Flying

Some flying images, big planes and little planes. This concludes the images from the trip (minus portraits to come)...

Flying over an island full of seals on the way to Nantucket

Flying into Nantucket.

The controls on the little plane

Sunrise on Oak Bluffs

I seldom wake up that early when I'm at home. But somehow with out an alarm I managed to wake up to the sunrise multiple times on the Vineyard. This morning I was greated to some lovely skies.
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I want to blow this one up big on metallic paper. So much depth that is hard to see small.

and some shells for Ayden, he likes to collect them, as well as rocks.

The Sky

You would think one would get tired of shooting the clouds and the sky, but lately I've become engrossed with the different shades of blue, the cloud formations, how the sun or moon can create a rim light on the clouds and so on. These three are from the Vineyard.
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Ava +

One of the days Joe and I flew over to Nantucket to see Zofia, another fab photog. Her are a couple of random images. Don't worry Zofia I'll post some from your shoot soon. Thank you for showing us around!
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The three of us.

Aquinnah Lighthouse

Are you all sick of travel photography yet? No worries I'm almost caught up on those and then it's back to our regularly scheduled program.

I spent most of my stay on one side of the rock. But one evening I headed over to the opposite side so that I could watch the sun rise and set on the water in the same day. While the sunset wasn't amazing I did have fun shooting the cliffs and the lighthouse.
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Fisherman

The Atlantic Ocean and particularly around the islands drops off very slowly. So you can walk a ways out into the water. On this lovely morning there were some fisherman out taking advantage of the great weather. I hadn't come prepared to photograph them I was looking at the sunrise, but they were a pleasant surprise and nice to talk with.
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Sunsets

Anyone having blog withdrawls yet? I'm about to, I like to share my images, but you know the time of year...

Here are a couple of sunsets from good ol' SD to hold you over.
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Cory Ann shirt

I am very fortunate to not only have a job that I love, but to have a network of friends who also have the same job that they also love. One of these such people is Joe Mikos. Joe is a photographer on Martha's Vineyard who is wonderful. Not only as a photog, but as a businessman and most importantly as a husband and father. I've gotten to meet and hang out with the whole family and I love them all.

Joe is the one who brought me out here. Such an incredible compliment to be commissioned by another photographer. To be not only trusted but to have your work respected enough that they want to pay you for your time, talent and travel to fly half way around the country for you to create for them. I was humbled and nervous. Wow what a tall order to live up to.

More to come on the fam and you'll see more of Joe too, but here are some images of Lila and Clara wearing their "Cory Ann shirts" that I brought them, 3 nights in a row. They are so cute! I even got to get in on bedtime.

Hey Joe tell the girls I said hi and read the Clara Pete's a Pizza for me.
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Heart

A little something I picked up on the Vineyard. A lovely hand blown heart.

Tulle

There is some amazing talent on the Vineyard and on one late morning I got to spend it with two of the best. Joe Mikos a great friend and the reason I came to the Vineyard took me over to meet Lisa Pyden.

Lisa Pyden is the owner of Tulle Bridal Boutique, prior to moving to the Vineyard and opening her shop she was a photographer. And an amazing one at that. She is one of those photogs that has a completely different way of looking at things and can just blow you away. Now her shop does the same thing as you walk up and see designers like Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier.

While there I was drooling over the lovely gowns and saying I needed to get married again so I could have a reason to buy one when Lisa suggested I try one on. It was so pretty and felt so nice. Joe started shooting away while Lisa accessorized. Wish I had done my hair for the occasion.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your shop with us and for letting me play dress up. I guess we like to do that no matter what age. Your boutique is lovely and I wish you all the best.
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Joe and I

The shop and the dresses.

Me in Monique

Katama (South Beach)

On another outing I traveled to Katama aka South Beach. There is a lot of public access to the beach here, but when you are driving up all you really see is the dune so I didn't know what I was in for until I parked and walked in. To my surprise I saw breaking waves. Such a vastly different view than I was getting on the North side in Oak Bluffs. Not really knowing my directions in relationship to the rest of the world on the Vineyard I quickly realized this is the side that faces the Atlantic Ocean rather than Nantucket or Vineyard Sound. This is more of what I remember from growing up in Cali.
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Oak Bluffs

I spent most of my time in Oak Bluffs, mostly relaxing and not with the camera in hand so much. But I did stop to take some images of the wisteria a fabulous hanging tree/vinelike flower. And also of the gingerbread houses. These little cottages are built incredibly close together in crazy colors. There must be hundreds of them. There is a story and history to them and you can read about it at the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association.

Edgartown in brown

Just an outing on the vineyard.

Morning on the Vineyard

Written before the post went live because I had to process the images...

