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Minneapolis venue photography

5/29/2014

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the triple rock social club

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I'm very excited and pleased to say that I'll be photographing the Triple Rock Social Club for their website and social media marketing. Besides shooting various bands on the venue side of the bar, I'll be photographing their most popular food items, and the bar itself. 

I'm pretty sure that the triple rock has THE best jukebox in all of Minneapolis. And it's not one of those digital machines either. This is a true jukebox, well it uses CD's but as far as I'm concerned that's close enough. I can't remember the last time I even touched a CD. I suppose they are the new "record". 

I'm really looking forward to starting this photography project. The best models really are the quiet type, who just sit there and wait for you to work your camera magic... and beg to be devoured when the session is over. Of course I'm referring to the delicious BLT pictured below. I love photographing food. 

I hope to see you out and about at the Triple Rock, if you see me be sure to say hello! Some upcoming shows you won't want to miss....

May 30
FRIDAY
SUMMIT BREWING PRESENTS:

SIX MONTHS TO LIVE 10
(THE FINAL SEASON)


FEATURING:
GYPSY BASTARDS
ILL F.I.L.T.H.
MASSY FERGUSON
REZOLUTION WRECK
SWAN STATION

21+ | 7:00 PM | $10.00 
May 31
SATURDAY
SWEARIN'
BITTER CANON
GRISWOLD

18+ | 9:00 PM | $10.00 
June 01
SUNDAY
A WILHELM SCREAM 
COUNTER-PUNCH
OUR OWN END 

$13 in advance / $15 dos18+ | 8:00 PM | $15.00
June 05
THURSDAY
TRIPLE ROCK SMALLROOM SERIES PRESENTS
TIGER BLUE

SURCO
DEAD END AGE (ST. CLOUD)
CLASS OF 86

18+ | 8:00 PM | $5.00
June 06
FRIDAY
LOCAL H
BAD VEINS
YOUNG AND TENDER 

$13 in adv $15 at the door18+ | 9:00 PM | $15.00
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Creative Portrait Locations

5/27/2014

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The Walker sculpture garden

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The Sculpture Garden in Uptown is a popular destination for portrait photography. It's a beautiful place to capture images with so many different areas to choose from its easy to get some great creative photographs. 

When photographing in the Gardens it's important to remember just a couple of things. First, this is a public space. Try not to monopolize a specific area or sculpture to get your pictures, let everyone enjoy the sculpture. Second, if you wish to use lighting equipment to produce your photographs a permit is required if you're utilizing lighting that requires a stand. Be sure you have permission from the gallery. If you're just using an onboard flash, you'll be just fine. Third, week days that are slow in traffic are best for using this as your portrait photography backdrop. There will be less people in the gardens and you won't need to worry about the time spent in any one specific area. Get out and explore some areas you normally wouldn't and see what kind of images you create! 

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Lyndale Peace Garden

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The Lyndale Peace Garden is also a great place to find interesting spaces and places for your portrait photography session. There are trees in bloom, walking paths, a fountain, sculptures, and areas where you can achieve a wonderful creative portrait. There is ample parking and at just 75 cents an hour its quite a deal. 

The garden is also situated next to Lake Calhoun where there are also numerous areas for your photo to be taken. I would like nothing more than to capture your heirloom quality image in either Uptown Minneapolis location. Please email or call for booking and pricing information for your portrait photography session, and we can start planning today! 

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Choosing your best colors

5/22/2014

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Are you "warM" or "cool"

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Choosing the best colors to wear for your photo shoot can be simple if you know which color palate best suits your skin tone and coloration. There are just a few simple questions to ask yourself to figure out which colors will work best on you. Once you know if you're a "warm" or a "cool" tone you can expand that into your makeup and bring out your features in the most natural and cohesive way. 
Cool
If you're "cool"  jewel toned makeup and clothing will suit you best. These colors include blues, purples, turquoise, greens, magenta, and deep blue with red undertone shades. Your foundation should have a bluish or pink undertone. Black mascara will make your eyes pop. Heidi pictured to the left is cool toned.
Warm
If you're "warm" Earth tones will flatter you the most. Colors for you should include yellow, orange, brown, orangey-reds, and yellow-green shades. Your foundation should have a yellow or golden undertone. Deep red lipsticks will make your skin look amazing. 


color tone quiz

Look at the inside of your wrist, are the veins there more bluish or greenish? 
If you chose blue, give yourself one point under "cool". Green, one point for "warm". 

When you wear an orange or yellow shirt does it make you look like you have a glow or do you look sickly?
If you chose glowing, one point for "warm", and sickly one point for "cool". 

Which precious metal looks best on you? Gold or Silver? 
If you chose gold, one point for "warm", silver one point for "cool". 

What happens to your skin if you're out in the summer sun without sunscreen? 
If you burn easily give yourself one point for "cool", and if you tan easily give yourself one point for "warm". 

