Busy, Busy, Busy with WPPI
Still busy with WPPI activities. So far I attended the Business Institute on Friday and Saturday and loved it. Although, I decided that I chose the wrong class to attend. Since I come from a marketing background, I pretty much knew most everything they were talking about already. But, it was still inspiring and sometimes it takes someone else putting something a different way to turn the lightbulb on. I definitely don’t regret going.
Because we were sitting in the same seat all day, it didn’t really give me the opportunity to network much but I lucked out by having super cool photographers sitting next to me. One was David Esquire from the OC. He is the creator of the ‘I’m not a McTographer’ t-shirt, which I plan on purchasing soon. I also met Michael Corsentino, a lifestyle photographer from Sonoma County, California. Hoping to catch his demo of the new Kubota Dashboard 3.0, but already made plans with Yasmin Tajik of local Shalimar Studios to take part in Becker’s Head Shots.
Another cool part of networking at WPPI is getting to use an application for the iPhone called BUMP. It’s like exchanging digital business cards. You just bump someone else who has the app and it trades your contact info. You can even exchange image files! So fun!
And, if you are a Boudoir Photographer, you are invited to a get-together on Tuesday night that I put together. Please leave a comment or email me at info@hauteshots and I will give you the details.
Anyway, if you are at WPPI and recognize me (that’s me in the pic below), please say hi! I’m really looking forward to meeting you all!
WPPI
Super excited that WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Convention and Trade Show is finally here again! This year i will be attending the Business Institute (tonight & all day tomorrow), walking around the trade show meeting with vendors and attending the [B] Party which is supposed to be “thee hottest tickets in town each year”, although I really want to go to the Airhorn & Lasers Party Sunday, but I decided to limit myself to just one big party this year. I’m especially looking forward to meeting so many other photographers whose work I admire or with whom I have networked with online! Should be a great opportunity to learn a few new tricks and I’m sure will be lots & lots of fun! I’m going to be plenty busy with this for the next week or so!
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
She’s got legs - Las Vegas Boudoir
Talk about stunning! I was blown away by Miss G’s beautiful long hair and pretty long legs! And she was a total sweetheart! Thanks for the fun girly afternoon Miss G! I had a blast hanging out with you!
Miss G reminded me of that song, ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ by Jet:
“Big black (replace with cream) boots,
long brown hair,
she’s so sweet
with her get back stare.”
Hair & makeup by Whitney & Kat of Hera Beauty.
Channeling her inner Marilyn - Las Vegas Boudoir
Oh, how we loved Miss L! She came to us to do a shoot pretty much as a gift for herself (and her boyfriend) and inspired us all by saying that sure she could have waited to do a boudoir session after she lost a couple of lbs but tomorrow is never a guarantee and she wanted to have fun now! Isn’t that the truth? If only we could all live according to that motto, I think we would have much more fulfilling lives! Another thing I loved was that Miss L’s inspiration was Marilyn Monroe! LOVE that! You inspired us all, Miss L, and we had so much fun getting to know you! And, by the way, I’m glad you didn’t wait - I love your curves and think you are just perfect exactly how you are!
Hair & makeup by Whitney and Kat of Hera Beauty.
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.
A Hoot & A Holler - Las Vegas Boudoir
Boy, oh boy, did I have a lot of fun with Mrs. S during her boudoir session! This woman had one heck of a great sense of humor and kept me laughing throughout her entire shoot! Thanks to her hubby for arranging this for her while they were briefly in Vegas. I asked Mrs. S what the secret to her happy marriage was and she said, “Always keeping it fresh”. Great tip!
What are YOUR secrets to a great relationship?
Hair & Makeup by Kat and 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!
Girls Just Want to Have Fun! - Las Vegas Boudoir Photography
I recently had the pleasure of photographing two fun girls who drove in from out of state to do a boudoir shoot with me. We had such a blast and it honestly felt like a fun little party, which has inspired me to consider offering Boudoir Parties. I am working out the details but am hopeful this will be a hit for girls looking to do something different with their friends…and have gorgeous photos to remember the fun they had!
