Brian Olsen: Art in Action

I'm not a huge TV watcher. And I don't really want to admit the one show that I make a point to watch every week.

American Idol.

There, I said it. I admit to falling head over heels for the reality show despite the fact that singing in public terrifies me. Sure, the utterly ridiculous drama, idiosyncratic contestants, and insulting critiques can be entertaining and comical. But amidst all that, I find myself inwardly rooting for those contestants putting it all out there, doing anything they can to (albeit very cliche) chase their dream.

I am inspired when I witness people chasing their dreams. And if I can be inspired by flipping American Idol, just imagine how inspired I was when I had the opportunity to photograph Brian Olsen.

From Brian's website: www.brianolsenart.com
Brian Olsen’s Art In Action is an explosion: a colorful display of paint, energy, music and passion with a purpose.

Using fingertips, palms, elbows and up to three brushes in each hand, Brian paints portraits of famous people including musicians, sports figures, and top corporate heads on a four and a half by six foot canvas in just a matter of minutes. His creations are choreographed to music that is powerful and stimulates the senses. Brian’s Art in Action is described as “an emotional experience” taking his audience through an amazing journey of excitement, suspense, cheer, and surprise. His ability to captivate his audience and share the experience of color, music, and action is a way to bring people into the world of art and creativity. It is a new artform that brings people together to share the explosion of art and stir up the personal creativity we all have within.

There is a simple message in Brian’s show: Be yourself, be creative, and take chances. You never know what you might discover. But, whatever it is, do it with all your heart.

This guy is incredible. He inspired me. A bazillion million times more than American Idol ever could.

A quick slideshow:

Jack and Sam

Jack and Sam are cousins but are more like brothers. Their moms are identical twins, and I do mean identical! Both their looks and personalities are interchangeable and they are both a ton of fun. Last time I photographed Jack, he was about a year old and Sam was just 2 weeks old! Needless to say, they both are growing so fast and this time, we tried to get some "cousin" pictures along with Sam's 7 month photos! Oh how I wished for a video camera to capture both moms and grandpa putting on a small circus, desperate for some smiles! What a hoot!

More fun stuff!

Another awesome 20x24 gallery wrap canvas and 10x10 coffeetable book from this last week! Two of my favorite display methods!

The Lemon and the Lime

The journey that this crazy thing called a photography business has taken me on has been nothing short of incredible! Some of you know the story of Lemon Lime Studios but it all started in the dark room at Concordia College. Molly and I dreamed and loosely joked about our "photography business" that we would have some day. Kind of like the way you joke about winning the lottery....something you really want but don't think it's attainable. And what would an imaginary business be without an imaginary name...of course, it would unofficially be named Lemon Lime Studios because if you spell Emily backwards and remove the Y, you get lime. And if you spell Molly backwards, it's nothing close to lemon but just use your imagination! Way cheesy, right? But yep, I just admitted it all and the lemon and the lime has stuck. Fast forward a couple years and the real life Lemon Lime Studios is up and running, dare I even say thriving? So, so, so awesome. Over the past months, you've heard bits and pieces of new business names, new websites, new etc. etc. and now, finally one of us actually has something to show from the redesign process! Molly's new website and blog are up and running and I couldn't be happier for her!





Check them out! Website: Paper Lemon Photography and blog: Paper Lemon Blog

My site, One Lime Photo, is coming along but let's face it, I'm a perfectionist indecisive and take FOREVER with these things! I can assure you though, it will be worth the wait! You might have noticed some new elements of One Lime Photo showing up on the blog, like the new logo. And as a side note, the gallery will be changing over very soon as the Lemon Lime Studios site is slowly phased out *tear* but I'll keep you posted on that! In the meantime, keep checking this blog for the most current work. You can also check out the One Lime Photo Facebook Fan Page and even become a fan if you like! Lastly, I am the newest member of Twitter so if you are a Twitter-er (I think that is a legitimate term in Twitter language!), you can follow me here!

By the way, (because everyone seems to think we hate each other now) there's no drama between me and Molly...we still like each other, we're still great friends, and we STILL both prefer to stay behind the camera! :)

Ella

Welcome to a post all about cuteness! Ella is the cutest thing ever and her dog, Zeus ranks as the second cutest thing ever (shhh...don't tell Ike!) Ella is not only the cutest thing ever but she is also a total sweetie. She kept bringing me her toys, stuffed animals, and books and you better believe it, I got a hug towards the end! Thanks so much for a fun afternoon!

David and Erika

David and Erika were married on a cold, but beautiful day at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel in St. Paul with a reception following at the Chart House. Dave and Erika were awesome...so laid back, so sincere, and so happy to just enjoy every bit of their day together. Congratulations on a fabulous wedding day and cheers to many more fabulous days ahead of you!


Because Dave and Erika got married later in the day, they chose to see each other ahead of time (YEEEAH!)
which allowed us to use that beautiful daylight for some fun photos before the ceremony! What a sweet moment it was...



Dave scored major brownie points with his gift for Erika...after moving home from Africa, Erika lost a ring that she had
gotten there. Dave managed to contact someone back in Africa to get a similar ring for her! Isn't that awesome?



I think she liked it!



Pretty, pretty sky...



and pretty, pretty people!











Absolutely could not pass by the spiral staircase...we made Erika do a little pre-wedding aerobic workout going up and down the steps... :)












Almost time!















I know this is not a great photo technique wise, but I liked the moment...







Congratulations!

Mike and Teri

From the first day that I moved to Rochester, I liked the town. But it wasn't until I starting meeting people like Teri, that I actually liked living here. I could go on and on about how awesome Teri is...she's the kind of person that you just want to be friends with. Not only is she kind and compassionate, she is also motivated, driven, and extremely successful. Just so happens that Mike is all of these things as well, which is why they make a great pair. Teri and Mike, I'm thankful to call you both friends and can't wait to celebrate with you at your upcoming wedding!