Ellen Cook Photographer

Jennifer and Todd

Ellen Cook — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:31:33 +0000

Their romance started out by a chance meeting in St. Louis…Jennifer a Brookfield native…Todd…a professional baseball pitcher from a small town in North Carolina.

Their venue for both the wedding and reception was held at Zilli’s Coast overlooking Lake Michigan. The historic Phister Hotel provided spa, makeup and lodging for family and friends.

We ventured outside for both wedding party and family portraits…Wisconsin Avenue was filled with holiday lights…the wind was whipping…Jennifer was wrapped in Todd’s arms…and they were loving every moment.

Flashes of Hope

Ellen Cook — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:38:09 +0000

This has been the second year that I have been invited to work with some very amazing families at Children’s Hospital. Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization with the goal “to photograph every child until every child is cured”.

My camera has taken me to some very amazing places…but to be able to spend a day with these families has left me humbled by the power of their love and devotion to those closest to their hearts.

Thank you for all who made this day so unforgettable, and to my friend and photo assistant Liz who did not hesitate for a second when asking to join me for the day.

The Birthday Celebration

Ellen Cook — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:32:49 +0000

When a mother turns 80 it is the perfect time for a summer party. The grill was smoking, the beers were cold…dinner the night before was at Mader’s…a Milwaukee classic. A very special birthday celebration!

Ximena and Ritesh

Ellen Cook — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:43:29 +0000

College and the food court at Virginia Tech were the first chapter in the story of Ximena and Ritesh. The story continued when the American Club in Kohler provided the venue for their elegant July wedding affair. The day was a whirlwind as we started at the American Club, traveled to Green Bay for the ceremony…with stops at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens…and of course Lambeau Field. With family members traveling internationally, it was a true celebration of the union of a very special couple. Thank you for letting me be a part of this great day!

Catherine and Tim

Ellen Cook — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:20:54 +0000

Catherine and Tim contacted my studio over two years ago to plan their wedding…but I have a feeling the planning already started in high school. The American Club was the venue and it was the perfect choice for a summer wedding. The colors were bold, the day flowed from “first look” to a simple and beautiful ceremony. Cocktails were held outdoors in the flower filled Gazebo Courtyard.

Michelle

Ellen Cook — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:22:20 +0000

My first meeting with Michelle was a few years ago, photographing her brother’s senior photos, Michelle joined us for a bit of the session so that they would have an image for the family holiday card…even in middle school Michelle was at ease in front of the camera…her smile and laughter came easy…

Michelle’s passion has always been acting, and our session was setup for her professional head shot. Lindsay (www.fabyouglam) my very favorite makeup artist, would be working with us for the shoot.

Michelle came in and the makeup session began…Lindsay and Michelle started talking about the shoot and Lindsay shared part of her life story…her career…traveling to New York…touring with the musical Grease…Lindsay’s life and Michelle’s dreams…

Michelle, again relaxed, beautiful and graceful as Lindsay effortlessly changed her look from casual to very classic…

I am sure MIchelle’s future will be filled with wonderful adventures…and that smile, light laugher and joy will always be a special part of this very special person.

Graduation Day…Shepherd’s College

Ellen Cook — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:28:48 +0000

The weather was just perfect for graduation…the rain from the night before made the grounds of Shepherd’s College full of deep, rich colors. The greenhouse was overflowing with flowers and herbs waiting to be planted for the summer season.

Everyone was excited…it was the first ever graduation from a very special place. Our son, Rob had just graduated from college a week before…and I asked him to be my photo assistant for the day. It was an event that could have been shot alone…but I really wanted to share with him something that I knew would be very special.

All the students began dressing…they were both nervous and excited…taking the last few minutes to review their speeches…time for a few photos with special teachers who had each shared in their individual journeys these last few years.

The ceremony was beautiful…younger classmates sang, words of accomplishments and bright futures expressed…proud parents watched as each of their precious children walked across the stage…

After the ceremony, the graduates walked outside, among family, students and former teachers…it was a perfect end…and an even more perfect beginning.

Shepherd’s College…Graduation

Ellen Cook — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:12:17 +0000

So the weather this month has been less than perfect…seems as though we are given small glimpses into what the summer months might be like and then we have days like today…windy, grey and not wanting to turn the heat on…again…

Last Friday was different…the sun was shining and it was almost warm outside…a perfect day for being outside and shooting.

I had the chance, again, to work with the students and staff at Shepherd’s College. It was a special session…the very first graduating class of this truly amazing place.

I would like to thank Lindsay Garric (www.fabyouglam.com) along with Amanda for providing an amazing makeup session for each of the five students.

To the staff and students…thank you for letting me be a small part of a big wonderful…

The Happy Meal

Ellen Cook — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:52:22 +0000

My shoot was scheduled, had all my gear, lights and bounces ready to go…but you really can never be ready until they walk in the door…sometimes they settle in and relax…and there are other times…

That was Saturday…and I was about to meet London…with the biggest eyes, mouth that still held its baby form, tiny cubby fingers…but it would not come easy…

After over an hour I knew that I had met my match…she was exhausted…then the Happy Meal came. With those chubby little fingers wrapped around a steamy chicken nugget and that sweet mouth enjoying a coke…it dawned on me what the true meaning of a happy meal was…and it was wonderful!

Mother and Daughter…a portrait

Ellen Cook — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:15:52 +0000

For a limited time each year in my studio I set aside special time to shoot subjects so very dear to my heart…there is something that is so magical when your child places their arms around you…it never takes long to shoot….it is a moment, so personal, so special and so very loving….

Please feel to contact me for further details.