Elton Anderson » weddings. lifestyle. fashion.

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

January 18, 2010

I’ve been known to do a lot of crazy things… feel free to add skateboarding to that list. It’s like my therapy after a long week of shoots, editing, emails, story-boarding, meetings, etc. I usually skateboard just for leisure but on my last trip to LA I tried a more deadly “sporty” approach. Apuje Kalu and I were actually out west for some location scouting and headed over to the world famous Venice Beach. I think I got inspired by all the kick-flips, alley-oops and nosegrinds because next thing I know I’m skateboarding with the best of them (or worst of them, depending on which way you look at it).

I hope my mom doesn’t read this post because she would kill me for not wearing a helmet. *cues Lupe Fiasco* *also cues theme from “Jackass”*

PHOTO CREDIT: Apuje Kalu (yes, he gets behind the camera too)

We walked up to skateboard heaven.

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These are professionals

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I got inspired and decided to buy another board. skatestory-9118

Meanwhile, Apuje shopped for sunglasses. skatestory1 skatestory2

My first attempt — this ended badly. skatestory-9139

So I decided to try the smaller hill…. VICTORY! (Look at the intensity on my face) skatestory-9184

Tony Hawk, eat your heart out. **Note: This was after an hour of failed attempts

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For now, I think I’ll keep my day job but I recommend everyone try something new this year. A new challenge does more for your spirit than you can imagine. I never even owned a camera before 2008 and almost 2 years later photography has completely changed the course of my life. Granted, a skateboard or camera may not be your path but keep switching things up… you may just discover a new passion.

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Posted in PERSONAL, RANDOMNESS, TRAVEL

by L10

9 comments

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Halo - Good job, man. You and Apuje make a pretty fresh duo. Keep it up.January 28, 2010 - 2:09 pm

Lauren - AWESOME post! And SO YOU! "lemme try this...if they can do it, so can I"...you know what I say...leave it to the pros! lol. You don't see me tryna be a photographer do you? lolJanuary 18, 2010 - 5:43 pm

Yoyo - You're my hero...Now go buy a helmet!January 18, 2010 - 5:31 pm

Apuje - Excellent post my brother...I almost forgot about these pics. How fitting that you would be post this on MLK's bday.January 18, 2010 - 1:27 pm

Samantha - Elton your post continue to inspire me. Although we've never met I feel I know your intimately through your blog. Thank you for the unexpected inspiration.January 18, 2010 - 1:02 pm

Ade - As always, the work and story behind the work is great! Keep living the dream!January 18, 2010 - 12:58 pm

Marilyn Griffin - Niiice! Seems fun!January 18, 2010 - 12:37 pm

Nique - @L10 You inspire a lot of us to keep dreaming, and to make our dreams a reality. Great post, especially on this day we recognize for one of the best dreamers of all time, Dr. King. But I have to agree with Phil, wear a damn helmet and some pads, before you do some harm to yourself! Nice shots @apuje! You both are men of many talents!January 18, 2010 - 12:32 pm

Phil - Look @ Kalu gettin behind the lens.... great shots, glad you didnt break your damn neck. wear a helmet dude smhJanuary 18, 2010 - 12:26 pm

APRIL // MODEL SEASON

January 10, 2010

April was the first model I shot for 301 and they couldn’t have started me off with a better person. She was fun, energetic and totally easy to work with. This was also the first time my team had a chance to meet: Apuje Kalu (Creative Dir/Stylist), Jay Fierce (MUA/Hair) and Tia Smith (First Assistant) all worked tirelessly to bring these concepts to life. Who knew slicing some oranges could be so hard? Anyway, Enjoy.

Check out the full story here: http://eltonandersonblog.com/slidingstories/april/

april1 april2

Posted in CREATIVE PURSUIT

by L10

11 comments

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CGDesigner - It's GORGEOUS shots I'm very impressedJanuary 20, 2010 - 12:44 am

Samantha - April is absolutely GORG! If I didn't know any better I would think this was Chanel Iman. I love her make-up and styling. The story is light-hearted and fun. Once again, great job Elton and team.January 18, 2010 - 1:06 pm

DiAndria - Awesome job brother! You were touched by God...keeping using your eye. I cant wait for you and Apuje to work you guys' magic touch on me. SMOOCHES DeeJanuary 16, 2010 - 6:23 pm

