Updates since October

Wow! So much has happened since October! I admit, I've been rather bad about blogging. I love it though and always wish I made more time for it. Here's a quick bullet list of some of our recent accomplishments and news updates!

1) We've had the chance to shoot some amazingly talented people over the past few months. These people include:

Annie Cherry and Bindlestiff Willy



















Red Hot Annie



















Lucky Delux


More on these fantastic people coming up in future blogs, including interviews, web links and more photos...

2) We've been accepted into the Pin Up Syndicate with Retro Lovely Magazine! The first issue is coming out the beginning of April and we are super excited to be working with such a fantastic publication that carries top notch talent! Our favorite models Annie Cherry, Louise LeMans aka Dana Hill, and Chesty Evans are featured in the first issue. This is history folks! Want to buy an issue? Click the link below! Also, when you buy an issue and you get a $25 discount off your next photo shoot and may find yourself gracing the pages of Retro Lovely!

3) Speaking of magazines, we were also featured in Pin-Up Perfection Magazine with one of our favorite models Katie O! Also famous for being Ms. February in the Pinups for Pitbulls 2010 Calender, which we also shot with her. Here is the photo published in the magazine, go buy your very own copy! It has some fantastic recipes. Also, check out Katie O's fantastic side business, Brody's Bakery. She makes the yummiest vegetarian and gluten free goodies! You'd never know you were eating healthy I'm telling you! Her carrot cake is by far the best I've ever had! Links below!

Katie O



















pinupperfectionmagazine.com
Link to Pin Up Perfection Magazine

http://www.brodysbakery.com
Link to Katie O's bakery

4) Speaking of Pin Ups for Pitbulls, we will be working with the lovely gals from this fantastic organization this Friday at the Saint Pittie's Day event held at the Record Bar! Bands featured are The Green Goddammits, The Death Valley Wolf Riders and The Rumblejetts! We will also be there doing Pin Up Photos! Get your photo taken with Little Darling, Audiogirl and Katie O! Pinups for Pitbulls is a fantastic organization that works to educate the public about the history and temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Bully Breeds, to raise awareness about Breed Specific Legislation and Breed-Specific abuse, and to raise funds for bully-breed-friendly rescues and dogs in need. They truly are fantastic gals and they are fighting for animals that cant fight for themselves! Want to come to this event? Want to learn more about Pinups for Pitbulls? Want to buy a 2010 calender and help support this great cause? Links below!














http://www.pinupsforpitbulls.com

Also check out the fantastic bands who will be playing at this event!

The Green Goddammits

Death Valley Wolfriders

The Rumblejetts


5) This weekend we are doing a photo shoot with the lovely and talented gals from Gravity Plays Favorites! I've been a huge fan of these gals for years and I'm so honored we get to work with them! In this shoot we will be featuring clothing from Monkey Wrench Clothing and pasties and fascinator hats by Cherry Riot designs. We are truly excited and feel so honored to work with such a fantastic group of females! If you'd like to check out some of these artist and designers check the links below. More on this shoot soon!!!

Gravity Plays Favorites

Monkey Wrench Clothing

Cherry Riot

6) Last but not least, we had our very first pin up class, cleverly titled Secrets of a Modern Pin-Up! We had some amazing gals involved who presented for us and modeled, our favorites Louise LeMans and Chesty Evans. Candy, our in house make up artist did a fantastic presentation on classic pin up make up with a live demonstration. I did a tutorial on hair, pin curls and victory rolls. Also, we did a brief history of pin up past and present and the lovely Chesty Evans did a section on how to dress vintage, were to buy clothing and lots of other fun goodies. The gals we had involved did such a great job and it was so fun! We are for sure having more classes! Check out our website often for updates on the upcoming classes!!!

I know there's more but this is the bulk of our big news and what comes to my mind. So many great things coming up for us this summer. We will be working with some amazingly talented folks and I cant wait to show you what we can do!!!

