Photogen Inc - Destination Wedding Photographer - Minneapolis, MN http://photogen-inc.com/blog/ Photogen Inc is a Minneapolis wedding photography studio. Featuring the work of Eliesa Johnson, Photogen Inc is award winning and her unique modern style has made them highly sought after as a destination wedding photographer. en Copyright 2010 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:47:10 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Announcing: LOVEe Group Consults // DENVER!
The time has come for even MORE exciting news!

Since blogging about my Fall Bookings for one-on-one LOVEe Consults, there has been much chatter from people in the Southwest states showing interest! It just so happens that I will be in the Denver area at the end of September and I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to offer a Group LOVEe Consult!

What?!?!? A Group?!?! Here's the scoop:




When:

Wednesday, September, 29, 2010



Where:

Denver, Colorado!!!!!

The location of the workshop will be held in The Corner Office, which is part of The Curtis Hotel, right downtown! We'll have a super cool, inspiring area, all to ourselves!



Who:

Photographers who want to take their business to the next level and have been yearning for some mentoring to get there! My goal is to keep this group very small, so you still get the one-on-one treatment that is so special about LOVEe Consults. There's also huge benefits, relationships and advice that come out of a group environment as well, which is an added bonus!



How is a Group LOVEe Consult different from a one-on-one consult?

The group consult will have a group element to it. The day will be heavily based on critique on your business, branding, ideas, goals, inspiration etc. We will still be covering all of the topics that we do in a normal consult, which are:

The Artist
Intense Critique
Goal Setting
Marketing
Submissions
Equipment and Shooting Techniques
Inspiration
Open Q&A!

The night will also conclude with a sweet dinner with yours truly!



What's my investment for a Group LOVEe Consult?

Here's the brilliant part! Since it's not one-on-one, it's only $500!




Remember, I do want to keep this to a very small and intimate group, so spaces are super limited!



To reserve your spot, sign up here!


For more information on the Group LOVEe Consult, CLICK HERE!




I'm super excited to share the love! (cheezy, but true!)  DENVER, here we come!

LOVEe







]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/09/announcing-lovee-group-consult.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/09/announcing-lovee-group-consult.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:47:10 -0600 Daniel and Venina: Strike a Pose! This past weekend was a special treat! We didn't photograph a wedding, we photographed a reception! Daniel and Venina are both from Indonesia and had their traditional wedding a couple of weeks ago back in their home country! I welcomed the chance to shoot a reception-only event and their party was absolutely stunning! Their event took place in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie Theater, but the best part was their actual dinner was in a small theater...that they rarely rent out for events! It was such a great surprise! I can't tell you how many times I have photographed in this space and never knew there was this magical little theater behind the doors! Event Couture made sure that all of Venina's hand-made details were in place for her big event! (And when I say hand made...everything from the floral arrangements to the cute little seating tags were all her creation!)

The setting of Daniel and Venina's reception was the perfect fit for them! Well constructed, creative, modern and dramatic...all of these things reflect their two personalities perfectly!

My all-time-favorite part of their day came down to one thing: Their flower girls! They totally stole the show...




Congratulations to Daniel and Venina on your marriage!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/09/daniel-and-venina-strike-a-pos.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/09/daniel-and-venina-strike-a-pos.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:53:41 -0600 Amber and Joe: Engaged! Here's the deal! I've known Amber since....well....basically, I can't remember my life without her being in it! Since we were wee-little-ones, she has been my partner-in-crime, my best friend and diagonal twin! (Yes, diagonal...inside joke!) She is now engaged to THE most amazing man for her! Joe is Mr. Calm, Mr. Easy Going...and judging by their photos, Mr. Studly! No, really, I've noticed the way that he just adored and protects Amber and I couldn't imaging a more perfect guy for her to spend the rest of her life with!

These two share a passion for all-things-athletic. (This is kind of necessary, since Amber is one of the most competitive people I've ever met...don't be surprised if you catch her with a stop watch in her hand...regularly!) Among their athletic endeavors, they have a true love for cycling! This was the perfect element to bring into their engagement session and clearly where they are at ease and just have fun!




Congratulations to Amber and Joe on their engagement! I'm SO excited for their wedding...believe it or not...I get to be IN a wedding?!?!?! YEAH!!!! Love you two so much!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/amber-and-joe-engaged.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/amber-and-joe-engaged.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:11:28 -0600 Allison and Jason: Engaged! Allison actually reminds me a lot of myself! Maybe it's the blonde hair, but her personality is SO fabulous and I was instantly drawn to her spark-for-life when she first walked into the studio! Now, bring in Jason to the mix and this is one. hot. couple!