Whittables - OMG! Love these pictures! I can't say that enough!January 12, 2010 - 9:37 pm

Naseya - I absolutely LOVE THIS! Goregous girl, pretty pink lips, the colors, the bikini, the rainboots, the sneakers,the car shot,EVERYTHING! Your talent and Apuje's creatvie direction is flawless!January 11, 2010 - 4:55 pm

Collette - Love it love it love it love it. Now go ahead and copy this comment, then paste it under all the preceding posts... You + Apuje = FRESH & GORGEOUS MASTERPIECES.January 11, 2010 - 12:58 pm

Delilah Johnson - These shots are GREAT! Looks like another successful shoot!January 11, 2010 - 9:20 am

Cortni - Denim Jacket with pins...vintage Apuje *fist bump*. LOL #shoutoutJanuary 10, 2010 - 4:06 pm

Jay Dexter - Elton, you're a hard guy to keep up with! Inspiring.January 10, 2010 - 10:46 am

L10 - @StefanieK - Ironically, those two shots were the hardest to pull off. Thanks for recognizing the struggle. ;-)January 10, 2010 - 9:21 am

StefanieK - iLOVE the shot of April swinging across the lake & the confetti close-up! Once again you've captured the simplicity of life in a structured yet carefree way! (FYI:I'm still swooning over Leo)January 10, 2010 - 9:05 am

TESTING, TESTING

January 8, 2010

The anti-blogger is back! I know, I know I haven’t blogged since bell-bottoms were in style but for good reason — I have been B-U-S-Y. As you may already know photography is my passion and I have been busy taking my passion to the next level. Not only does that mean taking better pictures and refining my skill but it also involves building a strong team of assistants, stylists and make-up artists. Check! Casting the right model is the next step, so here’s the good news: I am now an official test photographer for 301 Modeling Agency in Miami! This new gig means a lot to me because it was something I was so scared to pursue last year (I’ll have an entire blog post on fear later). Testing new models is awesome! You get to build strong relationships in the industry and add some great work to your portfolio. My ultimate goal is to start using models for my own concept shoots and book more commercial work. Please don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned wedding photography at all. I have a great year ahead of me filled with destinations weddings to some exotic locales so stay tuned for that. For now, check out one of my first shoots… this is Leo’s first shoot too (such a natural).

Full story here: http://eltonandersonblog.com/slidingstories/leonardo/

*** Styling and Creative Direction by none other than Apuje Kalu***

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Posted in CREATIVE PURSUIT

by L10

11 comments

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Samantha - I don't mean to comment on every post, but I love all of your latest shoots!!! You and Apuje make a dynamic team. Glad to see the diversity between weddings, models, and real people. Keep the post coming and next time don't have us waiting so long.January 18, 2010 - 1:08 pm

Naseya - Great Shoot! Love the clothes and he's an absolute cutie! Congrats on the new gig! I wish you nothing but the best!January 11, 2010 - 4:49 pm

Michael Skinner - Big ups 2 my man Apuje for doing big things in life.....Everything about the shots were great. KEEP DOING YOUR THING.January 11, 2010 - 3:27 pm

Sanchez - Congrats on the new contracts E. You brothers are doing good work. You have no choice but to succeed.January 9, 2010 - 7:17 am

Tia - As always you work is phenomenal. I am so glad that things have happened this way for you. 301 is indeed lucky and so are the models. It is such a pleasure to learn and work with you. I wish I could have been there for this shoot. In the interim I will continue to hold down the Elton Anderson Photography Fan Club. Oh and Apuje- another job well done with the fashions in this and many other shoots!January 8, 2010 - 7:11 pm

Antonia - Three words - nom nom NOM!!!January 8, 2010 - 6:22 pm

sister - Brother I LOVE it. You have a one way ticket straight to the top. As always, I am so proud of you!January 8, 2010 - 6:19 pm

Jayar Moten - Bringing in 2010 Strong. I dig the photos, NEED TO OWN that Gray Tuxedo Jacket like yesteryear but Great workJanuary 8, 2010 - 5:59 pm

valencia - Congratulations on your success. Can't wait to read your blog on fear. Fear makes us human, but it's how we handle it that counts.January 8, 2010 - 5:58 pm

Whittables - Love these! Amazing. The styling is perfect for him too!January 8, 2010 - 5:44 pm

KamalyP - Fear is good...as long as you can conquer it. And you have, seemingly. You're already a natural at this. Hi5 (encore)!January 8, 2010 - 5:39 pm

