Eric and Kali Corliss Photography

Bye Bye Blogspot

2009-03-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

We have a new blog with a new look and new website address! You can keep track of our comings and goings here:
http://corlissblog.com

I will keep this blog up for posterity's sake, but from now on, it will be kinda like a ghost town around here...

Janelle & Mike: A Preview!

2009-02-27T17:12:00.001-08:00

New Senior Announcement Cards

2009-02-26T21:06:00.001-08:00

Coming soon...

WPPI & Jasmine: System Reboot!

2009-02-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes your computer just isn't running right? Programs are opening slowly and things are glitchy? At those times it seems the best thing to do is just to shut everything down for a moment and restart the system afresh. This is the best analogy to my experience at the Wedding and Portrait Photographer Int'l convention this last week in Las Vegas.

As I walked into the gigantic expo hall filled with thousands of photographers I felt like I was in the shut-down moment. I had been feeling glitchy for a while, like my photography skills and development were just not going exactly as I wished. Upon entering that throng I felt a total melt-down of any confidence I had remaining! All these products, all these people that I knew nothing about! I clung piteously to my WPPI badge, as it seemed to be the only thing left granting me any kind of right to be here, or any validity at all. I paid my entrance fee!

But as blank and black as the shutdown always is, the reboot inevitably follows. I started to make my way around the hall, listening to conversations, engaging in a few of my own. People were helpful, people were friendly. And I was capable of talking about lighting, of talking about albums, and print quality, and work flow. I started to realize that I wasn't an outsider here, I was actually a part of this group! My fear turned to excitement. I ended up walking the expo until my feet had blisters and I gave up on ignoring my hunger pains.

If the expo was my system restart, then my AM shoot with Jasmine Star was the reopening of programs, the getting back to work again. Shooting with Jasmine was like working without the glitches and the hesitation that had been plaguing me. She works in a way that is fast, fun and loose. It seems effortless. She keeps her energy high and her stress low. I learned so much in such a short time. Thank you Jasmine for helping me to relax and embrace the joys of photography!

Shooting freely, embracing natural light. Not worrying about reflectors and flashes!

Utilizing props, constantly engaging with the subject to keep it upbeat and fun!

Jasmine with her "gun" out of its "holster", always ready .

Traveling light, Jasmine directs her clients in a strange area with gorgeous light.

Jasmine working together with her 2nd shooter (and husband) in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. She never makes clients do a pose or action more than twice.

Playing with distance between the subjects, Jasmine shows us how the unconventional can be beautiful.

Shooting with her 50mm, Jasmine keeps things really simple.

Jasmine lets her clients change the pose if it is not working. But she is always giving them feedback!

If you don't got it, fake it! Jasmine always brings confidence to a shoot, and has back-up fail-safe ideas to keep her going.

Stairs always present a good location. Take advantage sez Jasmine!

Get that hair smoothed out! Watch for the details, don't rely on Photoshop!

Turn hips away from the camera. No one likes a "crotch-shot!"

Keep your clients feeling comfortable. It was FREEZING up on this bridge, but Jasmine kept it moving fast, and kept the couple upbeat and laughing.

It was obvious that Jasmine's priorities on the shoot were these (all of which I intend to adopt today):
1- Make clients feel comfortable by demonstrating confidence and warmth
2- Make great images by having comfortable clients
3- Make great images by understanding light and your camera

My photographic operating system has had a total reboot. I have a new perspective on the people in this industry and my place in it. I am so excited now for the future and where Corliss Photography is headed. Thank you Jasmine, and thank you WPPI!

*The bonus shot*

Cole at Four Weeks

2009-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

When Cole was born, the first thing Chris said to family members waiting outside the delivery room was "He's HUGE!" At 9+ pounds, Cole is a big, bouncing, healthy baby with the looks of his father and eye color that seems to defy definition. He was so patient and good-natured during our long shoot. He barely cried as I placed him in numerous positions both uncomfortable and unfamiliar. He was so sweet, I ALMOST wanted one of my own!

Thanks Chris and Jenny for letting us use your baby boy as our guinea-pig!

Candace & Justin- A Bit Delayed

2009-02-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

Candace and Justin are an extra-high achieving couple who will be tying the knot this summer (with Corliss Photography serving as official paparazzi). They were excited for their Kelley Farm engagement shoot because Justin grew up on a farm and still holds a love for the country. Candace is more of an urban girl and works as an accountant, constantly traveling from city to city. I could tell immediately that their differences work to their advantage. They are completely great together and their chemistry definitely showed up on camera! Even the February cold and wet couldn't put a damper on their love. Thanks for the great shoot guys!

Jasmine Star: My New BFF!

2009-02-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

I am headed to Las Vegas next weekend for the WPPI Convention. I was expecting just to meander around the vast trade show floor enjoying the company of a few thousand of my closest photography compatriots. However, my plan suddenly changed today when I won a spot in Jasmine Star's on-location photo shoot/seminar! That's right. I never thought I had a chance, but I will be be clicking shutters with possibly the coolest, hippest photographer from So Cal. I hope some of her coolness rubs off.

