Summer is heating up...

Summer sure did seem to take a while to show up this year in montana but now its arrived in full force! It's time to start thinking about those fun outdoor shoots. The themes are endless so let the creativity begin. You can embrace the pinup in just about any occasion...picniking, fishing, bbq, riding a bike, getting ice cream, etc. Your 40's transformation is awaiting you! Contact Lady West to get your appointment set up: ladywestphotography@gmail.com

Where to get your nails done?

Looking for a place to get your nails done in Missoula? I know just the person!

Jaclyn Sheridan is my top choice when it comes pampering hands and feet. Jaclyn is a master nail tecnician at A Kreative Touch and specializes in acrylic nails and spa pedicures. Jaclyn has personally done my nails for several years and I can honestly say you will be satisified with the outcome. With the weather warming up it will be time to bring out those open toe shoes and you'll want those feet looking their best. So what are you waiting for, make your appointment with Jaclyn today!

Meet our Makeup Artist

Lady West Photography would like to introduce you to Meg Hansen, the makeup artist we work with for our photoshoots. Meg is an experienced, licensed esthetician that provides top notch skin care. She does an amazing job helping transform our clients into beauties of the 1940's. She also has a positive up beat attitude at every shoot that helps the client feel at ease and comfortable. Meg is involved in the community of Missoula and helps bring back the glamour of the 40's in her every day life. She has competed in pinup competitions, done several photoshoots, picture has been used for Cherry & Olive Designs, she's modeled for Nicole Katherine Designs, and is part of Missoula's new burleque group, just to name a few things. When Meg isnt helping with photoshoots she can be found at "3209" where you can schedule for customized facials, full service body waxing, lash/brow tinting, and make-up services.

If you would like more info and exclusive deals you can follow Meg on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meg-3209/185560711470505?ref=ts

Here are samples of Megs makeup work:

Roller Derby - Not for the weak!

Lady West Photography had the opportunity to take pictures of Broken BabyDoll who grew up in Montana. She now lives in Northern California and is part of the Silicon Valley Roller Girls. BB Doll has been with the league from the beginning and helped it get its start. Through those years she has had quite the journey. Her biggest challenge was having to have two back surgeries (these injuries/surgeries were not caused by derby). The first was a discectomy and the second was fusion. They removed 2 discs and replaced them with cement and bone fusion. Even though she could not skate she continued to be part of the league volunteering and helping in any way she could. Eventually she was able to use skating as part of her physical therapy to help build strength and muscle. As her back healed and stamina returned she started reffing with a goal to back on the team. With lots of work and determination she is happily on the team KillaBytes for SVRG getting bruised up and hip checking!

People often get the idea that roller derby is fake and staged fighting. This stereotype is very wrong! Those girls are out there practicing every week developing their skills, working out, and icing injuries just like any other athlete. Leagues have a set of rules they have to follow and keep sportsmanship behavior (that's right to contrary belief there is no punching allowed). They are dedicated and hard workers. The leagues are non-profit so it's up to them to fund raise to keep their teams going. They also stay active in their communities by helping charities and public events. There's so much more to roller derby then meets the eye and you would be surprised what you learn from the skaters.

If you would like to find out more on roller derby you can follow Broken BabyDoll on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/pages/Broken-BabyDoll/119693498097776

Miss R.R Design

I've had the pleasure of talking to a beautiful corset designer over the last couple months. Jessica is the owner/designer of Miss R.R Design and a Missoula local. I will soon be doing a few photoshoots for her and I highly suggest her if you are looking for a custom corset. Jessica has nearly 15 years of sewing experience, 10 of which has been spent making corsets. She drafts all her own patterns so each corset is custom to the client. She works from a variety of her own designs, as well as working with the client to create a truly unique piece if that's what they are looking for. She's now branching out into doing Burlesque inspired pieces, as well as modern and historically inspired designs. Jessica follows the ideal that everyone can wear a corset, it's not restricted by body type, it's about finding what will work for each. She also does generic XS up to 3XL sizing, but prefers to work with custom sizing, of which there is no limit. Pricing ranges from $75 for a basic, plastic boned Cincher style (the Bettie) up to $300. For more customized designs and embelishments, a consultation is required. Each corset will be made with triple stitching, reinforcing the seams, two part grommets for lacing, and waist tape. Corset accessories are also available: modesty plates (permanent or removeable), attatchable garters.
On each custom corset, a lifetime limited warrenty applies. If any damange is sustained by normal wear, it is covered and repaired for just the cost of shipping. Warping or damange due to anyone aside from the client wearing the garment is not covered.
You can find more information on Miss R.R Design from the following websites:
http://missripredrum.nfshost.com/
http://www.facebook.com/miss.rip.redrum
http://missripredrumdesign.blogspot.com/

Reviews

What clients have to say...

Courtney: "I had a wonderful time working with Lady West Photography; she was so patient with my rather stubborn dog and my lack of modeling skills :) I was absolutely thrilled with my photos and was so excited to mail them to my husband in Iraq!! Thank you Lady West for such a GREAT job!!!"

Tara: "Lady West is always fantastic! She's the quickest draw for the camera, to capture those great moments to keep forever. I always fun and am fully comfortable working with her. You get not only a good time at a shoot, but wonderful pictures as well!"

