The digital edition of the March 2012 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

In this issue I reviewed products for the senior photographer by Gradybug Designs, Design Aglow, Black River Imaging, Jamie Schultz Designs, and the PURPOSE Senior Posing Guide.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 48 and page 50 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

Don’t get Professional Photographer Magazine? Subscribe here!




And my latest “Web Exclusives” column went live yesterday on Professional Photographer Magazine’s website.

It’s titled “Best of Bags Guide: Pompidoo Cologne Bag and Shootsac Tote & Shoot” and reviews a Pompidoo Idle Turquoise Cologne Bag and a Red SHOOTSAC Tote & Shoot – including ‘equipment test’ photos of just what each bag could hold. Check it out here!




Check back soon for more great features and giveaways!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. “Like” the new Panache Collective Facebook page!

Next up is an incredible prize pack from Miller’s Professional Imaging / Miller’s Design Market / EW Couture Collection. Go here to view the “Miller’s Lab EW Couture Exclusive Line“.

By Elena Wilken of EW Couture Collection: “I am honored to carry a line of EW Couture Collection template designs exclusive for Miller’s Lab, through Miller’s Lab Design Market store.

Browse Christmas card templates, baby announcements, senior graduation announcements, senior rep cards, 4×8 acordion books, accordion minis with custom covers, custom printed DVDs and cases, custom wallet boxes, albums layouts, sell sheets/brochures and other marketing materials…..just about everything you could use to market your photography business! From folded Luxe cards to classic folded and accordion cards, to flat cards, all photographer templates are customizable, layered Photoshop files. [click here for more]

In addition, that lucky reader will also receive the following templates from EW Couture Collection through their Miller’s Design Market Exclusive Line:

• Scarlets Notebook 4×8 Accordion Book

• Framed-Stone Wash Rep Ornate Luxe Card Mini Bundle

• Victorian-Stone Wash 3×3 Ornate Luxe Cards Mini Bundle

• Adventures 7×5 Ornate Top Folded Luxe Card

• One of a Kind 5×5 Ornate Top Folded Luxe Card

• 12×12 album (12 pano layouts and custom cover)

So how do you snag this awesome prize pack for yourself? It’s easy!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win a @millerslab / MillersLab.com Design Market prize pack by @elenawilken / EWCouture.com at @PaperieBoutique – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Miller’s Professional Imaging on Facebook.

3. Like EW Couture Collection on Facebook.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the four things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked one or both vendors on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 23rd. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for both the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

A big thank you to Miller’s Professional Imaging / Miller’s Design Market / EW Couture Collection for this amazing prize pack! And don’t forget to visit the EW Couture Collection monthly free template goodies!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! Check and see if your favorite vendor is there!

Click over here and see what you missed. A special sale, and a teaser of the great giveaways ahead this week, were posted over the weekend!

There’s a limited-time offer for advertisers / vendors this week, too. Over half-off some ad rates for new advertisers. Check it out!




More prizes will be posted tonight – check back soon!
-Robyn

P.S. Vendors, if you are interested in being a part of the birthday celebration, e-mail me at “robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com” ASAP!

Another cool vendor / guest post and giveaway up for grabs…from LOKTAH!

LOKTAH was founded in 2008 with a desire to create natural packaging for our own clients, unlike anything seen before and not have to spend countless hours in photoshop designing case inserts for those plastic cases we all know and don’t care for. We later decided to open LOKTAH with that single idea and share that thought to the photographic and videography industries.

Since the birth of LOKTAH, it has always been a desire to continue the growth of LOKTAH and share our unique look on how eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be ugly, but that it can actually be a stunning work of art. We at LOKTAH strive to always serve you, the customer and make your experience with us positive and unique.

As the LOKTAH team grows and our line expands, we promise to always uphold the highest quality standards and more than anything, provide you with the best customer service. Please join us on the journey!

NEW! CaseBag | LifeStyle:
Warm earth tones textured by handmade hemp fabric. Refined by champagne toned edges and waterproof lining. Can be used with or without padded shoulder strap. Creatively timeless in design. Designed for the iPad featuring a speaker opening – power opening and volume opening.

