Mark Elola Photography [BLOG]

Yvette & Eddie

2010-03-17T12:51:00.001-07:00

Yvette & Eddie are beautiful people, inside and out. So we were shooting on the beach and all of a sudden the water comes in and took us by surprise. I think Yvette's shoes are toast (Uggs), but this shot was worth it all.

2010-03-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

A few others I had fun shooting.

Elola Elves 2009 - Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T23:38:00.001-08:00

Noelle & Patrick

2009-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Noelle and Patrick are so in love, and that was exactly what I feel is conveyed in this slideshow. I am thrilled to share this one with you!!!
Congrat's Noelle & Patrick!!!!

Stacie & Nick - Half Moon Bay 8/29/2009

2009-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Tracee & Terry

2009-09-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

Amy & RJ

2009-07-17T15:55:00.001-07:00

JG Workshop - Paris group shot

2009-07-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Photo by Donna Marshall

So here is the group I spent all my time with in Paris! A fun bunch and I miss them all! I made some great friendships and Sally (Jerry G's personal assistant wearing red/pink) is going to start a Facebook page just for us to show our work and keep in contact. This photo was shot at the end of a LONG day starting off in front of Moulin Rouge and ending up in the Montmartre district of Paris, in front of the Sacre Coeur. We were walking the street where Amelie was filmed. It was soo funny to find out that every single one of us was a Canon shooter! The group was from Germany/Russia, Belgium, France/Greece, Scotland, England, Florida, Texas, Canada, Ireland, Australia...and CALIFORNIA!! A real international crowd and I was simply honored to be around these guys. I got a good feeling for what weddings are like in other parts of the world too.

Paris flea market

2009-07-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you have all probably been to a garage sale or flea market
before....
In Paris, it's more like antique shopping. Everything is 50 years+
old, and amazing. We wanted to fill up a cargo ship and send to San
Francisco! I ended up settling on a 100 year old silver appertif
goblet set (much smaller). The toy jet wouldn't fit in my
bag....bummer!

Centre Pompidou

2009-07-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Still very hot!

2 Cour du Commerce St. Andree

2009-06-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

So this is where we are staying in Paris...right in the heart of Paris, 6th arr. The apartment is on this great historic street that is for pedestrians only with lots of cute shops and places to hang out at late at night. You would not believe this...it does not get dark here until 10:30pm and everyone is out eating dinner at midnight (on a weeknight!).

Day 1 @ the Jerry Ghionis workshop:
-UNREAL. That's basically all I can say. I am learning so much that my head is exploding with ideas and rejuvenation. Jerry has this incredible gift of teaching and rubbing off on photographers around him.

So far, he has critiqued my work of 5 images (some of my favorite from multiple weddings) and 10 images from 1 wedding. It was very difficult just to choose which images I would want him to give me input on! We were going through everyone's image, one by one until 10:30 tonight followed by some of Jerry's images...and everyone in the room felt about as small as a mouse after seeing his incredible work!

I am looking forward to tomorrow's session on light, followed by a photo shoot with models, followed by another critique of the images I shoot tomorrow (with the info I just learned).

Jerry is going to photograph Kristy and I on Wednesday night in the streets of Paris (a gift to us for our upcoming wedding anniversary).

Anyhow, more to come after tomorrow. The group of photographers here are awesome, from Russia, Belgium, Texas, Florida, Ireland, Scottland...and then there is Mark Elola Photography, bringin' it California style!!

Magnificent Abe

2009-06-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Incredible to see in person...an incredible man. I'm not used to this
humidity!

Hello DC!

2009-06-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Mark witthout hair product

Paris, here we come! ( or maybe not)

2009-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

So far, an interesting trip filled with airline mechanical issues
(curtesy of United) and booked hotels in Washington DC. Good news: we
get to say hello to Obama at the White House (from Penn. Ave). A shot
of the swan for our son Coby...hotel lobby. More to come! Au revior

API's new blog

2009-06-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Photo by API
http://www.aperfectimpression.com/adoration/

API rockin the house....I was so impressed by their recent post, I had to blog about it. Check out the ring shot and the groom's reaction. Kudos Aaron and team...looking forward to a little "A" List competition! Can I steal this ring shot?

