Sugar & Spice - Las Vegas Boudoir Photography
Miss B walked in for her session and straight into our hearts when she told us she had brought us all a gift…cupcakes! No ordinary cupcakes, these were absolutely divine! I was also excited when I saw the inspiration picture she brought of glamorous Ann Margret! This was a girl with style and I loved her fondness for that 60’s look!
She also brought the most amazing hair accessories that we were all in awe of. And were even more amazed to find out that she makes the fascinators herself. If you are interested in wearing something like this for your boudoir session or out on the town, you can find Miss B’s handiwork for sale here. She can make one custom to your specifications too! What a talented, visionary girl she is!
Makeup & hair by Kat & Whitney of Hera Beauty.
A True Inspiration - Las Vegas Boudoir
One of my favorite things about my boudoir sessions is getting to know each and every clients story. I’m always curious about their lives and what brought them to do a shoot with me. And, I am always fascinated at how utterly amazing these women are! Mrs. N was no exception. This mother of 4 (FOUR!!!) looked fantastic, but she said it wasn’t always that way. She had recently been able to lose some weight…not an easy feat, as we all know. And she didn’t just lose weight, she really toned up and is now in optimal condition! In fact, she was able to lose about 40 lbs, and has lost over 50% bodyfat! Holy moly, that rocks! Doing our shoot was a great way to celebrate all of her hard work for sure! Congratulations Mrs. K for your success and for being an incredible woman!
Here’s a little something Mrs. N shared with me (and gave me permission to share with you all) about her story:
After struggling with depression for a few years and then realizing how very out of shape I was, I finally decided to do something about it. I joined a gym, hired a trainer and in less than 2 years I’m in the best physical and emotional health of my life. I hadn’t worked out a day in my life prior to the age of 40, I had no clue what I was doing, I relied on my trainer, my hubby and other support systems to learn from and lean on. I got to a point where I was very happy with my results and wanted to have some photos done to “showcase” my hard work, that’s when I happened upon Stacie’s site, “Haute Shots”.
I had the most fun at the shoot, Stacie and the girls from Hera Beauty, Whitney and Kat were wonderful! What was even more surprising to me was how happy I was with so many of the shots, even before the photoshop process! I’m finally where I wanted to be, I’m finally who I was meant to be all along, and I know it’s such a cliche but if I can do it, anyone can, I was the queen of excuses!
My next goal is to become certified in Personal Training so I can enhance my knowledge and perhaps help others, women especially, reach their fitness and nutrition goals to be who they want to be. I’ve registered for my class and hopefully will reach that goal by mid year. This is what worked for me and what I wanted, it doesn’t mean this is what everyone wants, or should want. You have to look within yourself and be completely honest with yourself about who you want to be, and how you want that person to appear, and then go for it. Be who you’re meant to be!
You are such an inspiration Mrs. N! Thank you!
Hair & makeup by Kat & Whitney of Hera Beauty.
Glamour Girl - Las Vegas Boudoir Photography
Miss L came to me as a referral from one of my fab Holiday Marathon Clients and boy, did I ever love doing this shoot! Kat and Whitney (Hera Beauty) really gave Miss L an old Hollywood glamour type of look that reminded us all of Greta Garbo! Miss L brought along some truly fabulous outfits. Ladies, you don’t have to show it all to be sexy and Miss L is a perfect example of how using a men’s shirt or even a coat can be used to great effect!
Thank you Miss L, for a wonderful photo session!
Presenting the Lovely Mrs. P - Las Vegas Boudoir
Mrs. P decided to schedule a boudoir shoot with me during her vacation in Las Vegas with her husband. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better client…she was not only strikingly beautiful inside & out but also smart as a whip…AND creative…love that! Mrs P emailed me after she arrived home to say that her shoot with me was the best time they (Mrs P & her very cool husband) had spent in Vegas. That’s quite a compliment..thanks Mrs P! I had a great time too!
Hair & makeup by the 2010 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award recipients Hera Beauty…Kat & Whitney!
Disturbing Trend in Boudoir
In the past couple of weeks I have been alerted to 2 different cases of image thievery and 4 cases of absolute plagiarism. 2 supposed boudoir photographers were using my images to promote themselves as photographers…not cool. While 4 boudoir photographers felt at liberty to copy my wording exactly and use that as their own to promote their services on their websites. What is going on?