     • One Back Magnetic Pocket
     • Two Magnetic Closures
     • Hemp; Waterproof Champagne lining
     • Up to 23″ Strap Drop
     • Designed For iPad

And one lucky Paperie reader will win a LOKTAH Signature Collection 10×8 Mystery Album & Gifts!

Gift set includes:
1 – 10×8 Mystery Album Cover; Matte White Paper; 10 Full Spreads/20 Sides
1 – 5×7 Mystery Photofolios with Prints; 3 – 5×7 images
1 – Mystery Medium Print Box
1 – Hemp Portfolio Folder
5 – Hemp Single DVD/CD Cases
(Total Value $406.50 plus FREE Shipping)

How do you win? It’s easy!

1. Follow Loktah either on Facebook or Twitter.

2. Post this to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did)::
Win a LOKTAH.com / @loktah Signature Collection 10×8 Mystery Album & Gifts at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/Jp0g9c

3. Go check out the LOKTAH website – then come back here and comment what item is your favorite and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, or followed the Twitter stream, or posted to your Twitter or Facebook account(s) – with a link to where you did it – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 14th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have met all three requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three times total – one entry each for the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

LOKTAH offers world-wide shipping via UPS & USPS. Volume discount available on large orders. And check out LOKTAH PRO exclusively for Professionals – APPLY FOR A PRO ACCOUNT (processed within 24 to 48 Hours).

Thanks so much to LOKTAH for the awesome gift set giveaway!




The digital edition of the July 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

For this month’s article I reviewed the ‘latest and greatest’ lab products by Pixel2Canvas, Miller’s Professional Imaging, Moo, WHCC, McKenna Pro, MPixPro, ProDPI, Collages.net, Color Inc. Pro Lab, MeridianPro.com, Black River Imaging, and H&H Color Lab.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 52, page 54, page 56, and page 58 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

In case you didn’t notice, we also have $500 worth of gift cards up for grabs from Patti Brown Photography, LLC and Kaleidoscope. That one ends on Wednesday, July 13th – don’t miss it!




Don’t forget – if you notice the site not being updated, please check Facebook for announcements. Thanks!

Boudoir Business Boutique is back for a guest / vendor post and giveaway – up for grabs is one of their new 24-piece business sets in Mod Pink or Mod Blue!

New 24 piece business set in Mod Pink or Mod Blue:

• Beautiful Charcoal and Pink papers (also available in Mod Blue)
• Everything you need to get your business up and running
• Coordinated Branding
• All items are completely layered PSD files
• Free or standard fonts used
• Easy to use clipping masks
• Instructions included
• Available for immediate download

Templates Include:

Business Card
Boudoir Information Trifold
Investment Guide Trifold
Marketing Post Card
Image Box and Proof Borders
CD/DVD and Case Template
Session Reminder Card
Thank You Card
Referral Plan and Rep Cards
After Sale Add-On Marketing Card
Receipt
Packaging Sticker
Client Information Trifold
Gift Certificate
Blog Post Template
Facebook Profile Template
Digital Negative Trifold
Wording for FAQs
Wording for Website/Literature

New Mod Pink and Mod Blue Product Templates:

• 10×10 Album
• 5×5 Album
• 4×8 Accordian Album
• 3×3 Accordian Album
• CD and Case Template
• Image Box and Proof Borders

So how do you win a 24-piece business set? It’s easy!

1. Tweet the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win 24-piece business set from BoudoirBusinessBoutique.com / @BoudoirBusiness at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique http://is.gd/pkpM3A

2. Post the following to Facebook (and tell us where you did it):
Win a 24-piece business set from BoudoirBusinessBoutique.com over at PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/pkpM3A

3. Like Boudoir Business Boutique on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boudoir-Business-Boutique/160993427277932

4. Follow @BoudoirBusiness on Twitter: twitter.com/BoudoirBusiness

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do all four things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, or followed the Twitter stream, or posted to your Twitter or Facebook account(s) – with a link to where you did it – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 28th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met all four requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have four chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck!

And just because they’re awesome, Boudoir Business Boutique is giving all Paperie readers a 30% discount until Saturday, July 23rd using the coupon code PB30. (And heads-up: Paperie readers can always receive 20% off using the coupon code PB20.)