Heather:  "oh my gosh you guys are so amazing... I cannot say thank you enough..... it was SO MUCH FUN! Three thumbs up to you!"

Robin: This was a fun shoot, and these turned out so nice (rare for such a goof like myself). If anyone needs photos or head shots, HIRE THIS WOMAN!! He he... ;-)

Valentine Special

It's not to early to start thinking about your Valentines Day gift for your special loved one.
Lady West Photography will be having a mini package just for Valentines, the package includes:
-1/2 hour - 1 hour photoshoot
-use of props
-black background with pink or red satin accents or animal print
-small gift for you
-4 fully edited images
   *they'll be printed as 5x7's and you can choose one of those to be an 8x10 as well
-price: $55 or $45 if you contact before Jan 15th to make your appointment

If you've always wanted to get a photoshoot done but couldnt afford it, here's your chance with this low cost. This mini package will make for a great surprise for your loved one and you will have fun and gain confidence as well
To make your appointment contact Lady West Photography at: ladywestphotography@gmail.com

Company Work

Over the past year I have had the pleasure to work with several people and their companies. I would like to take a minute to introduce you to a few of them and their wonderful talents.

First is Shelley, an amazing hairstylist at Gregg's Hair Co. in Missoula. She specializes in 30's and 40's hairstyles to give you the perfect "pinup" or "rockabilly" look you desire. As of this last year Shelley is now an associate educator for Matrix.

Here is a photo of an elegant hairstyle done by Shelley that is 40's inspired.

Nicole Katherine Designs is a vintage inspired clothing line that I've been able to do several photoshoots for. Nicole Katherine and her models are always a joy to work with. Not only have I done shoots for NKD but I've also donated photoshoots to her pinup contest winners. If you're looking for clothes that make you feel good, fit right, and show off your girly side I highly suggest Nicole Katherine Designs.

You can find out more about NKD and view the clothes at:

http://www.nicolekatherine.com/ and www.facebook.com/nicolekatherinedesigns

Here are a couple photos from her past work.

 

Through Nicole Katherine Designs I met the designer of Cherry & Olive Designs. They specialize in one of a kind hand painted items inspired by vintage rock and roll music and fashion. Their style is unique and not ridiculously over priced. I've been able to several photoshoots of their beautiful jewelry on models such as Nicole Katherine, Stella Pearl, and Birdie La Rouge.

You can learn more about the products Cherry & Olive Designs offer at:

http://www.cherryandolive.com/ http://www.cherrynolivedesigns.etsy.com/ and www.facebook.com/CherryAndOliveDesigns

Here is a photo of Stella Pearl modeling a necklace from Cherry & Olive Designs:

Photoshoot with Birdie La Rouge

Operation Recuperation Pinup Contest Winner 2010: Birdie La Rouge
Missoula had its first ever pinup girl contest in 2010 during a fundraiser for Operation Recuperation a non-profit for wounded soldiers and vets (This event was put on by Nicole Katherine the owner/designer of Nicole Katherine Designs). Several ladies competed for the title and Birdie La Rouge walked away with title and crown. One of her prizes was a photoshoot with Lady West Photography and here are a few photos from the photoshoot (in the photos Birdie is wearing a dress by Nicole Katherine Designs & a necklace by Cherry & Olive Designs). Birdie La Rouge was a complete sweetheart to work with and we hope to do future projects with her.

Another year gone, Another one begins

This last year Lady West Photography went through some reconstruction. I shifted the focus to empowering woman of all ages, giving them a chance to spoil themselves and release their beauty. Everyone deserves a chance to play dress up, forget their worries, and just have fun. I'm pleased with how 2010 turned out so here's a recap for all of you on how it went.

We had the pleasure to work with a variety of different models and clients from all over. We had a photoshoot with Birdie La'Rouge a wonderful actress/model who was the winner of the Operation Recuperation Pinup Contest held here in Missoula. Stella Pearl who modeled beautiful jewelry for Cherry & Olive Designs. Broken BabyDoll a Silicon Valley Rollerderby girl was in town visiting and we had a great time doing a photoshoot that mixed glamour with skates. Also continued our work with the talented designer Nicole Katherine (www.facebook.com/nicolekatherinedesigns).

This year we had a lot of success with our "Stars & Stripes" package, a special shoot dedicated to those who have loved ones in the military or for those who are serving. Montana had several soldiers get sent overseas and we were more then happy to help show our support to these brave individuals. Another popular package was the "Pinups & Paws" where girls posed with their furry best friend to capture memories that will last them forever. We even had our first contest for a chance to win a free photoshoot. We had several entries and a difficult decision to make but we made it and had a fantastic photoshoot with our winner.

We look forward to all the new things 2011 will bring. We will continue our work with Shelley at Gregg's Hair Co. We can work together with you to give you a retro, sexy one-of-a-kind photo shoot for any special occasion. Shelley specializes in 30's and 40's hairstyles and that includes the "rockabilly" style. You don't have to cut your hair to get some of those looks; she can provide it, faux! This year we will also have all our packages we currently offer, have new specials, another contest, and provide pinup parties; all to bring glamour back.

We wish all of you a wonderful 2011 and may it be filled with blessings.
-Lady West Photography
www.facebook.com/ladywestphotography