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Ellen LeRoy Photography bio picture

Welcome!

Ellen LeRoy Photography is located on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina in the town of Emerald Isle.  We started as a family portraiture business, specializing in beach sessions.  In the last few years, the wedding portion of the business has really taken off as the word of mouth has grown. 

If you would like to see a portfolio of Ellen's work, please click on the website link above.

Our goal for this blog is to offer some insight into what we are up to, as well as useful "insider" information about the Emerald Isle area and wedding planning ideas.  Please feel free to sign up to be notified when there is a new post.

Potential Entries for Competition

I am posting these images to get feedback from family, friends, and anyone who wants to share their opinions.  I have to choose six for the PPNC competition next week, and this is what I have it narrowed down to.   I can only submit one picture per subject, so I have to choose the favorite among the 5 Serah choices–which is soooo hard for me.  HELP!

I will give a title under each if I have one.  Title ideas are also welcomed, even if I already have one.

Thank you for your time!

"Hot but not Bothered"

"Hot But Not Bothered" Choice 1 of Pretty Girl (can only have one)

no title yet

no title yet

"Friends to the End"

"Friends to the End"

"Honkytonk Heaven"    Choice 1 of Serah (can only have one)

"Honkytonk Heaven" Choice 1 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet    Choice 2 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet Choice 2 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet     Choice 3 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet Choice 3 of Serah (can only have one)

"Fallen Angel"       Choice 4 of Serah (can only have one)

"Fallen Angel" Choice 4 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet      Choice 5 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet Choice 5 of Serah (can only have one)

no title yet

no title yet

"Something Old and Something New"  ???

"Something Old and Something New" ???

title ideas???

"Makin' Waves" or "Under the Boardwalk" title ideas???

"Top Dog"  ????

"Top Dog" ????

"Could Somebody Hand Me a Towel?"

"Could Somebody Hand Me a Towel?"

robin cotten - LOVE the ones of Serah_ esp 5, 2 & 3 . Hand me a towel.., but change the title; I like top dog better but cropped in to face; makin waves is great; they are all wonderful, and I know you'll do great! I look forward to seeing you get another award at the banquet!

Joy Batchelor-King - Hey, I like the first one of the Pretty Girl. The second one her legs look too big. Not very flattering of her. Friends to the end. I may be old school but I think you need to spot the glare in the glasses. Also , the name is good ,but I am not too sure this image shows enough emotion. I like choice 3 of Serah ,but I worry about her left hand. It isn't very feminine looking. Great image ,can't think of a name. Choice 3 of Serah is really cool. What really bothers me about this image is the neck piece on the girl. It is a real distraction. There is so muchgoing on in the photo and this is too distracting.Otherwise it looks great. Maybe "living on the Edge" as a name. Could somebody hand me a towell is fabulous. Not a good choice for the name. Dogs face is too intense for that title. Needs something referring to the eyes. Something Old Something New Love IT!! Name doesn't have enough attitude or sophistocation. My opinion is that, Only an opinion. I hope I helped. You are a fabulous photographer. I only wish i was as creative. Let me know what you think about my comments. Please don't take anything personally. I hope I helped. Remember it is only comments for the dreaded Competition!!

Tammy Cohen - Oh my!! Totally impossible! But, I like "Hot but not bothered" of the first model. I like Friends to the end black and white. I like Serah's #2 and #5. I like Tracy's #1. I love wedding couples "no titles" #1 and #2 shown (1 has starfish and 2 has white flower in her hair). I like BOTH dog pics....hard to chose which one is the "coolest". You r SO TALENTED. I pray all blessings on you for the competition!! HUGS! No matter what you decide...man, these are AWESOME.

Marsha - LOVED looking at these! We could only make one decision......... We vote for #2 of Serah and think it should be titled "Last Call".

John Stanton - (1) Pretty Girl #1 (2) Serah #3 (3) Something Old (4) Makin Waves print down/Gradient burn both sides (5) Hand me a Towel Gradient Burn Left to the dog (6) No title yet Print down.

