Need a Head Shot update? It's recommended that actors do this twice a year. Online business or blogger? You need a great head shot too! A good head shot is perfect for social media, online dating and LinkedIn! I also do on-site business sessions for entire office suites for up to date website info and advertising. Please click on the "booking" button above to request a session! 

The studio is located in Lowertown Saint Paul in the Jax artist building. Please let me know if you need assistance in reaching the 5th floor beyond use of the stairs. Freight elevator available. 

Street Parking only. Free after 5pm! On Greenline across from the Union Depot. Take the train and receive 10% off with your ticket. 

I had the opportunity to test out the D750 and the D810 and the only area of performance I was concerned with was low light capabilities, so I took them out in the dark and shot them both at ISO 5000 and wanted to see what they could do. Now keep in mind I would NEVER shoot at such a high ISO for anything other than to prove a point. Really I hover around 800 if I have too and sometimes I'll push it to 1600 but ISO 5000 is ridiculous and I would never tell you to try to capture anything at that ISO. That being said here's the true test... 

The image above is shot with the D750 at ISO 5000 with the 10-24 wide angle at f/2.8 and 1/100s. All I did to this image was adjust the coloring to B&W which should have only amplified the noise level in the image and saved it at 72dpi. (All images should be saved at 72dpi for web and mobile viewing.... remember 300dpi is for print) 

This image has virtually no noise at ISO 5000 and a relatively fast shutter speed. (for shooting in the dark) Image is also hand held.... and again no additional digital noise reduction. 

This photo was captured at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. 

The image above was shot with the D810 at ISO 5000 with the 50mm 1.8 at f/1.8 and 1/80s. So... larger aperture for more light (sort of a cheat for the D810 with that lens) and a slower shutter speed which in theory should have allowed for more light to hit my sensor since my subject matter was not moving. BUT.... I reduced the noise in this image in photoshop with 2 filters including Median at 7pt while adding a curves adjustment, 2 color layers, and desaturating a touch to reduce the noise. That's a whopping 5 step process to get one image to compare noise level wise with the D750 image. And I can still see some grain in this shot which leads me to say.... the above photo is garbage, even at 72dpi. 

This photo was captured at Donnie Dirks in NE Minneapolis. 

What this told me was basically what I already knew.... The D800 and D810 are really for studio professionals that use light to capture images. I don't think natural light photographers would benefit from either camera. Sure they have the most pixels for this range which helps in editing, but I don't know of many "natural light" photographers that shoot for publication so if your business is primarily focused on client work... save your money. You don't need an 8 series Nikon. 

The D750 ironically was recalled a few days after I shot the above image - for sensor issues. I wonder if the sensor was TOO AWESOME. So if you want to shoot indoor sports with a f/2.8 or even an f/4 lens this should be your go to camera body. I didn't know if I'd like the flip out screen on the D750 but I used it a couple of times and really liked it as a feature. I don't like to be known as "the photographer" in the room so I try to be as discreet as possible when shooting and well, the flip out screen really allows for that. So I'm anxious to see what the next D750 does that I get my hands on after the recall. If you have any questions about either Nikon body comment below! 

Happy Shooting! 

Elle 

Check out the ladies below and their YouTube channels for tutorials on proper application and products that they have tested before you run out and replace your foundation....

I think I have a weak spot for anyone who speaks english without a midwestern accent.... You betcha. Beyond her super fun accent I really like how "real" Lauren Curtis is. Great tutorials include an interactive Facebook profile that you can request trendy and celebrity looks on! Check her out! 

I wish I knew her name... cause she's hilarious! This video had me cracking up. Not only that but she gives good advice on products including drugstore finds and up to date trendy look tutorials. 

Kandee was the first MUA vlogger that I discovered on youtube. I really like her personality and she's incredibly talented on top of it! She's my "go to" for inspiration for more costume style tutorials. She's got a lot on her channel so check her out! 

I love Kat Von D's tutorials. Granted she sells makeup now... but I thought I had to include her for all the rocker girls... since I have a rocker girl. I haven't used any of her palettes yet but I'm tempted to buy a couple because the colors are so fun. I am a sucker for deep jewel tones. 

If there is a Makeup Vlogger that I you think is great or that I missed comment please with their name so I can check them out! Happy makeuping! Elle 

I wanted to share some images of Studio 501 at the Jax where I currently work out of. It is a co-op of sorts with 5 resident photographers, but we also rent hourly should you need a space of your own. Here is our pricing information if you're interested in renting studio space for a photo shoot! 

Monday - Friday 8am-5pm $35 an hour
Monday - Friday 5pm-10pm $45 an hour
Saturday and Sunday $55 an hour all day 8am-10pm

All forms of payment accepted accept for checks. Any overage in time is billed at the appropriate hourly rate and pro-rated. Rental includes the use of Black or White continuous paper, 2 lights and stands with modifiers. B800 and White Lightning 2400, soft boxes, Octobox or Beauty dish. A boom and various props are also available for use. *you must provide your own trigger devices for firing strobes if you do not shoot Nikon. I can offer you only Nikon compatible remote triggering. 

Please email me should you wish to rent out the studio for hourly shooting. There are 32' of 8' windows for natural light artists, with covering. The light in the morning is spectacular if you like some hard light and shadows. The area around the building also has some great spots for photographing your clients. 

STREET PARKING ONLY
We are located on the Greenline across the street from the Union Depot

We are looking into leasing 2 parking spaces but as of today 1/9/15 we do not have off street parking available. 

There is access to an elevator at the back of the building however it is not wheelchair accessible. If you need to use the elevator we can kindly oblige you. 

Studio 501 is at the top floor with roof access for spectacular downtown Saint Paul photography! 

We have a small station for Make up application and a discreet in studio changing area. We have a refrigerator and offer you bottled water. There is a bathroom that is shared with the floor, we do not have shower facilities. 

The studio has a beautiful rustic and unique look and will surely help you create some fun portraits! Please email me directly with questions or for booking! Someone remains onsite while you're shooting however we are only there to assist you with set up and breakdown and to ensure the heath and safety of everyone using Studio 501 at the Jax!