Drew Carlson Photography

Patten Family

2011-10-07T00:28:00.001-05:00

What?! Drew photographing a family session? That's right!

Actually, it was a lot of fun! Everyone was a great sport, and we got some great photos. Thanks a ton for thinking of me when it came to photos!

Tash

2011-08-11T01:28:00.002-05:00

John Tacheny: Fitness Trainer? Body Builder? Actor? Model? Pick one. John Tacheny is out to take over the world with his set of skills and physique. But first, he needed a great set of images to help propel him into the mix. That's where I came in.

We spent the better part of the day shooting as much as possible in what could only be called a portfolio-blitz. Now, armed with a portfolio it's up to him to conquer Hollywood and more.

Good luck buddy!

And to my viewers, enjoy the set! These are some of our favorites.

2010 Recap!

2010-12-31T16:06:00.002-06:00

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've posted and I bet some of you are wondering what the heck I've been up to. Well, If you're not already following my Facebook Fan Page you've missed out on a lot of good stuff.

But even for those that ARE, I've got a treat for you. I'm recapping this year's lesser known photos and projects. There won't be any of my wedding photos in here, there are plenty of other places to see those, instead you'll see all of the crazy directions I've been pulled this year.

Click below and prepare yourself. It's a lengthy post!

We started off the year with an awesome trip to Cozumel Mexico to shoot Lindsey and Kyle's wedding. We had just been there a few months before for our honeymoon but you can't get too much of Mexico in the winter!

Also ended up doing some volunteer work for the Guthrie Theater. I photographed the 2010 BFA graduates for their yearly group photo.

Coming home from a booking I happened upon this character. Seemed as though he had fallen on hard times but I sat and chatted with him for a while. He had some pretty impressive stories about how he came to be where he was and I ended up buying him dinner before I was on my way.

Somehow I found myself shooting MMA (cage fighting) and was simply floored by the athleticism and commitment from these guys

OH! I can't forget! We moved from the Elk River area to the St. Paul area! We love it down here. :)

Remember when I said 2010 has pulled me in all sorts of new directions? Well who would've thought I would be doing yearbook photos for a Zombie Highschool Musical?

Does anybody remember the crazy storms we had this summer?!

I work quite a bit with local musicians, here we have the Jeremy Sanoski Band.

I've been dabbling a bit in action sports. Here we've got Josh Tranby in Centerville. Worth mentioning, if you're gonna shoot this stuff make sure your camera is waterproof.

I found a fresh new sound from these guys. They're barely a year old as a band and making some major progress in Minnesota. Culture Cry Wolf. Expect to see plenty more photos of them in the future.

Had the pleasure of photographing these lovely ladies from Elk River. I graduated with the majority of them.

While killing some time in Downtown St. Paul this gentleman's curiosity was piqued. We chatted a bit and I asked if I could take his photo, he obliged. The stars aligned and I couldn't have asked for a better setting or subject. The hint of pride peeking through his tough exterior makes the photo for me.

Well, they asked back to photograph some fights at the St. Paul Armory and I couldn't say no.

I bet quite a few of you remember Talia (if not, look down to my previous blog entry). Well, here are a couple from her shoot that, for one reason or another, didn't get posted! I thought they deserved some air time now.

Here we are on-set for Toussaint Morrison's mixtape video. I was in charge of the lighting. Expect to see the finished video in the next month or two.

Here I am again, shooting more fights... But this time we're shooting some professional boxing, and no longer at the Armory but at the Hyatt Regency Downtown.

Next we've got some photos with the super talented comic book artist Mitch Gerads. I worked with him while I was in High School and I still remember all of the amazing sketches he'd just leave around the workspace. I give him quite a bit of credit for where I am today as a visual artist (tried to follow in his footsteps with graphic design but sidetracked to photography).

Another shoot w/Toussaint Morrison. Make sure to check out what he's doing at http://www.facebook.com/TheBlend or http://www.facebook.com/toussaintmorrisonmusic

And a spin-off from The Blend, we've got Todd Bordewick's new band Chrome Lotus. They'll be releasing their first album any time now so be sure to look out for it.

Prof and DJ Fundo wanted to do a picnic photoshoot. How can you say no to that?

Later on they sold out the Varsity Theater.