Ciao darlings!
Nikki Moreno
Vixen Pin-Up Photography

Mediocrity, Social Status and The One Upper

In today's society it seems things have really been dumbed down for us. Every time I turn on the radio, the tv, open a magazine...there it is. Mediocrity. It seems the more and more we are force feed by the media the more and more we become complacent. Is it just me or does it seem that most of what's out there right now...well...its not very good.

In an age were we have news in the speed of light more and more information is available to us the pressure to be perfect is abundant. Everyone is on the move, myself included. Michael Jackson dies and vast majority of the world knows within 5 minutes! Does this seem insane to you? It does to me! But I digress...the thing I want to talk about today is Mediocrity. Were does it come from, how do you battle it and how do you recognize it.

There are levels in society. People who take what they are given and people who look above and below for something different. A large majority of America is perfectly fine with their Fox news, Superbowl Sunday, Pizza Hut, big gulp, Creed, Wal-Mart, American Idol, Ford truck driven lifestyle. Most people...there are other people, myself included, who say "you know what, I'm not taking this. There is more to life". But it continues even further. So you've surpassed the level of generic America, but then there is the next level...you know Nat Geo watching, Jack Johnson, Starbucks loving America (let me say, if you love these things it does not make you this person, its just a generalization). They are a step up and a little more inclined to be open minded. But no, it doesnt stop there! Then you have your hipsters. They know everything and are cooler then you will ever be (did you NOT see that Urban Outfitters t-shirt they just spent $50 on! That should have told you right away)...or so they think. Most of these people like to read books you've never heard of, music that's local and you will never know and believe me will act completely one above you for having such knowledge and edgy tastes. And then there are the really cool people, like wow, I cant believe how cool they are. They are cooler then hipsters, cooler then mid America, cooler then everyone. You dont even know these people. Because you arent cool enough to know them. They hang out in posh inner circles, dress in designer labels and wear chic vintage clothing and getting into said circles requires major major ass kissing and knowing just the right person, and even then it doesnt gaurentee you a ticket in. And then there's the good people. You know who you are, the people who are just trying to get by. Not trying to feed into the bullshit but still make your mark. We have friends in all groups and we dont discriminate. We read, listen and love varied things but we dont market ourselves under a certain status quo. And then, it goes even further...so much further I'd have to write a novel to break down all of the different social circles that exist. But I've covered the most basics for you above. And the messed up thing, most people dont even know this exists! Its all tongue in cheek and its the same people, running in each of these same little circles constantly trying to out do the other.

These are just a few examples of The One Uppers...

Your soccer mom's have their parent teacher conferences and cocktail party's for their brookside catholic social group. They are all outdoing each other in social status...who has the nicest SUV, who has the wealthiest husband. Its not malicious, and its rarely even spoken about. But believe me, it exists in the minds of these women and its channeled out through katty jibber jabber after a $15 dollar bottle of Pinot Grigio and spin dip at the local Cheesecake Factory.

Then there's the Missouri red necks competing in who has the biggest truck and American eagle decal on their rear view window (equipped with a fake pair of steel balls hanging from the back of the truck, just to PROVE how manly they are!)

The indie kids and their constant attempts to see who can dress the most like a homeless person. (its tragic the styles these kids are wearing and then guys with their over grown beards! UGH! SHAVE PLEASE!)

