Elle Effect | Blog of Photographer and Dancer Lauren Stonestreet

January Inspiration

21st

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

yes, surprisingly enough – large, gorgeous snow falls. cleveland is full of them.

cropped circles in the carpet // meta narrative – the bigger picture, over-perspective
photo : katherine hopkins

housewarming party in december, cleveland

fresh, wide open, lit spaces. white. mmm.

my sister, caitlin. here, she’s in colombia, south america 2009.

my mother is a beautiful woman.

sloane. 6 years old. red hair. fiery spirit.

aren’t they darling? mom + dad, august 2010.

photo : ann he
a lot of her work I’ve been enjoying. fresh, young and lovely.

my friend maggie overlooking a breathtaking sky while living in india.
young, innocent spirit. this moment makes my heart long for new travels.

robben island, cape town, south africa; nov 2008

also :

these dance photographs

this man’s work

my brother’s music : greylag

Posted in Family, Film, inspiration, solitude | Leave a comment

Early January

16th

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

Adventurous snow days, ice caves, brunch, lunch and dinners
New friends and old alike, all like family
House shows in basements to
Dance parties in ballrooms
Just the beginning of a new year.

Posted in Family, Film, food, music, solitude, winter | Leave a comment

Frank is an incredible vocalist and musician in Charleston, WV, releasing his first album independently. Beloved, respected and well-known throughout the state for his rich, textured, deep vocals and kind heart. I’m glad we were able to connect while I was in town to do this promotional shoot for his album. Look for his album this spring!

Posted in Portraits, design, music | Leave a comment

Engagement : Autumn + Jason

16th

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

Early January, I enjoyed photographing this young, beautiful couple in Charleston, West Virginia. Looking forward to their tucked away mountain wedding at the end of May!

Posted in Engagement, Portraits, wedding | Leave a comment

Seanne : Dancer

16th

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

Posted in Dance, Portraits | Leave a comment

Inlet Dance : a few favorites

11th

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

a few new favorite Inlet Dance Theatre photographs from june 2010.
new documentary photographs of the company coming soon!

Posted in Dance, Portraits, underwater | Leave a comment

Senior 2011 : Hannah

4th

Jan. × ’11

By laurensusanna

The lovely Hannah photographed at the Wine Cellar Park in Charleston, WV — this place is fantastic and haunting, especially when covered in snow. We have two seasonal sessions together, which is something a lot of seniors are enjoying. I have special packages if any seniors are interested!

Posted in Portraits, Senior | 1 Comment

christmas day two thousand and ten

27th

Dec. × ’10

By laurensusanna

hush, hush
the winter birds are here
nestled, whistling, cooing
we are gathered together in our homes
remembering our blessings
remembering each other
those here, those passed
we are all together
as we celebrate.

Posted in Family, solitude, travel | Leave a comment

winter muse

27th

Dec. × ’10

By laurensusanna

my sister is near and dear to me.
she is growing in stature,
and in favor with God, and with man.

she is beautiful, and always inspires me -
just as west virginia does: wild and wonderful.

Posted in Family, Portraits, solitude, travel | Leave a comment

a taste of portland

26th

Dec. × ’10

By laurensusanna

my time spent here is always sweet
never long enough.
I went for two reasons, that really
are not reasons at all.
only to stop and
marvel.

I wrote this in my journal flying over the midwest:
“stop trying to experience, and just experience.”

this is so simple, yet so hard to grab a hold of.
laboring for rest is quite a journey,
and is something I am fighting for.

portland, my darling older brother, and dear friends -
you brought me again to a still place within myself
where I can listen and truly,
hear.

deepest love for you. enjoy these few photographs.

Posted in Documentary, Film, Portraits, solitude, travel | 3 Comments

Playhouse Square: Report to the Community

13th

Dec. × ’10

By laurensusanna

This past November, I had the privilege of shooting for Playhouse Square, depicting and documenting different stories of people here in Cleveland who have had their lives changed, and in turn changed lives, through Playhouse Square. I also was strongly effected and changed through doing this work. Tonight, the stunning video film work of Think! Media was released on Playhouse Square’s website. Take the time to watch each short video of Corey, Dianne, Jack and Kathy’s personal stories and connection with Playhouse.

Watch all of the Report to the Community Videos Here

Corey Mach

Dianne McIntyre
Recent Review in Washington Post, FLY: Five First Ladies

Jack Kellogg

Kathy and Family

Posted in Art/Photography, Dance, Documentary | 1 Comment

w i n t e r e l e m e n t s

12th

Dec. × ’10

By laurensusanna

These conceptual portraits are keeping creativity and inspiration alive — through seasons of cold, into the seasons of new and warmth. Seanne [my roommate and dear friend] and I began these portraits unawares together this November over Thanksgiving. Be ready to be surprised each month : )

Seanne : Winter Fire
Brittany : Winter Wind
Myself : Winter Ice

Brittany is also an incredible portraiture and documentary photographer herself. Blessed to know her and create with her. Check out her work.

I hope you all are surviving and thriving this winter season. Bundle up and stay warm in heart!