More action sports with Josh Tranby! This time it's snowboarding! We've had plenty of snow this winter to make this possible!

And then of course... The Doomtree Blowout/Snowout VI.

Lazerbeak jamming on guitar.

Well, there you have it. That's 2010 in a nutshell. I can tell you that 2011 will be even more insane (in a good way). I hope you enjoyed this little look into my non-wedding photography life. Thanks so much to everyone that has supported me.

-Drew

Talia - Portfolio Shoot

2010-09-20T03:31:00.008-05:00

This past week I was able to photograph the amazing Talia Hindi. I found her at a concert and knew I would have to ask her to model for me. Something told me she would do JUST fine... I was right :)

Click to check out more!

A Cemetery Wedding.

2009-11-06T00:55:00.008-06:00

This was a unique one for me. I was given the opportunity to second-shoot for Stephen Geffre. When I was told where it was going to be I JUMPED. There was no way I was letting this gig get away. Not only was the ceremony being held at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis, but the reception was at the Soap Factory... which is quite literally an old soap factory converted into an art gallery. The couple was great to work with. I spent much of my time with Federico and the guys, and let me tell ya, this guy had style.

It looks as though this wedding will wrap up the season for me (barring any surprise bookings), and what a way to end it. Thanks again SG, and congrats to the couple! Federico and Jessica!

(remember when I said he had style?)

This place was incredible!

Remember what I said about it being an art gallery? Walk through the wrong curtain and you find yourself in this room. Such a surreal experience, felt like I was in a video game. (yes this is a photograph)

Of course we need a shot of dessert!

Kelli and Steve, a wedding at 9,000ft.

2009-09-15T23:26:00.007-05:00

A long time friend of mine told me regretfully that I wouldn't be able to photograph her wedding as plans changed and it would now be held on the top of a mountain in Colorado. That wasn't going to stop me, so I told her I was still willing if she was. I have some family out there that agreed to provide shelter (thanks Unkie Brewster and Aunt Cyndy!). Kelli was happy to hear I could come out and document their most special day (and so was I!). It took place in Steamboat Springs and required a lengthy gondola ride to where the ceremony and reception were held. The scenery was spectacular. The weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect! Here are a few of my favorites.

Ruth and Dan

2009-08-23T22:12:00.006-05:00

I'm running out of words to describe all of the awesome weddings I've had the opportunity to shoot this summer. Ruth and Dan were married at the Prior Lake Horse and Hunt club. It was a beautiful day with a beautiful setting and a beautiful couple.(Great combo!) I hope you like viewing the pictures as much as I liked shooting 'em!

Nicole and Matt

2009-08-18T20:50:00.009-05:00

It had to be something like 150° for this Aug. 14th Wedding, but that wouldn't stop us. Nicole and Matt had their wedding at the Millenium Garden in Plymouth, MN and it was beautiful. I recall telling Nicole that because of the time of day, and the direction of the sun it'll be near impossible to photograph well, but when (not IF) I do, it'll be spectacular! Turns out I was right. The pictures look awesome! But don't take my word for it...

Oh, by the way... everything was either pink or glittery... sometimes both.

Crystal and Andrew

2009-07-31T14:34:00.009-05:00

I jumped at the opportunity to photograph this wedding on Madeline Island (the larger of the Apostle Islands) in Northern Wisconsin. It requires driving onto a ferry, something I've never experienced before, but it was a lot of fun. There is some beautiful scenery to be found here and we ended up doing some photos at Brittany Cottages. The couple, as always, was great to work with. I wish them the best.

Katje and Tom

2009-07-31T14:19:00.013-05:00

What a fun time this was! A nice, intimate backyard wedding topped off with a wonderful dinner at Rush Creek Golf Club (I had the filet mignon). The day was beautiful, the couple was beautiful, Katje had the most incredible eyes, and the country club made for some awesome photos. Congratulations to the two of you!

I love my job.

2009-07-17T22:53:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was an awesome day. I had the chance to photograph this wonderful couple Kelly and Jesse. I couldn't have asked for better weather, it ranged from overcast/wind gusts to bright sunlight and everywhere in-between in a matter of 3 hours. And look at 'em, geesh... you couldn't ask for better subjects either. You could call this shoot part of my never-ending quest to find myself photographically. I'm not completely satisfied with my body of work yet (nor should I be necessarily, I'm only 22) however I'd love to find the direction I want to take it.