Thankfully, photographers around the globe are becoming familiar enough with my work to know when they see my image where it doesn’t belong to contact me. So, if you are thinking of doing something like this, know that it is only a matter of time before I become aware of it. This is seriously illegal, so don’t be surprised if you hear from my attorney in these matters.
To anyone considering acting in such a fraudulent manner, consider this, you are not only cheating me and your clients but you are cheating yourself. If you can’t create images like this on your own since you have to use mine to display, then how do you suppose you are going to do this for your client who will be expecting their images to turn out like the examples you showed on your portfolio?
Sorry for the rant. I just can’t stomach that there are fake boudoir shooters preying on unsuspecting clients this way. So shady!
Last Chance to enter the contest today!
Valentine’s Day and the Single Girl
This Valentine’s Day I want to celebrate the often over-looked single girl! I am offering a free one hour luxury suite boudoir photo session to one lucky winner! All you have to do is write the winning short essay on why you feel you would be the best candidate for a photo shoot that celebrates you in all your ’single girl’ glory!
To enter, please send your short essay in an email with Valentine’s Day Contest in the subject line to info@hauteshots.net. Tell me what you love about being single…tell me what you hate about being single…tell me why you want a photo session with me and why I should pick you. You get the idea, right? You MUST be single - not in a relationship. Please include the url to your facebook or myspace account so that I can verify that you are indeed single. I will announce the winner by email on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010.
This does not include hair/makeup or photography products. Please let me know if you will be wanting my hair/makeup teams services. The photo shoot will take place at my convenience (when I have an open spot) so you should have a semi-flexible schedule. I will give you quite a few options though. You will have time for two outfit changes during your shoot. Must be a Las Vegas resident or can easily pick up & travel to Vegas for your photo shoot.
Entry deadline: Sunday, February 7, 2010 by midnight
Good luck ladies!!! Soo excited for you! Let me know if you have any questions…
xoxo
Stacie
Become a fan of Haute Shots on Facebook. Click here.
Happy New Year from Haute Shots
Wow….what a year 2009 has been. I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for helping to make this girl’s dreams come true. I found my calling (finally) this past year and because of you have been able to turn it into a business. I am grateful each and every day that I am now doing what I love! I had no idea when I started Haute Shots that it would grow this quickly. I have my many wonderful clients to thank for that. You all ROCK!
I’m starting the new year off by reevaluating all of my processes and making appropriate changes…mostly to back-end things for better organization. Lots of goals for 2010 business-wise and I have some REALLY exciting things in store that I absolutely cannot wait to reveal! Aside, from the business goals, I have the usual personal ambitions, like getting back into a regular routine at the gym. I have been slacking big time since the holidays started! What are some of your goals for 2010?
Thank you again for an amazing 2009. Here’s to an even better 2010! (Maybe this will be the year I finally get over my fear of opening bottles of champagne!)
Cheers!!!
Miss K’s a Beauty! Vegas Boudoir
Miss K decided to do a boudoir shoot as a gift for her boyfriend when he is deployed overseas this coming January. I can’t think of a better gift for that situation! She was such a good model, always aware of her entire being during the shoot, from pointed toes to graceful fingers - this is called Head to Toe Modeling and Miss K had it down!
I am so glad she allowed me to share these shots with you, as I have had a busy month of shooting in September but only a few clients have given permission for me to use their images on my blog. Thank you Miss K for your kindness in allowing me to use these and for your fun spirit…I had so much fun during your shoot!
Makeup & hair by Kat & Whitney of Hera Beauty
Business Cards
Things are coming together! Placed an order for my new Haute Shots Boudoir Photography business cards last night! Can’t wait to receive them!
Epicurean Affair
Another annual Vegas event I have always wanted to check out, but haven’t is the Epicurean Affair, held this year at The Flamingo on Thursday, April 23rd.
Speaking of The Flamingo, have you seen their fairly newish GO Rooms? Swanky! reasonably priced, too!
Dialogue for Creatives in Vegas
This Friday should be fun! I am participating in an event for the design community here in Vegas, hosted by Black Diamond Digital and Eurie Creative. They have opened up their stylish studio space for my LVGG group as well as other creatives around town.
Website Design
I’m happy to announce that the website I designed for Perfect Princess Parties finally went live today! Check it out at perfectprincessparties.net!