Carol Melton - Ellen - my favs are: both beach couples, Serah #2, #3, #5. Really like #2, but all of her back eye is not there and that could hurt you. Title would make a difference - something steamy. Love the back ground and composition of #3. #5 has "nothing wrong" with the subject. Also like "Friends til the end" I assume you will remove his glasses glare? Love the dog in "top dog" but the dog is secondary to the ribbons and I don't think it will score well for that one reason. Black bridal couple: his emotion is awesome, she seems disconnected and her shoulder is coming straight into the camera, which is usually a no no. Love black bride. Her right hand is not beautifully posed. Just some thoughts. hope they help. Carol

Joy Batchelor-King - In your last message were you talking about the one of the dog. "hand me a towel? Sit down and stay a while is not good for this one. The dog's eyes are so intense. It is really a compelling portrait. Love IT!! Working on a name. Chat tomorrow. I think it is a great choice.

sue - ok,top dog is extra-ordinary, however printing will have to be too...it will make it or break it. makin waves is gorgeous and uniquely done for an overdone location and subject (WELL done)! the color harmony is what sets it apart and the dynamic movement to it. wow! something old and new is really well done too, might be a little too flat if not printed really well. of serah prints: 3 is my fave and most compelling while 2 is very close, crop 1 so that honkeytonk is taken out...my eye wants to go there, but that is such a strong strong image that I really want to see you print it next year (?) you have to enter the beach couple...such good interaction and emotion and strong print! i love your title for hot but not bothered, but do you have one with her looking at camera (?) can you crop it so it is less disoreinting for viewer, judge ? even on bottom ? if you submit dog and owner then perhaps a more subtle title (?) Sue

Rose Mary Cheek - Ellen, there is something that draws me into Honkytonk Heaven I love top dog, is his nose very sharp? I cannot tell from here... also like the last one of the dog. Choice 3 of Serah (can only have one) "Fallen Angel" Choice 4 of Serah (can only have one) Have you considered applying a little topaz to the man w/the beard w/dog? 1 to bring out hair on beard, and hair on the dog? ? ? ? Hugs and good luck

Janet - Hot but not bothered WOW could you hand me a towel - very cool old and new - yes those are my favs

admin - I waited to release the comments until most had come in, to keep things unbiased, but I am posting the replies now, more because I think they are a wonderful learning tool for other photographers to see. Some of the commentators are very experienced in print competition (some are even judges), and I am honored to have their feedback. I will post the entries that I chose in their final form (many have revisions now) after the state print competition this Saturday, as well as how they were scored. Thank you for all who helped. I learned so much and love this wonderful group of professionals who help each other grow. PPNC is such a great opportunity to learn and be mentored by the best in the country. Ellen

Feeling Thankful: Seeing the true Light

I’ve just finished my daily devotion/prayer/meditation/Bible study that I have tried to start my day with for the last 2 months.  I heard a speaker who made a strong case for beginning your day this way..”In all things, put God first, and the rest will come to you.” (Matthew 6:33)  I must say that this has turned into one of my favorite times of the day, and I start the days with peace more often now that I have added that daily habit.  I highly recommend it.

I wanted to share my insight that I had this morning, because I am feeling especially thankful for the life God has led me to.

In the Bible, the strongest and most common analogy for Jesus is “the Light.”  He is a “light unto our paths”, a “light in the darkness”, and “the way, the truth, and the light.”

The more mature you become as a photographer, the more you realize that the key to photography is this:  you must be perceptive to the light.  You must understand, study, and “feel” the light.  Light is the critical element to a great picture.  I began thinking that this connection to “the light” must be at the core of why so many photographers that I’ve met are deeply spiritual people.  In fact, prayer is still an integral part of every Professional Photographers of NC meeting, even though it’s not a religiously affiliated group.