This morning I woke up early to my alarm. It was 5:30am. I wanted to see the sunrise on the ocean. Growing up in California I only got to see sunsets. I looked out the window and the sun was peeking through some clouds just above the horizon line. By the time I grabbed my camera it was hidden. I didn't even make it downstairs. But there was this fisherman on the end of the jetty and I thought I catch him, but as I came down the stairs he was walking back to his car. So with camera in hand I set out to take some images.

As I stepped on the sandy beach I realized how long it had been since I'd been in sand, particularly on a beach, on an ocean. Yes there are beaches elsewhere, or so I've learned now that I live in South Dakota. There are beaches on lakes. I know it's just not the same. Then I walked to the wet sand a different consistency beneath my feet and then over to the rocks. I found a couple of tide pools full of life. Gosh how I've been away from the water a LONG time.

Now I'm sitting on the porch of this lovely beach house listening to the hum of my typing clash with the sound of the waves on the beach. Technology meets nature. The sun is higher now and the warm oranges and pink of the sunrise are barely visable, but I'm waiting for it to peek through again. A bit higher this time, but still I'm sure it will be lovely.

Here are some images I took while on the beach this cloudy morning.
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Isabelle's Beach House

For my stay on the Vineyard I am at Isabelle's Beach House. I lovely B&B on the water. I love B&B's and this was no exception. Here are some images of my room the House and the View. I highly recommend a stay here. Isabelle and the others that run the place are very pleasant and friendly and aim to make your stay fabulous. So far so great!
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Isabelle's Beach House

My room.

And the view, this is from the hallway right outside my door as there was a screen on my window.

I'll try to add some more of the common areas and such after these images at a later time.

Flying to the Vineyard

Wednesday afternoon I caught my flight over to the vineyard Not a veyard like in California, THE Vineyard, as in Martha's Vineyard. An island off the coast of the commonwealth of Mass. (aka state of mass.) It was a short 30 minute flight on a little 9 seater plane from Boston. It was a beautiful clear day and I was able to see all around the area. I've never flown over the ocean before.

It started out simple enough with a subway ride. I don't remember ever taking a subway before. I was so afraid I was going to not get off at the right stop, not get on the right train, not know the proper etiquette on the subway and get me face smashed in, or even worse get my camera bag stolen.

But I made it safe and easy and people were pleasant.

After getting to the airport and having to disclouse my exact real weight. Not a big deal, just caught me off guard I headed toward my gate and on the way decided to get a smoothie at Dunkin Donuts. I tell you this place is popular out here. When I was walking in Boston everywhere there were cups in hand and there were lines out the door of the place. Where were on every other corner.

Aboard the plane we proceeded to the runway following the path of a big plane. It really made me realize how little our plane was.

And here is our pilot and all, yes all of the other passengers on the plane with me.

The view flying over the Cape I think.

And the view flying into The Vineyard.

Boston, MA

On Tuesday I flew into Boston, MA and spent the evening before flying over to Martha's VIneyard. I stayed in a hotel downtown so that I was in walking distance of lots of stuff.

Tuesday evening I went to sushi at Oishi and it was amazing. I sat at the sushi bar and indulged in some wonderful food and watched the chef's at work. My favorite there was their Maki, amazing!

The next morning I woke up and set out on the town. I traversed to Boston Common, the State Capitol, South Station, China Town and lots of stops in between.

Another Capitol building. They take the Celtics pretty seriously in Boston.

I enjoyed walking down the side streets with the private residences. This is where I would want to live in the city. I really liked this city.

And some found images along my walk.

The view from South Station. I looks almost fake.

And I was infatuated with this older gentleman playing a game of which I do not know.

Marquis and April: 05.24.08

This is a record. A guest at two weddings in one year. Marquis a soldier in Andy's unit got married on Saturday so of course I brought along my camera. I shot these from my seat, being sure to stay out of the way of the photographer.
Congratulations April and Marquis.
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Marquis

April and her dad walking down the aisle.

First Sergeant Ronnie and Sheri. Haven't seen them in a while. It was good to see you two.

And Tanika (sorry if I spelt that wrong) another soldier that I met and she was great to talk with.

Bromelaid

Did you know the most well known bromelaid is the pineapple. Yeah neither did I, but I'm infatuated with this plant so I decided to look it up. I loved the flower when I bought it, now it's got little purple and deep pink sprouts coming out. Ok so those are supposedly flowers as well and apparently after they flower they start a dying process that can last up to 3 years. Not cool.
Any here is mine in the flowering stage.

