Throwback Thursday - Thank You Elena Hernandez

​Over the years, I've repeatedly said, "The best thing about our industry has nothing to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's mutual love for the craft." Well, it's time to share some images thanks to my good pal, Elena Hernandez.

I don't remember where or when I first met Elena, but I do remember a few years ago when I learned a valuable lesson, You can never say "No" to Elena. She's based out of Dallas and had me as a guest speaker one night at a Dallas PPA dinner meeting. She's one of those people who just makes you want to help with just about any request.  

Larry Peters did Elena's headshot on the right, which clearly captures her enthusiasm. It's one of my favorites, but here are a few more, and they're perfect for a Throwback Thursday theme.

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In 2010, she wrote an amazing post about the story of the photograph on the right. The story is as stunning as the image itself and well worth taking the time to read. I published it in what was then my first blog and shared it again in May of 2013 here on the SCU site.

Elena doesn't do anything halfway. She's a perfectionist, but more important she's an artist with a vision. If you take the time to visit her website, you'll find one image after another that simply leaves you saying "Wow!" In fact, her work is the epitome of the "wow" print. A "wow" print is an image so good you could get hired by just showing that one single print.

On a special project for Graphi Studio at WPPI, probably around 2010 Elena was one of the artists involved. She decided to do some unique portraits of several of us at the convention. In searching for some fun throwback images, I found three of my favorites: Matthew Jordan Smith, Jerry Ghionis and me and Sheila.

The shot of Sheila and me was done in a doorway of the Signature Hotel and it's another one of my favorites. As you enter the building there were mirrors on either side of the entryway.  That's all she needed to turn her vision into reality. We later printed it on metal, and it now sits on our bedroom dresser.

There's always a point with Throwback Thursday and today is a little different than usual. It's important for you always to remember the responsibility you have to your subjects. Never compromise on an image. Take the time to be creative and most important of all, live life with an attitude of giving back, because nobody does it better than Elena!

Interested in seeing more of Elena's work? Visit her website and follow her on Facebook. You'll never be disappointed in any images she shares.

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