What color group does your eye color fall under? 
Golden brown, green, blue, hazel with gold flecks. - Warm tones
Black or deep brown, gray, steel blue, hazel with gray or blue flecks. - Cool tones

Tally up your score and see where you fit. Now that you've narrowed down your fashion and makeup search for what will help you stand out in your photos, experiment with some of the colors you haven't previously thought of or tried. The best way to look good however is to feel good. A positive attitude and genuine smile will always outshine whatever it is that you're wearing. 


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5 tips to look your best in photos

5/19/2014

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The photo to the left is a self portrait that I took in the studio while I was waiting for a client who ran a little late. Nothing like making the most of your time. As I was taking a couple of quick shots I was inspired to share some tips for helping you look your best in photos. 

You don't have to be a model to photograph well, you just have to keep a couple of things in mind and even your snapshot backyard photos will look amazing. Here are 5 simple tips that will help you get the most out of your images, and help you feel confident in front of the camera.

Tip 1 - darken your brows

You can balance the shape of your face by simply darkening your brows one shade darker which will really give your make-up maximum impact in your photographs. If you are doing your make-up yourself I suggest practicing prior to your session with brow darkening. There are pencils, powders and waxes available to accomplish this, and you may want to experiment with more than one medium to see what works best for you. I highly recommend one of the several youtube tutorials available from make-up artists to ensure proper technique. Kandee Johnson is my favorite make-up artist youtube blogger. Here is her eyebrow tutorial, it's under 3 minutes and totally worth it! _  <click here

Tip 2 - know your angles

If you're prepping for a photo shoot I recommend practicing in the mirror to find and get to know what you feel are your best angles. Knowing which side you prefer to be photographed on and how it feels to get a certain "look" that you'd like to achieve will help ensure that you get the final image result you're going for. It also helps the photographer know what you prefer and play up on your best side. 

Tip 3 - Form fitting clothes

Did you just think to yourself... "wait, the camera adds 10 pounds". Well if you're wearing a loose billowy top it will most likely add 30. You don't need to show up in a spandex, but something that fits you correctly and is neat and wrinkle free will look best in your photos. I always tell my clients to bring what outfit they'd like to be photographed in and change in the studio. Sure wrinkles can be "Photoshopped" out of your picture but a quick change will ensure that your outfit looks as stunning as you do for your photo session. Also stay away from bold patterns, solid color tops and bottoms will photograph best. If you need a little splash of color, use an accessory to add it in. 

tip 4 - squint, just a little

Tyra Banks is always telling her models to "smile with your eyes". Just a little squint helps to make you look more relaxed and connected with the camera. When you're looking deep into the lens think of someone close to you and picture them not the lens. Try to connect with a feeling or emotion, this will resonate in your final image. 

Tip 5 - Don't look straight into the camera

Tilt your head just a little to the left or the right. Angle your shoulders to one side, and always if you're standing place all of your weight on the leg furthest from the camera. These things will elongate and slim the body while actually looking more natural and relaxed. 

I hope these tips work for you. If they did please let me know by commenting on your experience or if you have a great tip yourself please share it with me. Also you can sign up for the newsletter for more tips, inspirational information and discounts from NDS. Thank you! 
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Empty Minds Radio

5/16/2014

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Podcast FridayS! 

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So I'm a part of a Podcast on Fridays... Empty Minds Radio. We record in Saint Paul in the Golden Leaf, smoke cigars, talk some smack, and the episodes are available online here: _ ww.emptymindsradio.com. Check out all of the episodes and if you're able, donate to the program to help keep us going. 

You'll want to get to know Tom, Myron, Jerry, Garry, and Paulie they keep me laughing throughout the podcast. *vulgarity alert* if you are easily offended by profanity this is not the podcast for you. 

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What our customers have to say

I worked with Elle Halls of Nouvelle Design Studio for my business profile picture (used for LinkedIn, email, website, business cards, etc.) and she was amazing! She really listened to what I wanted, and made me a part of the process, stopping many times throughout the shoot to show me how the photos were looking. What I thought was going to be a "business errand/chore" ended up being a lot of fun! I highly recommend using Elle for your photography project.

Thumbtack client Kristin J.
Excellent experience. Elle was able to coach out the "model" in me and provided many shots I can pick from. She went well above and beyond me expectations and the final product is excellent.

Thumbtack client Scott J.

Working with Elle was wonderful! I was doing a fashion shoot and it was so fun! She's very nice, funny, and professional, the shoot went like that! She has a very keen eye and did wonderful work! Very happy with my photos. Thanks, Elle!

 Thumbtack client Elena C.


I love the photos of myself and my daughter. We were given excellent direction so we could get the best shots. I couldn't be happier with the results! I highly recommend booking a session for any type of photography you are looking for!

Shelly S.
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