As you progress up the social circle this "competition" shifts into many different forms. In my social circle for example its art. Art in the form of music, burlesque, photography, painting, small local business and the such. Everyone is trying to out do someone. They all talk. Everyone knows everyone's business, or at least they think they do. And that's were it gets all messed up. Instead of communicating and helping each other and embracing our differences we go around trash talking one another. And each group produces different qualities of work. Much of it could be considered "mediocre" by some people's standards, some of it is good and a few are exceptional. But what work did this person do to get were they are? My belief is if you work hard you will be talented at what you do, you will succeed and will be rewarded for your dedication to your craft. But how do you deal with it when your out there working hard and other people who do the same thing as you throw out mediocre work and are rewarded for it? You can see the lack of skill, the lack of time and effort, the quick fix for self gratification and ego boost. This was something I never dreamed I would encounter upon my entrance into the world of pin-up photography. You have an original idea, you pioneer it and shape it and bust your ass at it and watch the copy cats roll on in! Its just the way the world works. Its mediocrity being praised by mediocrity. So how do you battle this? Well my friends, this is my struggle. I'm not a jealous person. In my core I really believe every person deserves to be respected for whatever it is that they do. My frustration comes when someone pops into the scene, they do something mediocre and years later they havent improved and they walk around acting like they own the world because they've earned a little social status. If you are going to do something, anything, no matter what it is, DO IT WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! Never settle. Grow and learn, be the best you can be. And once I took that approach, I didnt care so much about the copy cats and fly by nights. Because I know I work my ass off at what I do. I'm constantly learning, progressing, meeting new people, networking, building and dreaming as big as the world will let me. I do whatever I can to help lift up my fellow artist and local business owners and hope they will do the same for me. When you take a "we are all in this together" approach everything becomes so much simpler.

My point is, never stop trying to be the best that you can be. No matter what your social circle, no matter what you do or love. Always learn, always evolve and grow. Spending time watching what other people do and wishing you could achieve the same is pointless, its a waste of energy, especially when that desire is channeled into jealousy. This is something I've had to work on over the years. I think we all do when you get right down to it. But when you get to a point were you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus only on yourself and how to grow...well that's when the world is yours.

True success doesnt come easy. If you see someone who is truly successful believe me they worked hard to get there. I believe there is maybe 2% of the population who are just naturally lucky and have had success handed to them. But for them the victory is hollow. When you can say you did it on your own, that's when it makes all the hard work worth it.

My challenge to you, whatever it is you do, do it the best you can. Never stop learning. There will always be someone better then you, prettier/more handsome, more talented, wealthier, cooler. Dont spend your energy focusing on that. Focus on you and making yourself the best you can be.

We can do it!

Love yourself, love yourself everyday. Love your skin, love your eyes, love your hips, love your nose, love your thighs, love your breasts, love your feet. You are unique. No one in this whole world is like you. You deserve to be loved. You deserve to feel beautiful, because you are. Embrace who you are today. Not who you will be or could be. No one is perfect and who would want to be. And trust me, those girls you see who seem perfect, you know the ones. With the perfect life, perfect body, great job, perfect husband...the girl who has everything...you know her. I know her. Well believe it or not she gets down on herself to. She hates her thighs, she wishes she could do what she loved for a living instead of having to be perfect all the time, wishes her husband paid more attention to her. What I'm saying is everyone has a story. Remember that. Focusing on other people and what they have is just wasting your time and bringing females further apart when we should be lifting each other up! What good does being katty do? And remember that only YOU can change how you feel about yourself. If you wait for a man to do it trust me sister it aint ever gonna happen! Look at yourself! Look in the mirror and be happy with who you are today! Flaws and all we are all beautiful! Embrace yourself! Take time for you! You deserve it!

LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH...OFTEN!

Vixen Pin-Up Photography's interview with Ink

Article from Office Space for Ink

by Monica Watrous

Who she is: Owner of Vixen Pin-Up Photography.

How long she’s done it: Two and a half years.

Full service: Moreno photographs women in a retro pinup style — “classic 1920s stuff, World War II pinups, boudoir shots,” she says. She provides it all — hair and makeup, wardrobe, accessories and props.

“The only things we ask clients to bring are fake eyelashes, a good push-up bra and stockings if they want them.”

Scope her gallery or book a shoot at vixenpinupphotography.com.

Not just a pretty face: Clients get more than a set of sexy photos, Moreno says.

“They walk away a little more vivacious.”

Having worked in legal and financial offices in the past eight years, Moreno says her pinup business is a whimsical escape from corporate America.

How to look camera-ready: Moreno suggests standing tall with your chest out, turning to one side with hands on hips and keeping your toes pointed to elongate the body.

“If it feels uncomfortable, you probably look really good.”

