Laretta Houston

Schon Magazine Editorial

2011-10-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

The magazine is a wonderful. It gives a different perspective on the art of photography. Make-up by Erica Bogart, Accesories by Avnah and model Tico. http://www.schonmagazine.com http://www.larettahouston.com

Fenuxe Magazine Editorial

2011-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great shoot with models from Chosen Management for an all male magazine editorial. Great make up by Erica Bogart and styling by Robert Ballew. - http://www.larettahouston.com

Stacey Dash for Runway Magazine

2011-07-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed working with Stacey Dash. She definitely has the secret for looking youthful. She looks like she did when she was in the movie Clueless. Thanks you Hayden for the wardrobe styling. Check out the pictures I shot of her along with her interview in the Summer issue of Runway Magazine. You can also find Stacey Dash on twitter.

- Laretta Houston

Nejilka Arias of St. Claire Modeling

2011-07-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Nejilka came down from New York to shoot. Beauty that is undescribable along with a down to earth personality. She will go far. Wardrobe by Avnah. - Laretta Houston

Beauty Editorial - Beauty Euphoria with Runway Magazine

2011-07-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

The beauty editorial I shot for Runway Magazine. We brought in the make-up trends of Summer along with wardrobe that enhanced the colors more. Jomarys Castillo was the model which she recently signed with Click Models of Atlanta. It was a pleasure to work with such a great team. - Laretta Houston

Runway Magazine Beauty Editorial - Spring Issue

2011-03-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.larettahouston.com

Amber

2011-03-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Awareness of Your Weakness

2011-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Juliana Romano, Keep the Dark Out of Your Mind

“Encourage yourself by remembering that any detection of negativity within you is a positive act, not a negative one. Awareness of your weakness and confusion makes you strong because conscious awareness is the bright light that destroys the darkness of negativity. Honest self-observation dissolves pains and pressures that formerly did their dreadful work in the darkness of unawareness. This is so important that I urge you to memorize and reflect upon the following summary: Detection of inner negativity is not a negative act, but a courageously positive act that makes you a new person.”

-- Vernon Howard

http://www.larettahouston.com
Laretta Houston

Not at the cost of yourself.

2010-08-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

"You do not need to be loved, not at the cost of yourself. The single relationship that is truly central and crucial in a life is the relationship to the self. Of all the people you will know in a lifetime, you are the only one you will never lose." - Jo Courdert

Commercial Shots with Laretta Houston & Fenuxe Magazine

2010-07-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

Laretta Houston had the honor to shoot an editorial for Fenuxe Magazine. Below are some of the shots from the editorial.

http://www.larettahouston.com

Crystal Wrights Workshop

2010-07-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Laretta Houston will be on Crystal Wright's Atlanta Workshop Panel next Sunday, July 18, 2010 in Atlanta, GA! I am very honored and grateful. For more information about her workshops click here.

http://www.larettahouston.com

...

2010-06-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

There's a sweetness between honey and pain. - Larayia
Source

Love - Sweetest Thing In Life

2010-06-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

Original Source.

Back When...

2010-06-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

Original Source.

I miss the days of when photography was just a hobby. Now my days consist of phone calls, ton of emails, organizing teams, storyboard with clients, agency model searches, editing photos, web sites and contracts. But when i think of it all, I am blessed with talent for creativity.

Before the Paint

2010-05-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

Before i went to school for Multimedia and Web Design, i went to school for visual communication which is now called Graphic Design. During those days of being a student of Graphic Design, i developed a passion to draw and create abstract art but it fell off due to so called "Life".

15 years later today, i decided to pick it up again and play with paints to create "Art" on wood as an art piece. This is the drawing before the paint.

A Short Supply of Love

2010-05-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

When the feeling they give you is one that you will sacrifice any part of yourself to feel, when imagining its loss causes you physical pain, when you must lie to yourself and all around you to keep from facing a reality that is plain to see, this might be love.

When being around them makes you so acutely aware of yourself, your ego, appearance, shortcomings, strengths, weaknesses - to the point it controls every thought in your mind and everyone else appears in two-dimensions...when you can lay next to them silently cursing their faults for hours until you have to feel their touch.

If you feel it's there, you should take and give whatever you can, because i have a feeling it'll be in short supply one day.

19th Hole Magazine & Fashion Photographer Laretta Houston

2010-05-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Behind the scene for a mag editorial.

Editorial Shoot with fashion & beauty photographer Laretta Houston

2010-05-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes shooting for a client.

Client Editorial Shoot (Behind the Scenes)

2010-05-10T08:51:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple behind the scene shots taken by my intern the day of the shoot. Shooting beauty that concentrated on the hair was great and fun. I like how he shot everyone including myself as a creative team collaboration.

The Four Agreements

2010-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

By Melanie Keveles, MA, CPCC, MCC - Master Certified Coach

If you haven't given the small book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz a quick read, you're really missing a useful and inspiring piece of writing. The inside jacket of this paperback book spells out the essence of his message. He lists four agreements or commitments to make to yourself. Allow me to paraphrase:

Be impeccable with your word - speak with integrity, don't speak ill of yourself or others. Use your words for good.

