Nice work Eliesa! CONGRATULATIONS!

congrats girl!! well deserved!

i was stoked to see your prints in person! congrats!

Mazel tov! Wait til' I tell my mother!

Hey Elisa!

It was great meeting you at WPPI! You are truly deserving of these awards! I've always wondered about entering a contest, not that I'm up to that level yet but when I get there you've convinced to me to enter some prints. It's just so intimidating! Maybe next year! Again great meeting you an congratulations!!

they both won first place? that is amazing.

congrats, el! what a dramatic and fabulous shots!!!

Eliesa, I love your photography and the style that you bring to the mpls art and photography scene. However, I was really disappointed to read this post. I understand you're trying to likely shoot a high fashion editorial, but your specifications for height and weight are demanding a woman with very unhealthy proportions. I understand a model needs to be fit and look good in the clothes she wears, however, I also don't think perpetuating the anorexic frame that so many high fashion models have is the way to go. I would think an artist of your caliber would be able to make any woman look high fashion, not just those who refuse to eat.

Interesting. I had the exact opposite response. I'm not a model, love to eat, am far from anorexic, am 5'10 and 133 lbs. Most "anorexic-looking" models are more like 105 -120. I guessed you are looking for a fit, but not waif model from this post. Regardless, no doubt the results will be fantastic.

Dear Anonymous, Thank you so much for voicing your concern! While some people might just delete the comment, I think there is value in this that needs to be addressed! First off, under no circumstances do I approve of eating disorders, at all. I know this is very relevant in the fashion world and I do not support it, what-so-ever. However, I did feel that I needed to be more specific in my description of what I was looking for in a model, especially when it's going all out on social media to a very broad crowd, and I felt like 'skinny' was too general, so I went ahead and took a guess and the height/weight ratio. I am 5'7'' and 148lbs., which is what I based my 'guess' on. I feel that the height/weight range I listed will be effective in communicating that I do want a slender, trim girl - but by no means deathly skinny. This is absolutely not the message I want to send. When it comes to choosing models, it is truly more about inner beauty to me! The way a woman communicates in front of the camera and with the viewer is essential and this is what I look for beyond anything else. I don't believe in weighing, measuring, or calling people out that don't fit in those exact limitations, they are guidelines, not absolutes. I absolutely love my blog readers and your opinions matter a lot to me! I assure you that the people I choose are the best at what they do - and I only surround myself and crew in healthy environments - again, an essential element to making amazing photographs! I hope this clears anything up! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me (at) eliesa@photogen-inc.com - And THANK YOU for giving us this opportunity to address an obvious issue in the industry! LOVEe

Thanks Eliesa, I appreciate your honest response!

You are so very welcome! LOVEe

I just wanted to agree quick with the second message…I am 5’10’’ and 127 pounds and I eat like a pig. Having a high metabolism and working out helps…but most “high fashion models” are around 120 pounds. Your requirements are very healthy. :-)

E - I am so impressed with the way you handled this. I'm glad you left those comments up and took the time to respond. I was a little shocked by those dimensions as well but I was glad to read what "Anonymous 2" said. Thin is not bad. Fit is not bad. I trust your judgement, and have seen (firsthand) your ability to make 'everywoman' feel beautiful in her own skin. good luck with the search! Can't wait to see the pics!

Wow – I must say I was quite surprised about the dialogue this post started, but at the same time I was glad to read that people were voicing opinions that are usually closeted. To play the devil’s advocate, I must mention a point a good friend of mine brought up once. Why is that people feel it is ok to comment on how skinny a perfect stranger is, but that same person would never tell someone they could stand to lose a couple of pounds? I was even asked on my own wedding day (which Eliesa shot :-) ) if I ever ate!!! Albeit, the first thought that crosses my mind when I see a super slender lady is “how does she manage to stay so thin” there are plenty of women (and men) who truly are naturally thin. I agree with Eliesa that the fashion industry has a huge window of opportunity to speak out on this topic since their models truly are role models for so many women. Ultimately, I think Eliesa does an amazing job of bringing out the inner beauty in all of her subjects regardless of their size ---- and I’m sure this shoot will be no exception!

Sending this out on twitter and facebook... Not that I have many followers. But it all helps.
As always, your business sense and genuine concern shine. A woman of these proportions would look very nice in front of the camera. Also, you might want to contact Donna over at Monique Lhuillier studio. She's your kind of person. She's having a trunk show for fall fashion next week 25th-27th. Monique's materials are so other worldly. (Call for appts. 612-929-0747. She might have someone in mind for you too. Tell her Patricia in Edina sent you. )

I LOVE Ben! E - this is a great photo of him! Can't wait to read the article!

Could you be any cooler? I dont think so!!