Recent Themed Logo Design
Here’s a pic of the recent logo I themed for Fiji Water in action, at their event. Looks pretty cool with the masks, doesn’t it?
Current Design Work
Currently waiting on final approval for a logo revamp I am doing for Fiji Water. They asked me to ‘crest’ their logo to tie in to the theme of the event they are sponsoring - The Palm’s (Playboy) Midsummer Nights Dream Party. Such a fun project!
A Practical Guide to Working with Graphic Designers
A Practical Guide to Working with Graphic Designers by The Graphic Artists Guild of Albany offers insightful information to hiring a Graphic Designer. Details change according to different designers needs but this guide offers the basics. Here are some highlights:
Good graphic design is hard work, and a team effort. Remember, a Graphic Designer is a consultant hired to solve problems. A Designer will challenge your ideas and preconceived notions to find the best solution for getting your project noticed in a marketplace exploding with information. Be prepared to work closely with the Designer and make decisions to support the creative process. Clear communication and mutual respect between the Client and Designer are essential. On day one, start with the nuts and bolts: Clearly communicate your vision for the project, its audience, objective, and the message you want to send. This is vital for putting the Designer’s expertise to work to create the visual piece that accomplishes your goals.
Sample Production Schedule
Project: brochure with previously reviewed copy
Different types of projects have different production schedules and turnaround periods. This schedule includes one round of revisions (11/21) after a layout was chosen (11/7). These revisions should be clearly negotiated in the contract. You can have as many or as few revisions as you feel necessary; but, additional changes not negotiated up front are considered Author’s Alterations (AAs) and are billed in addition to the original estimate. AAs are usually billed at an hourly rate. In the unlikely case of a complete redesign, a new contract should be generated between the client and the Designer. To budget your time and set realistic deadlines, start with your target date of publication and work backwards. Be flexible and willing to add a few cushion days to avoid rushing the job—especially if several people must sign-off on (approve) the project.
- 10/1 Meet with designer to discuss parameters and scope of project
- 10/8 Client sign-off on estimate and schedule (allow 5 to 7 working days; if vendors’ quotes, such as for printing, photography, or illustration aren’t needed for the assignment, estimates may be generated more quickly)
- 10/9 Provide designer with completed copy, camera-ready logos, and/or artwork (allow 10 to 14 working days for initial design mock-ups)
- 10/21 Review mock-ups and agree on a direction (allow 7 to 10 working days to submit final designs)
- 11/7 Receive actual layout for approval (allow 5 to 7 working days for internal client routing and sign-offs)
- 11/14 Return to Designer with comments (allow 5 to 7 working days to make any changes after review)
- 11/21 Changes are made with final sign-off on proof to go to press. (Note: this time frame will depend how extensive changes were)
- 12/15 Delivery of finished piece from the printer (allowing for 10 to 15 working days for printing; printing time depends on the complexity of the project and the printer’s schedule)
2 Recent Design Projects
Recently I worked on 2 very different tradeshow design jobs. One was more colorful and the other very official looking. Both of them called for many marketing materials, including die-cut designs…one for a folder and the other for a dossier. I think they turned out nicely. Thanks to Arnold (art direction) and Hernan (production assistance) for a wonderful collaboration on the LECS projects!
Creative Design Process
A little about my creative process when commissioned to do graphic design work.
- Creative Brief -
After first meeting with a new client, I like to have them fill out a Creative Brief form that I send them by email. This gives me valuable information about their company and their needs that I refer to as I develop their designs.
 - Proposal/Estimate/Terms/Print Quotes -
This is where I present my proposal to you for your projects. I include an estimate, terms & conditions and print quotes, if needed.Â
 - Research/Design Trends/Concept -
After agreeing to the above, I begin my research on your competitors and design trends in your specific field in an effort to develop a solution that is unique for your needs. I begin concepting ideas at this point.
 - Comps -
Develop comps (rough drafts) and present them, usually by email as lo-res PDFs.
 - Revisions -
This is where we have up to 3 revision cycles. You will be heavily involved in proofing copy message and spelling, color, fonts, sizes, etc. in order to come to a final approval to send your jobs to print.
 - Final Artwork -
I present the final artwork by disc and email as a Print Ready PDF, unless another format was otherwise agreed upon.
 - Print -
Either I can do this for you through my vendor, or you can have this done yourself through your own vendors using the final artwork files I presented to you previously.
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