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Raleigh Wedding Photographers bio picture

Who I am . . . .

At heart, I am a kid.
At play, I am an artist.
At work, I'm giving a 100% of who I am to my art.
At home, I am a Mom and a wife and an accountant
and a nurse and a chauffeur and a cleaning lady
and a landscaper and an interior decorator and a chef.
I'm not perfect at it, but I work very hard at it everyday.

What you should know about me . . . . .
I'm entirely laid back and fun.
I like making people laugh.
I love a challenge.
My artistic eye and penchant for relating to people, I recognize and
embrace as my gift.
Being a photographer doesn't define who I am, but it certainly has
shaped the person I've become.
I'm a better person because of my photography and my clients;
my muses!

Am I wise? . . . . .
I've come so far and gained so much as a person by experiencing the
good alongside the bad.
I believe that in every obstacle or sticky situation in life, there is
an opportunity for growth in some way.
That a day not thinking about the future is a day neglected.

I am unique. I am close to my heart.
Bottomline, this is me!

Monthly Archives: June 2009

Jenni – 1st Vintage Vixen shoot in my new studio

I met Jenni at the January Forever Bridal Show. The thing that struck me funny in hindsight was the fact that it was her Mom’s eyes who were caught by the Vintage Vixen display I had. Jenni was in full steam ahead bride mode jumping right on over to my table of wedding albums. It wasn’t until Jenni’s Mom pointed out the Vintage Vixen’s did she take notice and thought that this is something she could do for her fiance. With Mom’s additional encouragement ( cool Mom! ) Jenni decide that Swank Photo Studio along with Vintage Vixen’s was the right choice for her wedding day photography as well as for her special little something for him!

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Swank Photo No Studio, No More!

My love and labor and I’ve done it. I’m proud to introduce my space. My tangible 1200 sq.ft. space. Swank Photo Studio. 

The funny of this past year has once again been my name. Swank Photo No Studio was the butt of my jokes as naming myself that last June felt so funny since I was a virtual studio. Who would’ve thought a year later that I’d land myself in Smithfield ( I choose to call it S-town ) in an old building, one that I really did dream of and actualize for myself and my photography. Patience and timing with a sprinkle of luck brought me here by way of Sam & Cate, the former bridal registry boutique now turned Swank Photo Studio.

The journey of sweat, labor, and late nights, dry eyes, shopping, and credit card melting has resulted in my eclectic open style space. Every inch of my studio is for shooting. I didn’t want one corner to not be good for shooting and I’ve designed the space with function over form in mind. 

It was super fun shopping for all of the pieces and elements to my new studio. I thank all the staff and products at the following stores for being a huge part in the development of my studio: Pier One, IKEA, Recmar, Denver Fabrics, Home Goods, Home Decorator’s, Shop Wild Things, Lowe’s, Oriental Furniture, Southeast Moulding, Lamps Plus, & Market 231 for my swank new business cards and signage. 

The thought of parking my business in Smithfield was a little scary for me, for one reason and one reason only. The distance people may have to travel to come see me. But there are perks to taking the 1/2 hour ride east of Raleigh. Literally 3 miles down the road are THEEEE OUTLETS, ladies! And the town of Smithfield is really cute. Home to several low key eateries and coffee shops. Jewel’s dress boutique is my neighbor across the street.

 I’m really impressed with the town of Smithfield thus far. The storeowner’s and people are very friendly and welcoming and might I add helpful.  There are TONS of great shooting spaces. I’ve been checking it out and I’m excited to explore. The surrounding areas are going to be ideal for my Senior photography and children’s photography. It’s got a small city feel and appeal in a country town. 

And my studio is open for rent as well to other photog’s looking for a place to shoot in a pinch should weather prevail or if they’re looking for a new locale. 12 ft. ceilings in 1200 sq. ft of open studio space. Tons of natural light in the storefront bay windows. You’re welcome to all of my props and lighting equipment for your session. Some props will be rotated out on a yearly basis to keep the change coming. Props include a queen bed with sheets that can be changed out, a wall of backdrops(10 total and easy sliding for easy use), 3 antique doors on casters for easy moving and manipulation for shoots, a decorative tiled wall, a swing in an old service elevator platform, dressing area with vanity and full length mirror, refreshments for you and your clients, papasan chair, heating pad for baby shoots, prop closet full of clothing, accessories and such for your sessions. Please inquire if you’re interested in using Swank for your photography session. stacy@swankphotostudio.com

So, with that, my dream is born. I’m excited for the year ahead, my SMS workshop in TX in August, and to further develop my brand, the paisley peacock.

Welcome to Swank Photo Studio!!!!! I’m all smiles and my door is always open.

Stacy

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Tickled Aunt is Me!

So proud, well, you’d think I’d be saying that of the actual parents, although they are too! But it’s really me I am speaking of, of the newest addition to our family. My brother and his wife welcomed Baby Grant on June 14th. The welterweight weighed in at 6lbs. 7oz. and 19 3/4 inches long at 1:19 AM. 

I was fortunate enough to have the weekend off from weddings and I mean that doubly because of the 100+ temps.from this past weekend(got to avoid a wedding on that day!) and also that it couldn’t have timed better to meet my new nephew.

Made the trek up to Washington,DC with grandma. Grandpa was away on a business trip and my own husband afforded me the additional luxury of the adult only atmosphere. It was a nice breather for me. Love my kiddos, but we all need a break time to time.

Little Grant is quite the sleeper. I believe that he actually give my other brother Craig a run for his money in this department. God Bless you little Grant. Looking forward to documenting all of your milestones!

Aunt Stacy

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Cupcake Couple

Candace approached me wanting a second engagement session. Not asking ‘why’ and just rising to the occasion we planned our urban session for downtown Raleigh. She had expressed that they had already had a more rural setting for their first session and were going for something different, with a different photographer altogether.  I had a little bite of sweetness up my sleeve.

So we started out at Moore’s Square and headed down to the Warehouse District in downtown for some ultra chic urban pics. The dichotomy of her 50′s style dress coupled with the rustic downtown area made for some contrasting pictures. But I couldn’t take my mind off of ending up in Glenwood South area of Raleigh with one reason in mind only . . . The Cupcake Shoppe!

And so I did, purchase them each a cupcake and just watched as the proverbial sweetness unfolded all over a bottle of Crush. How apropos.

Cheers, Candace & Waji!

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