Adria Ellis – Just a little history.
In 1994 I attended Brooks Institute of Photography. Brooks was strictly a school of photography and science, the education I received was second to none. The down side of this education was that if I didn’t have the biggest and the best, and wasn’t up the earliest I might as well not bother. The seriousness, and literally the weight of my approach resulted in me not shooting much for almost a decade.
Since 2011 I have been shooting exclusively with my iPhone. Once I let go of my larger cameras and excessive gear I remembered my love of photography. My camera is almost always in my hand, I enjoy the instant gratification, and I appreciate the ability to quickly manipulate and edit my images.
People are surprised that all of my work is shot on an iPhone. My formal education serves me well – understanding light, composition, and exposure is important. My success is partially based on knowing and understanding exactly how to capture what I’m seeing, and using apps that allow more control and creativity. In 2013 I started traveling – India, Thailand, Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, Iceland, well you get the picture;-). My love of photography returned, and the iPhone fueled my creativity like nothing ever has.
In 2016 I went to Cuba for the first time. I was immediately captivated. Initially it was the architecture, and lack of Western presence that I appreciated. In March of 2016 I stayed for a month and prepared for my first class. This marked the beginning of me truly understanding and loving not only the Cuban culture, but Cuban people. Currently I take small groups of students (6) and accompany individuals on Photographic explorations of Cuba. The majority of my students are shooting with an iPhone, but I welcome all cameras. I love introducing people to the streets of Havana, my Cuban friends and my familiarity with Havana and it’s people allow me to help people quickly become fully immersed in the Cuban culture. I feel honored to be able to do this. I love helping people capture and share the beauty that Cuba has to offer, having the technical ability to execute and photograph what you see and feel is a must, thats what I love to help people do.
Employment & Formal photographic education:
2019 – Tourism Board of Ireland & Steller Stories: A Digital Day in the Life of Ireland.
2017 Apple : Launch of Apple’s official Instagram feed.
2016 Inspirato: Provide social content for blog and Instagram.
2014-15 Wholefoods: Brand Embassedor, provide social media content.
2014 Cooking Light: Provide social media content.
1997 Graduated from Brooks institute of photography with honors in commercial photography and illustration.
1990 at Parsons School of Design in Paris.
AWARDS
2019 Short list MIRA Mobile Prize
2018 Exhibition Fabriqua Des Atre in Havana Cuba.
2016 Mobile Photography Awards: Water & Photojournalism
2015 Mobile Photography Awards: Travel & Transportation & Silhouettes & Landscapes & Architecture
2015 Mobile Photo Now. Columbus Museum of Art
2015 MPLS Juried Show: Still Lives.
2014 MPA Pocket Vistas – Ontario Exhibit: Winter Landscape.
http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/exhibits/juror_results.php
2014 MPA Shadow Stories: Two portraits.
http://mobilephotoawards.com/shadowstoriestop75/
2014 MPLS Juried Show. Two still lives.
http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/exhibits/juror_results.php
2013 Mobile Photography Awards. Food & Beverage
http://mobilephotoawards.com/2013-mobile-photography-awards-foodbeverage-category-winners/
2013 Mobile Photography Awards: Plants & Flowers
http://mobilephotographyblog.com/plantsflowers/
2013 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention: Flowers
2013 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention: Flowers
http://www.ippawards.com/?project=2013-winners
2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Fashion
2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Nudes
2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Street Life
http://ax3.cc/honorable-mentions/
2013 Published “The Art of iPhone photography.” A collaboration of the worlds 45 leading iPhone photographers.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-iPhone-Photography-Creating/dp/1937538184
2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Botanica Illuminati
2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Portrait Series
2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Winter Series
2012 Mobile Photography awards. Flowers
2012 Mobile Photography awards. Travel Plants
http://mobilephotographyblog.com/travel/
http://mobilephotographyblog.com/plantsflowers/
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. First Place: Botanicals
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. First Place: Animals
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. First Place: Still Life
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention: Life Style
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention: Seasons
2012 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention: Still Life
http://www.ippawards.com/?project=2012-winners
2011 Mobile Art Grant. Semi Finalist
http://www.iphoneart.com/groups/323