I would like to suggest that everyone should develop their photography skills.  You will learn to see beauty around you that you never noticed before, and the world will become a more amazing place.  And, if you are like me and so many others, you will start to notice God all around you, and you will become more connected to Him and thankful for all he has created.  Photographers don’t make beautiful pictures, they just notice them, already created by God.  Learn to notice the light in all you do, and you will find yourself worshiping God in a very deep and meaningful way.

Do any other photographers, amateur or professional, feel this way as well?  I’d love to hear your comments.

Laura Phillips - HI Ellen, I appreciated your post from Monday. My husband and I met you at Imaging when we overheard you telling someone else about Abie Straps and we're so excited for you... and for us that we'll be some of the lucky ones to be the first to wear them! I hope it will be soon because my hubby's getting really irritated with his current straps and is being tempted by another vendor. So... please hurry. For cool ideas on great men's designs see www.robertgraham.us Many men are collecting these shirts. They are exquisite, and bold. Blessings to you.

Casey - Wow Ellen! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts and outlook. I have also learned over the years as my walk with God has grown stronger, that He is everywhere. And yes all beautiful moments captured through my lens, is from Him. It was amazing to learn how important light is to capture a beautiful image. I have you to thank for showing me the first steps in noticing good light. I'm even more amazed at how for every session or wedding, I find myself thanking our Heavenly Father for the LIGHT he has provided. In that very moment of amazing light, I am aware of His presence. Thank you for the inspiration to start my day with Him. It's something that I really need to make a priority. It's so easy the get off track with all the daily works and stresses. I'm going to go do my Bible Study right now! Have a beautiful day!

Tracey - Ellen this is such a beautiful post. Thank you for writing it and allowing others to share in your experience. I think people have always known that photography is more than just the snap of a lens to you and more of an intimate experience. Now we are able to understand the spiritual foundation that resides within you that allows you to create your masterpieces.

admin - Your comments are wonderful and I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Hubby - Well done baby. smooch, tweet, ...whatever I do on a blog - DL

My new line of designer camera straps is about to launch!

I’m finally ready to post some pictures which give at least a glimpse of the new line of camera straps that I have been designing and modifying for the last two years.  It has been a slow process, but I took samples to the recent DWF and PPA photography conventions in Nashville, TN this past week, and got wonderful reviews from the photographers I spoke to.  I spoke to so many, in fact, that I have lost my voice.  Most everyone commented that they were so soft and high quality–unlike anything currently on the market.  That was exactly my goal, and also the reason they took so long to develop.  Here are a few pictures of the new Abie Straps:

Each camera strap is made with high end fabrics, ultrasuade backing, and genuine leather. The quick release buckles allow you to easily change your strap to match your clothing.

Our camera straps are made with high-end fabrics, ultrasuede backing, decorative ribbons, and genuine leather. The quick release buckles allow you to easily change your strap to match your clothing.

Abie Camera Straps are made by the same craftsmen the work for the top designers in New York City. They are masters in the trade and were chosen for the quality of their workmanship.

Abie Camera Straps are made by the same craftsmen who work for the top designers in New York City. They are masters in the trade and were chosen for the quality of their workmanship.

Leather piping along the sides is soft on your neck, unlike the rough nylon edges of most camera straps.

Leather piping along the sides is soft on your neck, unlike the rough nylon edges of most camera straps. The ultrasuede backing feels good on your neck and has just enough texture to "hug" your shoulder without sliding.

We will have about 20 unique, limited-edition designs to choose from, with new styles being introduced periodically.  We chose a variety of colors and pattern to so you can match your straps to your branding, clothing, or the occasion you are photographing.

At launch, we will have about 20 unique, limited-edition designs to choose from, with new styles being developed and introduced seasonally. We have created a variety of styles, colors, and patterns so you can match your straps to your branding, clothing, or the occasion you are photographing.

If you would like to be notified when the official website launches, please visit www.abiestraps.com and sign up.  We will send you an email notification as well as a discount code for your order.

