2010 September » Elizabeth O'Neill Photography

Elizabeth O'Neill Photography bio picture

Elizabeth (Libby)

As an artist, I want to provide you with images that are even better than you can imagine, while capturing all the details that make you unique. If you are looking for professionalism with a hip style, look no further.

I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Arts and have been formally educated in photography. I distinguish myself by keeping my images relaxed while pushing for new and exciting ideas. I want to provide my clients with the best service by keeping my focus on your needs. I have been creating images for over 14 years. I love walking the line between between shooting portrait and fashion/advertising images… basically lifestyle photography.

On a more personal note…originally being from Southern California, I always dreamed that I would be a marine biologist (does every little girl think this?), but then I moved to ocean-less Southern Missouri and my plans were foiled. Later during high school I went to a friend’s birthday party and someone stole my camera. I started out a little upset because there were only ten people at the party (some friends!), but then decided it would be a good excuse to finally get a manual camera (the Pentax K1000) and take the photography class at school. Little did I know this would lead to something.

My love for the ocean drove me to pursue my quest for marine biology in college, while friends and family continued to ask me to photograph their weddings and headshots. Before long it became apparent that I was on the wrong path, I could no longer ignore God's plans for me. I changed my major to Graphic Arts, graduated early, and moved to Ohio to attend the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology. Since then I’ve gotten to work with commercial photographers out of Cincinnati, OH and Springfield, MO, I’ve shot for Elder-Beerman department stores, worked with portrait studios, and helped editorial photographers on a People Magazine assignment. It’s been amazing. Ever since I gave into God's plan, He's always been there to open the next door for me.

This eventually lead to going into business for myself, which has provided so many new opportunities! I love traveling to new cities to phototograph weddings and lifestyle photography. I am thankful to have learned the art of film and enjoy the benefits and infinite possibilities with digital. Digital technology makes photography so exciting! I continue to work on personal artwork and develop new ideas for future galleries.

Thank you for looking at my website. Before you go, here are a few of my favorite things...

TV Show: Friends, Seinfeld, Arrested Development
Music: I love the 80’s
Musical Artist: Mark Knopfler
Band: The Traveling Wilburys
Restaurant: Bravo! & Penn Station
Vacation Spot: Any beach
Movie: Frequency, Ocean’s 11, Endless Summer II, Unbreakable
Photographer: Mark Seliger
Animal: Dolphin
Quotes: Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey
Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler
Cereal: Lucky Charms

Photo by Carmen Nauseef

Monthly Archives: September 2010

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

HIGH-END RETOUCHING | MARK CELA

Today a photographer’s style is not only the way they frame an image or manipulate the exposure, but also how they process the image. The processing can be as much of a signature look as the shot itself. After learning new techniques from David Skyler at Melissa Rodwell’s fashion workshop I find myself wanting more and more time to practice. In the meantime, I thought it would be interesting to have my talented friend, Mark Cela (the retouching wizard), work on a few images and show off his talent. Below is a before and after of just what he can do. I’ve known Mark long enough now that I can actually see Mark in his retouching mainly because of his good taste and attention to detail. To see more of Mark Cela’s work, be sure to check out his website and blog.

Monday, September 6, 2010

NEW PERSONAL ARTWORK | JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

It’s been a long time since I felt like saying, “Hey Mom! Look what I did!”, but I love taking images of the Joshua Tree National Park. I am so happy to finally have the following images processed. I always want to keep adding to the artwork section of my website and now I can. If you have already looked at the artwork gallery you can see that I have been to the Joshua Tree before, but each time is very different. Not only does the park change with the seasons and light, but when I compare the images of the Joshua Tree over the years I can see how I change as a photographer as well.

The image below is on the way to the park.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

STACY CLARK-MUSICIAN | THE NEW VOICE ON MY WEBSITE!

While I was in Las Vegas for Meredith & John’s wedding I met Stacy Clark, one of Meredith’s best friends. Stacy is talented singer and songwriter and just an amazing person to be around. I really enjoyed listening to her sing at the wedding, but also just to talk with her about what it’s like to pursue a music career in this day and age…she is so down to earth. You can check her out on itunes, find a free download on her website, or you can find her on facebook. She was recently featured on itunes and had a free single of the week. Of course I would love to photograph her and it may just work out sooner than later.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

JUST FOR FUN SHOOT WITH GENNY IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

When I was in California earlier this summer, I had a chance to do a few photo shoots just for fun and to practice some different lighting techniques. Now I could have never done this in a million years if it weren’t for my incredibly giving friend Rebecca. Rebecca not only took a week off of work to hang out with me, but picked me up from the airport, gave me places to stay in L.A. and San Diego, hunted down coffee shops each morning, then drove me to San Diego & Palm Springs and back to L.A. for another workshop. If this weren’t enough, she also was able to get Genny to model for me while we were in San Diego and then assisted me at the shoot! These are only a few of her talents. She also writes, edits movies, and throws great parties. She’s ridiculously cool overall and because of her I was able to try some fashion ideas out on the beaches in La Jolla. I love La Jolla. It might be my all time favorite place in the world. I remember going there several times as a kid and seeing all the different kinds of sea life right in front of me in the wild. I could never get enough. The beaches have changed over the years, but they are still beautiful. I had some very specific ideas in mind, but the tide was way too high to even attempt them. This is the life of a photographer…think on your feet!I met Genny on the day of the shoot and we immediately started shooting until the sun went down. When I look through the images now, I can’t help but think there is a slight resemblance to Renee Zellweger. Genny, thanks so much for being so great and giving me 100% all the way through the last shot!

P.S. I have some new art images from the desert that I will be posting before long!