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More India

Monday, March 1, 2010

Ok, ok. I just can’t resist! I’ve been sorting through images for Silent Images and I can’t help but post a few more!

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about branding and what makes Almond Leaf Studios different, and one thing that defines ALS is my fine art training that comes through … even in my international photos. While I think documentary photography is super powerful, and primarily take that approach in my work for Silent Images, I find that my heart sings when I come away with fine art photos. I just adore finding and capturing beauty in things (and people!) that often go unnoticed or overlooked.

It’s interesting to me that the same simple phrase (mentioned above) is what my senior art exhibit stated years ago in my undergraduate work. Some things really are a part of you as an artist and they begin to define you as the years progress. I’m glad to be feeling more and more comfortable with the “lens” that I see the world through, and the unique approach I take in offering it back to the world.

Here’s a small taste of the rich palate I had to work with in India, and my simple act of offering it back through the opportunities I’ve been given.

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Ok, so this next one isn’t as much about the theme of “beauty in the unnoticed” but it makes me smile. 39_india2 44_india2 66_89_india2 77_india2 225_37_india2 238_india2

Posted in travel | Tags | beauty, calcutta, india, Kolkata, unnoticed

by eliz

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Home from India

Saturday, February 27, 2010

I’m back … and totally jet-lagged. I’ve managed to bring back a pretty miserable head cold along with all my images and wonderful memories, so I’m movin’ a bit slow, but I’m back! Please bear with me as I continue sorting through emails and returning phone calls.

I do have to say that while I love to travel, I am so excited for wedding season to start! There are so many beautiful brides that I can’t wait to get my camera in front of … and to celebrate with them one of the most beautiful moments of their lives!

Here’s a small taste of the trip. We spent some time walking around getting some cultural shots in any of our “spare” time.

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Doors and alleys always intrigue me, but especially in Southeast Asia.

24_37_india_favs A typical street scene. Laundry hung out to dry over the veggie stand man who’s staked out his territory on the curb in front of the oh-so-common snack shop. Oh, India.
40_india_favs This guy was somethin’ else. He was hilarious and kept asking for more pics … and he was adamant that I get a good close up!

32_53_india_favs The building structures are pretty amazing.

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143_india_favs Love this! … Another very typical street scene.

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104_india_favs This was at one of the places we taught classes. The girls on the right completely stole my heart.

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I just thought the environment was one of the most charming spaces I have ever seen in India. Look how cute it is!

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… And beautiful, too!

85_88_india_favs This guy hand makes the most beautiful bags. They’re stunning!

151_india_favs And these are a few from our home visits. To see and read more, check out some of my blogging for Silent Images here.

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Posted in travel | Tags | culture, elizabeth marx, india, silent images

by eliz

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a favorite from India

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

I would love to write about the rich culture here, the constant noise, the insane traffic, the intense stares that my blond curly hair attracts … or about the art classes I’m honored to teach to underprivileged kids here … or living with an Anglo-Indian family for a week … on and on the list goes.

Instead, I want to share one of my favorite images thus far. The crazy thing is that it looks very little like India. I think that’s part of why I love it. It feels so peaceful and tranquil, and if you’ve ever been to India you know that those are two words that do not quickly come to mind for a visiting Westerner.

More images to come, but for now, take a peek at one of my favorite little places from this trip. The terrace of the building where my gracious friends live and have allowed me to stay for this past week.

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Posted in travel | Tags | india, travel

by eliz

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I’m in India!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

I just landed in Calcutta (or Kolkata if you want to be proper) last night and I’ll be here on an assignment for Silent Images until the 25th. I appreciate your understanding if my email responses are delayed.

Pics and stories to come soon on the Silent Images blog, so be sure to stay connected. Until then, happy February!

Posted in travel | Tags | calcutta, india, photographer, silent iamges

by eliz

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journal making classes in march!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

I am so excited to share my love for journal making! When I was studying abroad with a group of talented artists, I decided to make journaling a priority in my life. For me, processing on a page is enormously helpful, but it’s when I go back and re-read what I have written in weeks, months, and years gone by that I benefit the most.

Early on in my little “committed-journaler” lifestyle, I discovered that when the pages aren’t pretty, I don’t really have any desire to look at them again! (Silly, I know, but it’s true!) On the other hand, if they’re aesthetically pleasing, I love to spend time browsing the pages of the past, each one whispering to me a taste of what that season of life held. It’s refreshing. Humbling. Convicting. Insightful.

My journals have become such a part of my life that when I was working on brand development for my new business, I turned to them for inspiration. I noticed all the different shades of brown and almond throughout them, and the treasured leaves I had collected and included in the pages. Eventually, in my pages and pages of brainstorming names, “Almond Leaf Studios” stuck … and I haven’t regretted it for one moment.