Here is her website (as if you didn't know it by heart already!)
http://www.jasmine-star.com/

Poodle Mayhem!

2009-02-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

Honey had a happy reunion with her birth parents Lola and Rico this weekend. In addition we had Gucci in attendance-- a young red adopted pup, handsome and well-loved. They all had quite a romp in the Kelley Farm fields, curls and tails abounding. I may post too many photos here, but I am now a certified dog person and can't help it.

If anyone out there is interested in a photo shoot for their dog, we would really love to do more stuff like this! Please give me a call.

Bride in da House

2009-01-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

We did our first bridal shoot totally in-studio this week! Janelle was a great subject. She looked gorgeous and gave us some an assortment of interesting looks. We tried a few different lighting set-ups, but I think my favorite is our "40's Hollywood Glamor" lighting. Janelle pulled it off great!

What Was Old Is New Again

2009-01-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a bit of time reviving photos from 2008 with some new editing techniques. With a little bit of TLC, these few ugly ducklings turned into some real gems! Sorry there is no before and after. I was just too lazy, and frankly, I didn't want anyone to see how bad they looked before!

It's Official: I am a Dog Person

2009-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that we cannot stop taking photos of our dog. We're like proud parents wanting to capture every moment of her development-- her first hair-cut, her first winter coat, a visit to grandma's house. This is a DOG I am talking about! I know its a little much, but we are having fun with it. Besides, she is a lot of work and the bits of fun in between picking up poo and reassembling the strewn-about toilet paper need to be savored! And isn't she adorable! Look how big she's getting!

Home for Christmas

2008-12-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

*Non-Photography Post Alert!*
All three of us (Honey included) had a nice long trip back to Utah for Christmas. It was so nice to be with family and just hang out for a few days. Activities included visiting the Snowed Inn to see my brother Chris play guitar,

playing in the snow,

throwing the ball to Scout about a thousand times,

sitting cozy on the love sack,

sledding in Park City on Christmas Eve,

Hanging out at my aunt and uncle's house with all the family,

And of course, opening gifts.

All in all it was a great trip! The only real downside was that Eric complained about my furry hat. I like it a lot, but I think he hates it. For good reason?

Heather & Josh Wedding

2008-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

How much do I love Christmas time weddings? I love everything about them-- the rich colors, the coziness, the romance! Josh and Heather's wedding did not disappoint my love affair with winter weddings. They had red roses everywhere, draping garlands of evergreen, twinkle lights, a big warm family, and a day without rain! They were married in a candle-light ceremony in the barn at the Kelley Farm. Here are some of my favorites. I am sure Eric has different ones, but I do the blog posts, so I get to pick! :-P
Slide show link: http://ericcorliss.com/data/slideshow/19/Heather&Josh/index.html

File Family

2008-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

A gloomy day, a cute family. Here are some of our best shots of the Files. I love the modeling skills of Hannah and Hunter.

Kara in Studio

2008-12-04T14:00:00.001-08:00

Eric convinced his beautiful sister to sit for us as he practiced with some of our new lights last week. What resulted is, I think, very interesting. I love the subtlety and moodiness of these shots in particular. Of course, Honey could not be left out and had to join in for a few clicks of the camera. Thanks for sitting so patiently Kara! You look incredibly beautiful and interestingly contemplative.

Meltons at the Tree Farm

2008-12-03T22:49:00.001-08:00

This rambunctious and good-looking family went with us to Snowshoe Evergreen last weekend to pick out a tree. All had fun playing among the pretty rows of perfect little trees and chopping down that special evergreen. Here are a bunch of our best shots:

Kieley & Colton- First Studio Shoot!

2008-12-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

We are on our way to breaking in our new studio. Kieley and Colton stopped by for its first official shoot. The results:

Beth's Senior Photos

2008-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day! That is a new record! We have been very busy, and I thank all our clients for trusting us with their photography needs. We could not be more excited with the growth we are experiencing and the ways in which our work is improving!

Beth came to us on a serendipitously sunny day last week. I can't believe the bright colors we were able to capture at this usually gray time of year! Beth looked sunny in yellow, and sophisticated in deep purple. It was great to meet you Beth; thanks for withstanding the chilly winds!

Sanderford Family

2008-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since my last post! We had a nice Thanksgiving break visiting my family in Utah. Now we are back in foggy Washington and I am back to work!

The Sanderford family paid a visit to the farm last week. We had a great time with them despite the cloudy weather. Check out these cute kids! I love the incredible blue eyes!

Family Portraits at Snowshoe Evergreen Choose & Cut

2008-11-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Beginning on November 29th, Corliss Photography will be scheduling family portrait sessions on location at Snowshoe Evergreen in Orting!

Our friends at Snowshoe have been kind enough to let us photograph you as you wander their fields with your family in search of that perfect tree! These are sure to be fun, relaxed, and unique portraits-- perfect for Christmas gifts or a memento of a priceless family tradition.

