Chat Cards - New Product

Introducing our newest product: Chat Cards. They are great for everyone, better than stuffy business cards. Below we are showing them used for teens, they are great for seniors and everyone else as well. I think it would be super cute if Kristina and E did their leg images from a few posts ago.

Anyway, we design each one individually and include your name, phone, and e-mail address. Great to exchange when your traveling or just out and about meeting new people. For seniors they are great to hand out to all your friends before going off to college.

Hope you like.
CA

Headshots of K

K came in for a couple of headshots. Here are two favorites.
CA

MS Show all done

The MS Bridal Show is over. Most of the stuff is unloaded and some little things just need to be put away. It was a long day and I was wiped out, but it was fun.

Here are some images of our booth. We like to step it up a notch each time we go. Hopefully you all like.

I will be e-mailing and/or calling the winner of our select intimate session in the next couple of days. I still haven't even opened the box yet.

For all you SD Vendors looking for winter show to do I must say the MS is my favorite. The aisles were good and wide, it wasn't overrun by vendors from a particular group. It was large enough to have a variety and small enough to not be a burden. The management was kind and didn't nit pick and be rude during set up or anything. The venue is the best in town for a show of this kind. They didn't get rid of the fashion show. A lot of the better vendors I've worked with were there that weren't at others. Plus as always the proceeds go to MS.

Something to think about for the future.

2 new select intimates announced

Because the first concept of the white shirt for the select intimates is going off so strong we are adding two more dates for early this year. And here to model them for us is our beloved Kristina back in town for a visit and her friend E jumped in too for a couple of leg images.

Legs will be available from February 17-23, we will provide the leggings, little pink skirt, you bring shoes and black panties.

Cotton will be available March 2-8, we have many items but ask that you search your closet and bring cammies, tanks, panties and hoodies.

As always we have a strict privacy policy with these and all sessions. Noone outside of the office will know you did a session or see a single image with out your consent. We will not prompt or push you to share your images. They are yours and are only shared upon your approval.
CA

And a few more for your viewing pleasure.... We had to do the white shirt too.

E's Legs

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

MS Show and US

Tomorrow Sunday, January 27 from 1 - 5pm we will have our stellar booth up at the MS Bridal Show.

Being introduced at this show in full force are our intimate sessions. We will have large intimate canvases to show along side our wedding images, a book and drum roll please.....

... A giveaway for select intimate sessions. An extra special treat for you blog readers. If you introduce yourself to me and mention this blog post we'll star your name so if you win a session then you get a special treat! Plus you could get one of our 2008 AC Ellis Calendars. The calendars are first come, first serve and we don't have many left so be sure to not be shy. Introduce yourself and get some goodies.

All you wedding vendors, I thought it would be great if we could actually get some time to chat and see what each other do. So I've teamed up with Envision Wedding Studio and we are going to host a vendor get together on Thursday January 31 from 6-8pm at Envision Wedding Studio. We will have drinks and hors' d oeuvres and ask that you bring any portfolio material or cards to exchange with other vendors.

Leah and I hope to see you there. 5020 South Tennis Lane, Sioux Falls. ( 1 block east of 57th and Louise)
CA

From Nikki

Cory Ann,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The book is amazing, and I love the snowflake. You are always so generous and your talent is certainly a gift. I am so grateful for firends with such gifts.
Nikki

Your welcome Nikki, I'm so happy that you aren't just a customer, but are also a friend!
CA

Dagwood and Maggie

So while I was away on vacation for the weekend, I only picked up the camera for a grand total of about 20 minutes max. I thought I would play more, but I didn't. These two just had to get their image taken.... actually they really wanted the treats that were sitting right in front of where they were looking.

Hint to husband (notice this is a clear black and white hint) WE NEED TO GET A DOG!!
CA

Leave it....

Mmm peanut butter...

My Mommy Rocks!

Yes I bought it for him. But he knows what it means and tells me so, so it's ok. The single best reason to be home... my little man.
CA

Back to Work.