And now I get to teach classes about what I love!

In March, I will be teaching journal making and painting at Implexus! I can hardly wait to share the craft of handmade journals and the art of investing time, energy, and beauty in something that feeds the heart and soul.

If you live in the Charlotte area and are interested in learning journal-making and/or painting, contact Deanna at Implexus to sign up! There’s a limited number of spaces (only 6!) in each class and registration will close a week before classes begin, so sign up quick and help spread the word! Be sure to check out Deanna’s amazing work, too! She’s talented!

A little taste of my journaling life …

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Posted in personal | Tags | art, bookbinding, charlotte, classes, deanna, handmade, implexus, journals, noda, painting

by eliz

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Almond Leaf Studios has a birthday!

Friday, February 5, 2010

It’s official! Almond Leaf Studios is one year old! We officially passed our 1 yr anniversary of the day we officially became a registered LLC at the end of January. Happy Birthday, Almond Leaf!

To celebrate and to say thanks to all of our blog followers and amazing clients that have made the first year a success, we have a little game to play. Interested?

Here’s the deal.

1. Tell 10 friends about us and ask them to subscribe to the almond leaf blog or join our facebook page. (Email ‘em, call ‘em, facebook ‘em, tweet it to ‘em, or whatever floats your boat.) If at least 5 do, you’ll be entered to win. Talk about odds being in your favor!

2. Leave a comment telling us how you’ve done it (email, facebook, etc.) and at least one of your favorite almond leaf images from this last year. That’s it!

What will you win? Good question! We’re giving away a free entry, all expenses paid, to our first workshop later this year! That’s right … we said FREE!

You’ll learn the art of finding and noticing the best natural light possible, how to use your camera, and a hands on experience with a model! Wait. It gets better! The winner is also invited to bring a friend or family member at 1/2 price! Now that’s a steal of a deal!

So, com’on and celebrate with us! Winner will be announced by February 11th, so get your entries in right away and tell your friends so they can enter, too!

Happy Birthday!

1yr_cupcake p.s. for the record, yes, i totally enjoyed the cupcake after shooting it. It was delicious!

Posted in contests, sales/promotions | Tags | 1 year, birthday, contest, cupcake

by eliz

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busy as a bee

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I’ve been busy scheming up all kinds of good things that I’m so excited to share! There are lots of little announcements to be made within the next couple of days about all that I’ve been up to, but the biggest news is that I’m headed back to India next week! I’m honored to work for Silent Images and all the planning and coordinating for this project in Kolkata (Calcutta), India has keep me as busy as a bee!

More details to come, but in the meantime, be sure to stay tuned via twitter and facebook for all the latest. Seriously … so many fun things I get to announce in the next few days!

On an international note, I’ve been going through some photos from the past (for one of my “secret” projects) and came across some images from my one day of sightseeing in Thailand. Since they never got any web lovin’, here’s a few of my favs to wet your appetite.

4047_thailand I got to do a little cave climbing and exploring … in my chacos, with camera gear in hand! It wasn’t all very graceful, but it was beautiful and so worth it. My little tour guide friend (below) climbed up ahead of me and it made for a great shot!

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Meet mr. “tour guide friend” who kept me laughing and was really kind to me. He’s even sportin’ my bag (left), totally posin’ for the camera! 4082_4213_thailand

This was a sweet fisherman’s “village” that floated on the water. While I have a good feeling it was more of tourist attraction than it was a functioning business, the idea was pretty cool and I got to see all kinds of crazy fish. The coolest part, in my opinion, was that the whole thing floated! 4123_thailand

Posted in personal, travel | Tags | charlotte, elizabeth, india, silent images, thailand, travel

by eliz

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boys will be boys

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

There’s not much that needs to be said about this beautiful, fun family … except that Stacey has her hands full with two little ones that are all boy! We didn’t even have to go far to find some great light and scenery. These were all shot in and around their house … mostly in their kid-heaven, photographer-lovin’, full-o’-awesome backyard!

There’s nothin’ like good ‘ol cowboy boots, sticks, leaves, lollipops, hats, red wagons and even some bubbles to make any shoot loads of fun. Here’s to birthday boys and brotherly love!

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Bubbles make everything better. 315_340_earley

Of course, with a face like this, I’m not sure it gets much better!

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Aren’t they sweet?

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There’s something about this next one that just melts my heart.

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Look at that big brother-ness in action!

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I suppose I should say bubbles AND cowboy boots make everything better. 278_earley

If these boys don’t have eyes that’ll melt a girl’s heart, I’m not sure who does. 119-2_161_earley

This one might be one of my new all-time favs! What an fun family portrait! 102_earley

… and then there’s the traditional that you just gotta get.