ERIN + PAUL // ENGAGEMENT

November 30, 2009

I’m back in Atlanta! One of my favorite cities for food, friends and good old southern hospitality — and did I mention food? Sorry, I’ll spare you all my fatboy tendencies and get right to this fun couple. Meet Erin and Paul. One of the most easy-going pairs I’ve ever had the chance to work with. This was my first time meeting Paul but I’ve actually known Erin for years. She’s from my hometown of Detroit and I always remembered her as the pretty cheerleader with a winning personality and a heart of gold. Now she’s all grown up and has found a great match in her fiance Paul. This couple was so much fun we actually did the shoot over the course of 2 days — I guess I couldn’t get enough of hanging with them!

I wanted a little more charm for their shoot, so I decided to start in the Highlands area and end at the spot where it all began, Morehouse College. Not only is this Paul’s Alma Mater, but the place where he met the love of his life, Erin. I am so excited to share these pictures with you all and even more excited for their wedding next July! Enjoy.

**For some reason a ton of my friends decided to show up to this shoot. Thanks to Lauren, Michael, Erik and Andre for all their help!**

epeng-81781 coke1 double2 epeng-83671 ep-square2 epeng-8531 epeng-8574 epeng-8708 epeng-8877 rust1 epeng-8965-2

Posted in ENGAGEMENT

by L10

10 comments

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Rondel - hell yes to this shoot. black love looking all great. making me wanna go wife something lolJanuary 8, 2010 - 6:32 pm

Kristin (Quiche) - Was just linked to your site from Weddingbee & WOW! I am blown away by your awesomeness. Can't wait to see more of your work!January 7, 2010 - 10:24 am

Nicole Marie Melton - OMG...I can't get enough Elton. You're so gosh darn talented! Keep up the great work man.December 2, 2009 - 4:23 pm

Alayna Hayes - The photos are great (no surprise there)....but the real questions is, "Did you get chicken rolls from Bucketshop?"December 2, 2009 - 3:31 pm

alicia.keeffe - love the 1/2 face close-up shots. and that pink dress + her skin tone = match made in heaven. :) the fence shot actually works for me. with art, the longer you can get the viewer to look at your piece... the more successful it is! and that was one that definitely stopped my mouse from scrolling. another FAB shoot!December 2, 2009 - 11:33 am

Shari @Pretty Chicky - Love it! Posted a snippet on my blog!December 2, 2009 - 12:20 am

Peggy - I can see the "Look of Love",especially in the last photo. I did not like the photo of them behind the fence....they look like they may be trying to break out of jail. I look the photos, but wanted more close-ups of the beautiful couple.December 1, 2009 - 7:28 pm

Phil P - I am as impressed with your eye and photography skills as I am with your choice of PERFECT locations... AMAZINGNovember 30, 2009 - 11:05 pm

Apuje - I really like the colors & concepts in this shoot! Good Job Elton.November 30, 2009 - 5:32 pm

ElleToTheB - you're welcome. and the "i love you" on the theater board was a really nice addition. these are fabulous!November 30, 2009 - 4:45 pm

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA… I MEAN VANS

November 28, 2009

Last week I was featured on a style blog… Say What?!? Crazy right? I think I was actually more shocked than flattered. Honestly, I can think of at least 2 million people who are way more stylish than me, so I figured this was some early April Fool’s joke. Turns out it wasn’t. My college friend, Toye Adedipe, who is now an amazingly successful celebrity stylist felt that my “unstyle” was actually stylish… go figure. He’s worked with everyone from Fantasia to Keyshia Cole to ANTM’s Eva Pigford, so I’m sure he must know what he’s talking about. Anyway, check out his amazing portfolio and check me out on his blog. Click Here

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Posted in RANDOMNESS

by L10

1 comment

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alicia.keeffe - stylish comfort... couldn't have said it better! style is all about knowing what works for you. eff trends! i love the polaroid picture. great smile! ps- you totally forgot about me today. [sad face] therefore, we are no longer friends & i'm going to have to find a new fave photographer. [searching internet now]November 28, 2009 - 4:15 pm

Elton Anderson » weddings. lifestyle. fashion.

About Me

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

APRIL // MODEL SEASON

TESTING, TESTING

ERIN + PAUL // ENGAGEMENT

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA… I MEAN VANS