And don’t forget that we have two other giveaways currently going on with StudioThoughtSauce.com and The Designer’s Mix.

More features and giveaways are on tap, so stay tuned!
-Robyn

After a brief hiatus (our 15th wedding anniversary vacation to the Keys, a visit with my mom in from Oklahoma, Easter weekend with my boys, and shooting…shooting…and more shooting), I’m happy to say Paperie is online and running once again!

Today I’m joined by New York-based wedding photographer Jenny Ebert who has discovered the perfect answer to that very popular question from your clients: “Where can I purchase photo products online?”

Beautifully Simple Photo Products: Pinhole Press
by Jenny Ebert

As a wedding photographer, no detail is too small to be photographed because I know gorgeous detail shots and stunning portraits alike help to tell the story of the big day. It’s this same attention to the little things that are always on my mind: before the shoot, during the shoot, during post-production and even when my customers ask me where they should go to make photo products with their digital prints.

I’ve been oh-so reluctant to recommend any online vendor because the quality associated with these vendors has been questionable, but now I am so excited to have a brand I can confidently recommend to my clients: Pinhole Press!

The quality of the paper, the chic designs and the array of unique products are in line with my photography brand and I know I won’t have to worry about the integrity of my photographs in any of these products.

The best part about this new brand is that they recently launched a new online platform for photographers called Pinhole Pro. Pinhole Pro allows professional photographers the ability to make money off of the products our clients make. Now how does that sound? All you have to do is visit PinholePro.com to create a photographer’s code and you can start making money off of the products your clients make with YOUR photos.

The Panoramic Photo Book is quite lovely, and with the lay flat pages no member of the bridal party gets stuck in the crack!

What friend or family member wouldn’t want one of these? Your clients will find many uses for this Photo Pad – I promise!

This small Brag Book has the beautiful ability to tell the story of your client’s big day with just eight photos.

Your clients are going to be on the hunt for Thank You Cards and these cards say “Thank You” in a chic and memorable way.


One lucky Paperie reader will have the chance to win $100 worth of beautifully simple Pinhole Press products. All you have to do is sign up for Pinhole Pro (for free!) and then post a comment on Pinhole Pro’s Facebook page.



Thanks so much to Pinhole Pro for such a fantastic giveaway, and Jenny Ebert for her article! Good luck to our readers!

If you’re waiting for an e-mail from me, please be patient! Between Paperie, Buttons and Bows, and my freelance work, I’m trying to return to ‘business as normal‘ as quickly as possible. If you don’t get a reply in the next couple of days, please check in again and make sure I received your original communication. Thanks for your understanding and patience! -Robyn

Every year I make client calendars as a New Year’s gift for my Buttons and Bows clients. (Last year’s, and links to years-previous, located here.) This year I decided to speed up things a bit and go with mini-accordions and custom pearl photo-covers (i.e. no paper trimmer and case assembly).

The design is a modified version of two Design Aglow “Playful Calendar Collection” templates. I couldn’t be happier with them and the feedback I’ve got so far solidifies the decision.

2011. The year I try to simplify! simplify! simplify! once and for all….

Recently on an entry by Courtney Reece Photography, we had a couple of requests to show how to put together a “client welcome kit” (and to list what typically goes in one). Although I can’t speak for everyone, as photographers and photography-genres can all vary quite a bit, I did recently take step-by-step photos of what goes in mine…

First I include a paper sample kit (featured previously on Paperie here and here). Most of my packages include announcements or holiday cards (or the ability to purchase cards as an add-on) so I like to give each client a better idea of the paper and envelope choices available from the various print labs I use. Every card a client sends has my logo and URL on the back, so they are wonderful advertising for my business, and a ‘status symbol’ of sorts that Buttons and Bows Photography was their photographer. As such, I want them to select their personal preferences for the product rather than me just choosing the paper and envelope types for them.

Each paper and envelope choice is clearly labeled. I purposely use the color red in the card samples because not all card stocks start off as “pure white”. Some can have a blue cast, and others yellow. Red really highlights the differences in the final products. They can easily see how the same images change hues when printed on different papers.

Since my clients order online, I feel the only way to guide new parents through this process is to give them something to hold and feel when picking out announcements and cards. It’s simply too much to remember from the prior in-person consultations, and easier on them also means easier for me.

