Rachel Elkind Photography

Lucia

rachelphoto — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:30:28 +0000

I went to LA. Once March rolls around I am dying for some sun and some beach. I also wanted to photograph at the beach Oh my…this kid laughs more then me…Next time I want to record her laugh and save it on my computer when I have one of those days…Mam Smith..a long time friend of mine and I are starting to do some fusion projects..(mix of still and video) We will be showing more of these in the coming months. This is our first.

Learning in New Orleans

rachelphoto — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:53:10 +0000

I just got back from PPA which stands for Professional Photographers of America. They hosted a photo conference in New Orleans. Classes start at 7am and go all day into the evening. I get to be a student again taking notes like crazy hoping to remember and execute even a fraction of what I learn. Having the conference in New Orleans was a bonus so I stayed an extra couple days to explore. I loved walking around the French Quarters and stumbled upon a gem of a photo gallery; Agallery.com The owner, Josua Pailet bought images directly from photographers like Henri Cartier-bresson, Ansel Adams and Sebastiao Salgado. He spent a while answering my questions and educating me on how the world of art dealing works. I am grateful for his impromptu education. Other highlights were the Piano Bar at Pat Obrien’s, grilled drum fish at the French Market, a ride on the Trolley (Street Car they call it) and a visit to the Insectarium (yes..a museum about insects) It was a great trip.

Brittany, Diallo and Felix

rachelphoto — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:40:51 +0000

This is baby #2 on the way and Brittany is looking as beautiful at ever! Felix has been standing for a while now. It was hard to keep him for running. My pink squeeky piggie did the trick a couple times. I am going to miss them all when they move to LA.

Mikayla, Lily, Alexa, Jessica and Alan

rachelphoto — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:13:26 +0000

These girls adore each other!!! What a fun time.

Back in Ecuador-Orphanages

rachelphoto — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:33:04 +0000

I am back in Ecuador trying to help the kids in the many orphanages that we have formed relationships with. If you have seen past blogs you have a sense of what these kids are facing. Dental issues are a huge problem. This one boy is one of many who needs so much help. We brought toothbrushes for each kid but that can only go so far.

One orphanage was only for children of parents in jail. These kids have had it rough…really rough. It shows on their face, in their walk. We played with them and bought them rice, eggs, pajamas and grains. This hardly makes a dent but it is something.

We are seeing leaking roofs, broken chairs, not enough cribs for new babies that come in, new bathrooms built but without doors. I had a discussion with the director at one of the places. How much to pay for a teacher I wondered. They handed me the spreadsheet of the teachers payroll..It is about 350.00 per month. A new minivan to take the kids to school. 25K. Oh by the way…it is a 15 passenger van that would take about 30 kids..

Today we went shopping for paint, cribs, mattresses, lice shampoo, face cream.

Do you feel better sponcering a child? Do you feel better buying them a mattress? Do you feel better knowing the roof is fixed or a vehicle is going to get them to school? Do you focus on education and want to pay for the salary of one teacher which is about 350 per month.

Are you a foodie and want kids to eat well. Whatever feels the most satisfying…I and they would be so grateful if you donate to the right of this post in the “chip in” link. Thank you so much…in advance.. Go to Facebook for more http://www.facebook.com/rachelelkindphoto

Back to Ecuador Nov 9-16 Please help…

rachelphoto — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:05:49 +0000

I was in Ecuador earlier this year with the Dando Amor group and was blown away by the generosity of my fellow volunteers and the needs of the kids that are there. I wrote about it on the blog here: past blog post. I am going back because there is more need. Through the money that was initially raised so much was done; beds and food and utensils bought, roofs repaired, walls and sewage systems built, toys given, portraits taken and laminated and given to each kid. There was also time to play with the kids and time to hold the babies. Every step of the way we were met with gratitude as well as the need for more then we could give then. More money has been raised in the past months and I am going back to check on projects, photograph the progress, figure out the best way to spend current funds, find other orphanages that have not been given help and visit with the staff and volunteers that do so much every day to care for the kids. Can you donate here on the link to the right of this blog “Chip In”

Halloween 2011

rachelphoto — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:55:31 +0000

Halloween was a blast. Every year I set up in front of Flying Squirrel kids clothing store to photograph all the kids in their adorable costumes The photos, all done on a black fabric don’t reflect the atmosphere around so I thought I would add a few to show how crazy it was there. You can see the before and after.

Wendy, Bill and Linda

rachelphoto — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:31:41 +0000

Wendy wanted to give her parents a gift for their anniversary. Linda and Bill live out of town yet were luckily in for a week. We had the session on a gorgeous day in the upper west side and they had me over for dinner after we had the viewing. They are a super nice family not to mention Linda is a great cook. Oh and Coco the dog…adorable…

Dennis, Jeri Ann and Chloe’s 1st Birthday

rachelphoto — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:27:34 +0000

A love celebrating a first birthday… or any birthday for that matter. The areas around the studio have alot of graffiti and Dennis had a fun spot in mind. I have had a lot of rain this year and lucky every one was a great sport and let me photograph in a warehouse we stubbled upon while trying to get out of the rain. Those are my favorite images!

Dalila and Ohanes

rachelphoto — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:20:14 +0000

Dalila is a beauty and she belly dances too. I love her sense of style in jewelry and how elegant she looked in fabrics. I can’t wait to photograph the baby who just arrived last week.