Please watch ABC's earth 2100

2009-06-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Earth2100/

Ok everyone.....this was so moving I have got to get you to watch this. ABC created a story, following "Molly" through her life as an American living 2009-2100. It touches on global warming, consequences of doing nothing and the quality of life....that our children will endure.

I urge you to take the time to watch ACT 1 online, more if possible. I was impressed how scientifically accurate the report was and the resources available on the website. Let me know what you think!

2009-06-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post some cute shots we got of the kids during a recent trip to San Francisco. They are seriously our entertainment!

Breslow's

2009-04-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

My new favorite [secret] spot for family pictures! Bet you can't guess where this is? Cathy's family is really special, I love her kids. Here are just a few. Kinda posey traditional but seriously, they have not had a family shot in AGES and Cathy is a photographer [she has her own fan club on FB]. Touching story on what finally got her to take a family picture.....maybe more on that later.

The kids - spring 09

2009-04-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Daffodil Hill is such a great spot I look forward to each Spring. This year, the kids were a lot of fun...and as a reward, they each received their very own loli pop (see picture)!

Tracy & Paul

2009-03-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

Old St. Hillary @ Tiburon, CA - March 22, 2009

Sofia reading Snow White (at 1 yrs old!)

2009-03-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

What a fun shoot

2009-03-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Seriously, one of my favorite park lifestyle shoots!

2009-03-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

destination engagements

2009-03-08T23:30:00.001-07:00

The latest

2007-02-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the latest? Here is what I've been listening too lately CLICK HERE

Have you seen the latest? Here's a shot of me and Coby!

Have you tasted the latest? Took the parents HERE on Satuday. Best seafood ANYWHERE.

Still have the scent of your V-Day roses lingering?

V Day

2007-02-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

I read a great article today on making Valentines Day more meaningful....for all you romantics out there. I especially like number 5....check it out!

CLICK HERE

Lifestyle shoot vs. JCPenney

2007-02-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family last weekend....Doug, Denise & kids. Turned out to be a great day! I got to dust off my telephoto lens and capture some awesome candids. This was more of a "Lifestyle" shoot than a portrait shoot....just following them around the park. I wish more families saw the value in this kind of shoot instead of JCPenney!

If you want to take a look at a few shots, check out this sweet little slideshow

WPPI 2007

2007-01-28T12:30:00.001-08:00

I'm going! Wedding & Portrait Photographers International holds the biggest and best convention / conference every year in Vegas and I'm super excited to be a member and go again! This year I'm bringing a good friend who has been in the business for a while....check out Aaron's site. His videography work is amazing...a definate recommendation.

Hope everyone is staying dry and in good spirits! God bless

Ok, so I fell behind on my blogging......

2007-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

So I am finally starting to blog again! Life has been great....our little Coby John is growing up! He just loves dinosaurs and trains. And dad loves capturing his funny faces!

Anyhow, 2007 is shaping up to be a great year for weddings.....my new clients are great! Check back in a few days, as I will be blogging consistantly. Cheers!

Baby Lauren

2006-05-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Isn't Baby Lauren beautiful! And (according to parents Doug & Leslie), she sleeps solid through the night. My nocternal son (Coby John) needs to take note! This little girl was a joy to photograph! Here are some other pics: SLIDESHOW

Chavarria Family

2006-05-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Presley! What an adorable family! I had Mike & Brandi meet me at my favorite spot(it's a secret, shhhh) and the rest just kinda happened on it's own. Well, OK so I clicked the button a few times on this 4 LB Canon...and OK I brought out the Elmo doll! But the rest just happened on it's own. Can't go wrong with these kids!

Doce de Mayo?

2006-05-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I fell behind on my blogging! I had to share a few shots I took at Safeway's corporate Cinco de Mayo event for the Hispanic Leadership Network! It was hilarious because someone knew it was my birthday and I was serenaded by the marriachi band...this sweet Mexican woman sang me a love song with a few hundred people watching. I haven't turned so red in years!

Congrat's Amy & Derek

2006-04-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

This wedding I photographed last weekend was SUCH a blast. There was well over 200 people in attendance..this couple is seriously LOVED by many (which didn't surprise me). AND they are U2 fans! Bono, cover your ears...I'm borrowing a song that you never bothered putting on any of your regular albums until "The Best Of". Ok, it was on the "Reality Bites" soundtrack, but that doesn't count!