You can purchase my paper sample kit template at my site “Fit to Print“.

Next I include a “wall design” mini-booklet. You can see this featured previously on Flickr here.

I designed my wall gallery booklet with the help of a Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers template. If you are not a member of PT4P, other options are:

1. Photographer’s Wall Display Guide (featured on Paperie)
2. Gradybug Designs (set 1, set 2)
3. Design Aglow (Portraits I, Portraits II, Canvases)
4. Melissa Davis Designs (Wall Display)
5. The Savvy Photographer (Savvy Size Guide)
6. Simply Walls
7. Jamie Schultz Designs (Ordering – Wall Display Brochure)
8. Kori and Kate (Portrait Wall Displays)
9. Pink Ink Studios (Order Form with Wall Displays)

The pages of my mini-booklet are 4×5 photo prints that I adhere back-to-back with Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive. The final page is a press-printed card and includes a ruled-lined page for client note-taking. I hole punch the top left corner of each page, place them together on a binder ring, and hot-glue my trademark button & bow on the ring-top. The completed booklets are placed inside envelopes from Paper Source.

I also tuck in my 2010 Client Information Kit. You can see the 2009 version here on Flickr. (And you can purchase the 2007-2008 “wide-format 5×7″ version here on “Fit to Print”.)

The 2010 accordion-version includes a pocket with business cards, cards for my referral program, and any promotional items. Each panel of the accordion provides information and tips for the various types of sessions included in client packages, and also explains my shooting style and business philosophy. The kit also has a section that gives each client their username and password for their personal Buttons and Bows Photography website.

I print these accordion cards at Miller’s. The outer envelope is from Paper Source, and the card pocket envelope is from Action Envelope.

At the end, everything is gathered into a 2-pocket folder by Envelopper Inc. (You can see an older photo of this posted to Flickr here.) In the left-side slit, I include a self-addressed, stamped #10 business envelope (printed at Vistaprint). In the right-side slits, I include “appointment reminder” business cards with the dates of their scheduled sessions. The left pocket includes everything that needs to be returned to me (and this is noted in a sticker placed on the pocket) — this includes all contracts and adult / minor model releases. The right pocket includes their copy of the contract (to keep), relevant session information ‘tip sheets’, and four envelopes (paper sample kit, wall gallery booklet, information kit, and a handwritten thank you card for booking with me). Envelopes are sealed with my cute little Moo stickers – new Moo.com customers can get 10% off their orders through 9/30 with the code W9K55V.

I add my signature button & bow to the outside of the folder, and then place these inside of an outer presentation envelope from Paper Source, ready to mail. My clients love having everything organized in one folder for quick access and reference. I shoot primarily maternity and newborn sessions, so life is chaotic enough preparing for a new arrival. I don’t want to add to the clutter and confusion if at all possible.

Other photographers have featured their welcome packets here on Paperie in the past. Make sure to look through the archives for ideas and inspiration! A few of note are:

1. Julie Rollins Photography
2. Carrie Small Photography (and a follow-up post)
3. Heather Garland Photography
4. Denton Boudoir Photography
5. Stylized Portraiture
6. France Photography
7. Gail Werner Photography
8. The Captured Life Photography

You can find more vendors I use and recommend here. So what are you waiting for? Get started on yours! (And then send us the photos and share with the class!)

And totally unrelated…but In Character Costumes are on SALE at HauteLook right now. The sale ends at 8:00 a.m. PDT on Monday the 20th. Don’t miss it!

The Kotori Photo Jewelry giveaway ends Saturday, September 18th, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Happy (almost) weekend!
-Robyn

P.S. NEW! Please follow our brand new Twitter and Facebook accounts!

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

I apologize the winner in the Jamie Schultz Designs $50.00 gift code giveaway was not announced yesterday. A 4-day migraine turned into a 4½-hour ER visit and updating the site again simply proved an impossible task. But upward and onward…and I’m happy to announce the winner is…Pleasant Vonnoh of Pleasant Vonnoh Photography:

Because I didn’t get the winner posted on time, I’m going to donate your choice of one of the three new mini-book templates from Jamie Schultz Designs (shown below – “Little Cutie”, “Organic Goodness”, or “Vintage Floral”).

