Ellingsen Photography

01.03.12

Day Trippin’ :: Downtown LA

Ellingsen Photography Day Trippin

The week of Christmas, Nancy and I finally found a day we were both free to go up to LA and wander around downtown. She had a couple spots she suggested we try, and I was so excited! (Yes, LA is less than an hour from us, but I’m still gonna count it as a day trip.)

We started with an early lunch at Bottega Louie, which was so ridiculously good I can’t wait to go back! It definitely gets noisy in there, but it’s worth it not only for the food, but for the atmosphere. With all-white high walls and giant windows, it really felt like we were in NYC or London. They’re known for their pizza, but we ordered the clam linguine and shrimp scampi and then switched plates halfway through. YUM. Also, the bread…the bread. I was too busy stuffing my face eating to get more than this Instagram shot, so hopefully Nancy will share her photos soon!

Ellingsen Photography Day Trippin

Lunch was followed by some exploration on foot on the way to the Last Bookstore, which is easily the best used bookstore I’ve ever been to. It’s not huge, but incredibly well curated and all the books were in fantastic shape. Needless to say, bookworms like us didn’t escape without a few purchases. But seriously, $5 for a near-new paperback? How can you not?

Ellingsen Photography Day Trippin

The bookstore also has a great selection of records, and I couldn’t help giggling at this one displayed in their window:

And, as noted in my 2011 Favorites, I’m in love with this shot of Nancy and I reflected. It’s almost like a double exposure with the tree!

Rather than re-park, we walked to the main branch of the public library. I’d never been inside before and it was absolutely stunning! Everything you’d hope for in a historic building.

I’d love to go back and spend more time browsing. Nancy and I mostly checked out some of the exhibits and the giant Christmas tree. The room it was in has this amazing tiled ceiling and walls.

We had planned to head up to the Griffith Observatory for sunset, but unfortunately the migraine I thought I’d conquered came back with a vengeance, so we headed home instead. I know, I’m such a party pooper. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back there again soon! Big thanks to Nancy for such a fab day!

xo

Tags: christmas,day trip,downtown,los angeles

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IzabelleJanuary 3, 2012 - 1:12 pm

Have you had urth caffe? It’s on Alameda + 5th! Delicious and their coffee is to die for. Must give the place you mentioned a go, I love me some bread.
Izabelle recently posted..J. Crew-ish Cowl

KristinOJanuary 3, 2012 - 7:29 pm

Izabelle – the Urth Cafe is on Hewitt & 5th – and it is wonderful! It was nice when they first opened, but now their location is no longer a secret and parking is awful!

Trude – these photos make me wanna go downtown too! The Griffith Observatory has been on my list for years…

JacquelineJanuary 3, 2012 - 11:45 pm

love this post. it sounds like pretty much the perfect day. i feel like i was there with you!
Jacqueline recently posted..A few snapshots of New Year day

12.30.11

2011 Favorites

It’s been one heckuva year, my friends. Breakups, makeups, new homes, new friends, new jobs, surgeries, vacations, and all the ups and downs a year can bring. In a word, it’s been amazing. Maybe I’m just a glass-half-full kind of person, but I’m always confident the next year will be even more amazing! (Plus, history has proven this to be the case thus far.) So cheers, friends, and thank you so much for all your comments and love throughout the year. They truly mean so much to me. Only people who haven’t experienced it try and make you feel like internet friends don’t matter.

So here’s some select favorites from each month. Hope you’ll link me to a few of your favorites too!

January

The adorable Kaya was adopted from the shelter soon after I shot this – anyone surprised?

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a place every local should visit at least once. It’s absolutely beautiful, and so peaceful.

February

Sweet Anja, with Lars and Sarah’s silhouettes reflected in her eyes.

My dad’s hand after his back surgery – he was feeling so good from the meds that he wanted me to make sure to point out how his finger glows like ET’s.

What Mindy wore to our Oscar viewing party. So perfectly her.

March

Sweet Willow, a lab mix at the shelter who had the most unusual grey-brown coloring I’ve ever seen!

My brother’s adorable pup Sprocket – it’s like he’s looking into my soul, man.

April

My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Dante’s bewildered expression while jumping. This one is framed on my wall!

Dancing with Grandma Glowin. Will always love this image.

May

Gorgeous Grayson was the first Blue-Nosed Pit I’d met, and he was so calm and friendly – while still a puppy!

Anja celebrated her first birthday in style.

June

You guys know that floppy ears are my kryptonite, so Laverne had me wrapped around her little ~~finger~~ paw!

This picture of Potter, aka The Brain, just slays me. So evil!

July

Erin and Chris got married! Seriously one of the sweetest backyard weddings, ever. See Part I and Part II.

We all wanted to take Gracie home with us. I really hope she gets cast in a movie or something, she’s so picture perfect!

August

There’s nothing like making your own personal pizza from scratch with fresh ingredients from the garden!

The mayhem of moving into the house took up most of the month. But Dante enjoyed the new carpet and I enjoyed the pretty light in my new bedroom!

September

I got to spend an afternoon with the lovely Chela and John and their kiddos (both furry and human).