Allison is also a fashion designer, so her creative energy and passion for details were flowing when she started dreaming up their engagement session! We decided to go with a bit of a traveling theme, since both Allison and Jason love to take trips together! Mix that in with THE most gorgeous late-summer-light and a little bit of magic happens!




Congratulations to Allison and Jason on their engagement! You two are an AMAZING couple and I know your wedding is going to be just as fabulous as you are!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/allison-and-jason-engaged.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/allison-and-jason-engaged.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:43:05 -0600 Mr. and Mrs. Harb! There are certain images that get me SUPER pumped up on a wedding day. As I'm going thru and editing Amer and Rita's amazing Lebanese wedding tonight, there is so much that I can share with you! They had a ton of culture, a beautiful ceremony and one insane dance party...but as I am editing, I am continually drawn to and inspired by the portraits from their day!

Amer and Rita's wedding was a true family affair! Their brother and sister were there 'best' and all of the nephews, nieces and cousins rounded out the rest of the wedding party! Photos are suppose to be fun on a wedding day and I think the portrait part of the day should reflect a sense of art, personality and intensity of all that is going on around us on this very important day!

So, without further adieu, I've decided to share with you the images that I keep coming back to...and keep on being inspired by!




Congratulations to Rita and Amer on their gorgeous wedding!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-harb.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-harb.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:31:36 -0600 Mr. and Mrs. Austria: The Vietnamese Wedding // Part 2 As the epic day for Lisa and Stephen continued, the next phase was the Catholic ceremony, which took place at the amazing St. Kates Cathedral! There are so many things I love about this couple, but most of all, I just adored how Stephen had this HUGE smile on all day and he couldn't help but just radiate happiness!

The couple's reception took place at The Depot, downtown Minneapolis, and I absolutely swooned over the decor! I loved the orange and yellow color pallet, along with the custom-home-made bottles of wine as a gift for the guests! DJ Fife finished out their night, which had more energy than any club I've been to lately!

If you missed it, check out Part 1 of Lisa and Stephen's wedding here!



Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Austria on their amazing day!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-austria-the-vietnam-1.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-austria-the-vietnam-1.html Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:03:20 -0600 Mr. and Mrs. Austria : The Vietnamese Wedding // Part 1 Lisa and Stephen came to me about a year ago and had only one thing to say about their wedding: It's going to be a long day! Lisa is Vietnamese and Stephen is Filipino, and tradition is extremely important to them! I have been so lucky in 2010 to work with so many different cultures and experience many more wedding ceremonies, outside of the traditional American way. I was up for the challenge and thrilled to be a part of their day! Team Photogen Inc was ready to rock at 6 am on their wedding day, which started at the Nguyen's home. The women all wore custom Aodai and the men wore elaborate Filipino shirts. The Vietnamese ceremony itself consists of the Groom, his groomsmen and family members, traveling to the Bride's home where all of her family awaits his arrival. They come with gifts to present to the Bride's family and ask permission to marry their daughter. Of course, Lisa's parent's accepted and everyone filled into the home where Lisa was presented to Stephen and a beautiful ceremony filled with many kind words and blessings took place!

Next, we all traveled back to the Austria's home where another small ceremony took place in their home! There was more advice, more gifts...and more of these secret little shots that each family member took!

This part of the day was so beautiful and rich with culture! A while back, my great friend and fellow photographer, Daniel Chin, challenged me to shoot wider. 2 days before the Austria wedding, my dream lens, the 35mm 1.4 arrived and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding to use it on for the first time! My approach to this part of their day was much more journalistic than usual, and I am in love with the images!





Lisa and Stephen's day continued with an American ceremony later in the day...the images are amazing, so watch out for Part 2 coming tomorrow!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-austria-the-vietnam.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-austria-the-vietnam.html Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:33:10 -0600 Now Booking: FALL LOVEe Consults!


I've been getting MANY e-mails from many photographers asking about booking availability for LOVEe Consults! I thought it might be easiest to address you all at once and spread the love:



Q: I'm interested in booking a LOVEe Consult, what is your availability for this?

A: Since most of my weekends are booked with weddings, LOVEe Consults are booked any day of the work week, Monday - Friday! I am currently taking bookings for this fall and winter, starting September - January!



Q: How much is a LOVEe Consult? Is there a deposit?

A: Consults are $1000 for 8 hours. I require a 50% deposit to hold your date and the balance is due on the day of your consult.



Q: I am not from the Minneapolis area, do you travel for LOVEe Consults?

A: Absolutely! I love to do the consult in your home/office/studio...really, wherever your creative space is! I feel like it is more effective to wrap our minds around your business when we are in your element! I also love to travel, so general travel fees simply apply in addition to the consult fee.



Q: What topics would we cover in a LOVEe Consult?