Anyway, enjoy a few teaser images of these two fabulous ladies. I loved these girls!!!
Hair & makeup by the 2010 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award recipients Hera Beauty…Kat & Whitney!
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!
Announcing the Winner of our Valentine’s Day Contest
Drum roll please….
The ever-so-lovely Lysandra!!!
This was a hard one and after narrowing it down to the two best entries, I had my team (Hera Beauty) vote on the nameless entries.
Here is the winning entry:
I love being single because I can decide what I want to do with out checking in with someone. I can pick out my own furniture without compromise. I love being single because I have a great sense of independence. It’s a nice feeling to know I can do things on my own…whether it be fixing a sink or building a playhouse. I love being single because you still have the hope and wonder and magical feelings of good first dates and first kisses….
The reasons I love being single are all the things I hate about being single. I would like to have someone to do things with. I would like to have a place with someone that I can pick out furniture together with. While I know I can do things on my own, I would like to have someone to talk to while I do things other than my son and dogs. I hate being single because of bad first dates, bars, and douche bags that only want to hit it and not take me seriously as a person.
Ultimately, the things I have and accomplish don’t mean as much without someone to share your life with. I mean, the ultimate goal of dating is to find someone to spend time with.
I would like a photo session because it’s just for me. Ive been wanting to do one anyways I’m not getting any younger and would like to commemorate the last year in my 20’s. Who doesn’t want fabulous pictures of themselves? I have never had a romantic Valentine’s Day and would like a gift for myself.
You should pick me because I have been a fan of your work for a while now and think you are amazing. I am hoping flattery gets me everywhere.
I didn’t want to have to get personal but..I am recently divorced. I am a single mom that works full time and goes to school. I miss home, which is Texas. I miss my friends and my old life. I had to move here to be close to my parents so that I could have help raising my son and I have a great job here. I know the people I work with and two other women here and don’t really hang out with them. My closest friends are in Phoenix. I stay home on the weekends. After work, I study then put my son to bed. Then I watch Hulu and surf on the internet. When I do go out, it is to the dog park or somewhere for my son since I feel guilty working all the time. I just need something for me. I am not trying to make you feel sorry for me because I am happy. I know that this is just a phase for adjustment and that better things are in store. It would be nice if this was one them.
This one completely pulled at all of our heart strings and we are happy to offer Lysandra a free boudoir shoot and Whitney of Hera Beauty is also throwing in hair-styling at no charge!!!
Our runner-up Becca was also great and I would like to offer her 10% off of a Ginger shoot with me, as well as a $25 credit toward an album or calendar.
You ladies were all wonderful and I wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day!
Can’t wait to do your shoot Lysandra!!! Congratulations!
{{ photo is Lysandra’s }}
Stay tuned…
So excited about announcing the winner of my Valentine’s Day contest! There are a couple of surprises thrown in too. But we all have to wait until Valentine’s Day to hear who the winner is….boohoo!
Getting ready for a shoot later today and will be back in the office tomorrow afternoon. If you are interested in setting up a photo shoot of your own, please email me from the form that is on my contact page.
Have a happy day everyone and I will be back soon to resume processing images, creating galleries and working on orders! See you soon!
xoxo
Stacie
New Haute Shots Boudoir Calendar
Haute Shots is proud to announce a brand spankin’ new calendar design! While I loved the old calendar that I offered, I couldn’t resist this new one that puts more of the focus on YOUR gorgeous image. It is the perfect way to keep him dreaming of you all year long!
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!
A Living Doll - Las Vegas Boudoir
When Mrs A turned to show me the beautiful job Kat and Rachel had just done with her hair and makeup, I nearly fell over. With her angelic face and flowing blonde hair, I thought she looked just like Barbie! She was a lot of fun to photograph! Thanks Mrs A for a great photo session!