Anyone can — and should — model, she says.

“No matter how old or what size you are, we want people to feel beautiful,” Moreno says.

http://www.inkkc.com/article/office-space-nikki-moreno-30

How to have Class, Sass and Ass - Part 1

I've personally known alot of ladies through my line of work. Some who have class but no sass and a few that have ass but no class. So were do we find the balance? How do you remain that sassy verbally outspoken woman while still remaining classy? Well, I'm going to give you a few helpful tips here to bring out that sassy lass with class and ass in you! This will be a series I will be continuing for a few weeks. Hope you enjoy!

Your body is a temple

Partying and Sex
Do you go out every weekend and drink like a fiend and fall down, make out with random people and wake up wondering why's my car in my yard and whose this stranger in my bed? Well, you might need to slow down a little there lass. One of the key properties in being a lady is knowing your limitations and when to say no. Granted there is a time and place for letting your hair down. And by all means do it! But follow these few simple rules...

a) Don't party down every weekend. People dont think "Wow she's a fun party girl!" They think "Wow, girl needs to slow down!". Protect your reputation, and your liver.

b) If you do need to get a little crazy make sure someone else is driving. And do it with trusted friends. Have someone you trust keep an eye on you. We live in dangerous times ladies and it doesnt take much to get yourself a little too drunk and in the wrong situation with the wrong people.

c) Dont make out with other girls to give men a rise. It just makes you look trashy. This rule is especially true for girls who really arent bisexual but want to get every guy in the room's attention.

d) Are you really going home with him? So you met a guy, and he's hot...and your drunk. Get his number and call him the next day. If you go home with him your likely to end up having unprotected sex or maybe in a dangerous situation with a complete stranger. Remember, everything looks much clearer a day later with a sober head.

e) Cheating, even if you were drunk and dont remember, is not acceptable. If you had followed rule b and had someone trusted watching you who said hey, probably not a good idea to cheat on your boyfriend you wouldnt be guilt ridden later. Just say no! If you really want to sleep with this guy break up with your current guy first. Its the least he deserves. No one likes a cheater.

f) If you are going to have sex with a new person make sure to wear protection. Nothing less sexy then some herpes on your mouth. And if its an old lover make sure to get tested before you decide to skip protection. STD rates are sky high ladies! Stand up and say sorry guy, no condom, no poontang. Yes, I just said poontang. Hey, you giggled right? Good!

Omg Becky, look at her butt!

Clothing that fits your body
Having curves is a beautiful thing. But having your tata's and ass hang out makes you look like a tramp! There is a fine line between sexy and trashy. Hear are a few rules to make sure you dont cross the line...

a) Choose one. If you're going to show a little cleavage cover up the booty. Going to show a little booty and some leg, wear a top that's not as revealing. Leaving a little to the imagination does wonders if you're trying to pick up a man. Giving him a free show may give him a rise but it wont make him take you seriously.

b) Buy clothing that fits your body well. Avoid the dreaded muffin top! No no no! Buy jeans that fit your booty! If your jeans do give you a little bulge over your jeans wear a tank top and tuck it into your pants and layer a looser fitting top over it. This way when you bend over your muffins arent there for the whole world to see.

c) No double boob. Trust me, I'm guilty of this being a chesty gal myself. And I know, sometimes it's unavoidable. But if you can, go get fitted for a bra. Most women are walking around wearing the wrong bra size. You'd be surprised how much your under clothes change the effect of your clothing. Invest in good bras and comfortable panties. You can find lots of cute, comfortable panties out there. And cover up those bra straps! You arent Carrie Bradshaw and neither am I! Only time this is in anyway acceptable is if you are wearing the most magnificent bra and dress and they happen to blend nicely with the straps.

d) OMG Shoes! Hooker boots and stripper shoes should remain in one place, the bedroom! Unless you are a stripper or a dancer. And then its ok. Because its your job. Otherwise, put them away ladies.

All the pretty colors!