Don't take anything personally - whatever others may say is more about them than about you - so don't take their words as gospel. As you stay out of the need for approval, you'll avoid needless suffering.

Don't make assumptions - be willing to ask questions and seek clarity. Ruiz claims that this one agreement alone could completely transform your life.

Always do your best - by doing your best, whatever that may be at any given moment, you eliminate the possibility that you will judge yourself.

Aren't these agreements worthwhile? Who would argue with the strength and simplicity of this message? The rest of the book offers commentary and examples to encourage you to put these commitments into practice.

Be Kind

2010-04-29T05:14:00.001-07:00

We have to try extra hard to be nicer to each other! You never know what is going on in someone's life behind closed doors, that just might push them over the edge. Especially those that we idolize then condemn for being human! You must learn when to fight and when it it's self-destruction to continue in the battle!

Don't let anger, bruised egos, and arrogance block your vision! Show people you love them today! Forgive them right now for whatever you feel they have done. The last thing you say to someone, just might be the last thing you say! Choose your words wisely!!!

Via Tai

Being In Love Isn't Enough

2010-04-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

When you love hard, you tend to fall harder! When you don't love at all, you tend to be lonely and bitter! When you love half heartedly, you tend to have major trust issues! What is loving just enough so that you don't loose sight of self in the midst of being in love?

The answer is learn how to love yourself completely first! Before you venture out to love someone else!

Via Tai

2010-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

We wanted to thank all of you whom was able to make it out to this special event. We hope you did some networking and made some great contacts for yourself and your business. For those of you that did not make it out we hope you will be able to make it to our next event. This was a great turnout as the building was packed.
Here the blog: http://www.famfiend.com/2010/04/lightscamerafashion.html

---------------Important Information About the Mixer--------------------

Also for those of you that came out we had flyers, comps, and business cards on the table. We hope you were able to take a look at them because they had everything to do with the event and the projects that Laretta has in the works or is involved in. If you did not get a chance to pick them up or have any questions you can ask me at marika.dye@gmail.com. Here is some addition information on what was placed on the tables if you missed it or was not able to come out:

- Bleu Boudoir Photography - Laretta's new project. If you would like to know more please write "Bleu Boudoir Photography" in your search bar above and "Become a Fan".

- Laretta Houston Photography - If you would like keep up with her latest work please "Become a Fan" of Laretta Houston Photography or if you have twitter please follow her @ http://www.twitter.com/larettahouston

- P*3 Lab - Our makeup artist Mia "Mimi" Johnson. If you are interested in more info on her or her upcoming mixers please add her or I can get you in touch with her. For more info on her dynamic makeup studio please visit http://www.p3-lab.com/.

- Social Surf - This is my company which consists of social media services. If you are interested please email me here or @ marika.dye@gmail.com. There will be a fan page for this shortly. www.socialsurfmedia.com is also coming soon!

- Spa Salon Pro - Since we are in the business that consists of makeup artists (whom are often involved in skincare) and hairstylists we decided to offer you an online solution that will keep you keep all of your client appointments organized which will also create more clientele. Please become a fan of Spa Salon Pro and visit www.spasalonpro.com. You can also follow us at www.twitter.com/spasalonpro.

- Bizography Inc - If you need a website that is database driven, product based (e-commerce) or full-serviced at any rate there is NOTHING we can't do. We specialize in websites that help your business grow. Please visit www.bizography.com for more info.

--------------------------Thank YOU Again!---------------------------------

Hope ALL of you that came out got a chance to meet the lady of the night, Laretta Houston. If not, that means you will just have to come to the next event *wink*. There were so many of you that I was not able to meet everyone but hope to see all of you next time. Hope everyone had a great time!

Thanks again! ♥

Email & Marie Claire Fashion

2009-10-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

An email i received today. This is the main reason why i love to do what i do because i love helping models. The ones who are very positive, uplifting, passionate, grateful and humble.

Laretta, your pics continue to be the strongest pics in my book. last weekend i shot for Marie Claire fashion, 8pgs. The designer told me i was picked because he fell in love with your photos, particularly the Grace Jones inspired pics. WOW i knew shooting with you was going to change my life and as soon as i get back i cannot wait to work with you again. I have extended my stay again to gain a few more editorials and i am praying for acting and commercials opportunities as well. I hope all is going well with you at your agency. All my love. Big kisses. Please give the whole team my love for the work we did together. People have asked about my make up as well, i have to send Yeikov some love.

Big kisses,
Gail Parri

http://www.larettahouston.com

Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010

2009-10-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Happiness & Prosperity

2009-10-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Want peace happiness & prosperity? Stop the internal conflict with everything, everybody and every thought. Stay peaceful all day! :D

http://www.larettahouston.com

Your Dreams

2009-09-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Be confident in your dream. Act like it's a done deal. Plan like it's already happened. Be confident God will finish what He started. Phil 1:6

Happiness & Growth

2009-09-16T06:42:00.001-07:00

"I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."

Explore. Dream. Discover.