I'm back at work, like I ever really left. And we've been kickin' butt getting ready for the new select intimates and also the bridal show this weekend.... more to come on both of those.

In the meantime, the first person to comment and guess correctly what arrived at my house this week attached to this tag gets a 2008 AC Ellis Calendar sent to them.
CA

From Justin + Becky

Cory Ann,
Words cannot explain how much we appreciate your generous gift of your services. We look forward to your photography and cannot wait to see the moments you capture.
Justin and Becky.

Your welcome.
CA

From Gretta

Andy, Cory Ann and Ayden,
I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated the beautiful flower you gave me as a gift. Cory Ann, I also wanted to thank you for especially for the absolutely perfect moments you have captured of my family on paper. I really appreciate all you have done, and feel lucky to be of service to you.
Love,
Gretta

Gretta is Ayden's daycare provider - when we can get him to go. And she does a great job. Your welcome Gretta.
CA

Who are these women

I think that the most common concern or question regarding intimate sessions stems from our own self body image and wanting to know if it's ok that we aren't perfect, that they have "problem" areas, that this is actually the biggest we've even been.

Well to answer this let me tell you about the women you have seen. They are mothers, not just of one with amazing metabolism, but of 2, 3 and even of 4. They have stretch marks just like you and me. They have "problem" areas just like you and me. Of course they could have waited and gotten in shape, lost a few more pounds, but they didn't want to wait for that to happen. They are not models. They are all shapes and sizes. They fall under pears and hourglasses. They are not often someone you would call skinny. I do not spend hours in photoshop making them look good, we do that in the studio with lighting and posing. Photoshop is just to finish them off and give them that final touch. Heck I think models get photoshopped more than the ac ellis pin-ups do.

These are real women I have come to respect highly for their self-confidence, their beauty, their personalities and the trust that they put in me. I love to create images for these women and let them leave the session feeling alive and sexy again. I have gotten e-mails and letters about their improved sex life, their improved ego. I can hear them smiling on the phone when they call me to thank me. I've even heard them say they want to do it again. These women are amazing and they are just like so many of you!

Anyway, I just thought I'd share since I seem to be getting asked and I don't mind repeating it over and over again, but thought I'd put it out there.

Here's a little somethin' somethin' to the imagination in a nice white shirt. We are booking for the white shirt sessions. I'm off to enjoy the weekend with one of these fab women who has now become a great friend. That will end my so called "vacation" as it becomes time to hit the grind stone. We will have a bridal show on the 27th and after that start the white shirt sessions.
CA

P.S. More dates and themes may be added as interest has been sparked. I have many themes in mind and just need to check dates farther out. But look for a late Feb session or early May session if I can make the time. And I have some one-day opportunities in mind as well.

From Natalie

Cory Ann,
Thank you for the amazing engagement pictures. I am so excited to display them for everyone to see. Your work is definitely a piece of art. Dave and I are looking forward to our wedding and having more wonderful memories captured forever by you.
Thank you,
Natalie

You are most certainly welcome Natalie. I'm looking forward to your wedding also.
CA

February is Professionals Month

Is it time to update that headshot with an image that reflects your personality? Then now is the time to do it and AC Ellis is the place.

February 2008 is Professionals Month. For the entire month of February all studio headshots are discounted from $100 to $75 (plus tax).

The sessions are quick and harmless, letting you get back to your deserving clients. Come in with a variety of tops and we will help you select the one that is right for you. Images are proofed to you on-line. The image you select is retouched and delivered to you in digital format along with commercial reproduction rights for a period of two years. You can use the image on any of your web or print based marketing materials. Please inquire further for on-location and group images.

We are currently taking bookings. To book your session call or e-mail us at 605.212.1617 or ca@acellis.com.

Have a prosperous 2008,

Cory Ann Ellis
ca@acellis.com
605.212.1617

Select Intimates

Have you been on the line about doing an intimate session? AC Ellis is going to make it easy for you. For 2008 we are going to offer select sessions. These sessions will last 5-10 days and only be available during that time. Each session will have a specific concept and dates. Dates and concepts for January through August are announced and the others will be announced at a later date.