How to dress your face with your body
This is the one place you will get to have alot of fun and creativity! Make up is fun and more women should take the time to apply some. In this fast paced world most of us dont have the time. Or simply dont know how to apply it. Here are some fun and simple rules for lady like make up:

a) Dont be afraid of color...but know when to use it. I wish more women would wear color. Having a bad day? Put on some red lipstick and tell me you dont feel better! However, there are times and places for color. The work place; unless it is allowed at your place of work should always be a little more subdued. That doesnt mean you shouldn't use color! Just use it in a tasteful way. Dont apply as heavily and choose one, a bolder eye or a bolder lip. At work having both isnt appropriate.

b) So your not at work, what do you wear? Everything ladies! Color is your friend! Experiment, experiment, experiment! There are no rules when it comes to make up. Blue eye shadow and red lipstick can be worn together! Just make sure one is a little more subdued then the other. And plan your wardrobe carefully around your make up choices. Your out on the town look should be carefully planned and executed. From nails, to hair, to make up, clothing and shoes. And dont forget accessories! They really bring a look to life.

c) The general rule is dark eye-nude lip, light eyes-dark lip. Girls, throw this rule out the damn window! As long as your make up is skillfully applied and tastefully done you can be a beauty queen and wear any color you like.

d) If its frosted, steer clear. Unless you are dressing up for an 80's party, just say no!

e) If at first you dont succeed try, try, try again. Most of us dont know how to apply make up. My advice, practice! Take a little time on your weekends to try fun new colors and new looks. Beauty magazines like Vogue and Elle give great tips on make up application. Need one on one help, go to your local Sephora and get a free make over. Ask the make up artist helping you to choose colors that look good with your skin tone and hair color. Have them do the make over were you can watch in the mirror, study their movements and ask questions! Most of all HAVE FUN!

Look out for How to have Class, Sass and Ass - Part 2!

7 gals selected for make overs

Yesterday I selected 7 lucky gals to have make overs by Vixen. I'm very pleased with our group. We have a little of every kind of gal. I had hoped for some more ethnic women to apply but I feel good about the group we have picked out. I was very surprised to see the large response we got. In the beginning for me it was about the person's look and how well that look may translate into camera. But then it became about these amazing women sending me these heartfelt messages saying how they've never felt pretty or please please pick me! My heart strings got pulled a little I have to admit. I am so very excited to get the date set and give these women the time of their life. Its going to be a wonderful and memorable experience.

Just thinking about all of these messages. Statements like "I look horrible without make up", "I'm not very pretty" or "I'm sure there are prettier girls you will choose". Just breaks my heart! I am just as guilty as the next gal at self deprecating behavior. Its a struggle for us all. But at the core of my being I believe the more women bad talk themselves and believe they arent beautiful because they dont have perfect skin or a perfect body the further down the scale we go in our rights and abilities as women. We have to stand up and be strong! Believe we are beautiful! Believe we deserve to be loved, adored and cherished! I truly within my heart of hearts believe you have to be our own cheerleader. Cause baby, aint no one else gonna do it for you!

To make over or not to make over, that is the question...

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep land and my brain became flooded with ideas. Apparently this is idea time for my brain. Not quiet ready to shut down for the night. I occurred to me that we've done some amazing make over's and transformations with Vixen yet we've never done any before and after shots! So I decided today we would recruit gals for before and after make over photos.

I've already began the process and we've had a great response! Some naturally beautiful gals have already contacted us who will be great for make overs. I'm doing my best to be very selective though. I would like ladies with very striking features so we can really show off how much of a difference the hair, make up and photoshop helps. Hopefully if real women can see that the women we shoot arent super models, they are real women just like you and me what we do will be more relatable. I want every woman to know the joy of that first reveal! When you turn around and see the amazing transformation. We've literally had women who never believed they were pretty before we worked with them. Its so fun to see them touching their face in disbelief. That is the most rewarding feeling of all. We ALL deserve to feel beautiful. Every single one of us. I'll keep everyone posted on our progress with this project!