Entering images in competitions is so much fun - and I also believe it is essential. It is most definitely a way to put yourself out there, and continually hold yourself accountable to creating solid, mind-blowing work. It's also very interesting to go out of your comfort zone and have judges critique your work, which is again, an essential part of growth for any artists!
Competitions can be a pretty penny to enter, and in the end, there is no guarantee that you will win. But I also think it is an investment in yourself as an artist. Not just in the cost of printing and actually entering, but an investment to your creative health. It feels so good to win...and without taking risks....I would never be AWARD winning! (For the 2nd year in a row...don't worry, I'm brushing my shoulder off right now! ;0)
LOVEe
I am looking for the perfect woman to be the face of my next big shoot!
I will be holding a casting call at the studio, next Monday, March 22nd, here are the details:
When: Monday, March 22nd
Time: 3-5pm
Where: Photogen Inc Studios
1400 Van Buren St NE
#250
Mpls, 55413
Why: A stellar test shoot that is going to take place April 28th, 2010
We are looking for:
Female
Any Race
5'9''-5'11''
120-135lbs
(Measurements are simply guidelines, not absolutes)
Models with experience are essential, there's no time for bullshit in this industry!
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me eliesa@photogen-inc.com
LOVEe
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.
(03.15.10 @ 04:07 PM)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
(03.15.10 @ 07:04 PM)Thanks Eliesa, I appreciate your honest response!
(03.15.10 @ 08:02 PM)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. :-)
(03.16.10 @ 07:58 AM)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!
(03.16.10 @ 12:08 PM)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!
(03.16.10 @ 05:41 PM)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. )
Here's a peek of this month's Self Styled Article...I'm loving it!

Remember to support the magazine industry buy picking one up!
LOVEe
I LOVE Ben! E - this is a great photo of him! Can't wait to read the article!
(03.15.10 @ 01:51 PM)I had the pleasure of getting a quick sneak peek at this month's issue and I have to say...it's a must read! It features a HILARIOUS, yet practical guide on literally...how to do everything!
Also check out our latest installment in Self Styled!
Pick up your issue now...you'll be happy you did!
LOVEe
These are the words that came along in an e-mail a few months ago and of course I was more than happy to meet the lovely Kate and Molly of To Each Their Own. This is a lovely fashion blog, focusing on fashion in the Midwest! Apparently these two sisters fell in LOVE with the November issue of Metro and they flew in from Chicago and Arizona to meet with me!
I'm very honored and humbled to be featured on not only photography, but my outlook on the Minneapolis fashion scene as well! What a treat!
I'm super happy with how the article turned out - CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Special THANKS to Kate and Molly for a fabulous afternoon and great conversation!
Here's to Fashion!
LOVEe





Nice work Eliesa! CONGRATULATIONS!
(03.16.10 @ 01:23 PM)congrats girl!! well deserved!
(03.16.10 @ 01:26 PM)i was stoked to see your prints in person! congrats!
(03.16.10 @ 02:27 PM)Mazel tov! Wait til' I tell my mother!
(03.16.10 @ 02:52 PM)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!!
(03.16.10 @ 09:41 PM)they both won first place? that is amazing.
(03.17.10 @ 11:06 AM)congrats, el! what a dramatic and fabulous shots!!!
(03.17.10 @ 03:31 PM)