Ayden and I

I took a few images of Ayden, he prefers to be behind the lens so he turned it on me.
CA

Dog Poo

Just a random post to follow the post on Guinness yesterday. I really like the humor of the ads of these bags. I like the packaging and I need to find them in the US.
CA


Dog Poo Bags

Guinness: take 4; 10.5 weeks old

He is getting big fast. When we came back from cali I couldn't believe how much bigger he got. Here he is last week.

Sitting nice and perty.

Very playful

And yes Guinness is out of focus, but I love the two of them together

And don't they say something about a boy and his dog? What about a grown man and his dog? This was at the last a couple of weekends ago. I woke up to find this and quickly grabbed my camera. And yes he slept with the dog and not me.

Katie + Matt: 06.07.08

I'm telling you I've been working hard and am on a roll. Another wedding coming soon to a gallery near you.

What a weekend this was a basement flooding and two great weddings back to back. To round off the weekend I headed up to Fergus Falls, MN for Katie and Matt's wedding. I tell you they had a perfect day! We've lucked out with a mild summer hear in the Midwest.

We had a lot of time for portraits, like most of my couples they also waited to see each other until the ceremony. Here are some portraits.
I found this wonderful light - in a parking lot. See I tell you just trust me.

Who needs formals at the altar, when you print that 7x5 and frame for the end table a shot like this is so much more fun than the ones in the church! They had a very fun bridal party, it was great to work with them.

And then you follow the photog back to the reception site prepared for a stop along the way. I think they all thought I was nuts when I pulled into this shop. I told them I saw something around back.... Katie used their restroom - we're surprised she made it out alive...

This is straight out of Lightroom, no PS other than to put the stripe on for the blog.

Slideshows are a great opportunity for us to shoot the family members. I try to position myself so I can see them all and get their emotions as they view the images of their children's life. Katie's dad was teary eyed the whole time.

And then some dancing:

Grandma taking a picture of a group image, her bright colors and hat are so fun.:

Details:

Thank you so much for having me, I had a great time. And thank you also for the treats in my room, the rounded out a perfect day!
CA

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Ceremony: First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN
Reception:Pebble Lake Golf Course, Fergus Falls, MN
Caterer: Putters Bar and Grill, Fergus Falls, MN
DJ: Larry O'Brien Dance Machine
Floral: The Flower Mill

Kay + Aaron: 06.06.08

I'm making up lots of ground around here. Another wedding coming soon to a gallery near you....

Kay and Aaron got married on a beautiful day in Sioux Falls at St. Mary's Catholic Church. I love the modern look of the church, the long aisle and the wonderful light. Like so many of my couple they chose not to see each other before the ceremony, but we had lots of extra time so I took many portraits beforehand.

Kay is a classic beauty, and I love how she wore her hair down.

And we took a lot of images afterwards:

I was on my vintage kick again... just a little playing

And the first dance:

Details:
I loved her simple dress! And it was not strapless and she never once tugged at it all day!

Flowers:

The bridesmaids wore tea length purplish dresses. They were a wonderful fabric that had a mat finish to them. They photographed great! And they all wore their own black shoes.

Thank you for having me, your wedding was fabulous and thank you for the kind e-mails.
CA

Ceremony: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, SD
Reception: Westward Ho Country Club, Sioux Falls, SD
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Florist: Josephine's Floral, Sioux Falls, SD
Entertainment: Ben Davis
Transportation: Sioux Falls Transit Trolley, Sioux Falls, SD

April + Travis: 05.23.08

Some more wedding goodness coming your way as I edit away.

I think all photogs say they have the best brides, maybe it's because we all attract couples who mesh with us. Well this couple was awesome, good looking (yeah I know I'm not that good lookin'), great style and just plain fun. I was in a bit of a vintage mood this morning processing these images so they have a different look. This is what allows me to mix things up and not do the same thing all the time. They are added to the gallery in an extra section, just in case you like it too.

April got ready at the Club House in and Suites in one of their big rooms. It has a bunch of great light and a balcony to look over.

Travis watching his bride walk down the aisle, they didn't see each other beforehand.

The Cathedral

Big exit. These stairs are great for this.

And the first dance. So cute together!

And some details for you.
Programs from Envision, love the color on the black, and the light printing on the black, ok I just love them.

The dress

Shoes

Hankerchief

And the flowers.