A: These Consults are an intensive, one-on-one, 8 hour consultation on your entire business! My goal is to leave you with a clear vision of where your business is going and leave you with tools to continually be inspired!

Topics that we cover:

The Artist
Intense Critique
Goal Setting
Marketing
Submissions
Equipment and Shooting Techniques
Inspiration
Open Q&A!



Q: Do we shoot during the Consult?

A: We have the opportunity to schedule your consult to exactly your needs. Some clients set up shoots for me to come along on and others set up client meetings for me to sit in on.  I leave this entirely up to you, to ensure that you are getting the most out of your time!



Q: I'm READY! How do I book my consult?

A: Simply e-mail me: eliesa@photogen-inc.com and we will get you on the calendar!!



Q: Do you have any more information on LOVEe Consults?

A: Absolutely! Download our AWESOME guide here to see all of the in-depth details on what we cover!!




I hope this helps!! I absolutely LOVE doing these!  I feel like I end up learning more than I teach some days. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career, thus far, to really help and give back to those in the industry!

LOVEe




]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/now-booking-fall-lovee-consult.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/now-booking-fall-lovee-consult.html Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:00:11 -0600 Update from MOAB! I am currently in Moab, Utah with some of the most amazing women I know! Every year, we plan a 1 week retreat in a remote location to spend time with each other, catch up, take some photos, relax....and have a TON of adventure!

Words can not express how much I love these ladies! The more time we all spend together, the more our relationships and friendships grow. It's incredibly encouraging to be surrounded with such amazing women who are not only talented and live-in-the-photography-world-with-me, but all of these ladies are simply rockin' in life as well. These girls challenge me on both professional and personal levels and I am so thankful for this week.

This week is all about community, bonding, and friendship!

So far, we've gone rock climbing in hummers on Hell's Revenge (which I must say was pretty intense at times, but I just CRAVE that in my life!), hiking at The Arches and even a little rafting excursion! There will be SO many more photos to come, but here are a couple for now!

Make sure to check out our official blog for the MOAB [trip] and see images from all of the MARFA [girls]!!



There are 8 other kick-ass women on the MOAB [trip], make sure to check out all of their amazing work:

Melanie Mauer
Brooke Schwab
Sarah Rhoads
Shannon Sewell
Laura Kay
Millie Holloman
Jessie Chamberlin
Lyndzee Ellsworth

So much more to come!

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/update-from-moab.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/update-from-moab.html Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:47:48 -0600 Mr. and Mrs. Weisbrod!! There is something so special about being invited into a family's biggest day of their life! There's something even more special about being invited, yet again, for another wedding in the same family! Last weekend, we traveled to the Milwaukee area for Jenny and Bryan's big event! I absolutely adore this couple, along with their family and friends!

I first met Jenny and Bryan at his brother, Mike and Stacey's wedding, about 2 years ago! I remember them both very clearly, since the two were still dating and when Bryan proposed, I received an e-mail from Jenny saying," We just have to have you as our photographer!" I love this for many reasons, but most of all that this couple knew how I worked and completely and totally embrace my creative process! They put all of the trust - and gave me a world of freedom when it came to their wedding photos!

Jenny and Bryan, Thank you SO much for allowing me to spend more time with you and your families and get to capture this big day for you! We had a blast and I'm so excited for what your future holds!



Congratulations to the newest Mr. and Mrs. Weisbrod!

LOVEe
]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-weisbrod.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/mr-and-mrs-weisbrod.html Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:44:39 -0600 Summer Vacation!! I feel like it's been SO long since I've blogged!! Well, probably because it HAS been! For the first time in YEARS, I finally took the time to go on a summer vacation!

I know, I know, I travel all of the time for work and I am very, very lucky to do so! However, there is something SO different about shutting your phone off, not having the internet, spending time in the sun, watching the stars and catching up with family and friends!

It. Was. Amazing!

I feel SUPER refreshed and we are off to Lake Michigan this weekend for a wedding and then I'll be immediately flying out on Monday for the annual MARFA GIRLS TRIP!!! This year, our adventures take us to Moab, Utah!!!

Make sure to check out the our SUPER cool blog next week to see what shenanigans we're bound to get ourselves into...oh yeah...and some kick ass photos as well! 



LOTS to come!

LOVEe


]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/summer-vacation.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/08/summer-vacation.html Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:24:36 -0600 A Spanish Wedding On Film!! Today is the beginning of my official mid-summer-break! I don't have weddings for the next 2 weekends and I intend to go up north, sit in a hammock, read a book and get some wake boarding in!

I've been going through all of my things and making sure that I'm all caught up for vacation and I came across these beauties that I haven't shared yet! I brought a bunch of film along with to Spain and I'm in LOVE with these images! They were all photographed with my trusty and oh-so-cool Yashica T4!!