To be eligible to win this prize you need to have entered to win (but not have won) the original Jamie Schultz Designs giveaway. If you entered, please leave a comment on THIS POST and list your comment number(s) from the previous giveaway. All comments are numbered so look up your original comment number(s) and that’s all there is to it. Really. Simple as that. If you were comments #1 and #2 in the original giveaway, you would leave two separate comments on THIS POST (so you would have two separate chances to win now as well) – on one comment here you would say “comment #1″, and on the other you would say “comment #2″. Clear as mud? Good! Ends 11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 20th.

UPDATE: The winner has been posted here – thanks again everyone!

Reminder: Jamie Schultz Designs is offering Paperie readers a $10 gift code off $50 or more with the code paperie10.

Last but not least — another really cute giveaway is going on over at Modern Magical today. Stop by for your chance to win a magical fairy door!

P.S. If you’re waiting on an e-mail from me, please be patient. I’m extremely behind right now due to this weekend’s / week’s events. I’m catching up as fast as I can!

Look around the sidebars and say “hi” to several of our new advertisers. If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

An incredible end to an incredible week – today an amazing giveaway / guest post from Jamie Schultz Designs. I’ve been a fan of Jamie’s work forever and I’m beyond thrilled to have her here at Paperie!

Jamie Schultz Designs is so excited to be featured as a guest on the Paperie Boutique blog. Let me take a moment to introduce myself. I was raised in a very small town in Nebraska where my passion for all things creative developed. My grandmother owned a charming flower shop and I spent countless hours watching her design works of art right before my eyes. As a child, I dabbled in art but didn’t find my niche until I picked up a camera. At that point it was evident that photography would serve as my creative outlet.

A childhood dream was realized when I opened my studio loft in the quaint downtown area of Hudson, Wisconsin. Inspired by the charming details in my grandmother’s shop, my boutique style studio offers the capability for unique custom photography. With that came a client base who came to expect a wide array of products to preserve and showcase the images from their session. As my photography business grew so did the number of inquiries from other photographers interested in purchasing my designs for use in their own businesses. Thus, Jamie Schultz Designs was born.

Using my signature style, I create templates that are clean and simple with a splash of defining detail that will undoubtedly impress your clients. These timeless designs include collections of holiday cards, birth announcements, graduation announcements and coffee table books for engagements, high school seniors, families, and babies.

As a token of our appreciation to the loyal Paperie readers, Jamie Schultz Designs is offering a $10 gift code off $50 or more to you just for reading this blog! (Enter code: paperie10)

In addition, one lucky winner will receive a $50.00 gift code to www.jamieschultzdesigns.com

See below for details how to win!

First become a Facebook Fan of Jamie Schultz Designs.

Then post this in your status…
I’m loving http://paperieboutique.com -and- http://www.jamieschultzdesign.com

Next come back here and leave a comment here where you’ve done so … and you might just be the lucky winner. Good luck!

UPDATE-EDIT: Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 16th.

Thanks so much Jamie (and Natasha)! Don’t forget to stop by the site, the blog, and become a Facebook Fan to show your appreciation!

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here. Thanks again to Jamie Schultz Designs and everyone who entered!

Also don’t forget that the iPhone case template kit collection by Go{4}Pro is still up for grabs through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 15th – there’s still a chance to win!

Have a great weekend everyone!
-Robyn

P.S. Look around the sidebars and say “hi” to several of our new advertisers. If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

You might have noticed it’s been a little quiet around here this week. It’s spring break and between my ‘regular’ job, and hurricane advisories and tornado warnings occurring approximately every 15 minutes in my living room, something had to give! But to close off the week I have something to give…you!

Not only a new contest, but also a free download – so everyone wins!

This gift set for today’s contest includes:

• one Martha Stewart Crafts package of 8 champagne-tipped CD labels with 8 matching 5×5″ white and champagne envelopes (“includes handy alignment pad to ensure perfect label application”)
• one Martha Stewart Crafts 4.75×6.75″ photo-corner-accordion (cardstock construction with decorative front label and ribbon-tie – holds eight 4×6 photos)
• one baggie of 40 Paper-Source acid-free photo corners in Pool

How do you win? Easy-pleasey! Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Win Martha Stewart Crafts & Paper Source accordion + CD label set – visit Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com by @shutterblog for more!