When we got together to celebrate my mom’s birthday, I was able to capture one of my all-time favorite family portraits.

My Auntie Elissa visited at the end of the month and requested a few photos with my mama. This one still makes me smile.

October

Did I mention before how pretty the afternoon light is in my bedroom? I did? Well, then, here’s further proof.

Cheryl visited at the end of the month (her birthday is just before Halloween) and brought the sunshine with her.

November

I gotta admit, Prancer kinda stole my heart. Maybe because his little face reminds me of Dante?

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving, and I’m so glad Bill and Lesley asked for some photos. They’re just so wonderful together!

We spent Black Friday at the dog beach, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

December

I still haven’t gotten through everything from this month, but this one is an immediate standout. Nancy and I went up to downtown LA last week for an amazing day. Love how the reflection of the tree frames her face. I really need to consider my posture more, huh?

It counts if I used a remote to shoot the photo, right? Because I’m still not over how perfectly this turned out. My friends are the best.

If you’re still with me, THANK YOU and have a wonderful New Years!!

xo

Tags: family,orange county,petography,pets,photography

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cherylDecember 30, 2011 - 7:26 pm

thank you so much for your beautiful pictures and I was smiling thru every one of them. Hope you New Year is filled with awesome delights and continued adventures.

IzabelleDecember 30, 2011 - 11:41 pm

I don’t always comment but I do read every post. Your photos are always so gorgeous and can always bring a smile to my face…I mean it’s kind of hard not to when you have such cute subjects (Dante…that jumping photo…love!). Wishing you a happy happy new year!
Izabelle recently posted..Christmas

KristineDecember 31, 2011 - 1:12 pm

They are all so gorgeous I don’t know if I can pick a favourite! Every photo made me stop and smile. But the one of Dante jumping had me laughing out loud. I guess we have our winner!

Happy New Year to you!
Kristine recently posted..Force-Free For All

Mary MarantzJanuary 2, 2012 - 10:01 am

Love! Especially that shot of Grandma!

M:)

Day Trippin' :: Downtown LA | Ellingsen Photography BlogJanuary 3, 2012 - 10:07 am

[...] as noted in my 2011 Favorites, I’m in love with this shot of Nancy and I reflected. It’s almost like a double [...]

Greyhounds CAN SitJanuary 16, 2012 - 1:50 am

I should be in bed but I’m glad I’ve hung out to read this post. Such an awesome selection of memorable photos … but I want that one of Dante on my wall too, lol! My life will be complete if I ever get an equally delightful photo of Frankie and Beryl!
Greyhounds CAN Sit recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Heart In Mouth Time!

12.28.11

10 Things

Well that was a nice break! Hope you guys all had a lovely holiday too, whatever you celebrate. Right now I’m having trouble believing that it’s been almost two months since I sat down and took stock of what’s making me happy lately. Not that I haven’t shared what I’m grateful for, but 10 Things tends to be a more lighthearted version of that. I also can’t believe that pretty soon I’ll be using lots of white out when dating things, because I’m terrible at remembering to write the new year!

So here’s what’s bringing a smile to my face these days. Hope you’ll take a moment and share in the comments what’s doing it for you!

1. Hot chocolate. Preferably with mini marshmallows. Nikki and I have been making mugs (of the instant kind) regularly, especially with how cold the nights have been lately. I plan on trying this amazing-looking recipe for Crockpot Hot Chocolate that I found via Pinterest soon!

2. Dollhouse. The latest TV series that I obsessively watched on Netflix. I wasn’t sure at first, but soon every episode surprised me with something I didn’t expect, and I love that. Plus the exploration of what is intrinsic to a person, what can and can’t be determined by the brain, is fascinating – even if it is for TV. Plus Eliza Dushku’s range is really impressive, and I’ve formed a teensy/giant crush on the Topher character, played by the adorable Fran Kranz. (Image source here.)

Any recommendations of what to try now that I’ve finished it? Other fave series I’ve discovered this year include Downton Abbey, Warehouse 13 (you really have to start at the beginning to get hooked), The League and The IT Crowd.

3. Second shooting a wedding with my shutter sister Nancy. Her hubby, normally her second shooter, had a last-minute hiccup so I filled in earlier this month. It was so much fun! I’ll share some of the images from that day as soon as I can. (And see below for a photo of her being hilariously cute.)

4. This quote on photography, found here on the Inspiration Notebook blog. It’s just so…perfect.

5. SNICKERDOODLE MUFFINS. Need I say more? I want to hug whoever thought of this first! The recipe can be found here, and the photo below is by Maria from the Tasty Kitchen blog. I’m thinking these might just be the perfect thing for New Years’ Day.

6. Designing Christmas cards. I did mine and helped my mom with theirs, and they turned out so cute! I used ProDPI to print and was thrilled with the results. This year I ponied up and purchased this adorable set by Jessica Rose at Volume 25. I just love her work! (It’s blank below so that I had room to sign each one personally.)

7. Friends’ Christmas. Nikki and I hosted several of our closest friends last Friday night in order to eat, drink and share gifts. We had the best time! Thanks to Mindy for introducing us to Wits and Wagers, a super fun betting/guessing game.