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get these images on the computer and start editing. So I didn't... 10 hours later (6a.m.) I was done, and came up with what I consider a great set of images. I hope you enjoy viewing these as much as I did creating them. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Janelle and Dustin

2009-06-08T00:19:00.007-05:00

Well... Despite Saturday's crummy weather, we had a great time and got some wonderful photos. Congratulations to the awesome couple Janelle and Dustin. This wedding was on their property in Big Lake, MN but had to quickly be shuffled into their pole barn when we realized the sun was never going to show up.

As a side note, this is my first blog post with a slide-show. Let me know what you think of the new format.

A second-shooter?!

2009-05-24T00:20:00.012-05:00

Well, this past Saturday I served as a second-shooter to my fiance. She took the reigns and acted as the primary photographer, I just helped... It was fun, but no-less stressful than normal.

Anyways. Here are some shots I took from Sarah and Andrew's wedding. Enjoy!

Before and After

2009-04-06T00:39:00.007-05:00

Extreme makeover... I met up with my ol' soccer coach who happens to own and operate a salon. We did a photo-shoot of before/after for a handful of reasons too complicated to explain in a simple blog post. Simply put, this girl left looking like a completely different person. Thanks Emily (the model) and Jill Bourdon (the makeup artist)

For reference, Michael Turner's salon can be found HERE

The Before...

The During... gettin' better already.

Finally, The After... (I swear it's the same girl)

Four Letter Lie

2009-03-30T23:03:00.025-05:00

Everybody knows you judge a band by how many Myspace friends they have, and these guys are just plain awesome...(117k and counting). I had the pleasure of doing some promotional photos for them right before their Duluth show, and then enjoying their concert while snapping some pics... It's hard to take a BAD PHOTO of these guys. The images themselves will link to their Myspace page. Don't worry, you can still find my Flickr right here...

p.s. they are now rockin' 4 members instead of 5 and if I'm not mistaken are looking for a replacement guitar/vocalist.

Here's the mix of promo, live, and just hangin' out photos...

Jessica and Scott

2009-03-30T01:15:00.015-05:00

Since I started photographing weddings I've been dying to shoot at Greysolon Plaza. As soon as I booked this one I couldn't wait! Jessica and Scott were great and an absolutely gorgeous couple. I wish them the best, and thank them for the opportunity to document their most special day. Here is a handful of images for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy :)

OOPS!

2009-03-28T01:08:00.004-05:00

Umm... well, I think the picture pretty much explains it all... (except for my wallpaper image, that's a whole 'nother story) For now tape is doing the trick and it works wonderfully. Soon I'll go the DIY route and dive in and fix it... and EVENTUALLY I'll take 'em up on their persistent offer to upgrade to 3G for a discounted price...

My Favorite Muse

2009-03-24T01:17:00.013-05:00

Sorry to all my other muses... but this ones my favorite. Cindi, my lovely girlfriend, always willing to put up with a lens in her face. Thank you! You're Gorgeous, but don't take MY word for it. Kisses.

Here's a small collection of images taken over... some amount of time. I'll add to it as I cull through more.

We Survived...

2009-03-22T03:04:00.010-05:00

Well, we survived the trip back to Minnesota... pretty uneventful if you ask me. The radio was broken until we reached MN so that was rough, but I had the convertible down all the way through Nebraska and got nice and toasted... I DID however ruin a pair of socks... presumably from shifting so much over the 20+ hours of driving.

Here are a few more pics from our journey:

Modifying the BugZapper

2009-03-18T00:23:00.005-05:00

Yeah, it was $2.99 at Harbor Freight and a worthy expense. Obviously it's a battery powered tennis racket to kill bugs but we were modifying it to act as a weapon of destruction. We'll consider it a partial success.

Colorado Road Trip!

2009-03-16T21:59:00.010-05:00

Me, my girlfriend Cindi, and my cousin Jared, are taking a trip to Colorado! I will be posting images of our adventure periodically so stay tuned... The trip itself didn't start or end very well... Jared over-slept by an hour, and I busted my alternator while rolling into Denver. It can only get better!