Ceremony: St. Joseph's Cathedral, Sioux Falls
Reception: Washington Pavilion
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Programs:Envision Wedding Studio, Sioux Falls, SD
Getting Ready Site: ClubHouse Inn and Suites, Sioux Falls, SD.
Entertainment: DJ Stone Rock
Caterer:Leonardo's Cafe, Washington Pavilion
Gown: The Wedding Shoppe
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Cake: Hy-Vee, Sioux Falls, SD.

Intimate of A

Another lovely lady sharing her intimate images. If you come into the studio you can see her whole book. Thank you for sharing your images!
CA

South Dakota Intimate / Boudoir Photographer

Ian + Elena: 05.10.08

In May I started off the wedding season with a trip to New York to photograph Ian and Elena's wedding. I didn't know what to expect as I hadn't ever been to NY, but Albany was beautiful and the wedding was wonderful.

I started off the day at the salon with Elena. We got to chat and get to know each other a bit more. Then after a while I headed out and had breakfast with Ian and his brother. This isn't normal, but Ian is an ol' friend. We got to catch up and hang. I love the outside eating in Albany.

After I gathered my things, ran a few errands and headed to the Appel Inn where Elena was getting ready.

The ceremony was out on the lawn with the guests overlooking a creek, sitting in wooden chairs and on benches. I loved the outdoor setting. And the Deacon did a fabulous job on the ceremony. It was a pleasure to listen to him speak.

After portraits out on the grass. I love outdoor formals and portraits so much better than the church!!! hint hint. We headed over the gather place for the reception. It was great having both the ceremony and reception at the same location.

Ian and Elena went right into their first dance. Just the way I like it. With guest standing around attentive. The sun was setting and created a great opportunity for back light as well as a lovely light on them.

Then of course there is the daddy and mommy dances. Both parents were wonderful smiling the whole time and enjoying their children's day. Elena dancing with her dad was touching.

Later in the night Elena switched into a HOT little salsa dress and her and Ian danced a choreographed salsa for the guests. It was great

And because this seems to be the year of the details (we LOVE details) here are a bunch for your viewing pleasure.

A wonderful wedding. Thank you guys for bringing me out for it. I had a great time!
CA


A special thank you to Joe Ciarcia, who drove in and shot the wedding with me. It was a pleasure meeting you in person and shooting with you Joe!

And this is Ian and I, by Joe

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Ceremony and Reception: Apple Inn, Hendersonville, NC

Wedding Tip #?: DJ

Haven't I covered this before, why yes I think I have. But apparently they just don't get it.

Beings how I go to a lot of wedding a year I get to see a lot of venues and vendors. I hate to say it, but around here there is only one DJ that I will recommend. Most of them do not dress appropriately, hang hung horrible banners (like 12' in hot pink, yes it is true), use funky lights for the first dances, recommend that people swarm the cake to take pictures for the cutting (isnt' that what I'm hired for, why make my job difficult), they have huge set-ups (one took up at least 40' on the back wall and not nicely either), they sell things like glow necklaces (yes this really happened), and worst of all they think they need to talk and force the bride and groom into doing things that they didn't plan.

I can never understand why they choose to act and present themselves in the manner they do. Other vendors don't hang banners and wear tuxedos. While I have many many examples of what not to do, I have few of what to do. However, while in NY I came across this set up. Clean, simple, takes up about 6', doesn't intrude on the space of the wedding, the decor of the wedding and look a nice simple suit for the DJ to wear. How classy!

Did you know that I often ask the DJ to turn their banner around or take it down. Some will, some will not. Some turn it back just in time for the first dance so I have an ugly background if I try to shoot from that angle. Think about all that time you spend creating an atmosphere and all those details. Your vendors should be able to work with you, not against you. One DJ in our area has caught on to the idea of no banner and guess what they charge an extra $100 to not advertise at your wedding. How ridiculous is that? I wonder if they don't get it if you could rent a DJ system and hook up your iPod. I hate to say it, but if they aren't going to deliver a product more professional and superior why waste your money. Ok off my rant. Just an idea for you DJ's and brides out there.

Yes he has no lights, really who needs lights, bubbles and a disco ball. Every danced at this wedding more so than many others I've been at. The music, not the props get you on the floor.
CA

Stop and ...