2009-09-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Best Motivation Video Ever!

2009-09-14T16:32:00.001-07:00

Change your environment

2009-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Others view of you does not determine your potential. Sometimes your dreams are bigger than your environment. You may need to change your environment to experience your dreams being fulfilled.

Realizing we are limited in our current environment is the first step to realizing a change is needed. Changing your perspective better accesses how you can succeed regardless of circumstance. Sometimes a part of that limiting environment is people who speak negatively about what they 'think' you cannot attain. Get rid of negative. Just because they don't value you does not negate your ability to achieve. Imagine if Jordan believed the coach who kicked him off the team when he was a kid? How many other talented kids who were told 'you aren't good enough' would have never even tried if Jordan hadn't succeeded, excelled, broke records, and barriers?

Perception is how one views their immediate environment. While this can help to an extent, it is limited. One who is incarcerated could put on Rose Colored shades and try to make the most of the stay, however it doesn't change the element of that environment, it simply helps them to cope with that environment.

Some times it is absolutely necessary, regardless how painful, to remove one's self from one environment and to be placed in another that is more supportive to your growth and efforts. Words are powerful and negative ones do hurt. Its been said that Even Trees can Wither from constant negative aggression.

Like a tree extracted from dry soil and replanted at the edge of running waters. There are times where positive changes of environment are necessary for us to be fruitful.

A Lyschel Hicks status.

High Fashion Photographer Laretta Houston | Atlanta Magazine Shoot

2009-09-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

5 things I'm grateful for TODAY

2009-09-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

5 things I'm grateful for TODAY: My relationship with GOD, My Health, My creative gift, my family & friends and my good health!

2009-09-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

The greatest & most important problems in life are all in a certain sense insoluble. They can never be solved, but only outgrown. Life can come & go. The better way to deal with all ups & downs in life is to furnish your mind with inspirational and meaningful sayings that will help lift your spirit up. The messages can change your life & thinking, but most importantly, they can make you feel motivated & energized.

Testing with Models

2009-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

1. What type of photography do you provide?

I shoot high fashion, commercial and head shots as well as engagement photos.

2. Do you have a studio? Where do you shoot?

I do have studio space in Atlanta as well as in New York City and Los Angeles. I also shoot on location if need be.

3. What are your rates?

My price varies depending on the scope of the project.

4. Are you represented by an agency?
Yes i am and very blessed to be working with them.

5. Is retouching included?
Retouching is not included and there is an extra fee for that for any additional photos not included in the agreement.

6. Do you test with models?

Yes on a case by case basis depending on the workload i have from my rep agency.

7. Do you require model release?

Yes i do as my rep agency and lawyer requires it.

8. With testing with models do i get every image on a CD?

No. You will only receive the selected 2 edited images per look, hand picked by me in high resolution. Any additional photos you may want will have to be purchased.

9. Do you sell any of your photos from any testing with models? No i don't sell any photos to a third party to be used commercially.

Favorite Quote

2009-09-08T07:45:00.001-07:00

"It's not what people say and do to you but how you respond to what they say and do to you that matters."

Behind the Scene Photoshoot in New York City

2009-02-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Ice Beauty

2009-01-08T12:59:00.001-08:00

Beauty Mask, originally uploaded by Half Pinay - Laretta Houston.

I am on this beauty kick right now so i am constantly thinking of new concepts to make beauty pictures more unique. This is one of a 3 picture editorial.

Photographer: Laretta Houston
Art Director: Laretta Houston
Model: Emily
Makeup Artist: Face It By Marz

Another Chapter Closed in 2008, Another Has Begun in 2009

2009-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Every end of the year is like the end of a final chapter in my book of life. As I reflect on the year 2008, I think about the struggles that I have overcome and acknowledge the things I failed to do as well.

While taking inventory of my life and marking off one by one the list of things I acknowledge what are my strengths and weaknesses, I am excited and blessed to be making plans and moving forward to the New Year.

This is the time at the end of the year to open doors and close the ones that have not benefit me. This includes and is not limited to opportunities, love, friends and more. I also utilize this time to measure my milestones and to set goals in order to move forward. This helps me to abandon the limitations that has held me back and to bring in the new year with open arms for the unexpected.

With an open mind and heart, I can avoid setting limits and stop being a victim of my own mindset. I can reflect on why things may not what I hoped for them to be and question my own behavior in the situation. This is my opportunity to decide to change and mend fences where it has been neglected. It's time to be bold and to make things happen instead of waiting for it to fall into my lap.

I don't want to go into the new year with a fear of commitment and the opportunity not to know others. I will only limit myself from building new relationships with people. It really is about taking advantages of new experiences and not letting fear of failure get you off the path you are suppose to take in life. It's about searching for satisfaction in our own accomplishments in life, to search for the new and challenge our growth.

In conclusion, though this year may have handed me experiences of sadness, grief, loss, emptiness and conflicts, life is still full of happiness. Remember that time is a wonderful gift that God has given us and we should live life to the fullest with hope, love, joy, kindness and new adventures.

Be blessed and have a Happy New Year!