8. Decorating the mantel. I’ve never had a real fireplace mantel before, so this was extra fun! I put mini red and gold ornaments I got at Target years ago in the hurricane jars and the string of lights (also from Target) was just the right length to go across and back. The fake tall white candles were a gift from friends. They even flicker, have a timer setting so they turn themselves off, and smell like vanilla! Oh, technology, I love you. (Sorry for the terrible iPhone shot, somehow I can’t seem to find the time to take proper photos!)

9. Giving back. I participated in a Help Portrait event again this year, and it was amazing. So many inspiring women! And it was so cute to see these big bad Marines going all googly over the little kids.Plus, this group of people who always participate is so wonderful. You can read a lovely writeup about the event here. (And yes, I wear that striped shirt all. the. time.)

10. The return of Santa(s). It’s become an annual tradition for my dad and uncle to wear Santa hats while handing out gifts on Christmas Eve. Aren’t they awesome?

I can’t believe it’s already all over! I’m a little sad and yet much more relaxed.Do you guys have any fun plans for New Years Eve?

xo

Tags: christmas,family,friends,help portrait,photography,santa

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KimDecember 28, 2011 - 11:39 am

I’ve always loved that Siskind quote, too. Such an easy way to neatly wrap up every reason why we shoot! This is another good one I’ve always treasured from Duane Michals: “Photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody’s face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people new ways.” While I wouldn’t necessarily call anything I’ve ever shot PROVOCATIVE, it is a nice reminder to really look at people in a case-by-case basis and figure out what way they, specifically, are best photographed.

Also. Hot chocolate? MAN. I’m jonesing so hard. I have a cold right now, so sugar is a no-go. Boo. Hiss. Achoo! >:[

Greyhounds CAN SitDecember 29, 2011 - 1:21 am

Those Snickerdoodle Muffins look and sound great. I’m just printing up the recipe:) And getting hungry! Your Christmas card design is great. Glad you had a wonderful Christmas. All the best for 2012! Looking forward to more wonderful photos and family posts.
Greyhounds CAN Sit recently posted..Season’s Greetings:)

AmandaDecember 29, 2011 - 6:55 am

Aww, I love your 10 things! Looks like you had a wonderful holiday break! I’m always a little sad that it’s over, but this year was so filled with activity that I think I’m kind of relieved! We may even just stay in and hibernate on New Year’s Eve! Hope yours is fantastic! xoxo

12.21.11

Print Giveaway Winner!

Just popping in to announce that Miss Lizzy has won the print giveaway!

Random-Sceen-Shot

Congrats lady!And thanks to everyone who stopped by and entered!

xoxo

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lizzyfizzyDecember 21, 2011 - 9:45 am

i’m so excited!!! something new to hang on my walls!! thank you, sweets!

KristinODecember 21, 2011 - 10:10 am

Congratulations!

ErikaDecember 21, 2011 - 12:02 pm

I am SO glad that she won! YAY!!!

12.19.11

Instagram Love :: December Daily

I was inspired to do an Instagram-a-day this month, thanks to lovely digiscrap friends like Ms Britgirl who do a scrapbook page per day, to document December. I figure the least I can do is a photo a day during this month that I love so much, right? Well, I missed the first, so don’t judge, but here’s what I’ve been up to thus far.

2nd ~ The results of the crazy-strong winds we had
3rd ~ Took my mom out to lunch, just the two of us
4th ~ First twinkle lights are up!
5th ~ Dante’s new favorite toy. Squeaky snakes in the “grass”. And yes, all “Snakes on a Plane” jokes have already been made.
6th ~ Knit socks from Norway are coming in real handy with it down in the 40s at night!
9th ~ It’s beginning to look like a crazy month…

10th ~ All set up for our local Help Portrait event (more on that soon)
11th ~ Twinkle lights and fake candles on the mantel
12th ~ Gloomy day with rain nonstop
13th ~ Added crushed candy canes to my fudge for the shelter’s holiday party
15th ~ Oh HAI ornament self portrait!
18th ~ Tree shopping with my dad and brother

Well my weekend got a bit derailed by a killer migraine that had me in bed Friday night through Sunday morning. How about you guys?

xoxo

Tags: christmas,instagram

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melanieDecember 19, 2011 - 4:15 pm

hey thanks for mentioning me, I have no idea how and when I find the time but!!! love your pics, such fun look at your life. aw, come on over to London soon and we can photo walk it
melanie recently posted..19th Dec

Greyhounds CAN SitDecember 29, 2011 - 1:06 am

Oh, sorry about the migraine:( Not good at any time, real bad this time of year. Love the photos, I think the self portrait in the ornament is my favourite.
Greyhounds CAN Sit recently posted..Season’s Greetings:)

Friday With Dante | Ellingsen PhotographyNovember 30, 2012 - 10:55 am

[...] planning on doing December Daily photos again this year (see last year’s here and here). Love this challenge to help keep me on [...]

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Day Trippin’ :: Downtown LA

2011 Favorites

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