NYC, NJ, People

Ok the last post from my trip so I can get ready for todays wedding and ready for my next trip. I leave on Tuesday for the Vineyard. Ok anyway, a few more images from NYC and a bunch of self-portraits.
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lights in Rockefeller Center, which seemed much smaller in person than on tv:

Neil told me to take this image, he was right it is perfect with the graffiti and posters.

The night workers in NYC were all out. I would love to spend an evening photographing just them.

At the night club Neil and I went to to meet the wonderful Angelia Glass

Neil, love this guy.

Leaving New Jersey

The ceiling of the Washing Reagan airport

In the Minnesota airport I had to take an image of this an iPod vending machine

And some self serving self-portraits and such. I had to get a point and shoot so I could try to take some of these...
leaving for the airport

with Ian in the hills

in my room the morning after the wedding. Man was I shot.

with Neil out by the Hudson

This one by Neil just for Ayden

and this by Neil with Angelica in the club

and one last one with the three of us. I had no idea these two were hammin it up.

Ok that's it. Time for some new posts.

NYC

I actually made it into NYC thanks to the incredibly nice and talented Neil van Niekerk. Neil was not only kind enough to drive me into and give me a tour of NYC at night, but was also kind enough to let me stay at his home. Another gracious host. I am lucky to have some many photographer friends to take me in. I do have one other big thank you, but he will come later.

Neil thank you so much for showing me the city, it was wonderful!
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First Neil took me to a place on the other side of the Hudson River were I could see the city skyline. It was amazing. I was wow'd as we rounded the corner.

Then we headed into the city. I figured we were headed to a bridge. And this tunnel we were in just so happened to get us there. Well um no, it is a tunnel under the Hudson River. All the way across (well why would they only do it part of the way?) I was really taken by this tunnel and honked Neil's car horn. Didn't realize that is deserving of a ticket. But darn it it's a tradition handed down from my dad. No worries we weren't caught.

After parking we started walking the streets. I could not comprehend the amount of light that was available that late at night, simply from all the ad light. This is Neil.

And the trash. Interesting to me is they have no alleys so the trash is set on the curb to be picked up. This just weirded me out.

Just some of the ads.

more to come on this part of the trip and we are almost caught up before I leave again on Tuesday. Yep one more trip before I'm grounded to SD for a while. Back to the grindstone right.
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NY day 2 and 3

These are the last images I have from Albany, next up RI with the fabulous Stacey Doyle. However the blog my die down a bit as I am hosting a workshop by David Beckstead and won't be having much time on the computer. So if you call or e-mail or want to see more on the blog just be patient I'll be back soon to fill you in on the rest of the trip.

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A couple of textures

A random person on his stoop. I love that all the building have these wonderful front stoops and people hang out on them. I also love that people there don't think I'm weird for taking their picture, they just let me shoot away.

OK this is an odd one. I went up to Ian's work. And you know I notice random stuff right? Well I had to use the restroom and this is the view that greated me. Love windows to look out of in bathrooms.

Some ivy, it really gives buildings character

And last the underground tunnel. There is a whole city underneath the city. A post office, stores, food places, banks everything. This made me think I was in an insane asylum, but totally cool!

NY day 2 Pt. 2

Here is the second half (or maybe third) of my walk around Albany. This is the capitol plaza area.

I am back in the office and am working hard to answer the 140+ e-mails that weren't junk, the phone calls and getting some computer stuff done. I will be blogging to clear my mind in between. If you've e-mailed or called I will be getting back to you, please be patient as I sift through everything.
Thank you,
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The capitol... anyone else confuse capital and capitol? I've seen many capitol buildings and this is definitely a favorite. I like that they didn't use domes in the architecture. There were many interesting things that I found while walking all the way around it. It was closed so I couldn't go in.

The State Education Building which was amazing in it's own right. I didn't count, but there were so many columns that I couldn't fit them all into the camera frame even with my wide angle lens.

I loved this front of one of the other buildings.

NY Day 2

Well not my real second day, but the second day I wasn't working. On Saturday I photographed Ian and Elena's wedding (those images to come), but on Sunday I took there dog Brandy with me on a walk in downtown Albany. I enjoyed the architecture, the flowers, and just relaxing.

Here are some of the images I took, with Brandy's help.
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Brandy.

NY Day 1

On Friday my good friend Ian, his brother Justin and I went for a little walk in the hills above Albany. Ian's wedding was on Saturday, I finally got to meet Elana (wife now) and even though I haven't gotten to see him for 4 years it was just like yesterday. I sure did miss him and it was great to see him again.

Here are some images from our walk. It was after this that I waited until 11:15pm for my bags to show up. Glad I had a good start to my day. There are a lot and more to come if I can get an internet connection tomorrow.

I'll be back in the office on Thursday for anyone trying to reach me, I'm in RI today.