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… but sittin’ still doesn’t last for long! 224_232_earley

What a sweet momma. 10-11_earley

I am pretty much in love with this next one (ok, ok … all of them, really!) Just LOOK at his eyes! … And, oh, that baby drool. It’s too much! 294_earley

Is he the little model or what?! I love it! 541-2_earley

I just love his curls! (What can I say … I’m a bit biased.)

515_516_earley And, to end things, we took the birthday boy back inside to grab a few shots in his room. Isn’t he the cutest thing?! Ooh, I just want to take him home and keep him!

*Don’t worry, moms, even though I might want to steal your cute kiddos, I promise to never leave a photo shoot with your child stuffed in my camera bag. *whew* … It’s ok. You can breathe now.

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Posted in family, kiddos | Tags | boys, charlotte, earley

by eliz

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the fun and amazing toni turns 30 {oklahoma}

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

You know those people that bring out the best in you and light up your life? My friend, Toni, is one of those. She’s been through a lot with me. She’s loved me through it all and has patiently waited for me to work through seasons of sadness and loss, which makes our time together even sweeter. Sadly, I don’t get to see her often, but when I do, it’s loads of fun!

She is comfortable and confident, which makes being around her (and even living with her) so peaceful. To top that off, she’s got this great laugh and she lets it out often … this is a girl who knows how to laugh at life and enjoy the little things! In a moment’s notice, she can go from laughing to tear-filled eyes, and more often than not, they’re tears of joy and thankfulness. It’s a beautiful thing.

Toni just had her 30th birthday, and to celebrate it, we did a really quick little photo shoot as I was leaving her place in Oklahoma City.

Thanks, Toni, for an super-fun stay with you out in good ‘ol OKC … and, once more, Happy Birthday, friend!

P.S. Did I mention she’s stunningly beautiful?

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Even though she can totally rock the serious model face, this (below) is the real Toni. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be her friend? We decided that this is what 30 should look like.

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*If you or someone you know is turning 30 soon (female preferred), contact me: info@almondleafstudios.com … I’ve got a special offer!

Posted in personal | Tags | 30, birthday, oklahoma, toni

by eliz

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one of my favorite families

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I had the privilege of visiting Oklahoma City last week, where I lived for a year after graduating from college. I’m a mountains, backpacking, kayaking, trail-running kind of girl and sadly OKC didn’t have much of that to offer … one reason why my living there didn’t last too long.

While I love being back in good ‘ol NC, there are still a lot of friends that I love deeply who live in Oklahoma. The Smithers family are among them. Lucretcia, the mom, has played such a significant role in my life that to say “thanks” doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s taught me so much and I truly believe that if it wasn’t for her intentionality and perspective in my life, I would not be who I am today. I just love her to pieces!

It’s not hard to believe that her children are also amazing, much less her gifted and kind-hearted husband, David. It’s such a joy to have these guys as a part of my life, and to catch little moments over the years into each of theirs. There’s just nothing on earth like these kind of life-long friendships!

David (dad) wasn’t feelin’ the greatest (or maybe his hair just wasn’t done … we’re not sure which it actually was). While he opted out of our brief photo shoot in the overcast, drizzly afternoon, it still brightens my day to see each of this awesome family so full of kindness, love, and fun! I, personally, think that Oklahoma is a much cooler place because of the Smithers. Let me show you why …

A fun, sweet group hug of the siblings goes from this ….

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… to this …

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… to this!

148_smithers Here’s Amber, the oldest. She’s a very talented artist and has excellent taste in all things vintage, artsy, and beautiful (all three words that are descriptive of her as well!)

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I think she could easily be a model, too. She does it with such grace and ease.

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And Justice (below) is a huge part of the reason she’s so model-ish. Justice is a talented photographer who just loves film and all the old school ways of doing things (I can’t blame him!) Chatting with him about the classes he’s taking makes me miss my darkroom days, and hearing stories about the sweet old cameras he comes across at the trendy thrift store he works at makes me want to go find some old Polaroids, too!

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Christian (below) is a skater, and quite good from what I hear! I’ve always been impressed that the “boys” of the family (Christian, dad, and Evan especially) are often seeking out skate parks all throughout the country as they travel. Christian is sitting on the beginnings of their own personal skate ramp that they are building together in their backyard. How cool is that?!

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Evan (also a skater) is one of the easiest guys to be around. He’s just phenomenally gifted at making people feel comfortable and at ease … and he has been that way ever since I’ve known him (even when he was really young). He’s the kind of person you can put into any situation and not only will his presence ease any potential awkwardness, he’ll help others to laugh and leave you feeling like you just got a shower of kindness. The best part? I don’t think he has any idea he’s doing it! It’s just who he is, which is what’s so awesome about it!

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Sweet little Cherish (who we affectionately call, “Cherry”) has one of the most gentle hearts I know. She’s also becoming quite the talented dancer, too!

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