WPJA

2006-04-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

I found out today that I was accepted into the prestigious WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association)....I am thrilled! This was pretty cool because they actually had professionals evaluate my work and website to see if I meet their high standards. It only took 3 weeks of sweating it out and not hearing a word! So funny because they specifically tell you on their application that "WPJA will not notify you if you have not been accepted....", so you can imagine how long the last 3 weeks have been! Now that I'm a member, I kind of feel more official..haha
Here is a little tid bit about WPJA that I learned today (from the website)

ABOUT THE WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALIST ASSOCIATION

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.
The WPJA sponsors educational programs including seminars, conventions and workshops geared toward the wedding photojournalist. We also host wedding photojournalism contests, judged by top working photojournalists and news photo editors. The purpose of these contests is to celebrate the photographers who document and record the found moment.

Twins (can't you tell?)

2006-04-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to photograph the Spinale twins the other day.....thank God for the sunshine! We went to this hidden park in Pleasanton...and had a lot of fun. They were good sports about it all (and they made my job super easy since they couldnt take a bad pic if they tried). Their dad (Jim) is surprising his wife with Mother's Day pictures of the kids. It was sooo fun editing these pictures because I got to try out my new "Lord Of The Rings" Photoshop actions that I bought during my Vegas WPPI trip!

Click the play butten to see a few from this photo shoot.

Easter

2006-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

WOW....what a day it was! Visiting two families with a one year old can make for a busy but FUNNN day. Kinda cool that Coby got to experience an Easter egg hunt for the first time. Here are some fun shots of my family (take a look at my brother David's dog "Loco" peeing on bed!)

Owens Family

2006-04-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

So I met this great family today (the Owens Family).....they are so sweet! There little boy Ryan has about a million Match Box cars, made me wish I kept all mine. Perhaps the cars I burried in my parents backyard are still there??!! Anyhow, you gotta check out this slideshow I threw together with my friend DavidJay's software! It's soooo fun! Christina, Todd, Ryan, THANK YOU for allowing me into your lives and allowing me to capture these sweet moments. HAPPY EASTER

Marcus the Model

2006-04-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

How cute is this kid! I was super excited to get the phone call from family that my nephew (Marcus) needed some head shots for his EXPLODING modeling career! It was a lot of fun.....I asked him how many girlfriends he had, he started counting! Anyhow, I am so proud of my nephew! He acts just like my brother when he was his age (SCARY!!!) Bye for now
Mark

markelolaphotography.com GOES LIVE!!!

2006-04-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

WOW, finally!!! Let me know what you think of the new site....I am super excited about it! I have a lot of big plans for it in the future also, so keep checking back...who knows, you may even see a picture of you here!
http://www.markelolaphotography.com/

Here is what some of my Pictage Photographer friends have already said about the website:

"Hey Mark,
Your bio is one of the best I've ever read! So cool to hear about your budding artistry as a kid! I think it means a lot to clients to really get a sense of who you are, where you came from and what's important to you. I'd totally hire you after reading your bio!
And your portfolio is gorgeous! Congrats!"

"gorgeous!
the bio, the images... everything is gorgeous!"

"love love love it! you know, for once, the music actually did not annoy me... many times i feel that photographers choose music that is just too much, but this just kind of did it for me. maybe i am just in one of those music moods, though.
nice looking portfolio!
congrats!"

"Really nice website Mark! beautiful photos...really enjoyed the bio...it all connects very well!"

"really clean, good, and informative, easy to navigate, i would give it a 9.3. ( i never give a 10, so thats a good thing) inspiring and i like what you say in your bio. keep up the good work."

Coby John's Easter pics

2006-03-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post up some great pics we got of our little Coby John at Daffodil Hill in Livermore. One of the few sunny days we have had in March! Anyhow, next year I am thinking of setting up camp at this place for Easter shots...let me know if this would interest any of you. Talk to you soon, and stay dry.

Johns Family

2006-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

I photographed the Johns family this past Saturday....what a beautiful bunch of people! Chara's Grandmother was visiting from Pennsylvania, so they called me over. Little Gianna is getting so big! What an honor it was to capture these special pictures. Johns family, thank you for inviting me into your home. I had a lot of fun! Mark
PS....the pictures will be on Pictage.com this week

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2006-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

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