The select sessions will cost $50 and you may combine images from multiple sessions to complete a book at any point during the year. Of course all of our product and print offering are available for any session. Check the link that is on the right later in the year to see the dates and subjects of upcoming and additional intimate selects.

We hope to see some of you there.
CA

January 28- February 5: White T-shirt and a lot to the imagination. (Do session 01/28 - 02/02 for Valentines Delivery)
March 23 - 29: Baroque, think dark colors, moody lighting, damask, great for your darker outfits, corsets, etc.
April 20 - 26: Office, we provide all the props, but if you like bring his favorite tie.
June 8 - 14: Frilly, soft colors, girlie and perfect for white and light colored outfits.
July 20 - 26: Night on the town: bring those dresses and show your style and class all lite up in an evening setting.
August: will not be any
September : TBA
October: TBA
November: TBA
December: TBA

Time for bed.

Just a little something...

Ok now I'm off to bed, that was a full day.
CA

Audra and Jake's Book

Another wonderful book came in and is ready to go out. More to come as we wrap up and start on the end of 07 weddings. Can you believe we've already photographed three in 2008. And they all kicked arse!
CA

A's girls

The releases are in and here are all of A's girls from her sweet 16 photoshoot. Girls if you want to use these on your myspace or facebook just let me know.
CA

We can do something fun like this for any age group. And it doesn't need to be in the studio either... I can help you think outside the studio.
CA

Billy + Sheena: 11.10.07

A few months before their wedding, Billy and Sheena came in for their engagement session. It was refreshing to have a couple with such spunk and laughter in their lives! They had such a sparkle for life and I knew right away that their wedding was going to be a blast! Thanks for such a great time you two!

For this wedding I had a special treat - Cory Ann got to be my tag along! (You would think that life would get stressful with your boss watching you work your magic...) It was actually a perk, because Cory Ann was able to spend some time with the guys while I checked in with the ladies.

Knowing what the gentlemen are doing is something I think every bride wishes to capture on that day. It is always a completely different atmosphere than it is in the bride's room. On my wedding day Kris and the groomsmen had a grand breakfast and hung by the pool, while I was running to the hair salon, applying makeup, and stressing on the thought that I had forgotten to buy a garter! It brought such laughter to know how laid back they had all been!

Here's some images from the day.
ML

Thoughts in my head...

After no time off at all last year I put into effect some "vacation" days, office closure days or whatever you want to call it. Well the big one is December 20 - January 20. Now with out actually leaving the area do you think I could really be away and not work at all during that time? Of course not. Remind me next year to take a vacation (we know a wedding photog doesn't get one from May-October).

I have been using the time to get ready for taxes, bridal shows and unbelievable photographing weddings. During this small one month period the studio will photograph 5 weddings. Yep 5. So all you brides don't think you can't do a winter wedding because we have had 5 couples do just that this year and they have all been fab so far.

For the most part I've taken a break from editing, processing orders and prints. I have been trying to answer e-mails and also phone calls and messages, but basically relaxing just a bit, paying attention to some home projects and brainstorming.

But my mind runs in overdrive and nothing really ever stops, you should see my 2008 list of goals and things to do to make them happen. When I say watch the blog over the next few months and year I mean it, you could be sorry and miss out if you don't.

Well since I normally do a year in review I thought I had better. 2007 was big for AC Ellis Inc. and myself. Let's see if I can list some of the big things: New wedding and portrait websites, my family moved into our new home, the business moved into a new studio, Erin came on as a graphic designer with regular hours and as an office assistant too, Maria joined the team as an associate photog and is booking up well, we photographed about 30 weddings, and way too many portrait sessions to count, became incorporated, I photographed in Oregon, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas, we expanded our offering for sessions and products, and I think most important meet some wonderful people who are our clients and friends.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted AC Ellis Inc. who has allowed us to push ourselves technically and creatively by giving us so much free reign on YOUR day. To everyone who came back for more. It is a huge compliment to not only be hired for your wedding day, but for your children, intimates, graduates and extended families. Please know that we do appreciate you and I hope we do well at showing it. Speaking of which, so that we can show it more be sure to keep us up to date on your current mailing and e-mailing addresses, trust me no horrible junk and daily spam, just cool offerings and treats. E-mail me at word at acellis dot com to update us and who hoo check those mail boxes.