Testimonial to the Power of a Haute Shots Boudoir Session
Just received the nicest thank you card (above) in the mail today from one of my recent clients. There are just so many things I love about what I do for a living but getting notes like these happens to top the list! Thank you to all of my clients who make me feel like I am making a difference in the lives of women somehow. I am constantly amazed by how fabulous each and every one of you truly are!
Away from the Office doing Boudoir Shoots
I will be away doing a couple of Ginger shoots for the next 2 days. If you need me in the meantime, feel free to email me at info@hauteshots.net and I will get back to you as soon as possible. For new inquiries, please contact me via my contact form at hauteshots.net/contact
Happy Sunday to you all!
xoxo
Stacie
Shooting Beauty - Interview for Design Democracy
In my previous life as a Graphic Designer, I was hired by what ended up being the best boss I ever had…Arnold Dela Cruz, an extremely talented Designer and Creative Director. Through him I was able to find my voice as a designer, which I’m sure helped me grow as a photographer too. He knew the power of inspiration for us creatives and he always kept things fresh and regularly encouraged our growth as professionals. Arnold ended up branching off and started one of the coolest sites out there for designers and creatives, called Design Democracy. They are starting a new monthly interview series and kicked it off with an interview of me! I’m incredibly honored!
You can check out the article here. Be sure to look around his site while you’re at it!
Penelope Cruz Knows How to Turn it On
I recently watched an interview with Penelope Cruz on 60 minutes and was impressed with how down-to-earth she was. One of the sexiest actresses of our time admitted to feelings of insecurity, not really knowing how sexy she truly is. But what struck me the most is how she is able to switch the sexy on for her roles in films even if she suffers from self-doubt in that area. For me, that is one of the biggest lessons I have learned about self confidence in general is that by just acting as if you are confident, you can find it from within. For a boudoir session I encourage my clients to do this. You can even act as if you are one of your favorite sexy actresses, like Penelope Cruz! The camera loves confidence, even if it is implied!
To read or watch the interview, click here: The Rising Star of Penelope Cruz - Charlie Rose Profiles the Sexy Superstar
{{ image via: Cinema Is Dope - Official still that was used in the original US release of the film. }}
French Girls - Sexy and BRAVE!
Stumbled upon this video today by French Electronica group, “Make the Girl Dance” and was blown away by the bravery of these girls. Their confidence is incredibly sexy and I love how their nakedness seems almost natural and rather innocent if it weren’t for the shocked glances of onlookers. Fun song too! It’s being used for the new Victoria Secret Bombshell commercials. Love the French accent! Ohh la la!
She’s Got The Look - Vegas Boudoir
She walked through the door wearing a stylish black wrap-around dress and fashionable boots with no makeup, hair unstyled and I was immediately taken aback by her natural beauty. Mrs. A was a statuesque stunner for sure, but was also one of the most genuinely nice and interesting women ever. Her photos (see below) are sure to knock her hubby’s socks off, don’t ya think?
Thank you Mrs. A for a fun session! It was a true pleasure getting to know you during your boudoir session.
(( Hair & makeup by Kat & Rachel of the award-winning HERA Beauty ))
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
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.
P.S. Because of this contest the song below popped into my head and it’s stuck on repeat!
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Beyonce | MySpace Music Videos
New Year’s Resolution - Work Out Regularly
One of my resolutions for the New Year is getting back to the gym regularly. I had been slacking on that big time throughout the holidays and have found myself trying desperately to find motivation to go again. While finding motivation to actually go can be pretty difficult, I have found that once I am there music is the driving force in keeping me there!
What are some of your favorite tunes to work out too? I am sharing some of the songs that make me want to take those extra steps on the cardio machines in an iMix (see below). I find that I am drawn to alt-rock sorts of songs with high energy that are a bit on the quirky side. But I also want to start adding more pop and hip-hop! These are just a couple in my regular rotation. Enjoy!
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