Casey - Yay! I can't wait to get one of your beautifully designed straps!!!! Let me know when your site launches so I can make a blog post on my blog and on facebook too! I'm proud of you Ellen!

Swansboro Oyster Roast Video and Pictures

For many years, I’ve gone to the annual Swansboro Rotary Club’s Oyster Roast and Pig Out, and as I opened my freshly steamed oysters, I admired the amazing group of workers who were behind the scenes steaming the oysters in giant metal bins.  To feed hundreds of eaters a continuous supply of steaming hot oysters takes a lot of hard-working volunteers and organization.  I wanted to share this bit of local tradition with you through a slide show (below), and invite you to join us for this year’s fund raising oyster roast on March 20th, 2010 from 5-8pm.  Barbeque, fried fish, hush puppies, slaw, and beer are also served..as much as you can eat, and it usually falls on the same day as the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival.  Let me know if you need tickets…my husband is a member of the Rotary Club.  They sell out every year.

http://www.vimeo.com/8555900

oyster-roast-2oyster-roast-1

Linda Erlandson - I thought this fund raiser is on a Saturday night you show it is on a Thursday, March 18th is that correct or not? Thanks.

admin - I see that I wrote the wrong date on the post. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. I have it fixed now. I'm glad you noticed that.

Why should you hire a professional photographer for your wedding, when your good friend has a nice camera and will do it for free?

I have never seen a better article about this subject that the one at this link, written by Cody Ellerd from Seattle Bride Magazine. Cody, who is a writer and an amateur photographer (with a nice camera and a few photography classes) goes head to head with a professional wedding photographer, and comments on the differences. Cody also gives samples of his pictures verses the professional’s.

Your wedding pictures are important, and you won’t get another chance, so please read this if you are considering whether or not an advanced amateur may do a “good enough” job. If the differences in photography highlighted in this article aren’t important to you, then you probably should put your budget towards an aspect of your wedding that is.

Deborah Barts The Ocean Club Events Director - ALWAYS HIRE THE BEST~YOUR PICTURES ARE WHAT YOU WILL KEEP AND DISPLAY FOR A LIFETIME! Deborah Barts Events Director The Ocean Club Indian Beach, NC 28575 252 247 2035 ext 5567

Merry Christmas to you from my family and me

Merry Christmas to all and may God bless you and keep you healthy and safe in the new year.

I am praying for 2010 to be a year of growth and new beginnings, as I launch my new camera strap company. My team and I have been working on the design and sourcing for about two years, and we are so close to being on the market, I can taste it! Stay tuned for more details.

Here is my personal Christmas card for 2010. I got the template from White House. I took the pictures over Thanksgiving at a special farm, deeded to my Grandmother’s family in 1779. The farm is located in Franklin County, NC.family-farm-picture-frontchildren-farm-picturesfarm pictures back

Great online video episode about Beach Weddings

If you are interested in a destination wedding at the beach, you should check out this online version of the televised show “Get Married.” Click here to see their online viewing page, and choose the episode “Beach Weddings.”
They discuss wedding dresses, decor, and many other ideas useful for planning a beach wedding.

If you are a DIY bride, you have to visit this link

I found this link on another blog, and it is full of so many clever ideas that I thought it was worth reposting on my blog. This is part three of the wedding coverage. At the end of their post, you will find links to their other posts. http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/our-wedding-part-three.html

Ideas for Hawaiian Wedding Flowers

A current bride just introduced me to this great website with wonderful pictures and ideas for Hawaiian Wedding flowers, including tropical bouquets, hairpieces, boutonnieres, and leis. They have a large variety of ideas to help you plan your beach wedding. By the way, the bride who found this site is planning her wedding from her deployment in Afghanistan. Please pray for her safe return and her beautiful wedding in May.

Great Marketing Tips for Photographers


Here’s a great opportunity for photographers to get great tips from industry leaders on marketing and business. I’ll definitely be watching. I need some help with the Facebook marketing. The free webinar is on September 28th and 29th, or you can buy the podcasts.