienced the new shopping cart, but many more have not. So enjoy all the added features, the addition of products, the zoom feature, and all the rest of the goodies. This cart is powerful and one of only two in the state of SD. Like always we are committed to increasing our services and this cart has definitely done that for you.

- You may now order cards and other products directly from the cart. Images of each product are included. For cards you may select from a custom card like before or a standard card. Standard cards will periodically be added to and they have no design fee. They will only allow for one or two images and no full-bleed images. Color changes are not allowed, but the text and image(s) will be customized to your choice.

- Gift wrapping is now available. Woo hoo!

Ok I think that's it for now. Look in your e-mail for your gallery notification. If you did not get one please contact us.

Here are a couple of our new standard cards. Photogs if your interested in purchasing our templates drop me a call or e-mail.