A Simple Portrait //

in

This is the perfect time of the year to test. It's the calm before the storm and an opportunity to add to your portfolio! Amber Brenke, who is one of my favorite hair and makeup artists in the city, helped me brainstorm the idea to do some simple, beautiful portraits of models. The whole concept was to document these ladies in a way that was true to themselves. We didn't want them to feel like they were modeling or playing a part, we simply wanted them to be themselves. Our inspiration was an Adele portrait that was just simple and stunning. A big thank you to all of our ladies from Ignite Models Inc. who took the time to come on into our little studio and be our subjects! Tasia, Jo, Cana and Molly were so lovely. Another big thank you goes out to Corey DeGuia, who has been testing himself and exploring video. I love the little behind-the-scene bit he put together for us!

Jason Wu for Target RED Magazine //

in , ,

The images have been released for the shoot I did for Target RED Magazine, which is Target's internal editorial. This issue featured real-life Target team members showing off Jason Wu's super-popular line! I was incredible grateful to be a part of this shoot, which was my first time collaborating with the people over at Little & Co. and Viet Do, who is a great designer and freelance art director. As always, a project like this doesn't come together without a small army of people, so I would love to give credit to our entire team:

CREATIVE TEAM//

Photographer: Eliesa Johnson

Producer: Conor Lawrence

Design, Processing & Layout: Little & Co.

First Assistant: Bryce Bordenkecher

Second Assistant: Sara Montour

Digital Tech: Liz Hardt

Laydown Photographer: Larry Callahan

Laydown Digital Tech: Josh Syx

Laydown Stylist: Lynn Ostrowski

Stylist: Erick DeLeon

Hair & Makeup: Amber Brenke

 

 

Greenwich Vintage // Made in America

in

As I've mentioned before in earlier blog posts, my test shoots are taking a different approach these days. I'm taking a more environmental-portraiture approach to everything - whether that be documentary work, editorials, campaigns or fashion.  A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to document the men of Greenwich Vintage. If you haven't heard of them, pay attention. I first heard of Greenwich exactly they way I was supposed to - thru word of mouth. What I learned is that:

1) There was this super cool vintage store that sold impeccable finds in menswear.

2) Everything was made in America.

3) It was underground and by appointment only.

I immediately loved the mystery behind this company and wanted to experience the shop. Greenwich is owned by Zen - The Fresh Maker / Master Cobbler, Mustache Mike - Master Barber, and Max - the CFO. They are some of the coolest dudes around that work incredibly hard to curate the best vintage menswear for their store. They are also working on creating products of their own under the Greenwich label.

Personally, I am super excited to see where Zen, Mike and Max take Greenwich and there is no doubt in my mind that they are both leader and game-changers in their industry.

Along with the test shoot, I'm testing out some new video people as well! Special thanks to Corey for putting together this fun behind-the-scenes video!

Test Shoot // Marcellina

in

Remember back in the film-days, when you shot off a roll and didn't know at all how things would really turn out? Some of the best images came from those perfect mistakes, and it made you fall in love with photography. There was a mystery, a giant un-known that was challenging us. With digital, we have instant gratification...and many times that translates into judging out photographs far too quickly. Of course, there are major perks that digital photography has brought to us as well, but I miss the mystery. Last week, I tried to bring some of that back. I hadn't really picked up my camera in a couple of weeks and I was itching to shoot. Lucky for me, our fabulous hair and makeup artist, Amber Brenke, was feeling that same itch. We simply wanted to create. Sometimes a test shoot should not be over-thought, over planned or over styled. We literally picked a date, called up my intern, Marcie, and raided her closet for clothes. Then I called my friend Sara and borrowed her apartment for a couple of hours. We didn't have a plan or any direction when we showed up. We literally just sat and dreamed up some looks and some ideas. Our concept ended up being a little commercial, a little happy and very colorful. Personally, I approached the shoot as if I were taking Marcie's portrait for an editorial or campaign. After all, this is a real girl, her real clothes and real attitude. This is Marcie thru and thru. I'm really happy with these images and a few of them might just make it in my book! Here's to collaboration and the element of the unknown.

 

 

 

Society 6 // The Store is Officially Open!

in

I wanted to share with you a little project we have been working on over here at the studio! I have a pretty solid shelf of images from my personal work, and for some reason all they were doing was sitting on my hard drives! So, with the help of our crew, we put together an official store on Society 6!

If you haven't heard about Society 6 yet, I highly recommend checking out their website! Basically, it is a fantastic resource for photographers, designers and artists to get their work in front of the public for purchase. From Society 6, you can browse around and see a whole bunch of work from some amazing artists. You can then purchase products of our work from their site!

In my store, you will be able to purchase prints, canvas, laptop skins, iphone cases and the occasional t-shirt :0) Make sure to check out the store to see if there is anything you love!

I will be updating the store on a regular basis with fresh work as well!

 

 

SHERWIN // A Documentary

in

Almost 2 years ago, a man walked into my studio who totally inspired me. Then his wife walked in and I was totally blown away by this couple. His name is Sherwin and he is the epitome of an entertainer. The man dresses to the nines - we're talkin' old-school-southern-country-meets-rock-and-roll style. His music has influences from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and the man was even friends with Jonny Cash! His wife's name is Pam and she is a classic southern belle. This woman has impeccable style, both in person and on the stage.   Needless to say, I was totally hooked on these two. They weren't in my demographic or on my radar for the music scene, but there was just something about them that was SO interesting to me. I knew I wanted to document a little bit of their life and they graciously invited me along to a gig they had here in Minnesota. It was quite fascinating. Sherwin has quite the following across the Midwest and Texas - and the man knows how to put on a show. People love him. His fans represent America. They love the energy and passion that he and Pam, who also joins him on stage, share with their followers.

Sherwin Linton has something very special and I wanted to share that with people. I felt it was appropriate to document him on film and I'm so happy I did!

 

Metro Magazine // The Beer Issue

in ,

We love our friends over at Metro Magazine! They have been one of our best clients over the years and I'm always excited for the next adventure with them! The magazine has recently hired a new art director, and this was our first shoot together! I absolutely love Liz and her vision on where to take the publication! I'm also loving her layouts and creative, yet organized approach to both her actual art direction and design!

I was SUPER pumped to photograph some of the most influential beer people in the city for Metro's Beer Issue. I learned a lot about the beer industry, including the fact that everyone has beards, wears Carhartts and are some of the coolest dudes you will ever meet! I absolutely love how these portraits turned out and am very excited to share them with you all!

FEATURED BREWERS//

Surly

Indeed Brewing

Fulton Beer

Town Hall Brewery

Boom Island Brewing Company

612 Brew

Northern Brewer

Micheal Agnew

 

 

Just for fun, here are some behind-the-scene photos!