I'll be turning off my phone and tuning out until August 4th, so I'll see you all then!

Here's to summer breaks and a beer!



To see more images from this AMAZING wedding in Spain, check out these posts:

Tara and Jorge: Married in Spain // Part 1
Tara and Jorge: Married in Spain // Part 2


LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/spain-on-film.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/spain-on-film.html Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:23:21 -0600 Mr. and Mrs. Pounds!! Holly and Jerry are a couple who are made for each other and no matter how hard they tried, fate brought them together! These two amazing people grew up together and knew of each other, but never dated. Holly was always intrigued by Jerry, but the two stayed as simply acquaintances and classmates over the years. It wasn't until their 10 year class reunion that Holly and Jerry noticed that they had a little romance and let me tell you, the sparks FLEW! Holly was absolutely radiating beauty on her wedding day with a classic 40's style look that was gorgeous!

Their wedding took place in Aberdeen, South Dakota...literally in the middle of nowhere! Their ceremony was at a small country church, with only their closest family and friends in attendance. Just as the couple walked down the aisle, a serious...and I mean serious storm hit with over softball size hail! I've never seen hail or weather quite like that...ever! If rain is supposedly good luck on your wedding day, then the new Mr. and Mrs. Pounds are in for an extreme lifetime of happiness!

Thankfully, the weather passed super quick and the sunshine was simply GOLDEN on the landscape, which made for some absolutely stunning photos!




Congratulations to Holly and Jerry...the new Mr. and Mrs. Pounds!! It was such a pleasure to capture this day and experience it all with you! (Hail damage and all! :0)

LOVEe

]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/mr-and-mrs-pounds.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/mr-and-mrs-pounds.html Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:41:01 -0600 ELIESA has Launched!!!! I can't believe it is finally here!

I am SO proud and excited to launch Eliesa, my new commercial brand!

I really started this process about 1 year 1/2 ago. I knew that I wanted to really pump up my commercial & editorial presence in the photography world and also start shooting for some bigger clients. Throughout this process I have met with Agents, had portfolio reviews, etc. to really get a good grasp on what, exactly, I needed to do to take everything to the next level AND be successful at it. The #1 piece of consistent advice that I received was to separate my commercial work from weddings...totally and completely.

Truth be told, the commercial and editorial photography is an entirely different world from weddings. I love this world and I know that so much of me belongs here as well! I'm excited to really dive into this realm and discover and grow as a photographer. I'm so ready to take on bigger shoots, better fashion, glossy-er magazine covers, you name it! :0) With this being said, I'm prepared to start from ground zero. I'm ready to pound the pavement again and see what doors might open!

A common question that I am getting is, "Eliesa, are you going to move away from weddings?" and the answer is absolutely no. I love photographing weddings and being a part of the wedding industry! I didn't begin my photography career as a wedding photographer at all, and I've always been shooting commercially. I'm just really ready to take things to a BIG EXCITING new place and to do that, I felt that it was absolutely necessary to keep these two worlds separate!

So, from now on, all things Photogen Inc + Wedding posts will be on this blog and any and all things Commercial + Editorial related will be on the new Eliesa blog!

Here's the direct info to add to your RSS feed:

Website: http://www.eliesajohnson.com
Blog: http://www.eliesajohnson.com/blog
Twitter: @eliesajohnson

I love absolutely everything about this brand! Aurora, once again, did an amazing job with bringing my vision (or lack there of for a while :0) to life! The brand is based around my signature and my name. Both of these are bold, unique, and a little bit sassy. It's a simple brand, with a whole lot of GLAM that is going to shine through in all of the portfolios, cards and leave behinds we will be sending out! I'll be blogging about this whole experience, so make sure to check out the Eliesa blog for all of those updates!

Without further adieu, I introduce to you....ELIESA




brandlaunch1.jpg brandlaunch3.jpg brandlaunch2.jpg


Thank you so much for checking it out!

LOVEe
]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/eliesa-has-launched.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/eliesa-has-launched.html Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:04:54 -0600 And the Winner Is...
Congratulations to Lori and David!!! With a remarkable 2,370 votes, the lucky couple is the winner of the 2011 Wedding Giveaway!! The world fell in love with their fabulous story and I am SO excited to photograph their wedding next spring!

Arizona, here we come!!!

22668_811992458542_10104937_46945003_7394012_n.jpg
Final Voting Picture 7.png

Thank you so much to Joslyn, Marcelo, Allison and Alex for being a part of this giveaway! You are both amazing couples with crazy-awesome futures ahead of you! A big thank you as well, to all of the friends, family and blog visitors who voted for all three couples!

LOVEe




]]> http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/and-the-winner-is-1.html http://photogen-inc.com/blog/2010/07/and-the-winner-is-1.html Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:02:07 -0600