Ok enough rambling by me. If you read this far and can comment on one change I made to our web presence yesterday I'll send you one of those treats. Only valid until midnight and must be something different than the other comments.

Thank you all so much!
CA, Erin and Maria (yeah I'm speaking for them too)

PS. Guess who is currently taking some time to paint her new house... Erin! Her kitchen is red and it rocks, I told her I wore off on her, I'll have to go take some pics soon.

A little image from our New Years Eve (yes you can get married on a Monday) wedding. Just to tide you over.

The Downstairs Bathroom

Another room I painted. The downstairs/guest bath. I have yet to decide the art for the walls and get another mirror, the ceiling, and new window covering, but the paint is motivating me to do the rest.

So here is the in between.
CA

the after:

and the before:

Other Home Posts
The Media Room
The Hallway
The little things
No More Dungeon
The Washroom
Move in day

Katie and Travis' Book

A couple more books came in. Just a few more to get done. I can't believe how far along we are. This is great!
CA

Rod Evans and Heather Kallhoff in Italy

South Dakota has some serious talent with it comes to photography and Sioux Falls based Rod Evans along with Watertown based Heather Kallhoff are no exception. After teaming up to teach at SPA last year they have announced their newest endeavor, Italy Art Escape. I'm tempted to go and experience this with them, but alas I don't think it's feasible at this time.

But for the rest of you, this is a workshop worth looking into you. I've hung out with and been photographed by Rod twice. I hope to someday call him a friend, in the meantime I will admire and respect his work and professionalism. He is an artist and has a lot to teach. He studies art and painting and brings so much to his photography.

Heather has been well respected for some time and my young mind when I started out thought of her as the enemy. What a fool I was. Now that I have corresponded with her a number of times and finally met her in person I think she's great and a good person. She was also a teacher prior to being a photographer and if she has the patience for teaching children with special needs imagine what she can do with driven photographers. She is smart, easy to talk with so full of ideas and has a big heart too.

So anyway they will be a great team who work well together, enjoy and study art and are capable of teaching. So think about it. More info can be found on their sites and blogs linked below.
CA


Heathers Blog

Evans Creativity

Rebecca + Ethan: 12.22.07

I love weddings over the winter holidays as the decor is always stellar! Rebecca and Ethan photograph beautifully and this paired with the decor, lighting and wonderful personalities of all involved made my job such a joy.

Because the light goes down so quickly this time of the year they opted to see other before and gave me lots of time to play and explore the church. After some couple time we got straight to the formals.

The ceremony was good and the pastor witty. And I was able to get up front for some good images of Ethan and Rebecca reacting to his words. I loved the long aisle and the wonderful light at the altar.

We then headed downtown to Paramount Piano and Wine Bar and then to All Occasions in Tea for the reception. I hadn't been to All Occasions before and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was.

The dance was great and after capturing the first dances and a bit of the fun dancing I headed out. Thank you Rebecca and Ethan for selecting me.
CA


The beautiful bride.

Handsome groom.

Dad walking her down the aisle.

Up front during the ceremony.

From the back.

The ringbearer dropped his pillow.

Out for drinks in downtown Sioux Falls.

First Dance.

PS there were two AC Ellis brides and grooms at this wedding too. I forgot to get an image of them together though. But Starr and Matt it was great to see you!

From Stacey

Fabulous photogrpaher Stacey Doyle recently sent me a Mac Cosmetics Gift Card on-line as a thank you for sharing photography information on our forum.

