Over Christmas break, we had the awesome privilege of sitting down for a lovely lunch with one of Minneapolis’ hottest photographers, Eliesa Johnson, at the delightful Chambers Kitchen. She’s the brains and creative brawn behind Photogen Inc., a Twin Cities-based photography studio. We were so honored that this fashion-focused photog took the time to chat with us about life, style, and the Twin Cities fashion scene.
See, we’re kind of head over heels for Eliesa. And we owe it all to this Twin Cities Metro cover:
Image courtesy of Photogen-Inc.
Badass, right? Edgy, vibrant, unique– it rivals anything we’ve seen on any national fashion mags lately. We were pleasantly stunned that this fashion-forward, boundary-pushing spread came out of a Minnesota publication.
Here are a few more images from Eliesa’s Metro spread:
Image courtesy of Photogen-inc.
Image courtesy of photogen-inc
Image courtesy of photogen-inc
While this photog guru got her start shooting weddings, she’s quickly expanded her repertoire to include fashion, commercial and editorial. Her keen eye for details, rockin’ use of color and willingness to push boundaries make Eliesa one of the most sought-after photographers in the Twin Cities area.
As someone who is so ingrained in the Twin Cities arts arena, we relished the opportunity to pick her brain about the Minneapolis/St. Paul style scene. Here are a few highlights from our lovely lunch:
Her personal mission: “To change the way Minnesotans see Minnesota.”
On Minneapolis as a fashion mecca: “Minneapolis has fashion, but in a Midwestern sense– wearable, sellable, it needs to appeal to the masses. But there’s so much more here. Minneapolis can really push the limits much more. There’s so much potential.”
Putting Minneapolis on the style map: “There’s a real safe approach of consumers, but I really think people want more options. If the city wants to get there, to be a fashion destination, we have to change our mindset.”
On the recent Metro mag shoot (above): “I lobbied for this shoot for two years. They were saying, ‘We don’t know, we don’t know that it will sell, you have to think about our advertisers.’ But the feedback has been great! We really broke out of the comfort zone.”
Her inspirations: The Anthropologie catalog, blogs such as Wet Behind the Ears. “I often look to fashion editorial for wedding inspiration.”
Favorite Twin Cities designers: Calpurnia Peach, Kjurek, Ra’mon Lawrence
Favorite Twin Cities boutiques: Belle Reve, Cliche, Design Collective, Blacklist Vintage
Her philosophy: “Every opportunity leads to another opportunity.”
Eliesa, here’s to many more opportunities for you and Photogen, Inc. in 2010! We will be cheering from the grandstands as you help bring Minneapolis into the style limelight.
Eliesa is fantastic! Great write-up.
Thank you!! Love your blog!!
have had the awesome opportunity to work with eliesa. she is a gem. rare and talented. loved the writeup ladies!