I had grand plans to sit at home by myself and plug away at work while Andy and Ayden spent the weekend at the lake. They left on Friday and after a very productive day, a great session with a fab client and a trip to the mail box my plans changed.

I received a couple of bills, a few cards (thank you everyone) and a special letter from a special client. While I was going to put family on hold this last weekend that we all have free for the rest of the summer (8 August weddings for the studio) I quickly rethought that idea. I got a phone call to help out for CASA golf fore kids and accepted and then came home and packed to spend time with the fam. And it was time well spent. So now I'm back home getting ready for bed and leaving you with a short note and an image.

Thank you Dan for the letter and for the check to put those priorities in check. Family First! I had a great time with my boys this weekend and I wouldn't have if it weren't for you.

Remember to stop and smell the roses, or in my case Friday night on the way to the lake.... photograph the moon rise coming through the clouds.

Have a great week everyone and I'll try to post more on the blog this week as I plug away.
CA

1001 Contest Results

Ok I know this is a loooong time coming, but with so many entries I just couldn't decide and then it just got put on the back burner with all the stuff happening. There is no method to my winner selections. Mostly I liked stuff that was different and I liked when things weren't forced into the image. I liked all elements fitting equally. So here are some of the entries and the winners at the top.

Send me your info: address if you didn't already do that so I can mail the prizes. Those that didn't win, make sure you send me yours too cause I'm feeling generous and will send a little ac ellis something to you too.

Have a great weekend!
CA

First Prize: Nano
I just liked it, it made me smile. I think this is the best place I saw ac ellis in an image. And the rock was in the background rather than being forced into the image.

Second Prize: Red Shuffle
I like that toast was included and in the air. I liked how ac ellis was put on the toast.

Intimate of A

I've been having a lot of fun with different stuff in my intimate sessions. I love the opportunity to play. While in Fargo at the HoDo I was waiting for the light to come through the blinds just right. And it finally did. A was amazing and relaxed and I love how these turned out.
CA

I would love these in my home, shoot I may blow this one up onto a canvas. Love it!

S Family

A couple of cute kids who came in a few weeks ago

The Waig Family

A impromptu family session that Joe and I did while visiting the lovely Zofia on Nantucket. It was a challenge in the high noon sun, but found some good light.
CA

Annie + Chris:

Trying to catch up on some wedding blogging. While on the Vineyard I photographed Annie and Chris' wedding with Joe Mikos. It was a fabulous wedding in their home and then reception on the lawn in a big tent. I loved it and wish we could have more wedding like this out here in SD.

Here are some images, mostly details. One of Annie and Chris while Joe was directing them. It was so fun to shoot with Joe and Kelly.
CA

I love that everyone got up and danced so much!

Kristina + Damien: e-session

A fun engagement session I did before I left. Another great wedding to look forward to.
CA

Guinness: take 3

We brought Guinness home in midst of the chaos. Here are a few images from his first day with us. He is so much bigger now and everyone loves him.
CA

The Sullivans who are the owners of lady and his first humans

It got quiet all of the sudden and I looked around to find this. Ayden had tucked Guinness in to sleep in his kennel, they are becoming buds.

I'm not back in full force, as I'm still editing away around here, but thought I'd try to start blogging a few images.

Hello

Hello,
Yes I am back in the office today. We arrived last night around 10:30pm. I will be spending the rest of the next couple of days answering e-mails, sending out orders, proofing images, and the like. Please do not continue to send e-mails asking on the status of your order. The more time I take to answer those is that much longer that it takes me to prepare, package and ship them. If you get a status update of "at lab" this is merely a courtesy so that you know your order is progressing, depending on your order it may take anywhere for 2-10 weeks after this e-mail for your order to be ready. Please refer to your Agreements for a timeline of delivery. If you would like your proofs or your products rushed you may request this at an additional fee upon availability. Remember there is no such thing as a photography emergency.

It has been a crazy few weeks here with lots happening beyond our control (basement flooding and death of family). For all of you who have been patient and understanding thank you very much! I hope that in times of unforseen circumstances you will be granted the same.

The office was completely closed as Ayden and I traveled to my hometown of Fort Bragg, CA to be with family after the unexpected death of my mother. Our primary concern while there was to spend time with my dad and other family to help get through tough times. Family first. Once caught up I'll post lots of blog posts for customers as well as some of the stuff we did, until then the blog will be still.

Here is Ayden and my dad. Ayden was a great distraction for him.
CA