Her Message:
Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!!Thank you!!! :)

Your are most certainly welcome. Thank you so much for thinking of me. I'm happy to share, and things like this make it worth it. Here's what I bought. I love my Mac Make-up.
CA

David Beckstead in SD

May 19-20 David Beckstead will be here in Brookings, SD for one of his Shoot with Beckstead Workshops. David was recently selected as one of the worlds Top 10 Wedding Photographers and we are fortunate to have him coming to South Dakota.

There will be instruction, critique and shooting time with some AC Ellis Brides as models. For outdoor locations we plan to shoot on a farm with prairie and possibly around the SDSU campus. We have a great alternate indoor location in the event of rain.

This workshop is open to everyone, yes even SD photographs. I hope to see many of you here. It's going to be a great time to learn from David and also to meet other photogs.

You can follow the links below to contact David and register for the workshop as well as see some posts and images on past workshops.

If you need anything from me let me know. If you are from out of the area you can fly into Sioux Falls, SD (FSD) and can rent a car or we can make a couple of trips to get you here. It is a short 45 min. drive on I-29 (at 75MPH). Once in Brookings the hotels are a short distance from my home and we can provide transportation to our home on the days of the seminar. If you decide to come in early we would love to have anyone over on Sunday or to stay late the following day. We can hang, talk shop, and all that good stuff.
CA

Shoot With Beckstead Blog

Shoot With Beckstead

Intimates with B

I love love love this back image!

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

The Hallway

So back when I did a survey many listed that they'd like to see some posts on home decorating/remodeling. I've not been ignoring them, merely did not have the time or money to do any of them. And I don't like to show incomplete projects.

But recently after filling all those holiday orders and in between doing the bookkeeping I have tore out some ceiling tiles and painted. This hallway is right outside my office door and since I can't have colors in the office (could cast a color on the screen and ruin calibration) I decided to go with bright and cheery in the hallway. Andy and Erin thought I was a little nuts when I picked Orange. Yes real Orange, but they both like it.

The ceiling is still incomplete. Waiting on an electrician and then we will do our thing. But here are some images. Notice the large intimate image. 30x40 really isn't that big. And the colored wall makes the black and white canvas pop!
CA

the after:

and the before:

If you look you can see I painted another room too. Show you that and more down the road...

Other Home Posts
The little things
No More Dungeon
The Washroom
Move in day

Jill + Dustin's Guestbook

And yet another book out the door. We are on a roll around here. Erin has been a designing machine and we have many more still to come in.
CA

Intimates with J and A

J and A had a great intimate session. I've been working on some new lighting and they did a great job of being patient and letting me play. In return they get some sweet images.

Here they are.
CA

PS. If you are interested in my intimate sessions either as a photog or client keep your eye on the blog over the next couple months. wink. wink.

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

Blooming Plant: 5

Here is the last installment of the amaryllis. All four blooms. Its all shriveled up now. Back to the books for me - o how I love this time of year. NOT!
CA

Tiffany + Eric: 10.27.07

The afternoon of their wedding day, I was asked to travel to the hotel Tiffany and her family were staying in, to and spent time with Tiffany while she prepared for her big day. It was refreshing to see how calm they all were, even though there were many activities going on.
The wedding took place at a lovely church on the West side of town. It was a fun experience for me because I have never really ventured out in that area of Sioux Falls. (I will admit that I got a little lost trying to find the church...) Before the ceremony we had a chance to steal Tiffany away for some kick butt portrait time - as always, a great way for a for a bride to relax!
The reception was beautiful, and of course very emotional. But, nothing gets a crowd moving quite like the song "Thriller" and Eric's outstanding ability to pull off looking like Michael Jackson in a cowboy hat!
That's how we do it here in South Dakota!
ML

Sweet 16 for A

This week I had a special treat when A and 11 of her friends headed to the studio for a photoshoot. They were served drinks and snacks and each got some time to shine. They are a great group of girls, I enjoyed having them. Hope you like these images A. I'll add more to the blog as we get some releases.
CA

Disclosure: For security reasons we are going to be referring to people by their first initials and first names only. No nothing has occured, but you never know and we want to keep our clients safe.
CA