Ian under the falls

New Shoes

My new cole haan's, which unfortunately are lost somewhere in airline land.

I have arrived in NY for the wedding I'm photographing on Saturday. I'm so excited to be out here! I'm glad that I was smart enough to carry on all of the photography essentials, because all of my other stuff in my one checked bag (hey did you know that now you have to pay $25 extra for more than one bag now?) is officially lost. Ok well maybe not lost, but will not arrive until noon tomorrow.

More later.
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1001 Contest Amended/Extended

So it seems that a few of you can't tell time and thought the deadline was tonight. So here's what I'm gonna do. Since I leave for NY very very soon (have a huge list of stuff to do) and don't have time to judge and post I'm going to give everyone an extra week. That would be the 12th. The evening of the 12th, when the clock strikes 12 on the 13th the contest is over. Hope that's clear for everyone. For those of you who did it in time - good job, I'm loving the entries.

In celebration of 1000 posts I'm going to hold a little contest for all you blog readers out there in cyberland. The prize is good so I'm going to make you all work for it....

What you can win:
First prize: 4GB silver iPod nano
Second prize: 1GB red iPod shuffle

How to enter:
Send me an e-mail containing your name, mailing address, e-mail address and a picture containing the following three items in the same image. Toaster, the words "AC Ellis", and a rock. E-mail to: acellis@mac.com Other items may be in the image.

Who may enter:
Anyone who is not an employee, affiliate or family of an employee of AC Ellis Inc. However, I do expect to see something from Maria and anyone else who wants to submit for the fun or it! You may enter up to two images each. Send in an image of any size you want, but at least 760px on it's widest side.

How the winner is selected:
In a completely biased process by me (cory ann). I'll pick my favorite image. There are no standards on composition, focus, color, lighting or camera. Photoshop is ok. It will simply be what I like. Creativity is key.

Deadline:
All e-mail submissions must be submitted by 12:00am, May 12, 2008, winner announced soon after on the blog.
Changed

What if I already have an iPod?
Photographer Option: You may select to trade out your prize value for some AC Ellis Templates.
Client Option: You may select to trade out your iPod for a standard session and an 12x8 print
Random Option: select from a variety of my personal random images to be printed and signed and delivered to you.

Release:
By submitting your image for the contest you and giving permission to AC Ellis to post your image and name.

and because no post is complete without an image.

Commands

I really like these little pieces of art from My Little Underground

In case you don't know what they say, the commands are shortcuts used in the computer world:

Please do not copy | Create something new

Close your Eyes and Open your mind

Somebody save me from these fools

Flower

Can you name this flower?

The Traveling Shovel

The Traveling Shovel made it to South Dakota and had to get in on some intimate sessions. E and C were wonderful subjects, so patient as I worked the shovel into the intimate sessions. I wanted the lines of the shovel to add to the lines and shadows of the human body. And also hide the "important" parts.

Here are a few of my favs. Which one should I blow up BIG for the house?
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The Traveling Shovel Site

Blue Sky

It's finally been a bit blue instead of white around here.
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Crayons

Another random image for you.
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light post

A couple of random images from the other day.
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Flippin' Cool

I love this.

Old Sanctuary + CASA

Post one of the recap from the CASA Fire and Ice Event...

The Old Sanctuary has been steppin' up. Since I first shot in there they have put hardwood on the dance floor, painted to cover up the pink, replaced the carpet, hung drapes, upgraded the bar area, upgraded the sound system, remodeled the upper balcony, hung extra rods for decorations and redone the bathrooms. At least these are the things that I can see and notice on a regular basis.

Basically it looks good! And here it is in it's grandeur right before the Fire and Ice Event. The centerpiece decorations are by Bloomingvilla, The light posts, and palm trees, etc are from Party Depot. And how it's all put together - lots of help and especially work by Julie Wermers, Darilyn Odegaard and Nikki Berreth. These ladies know how to put on an event.
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Todays Texture

A texture I shot today - well yesterday

Photo Safari

Maria and I headed out to shoot whatever today, here is a rainbow of my favorites.
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The evening sky

Just a random image I took of the sky last night. Love the stormy sky look.
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Snowy Tree

It was a beautiful morning and while I had something to do, I did sneak outside the studio to get a couple images of this tree out front. I love when the frost/humidity and snow look like this.
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Wedding Cakes

Well I know many of you are planning your weddings right now and while I have seen a trend away from cakes into other deserts some still stick with the cake. Either way fine by me, I just love the sugar rush after a full day and look forward to it all. But if you are getting a cake check out the contest at Brides.com. You could win your favorite cake, but if you don't win, geez look at the beautiful inspiration. I'd love to photograph some of these cakes!
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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.
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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!
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