Elton Anderson » weddings. lifestyle. fashion.

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.

These are professionals

I got inspired and decided to buy another board.

Meanwhile, Apuje shopped for sunglasses.

My first attempt — this ended badly. 

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

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

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.

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/

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***