The Snowshoe farm is located in Orting, 5 miles South of Sumner. Give us a call or email if you would like to schedule a visit to Snowshoe Evergreen.

Session Fee $150. Ask us for print pricing details. We have a small window of availability. Snowshoe closes on Dec 14th!

Honey!

2008-11-20T15:10:00.001-08:00

This post is personal! Just wanted to share some photos of our new pup, Honey. She is a miniature poodle and she likes to jump, run, and play with her Kong toy. Right now she is sleeping on my lap. And I am happy for the break! She is a busy little thing!

Custom Christmas Cards!

2008-11-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

For the first time, we are offering personalized Christmas cards to any of our past clients! If you are interested in any of the following designs, and if you have been a client with us, please email us. We will need to know which photo from your shoot and which card design you would like.

The cards are 4x8 photo greeting cards printed on Kodak Supra Endura Paper. These come in boxes of 50, with envelopes. Lustre finish. $85.00
To see all the designs, follow this link:

http://photos.ericcorliss.com/gallery/6556977_5AETD#419971407_cYucn

Emily Senior Photo

2008-11-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Do we get the cutest seniors or what?? We met Emily this week and gorgeous-ness ensued. Some of the best shots ever! Plus she was our first client ever in the new studio-- I love the effect of my red/purple wall!

Alyssa

2008-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

On a rainy day last week we had some fun with Leah's little sister Alyssa. What a ball of energy this kid is! Even in the cold rain she tackled the playground with no hesitation! I hope you can see some of her spark and energy in these photos, despite the dreary day.

Studio Before and After!

2008-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

As the Northwest winter sets in, it becomes more and more difficult for us to do shoots outdoors. No light + drizzling rain = crappy photos. So for the last couple of weeks I have been working hard with a paintbrush and insecticide to clean up the "old shop" at Eric's parents' house. They have been kind enough to let us use this space for Corliss Photography. What was once full of tools, motorcycles, sawdust and spiders will now be our new winter shooting grounds. I think it's turned out pretty nice so far! We stained and sealed the concrete floor (thanks to Rod Smith!), stained all the plywood walls and garage door, painted here and there, put up some new curtains, installed a new door knob, threw some rugs down, and the place is transformed! New lighting equipment will come next. Stay tuned to see the results of our experiments in studio lighting. Thanks Scott and Sandy for trusting us with a portion of your home-- we appreciate it!

Andrea Senior Portrait

2008-11-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with Andrea last week on a PERFECT fall day at the farm. She was such a great sport--she was subjected to multiple tumbles in the dirty leaves and a sojourn into a horse coral that was a little less than sanitary! Thanks Andrea! Looking at these gorgeous shots, I think it was worth it!

Leah

2008-10-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

Eric has this cute cousin named Leah. Last weekend we took her out into Grandma Minni's backyard for a little photo shoot. Here are some of my favorites! Can you believe those natural curls!? And those eyes-- so dark they're almost black!

Breast Cancer Event

2008-10-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the 21st our friend Heather at Mona Lisa events asked us to donate our time to shoot an event she was coordinating at the BluWater restaurant in Green Lake. The event was The Susan G. Komen Makeover for Cancer Survivors. Three women were to receive make-overs at the Illustrated Salon and then meet their families for the big reveal and a reception at the restaurant. We of course said "yes!" and were excited to be a part of the night. It was really cool to meet all three women who have survived breast cancer and hear their stories. We also got to meet Laurent Dufourg, the eccentric French stylist and owner of Prive hair care products and salons. He came all the way from New York for the event and provided much style and charisma towards the evening.
http://www.monalisaevents.biz
http://www.privesalon.com/home.html
http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutBreastCancer/index.htm
http://illustratedsalonspa.com
http://www.bluwaterbistro.com

Channing Family

2008-10-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

We did a fun shoot at the Channing's home last weekend. I thought I would share some of the highlights our new blog!! Their huge yard with beautiful fruit trees, flowers, and great views of the Puyallup Valley made for some perfect backdrops. I loved the funky tuxedo look! Each family member wore one piece!

First Post!

2008-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's a day of firsts! Eric and I finally opened our Corliss Photography bank account today, (on the day of the big banking bail-out no less!) and now I am finally starting our Blog! Its about time. New computer today too!! We have had such a busy summer-- traveling, working and shooting like crazy. We have made a lot of progress artistically and I am so happy with our work. We have had some great clients and awesome experiences. We are continually amazed with where photography has taken us. Our work has taken us from the vineyards of Walla Walla to the waves of Lake Washington and the benches of the Wasatch mountains-- and that was just this summer!

In short, I am looking forward to a little breather this fall. Its time now to focus on improving our studio space and working on my lighting skills. The new website should be up soon as well. Hopefully I will have some time to get this blog going!

Hope to post some "greatest hits" of the summer of 2008 later!

Kali C.