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. I cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 4th.

You have four chances to win but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your 1-4 separate links in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Good luck everyone!

UPDATE: The winner Susan B. Photography has been announced here!

In case you missed the free download for the 5×7 flat press card “baby girl birth announcement”, I now have a printed example of what they look like. I knew one day it would be the perfect fit for someone!

These announcements were designed for, and printed by, my favorite lab ProDPI.

And I’ve updated the post to include the template for the new card-back as shown in the photograph above. So if you’ve downloaded the front in the past, make sure to go back and grab the back too!

If you’ll scroll down in the right sidebar you’ll see a category called “free product downloads” with several links for more goodies!

To those who celebrate, Happy Easter weekend! See y’all next week!
-Robyn

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain.

Did you happen to catch the Moo blog last Friday? If so, you might have spotted someone you recognize!

There are more details in the blog entry, but recently I was asked to contribute to two workshop “swag bags”. This past Friday our home was turned into a make-shift assembly line of spouse plus sorority girls making sure everything got assembled and mailed out in time!

For one workshop, I had Moo MiniCards printed to top little bags of candy buttons, and also included 4×6″ Paperie Boutique promo postcards from GotPrint.

I bought the candy buttons after seeing a blog entry at Bake it Pretty. (In addition to the idea of bagged candy, they also provide free download templates for print which I later modified for my own use.) Shortly after buying the candy buttons, I received a sample candy bag from “the designer concept” (recently featured here on Paperie) and instantly knew how I wanted to package my own.

I’m extremely happy with how they turned out, but I wouldn’t expect any less from Moo!

For the other workshop, I used ProDPI for the printing.

In included 4.5×5″ Paperie Boutique postcards using their “press promo packs“, heart-punched a hole in the top corner, and attached mini toy cameras (with working shutter button and viewfinder). I also used two separate designs / sets of their “press tent cards“. One was the button candy bag topper – with two surprise photography-related quotes inside. The other was a business / promo card with my photography business card on the outside, and a mini-promo for Paperie Boutique on the inside. Everything was printed on their incredible, thick smooth matte paper.

If you’re interested in making candy bags of your own (they would be perfect to tuck in client orders!) check out the “Confections of a Secret Admirer” sets over at theDesignerConcept.com.

Recently I was also asked to test out the new ProDPI accordion booklets. I modified a new 2010 Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers (recently featured here on Paperie) CD / photo box design into an accordion template.

I ordered the Silk Upgrade Sapphire and Sea Green covers, and the Chrome Upgrade Platinum cover. I think Sea Green is my favorite although I keep changing my mind. It’s definitely the closest to my business colors. (You can view the second accordion photo larger here.) My favorite part about these accordions? They offer something no one else does – ProDPI‘s smooth matte paper. In my opinion, it simply cannot be beat. These little books are going to make clients very happy!

Stay tuned this week…more great giveaways planned!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

Yet another guest post from WPPI in Las Vegas last week. I love getting all the different perspectives. So many neat things to look at, and it seems something different caught each attendee’s eye. This next amazing summary is provided by Lydia Shannon. I’ll let her take it from here…

(The photos submitted with this entry are so good, I didn’t want you to miss any detail. So each one can be clicked on for a larger pop-up!)

Wow! If you didn’t go to WPPI this year, you CANNOT miss out next year. Start saving up, it is so worth it. I’m going to give you a rundown of some of my favorite items at the tradeshow. Make sure you check my blog for some fun photos from WPPI.

In no particular order…

Planetjill Jewelry
What a great investment for your business. For only $20, you can be a wholesale retailer, and they give you a sample, brochures, and a jewelry holder. It is super chic that they use only B&W images! Love it. Also, I met Jill, the owner and designer, and she is wonderful too! Make sure you tell them Lydia Shannon sent you!

MPixPro
Of course, I had heard of them before, but after looking at their products I was much more impressed. I especially loved this larger accordion book.

Oh and I loved the fact that their new mini accordion albums have magnets to close them up tight and you can buy just one if you want!

WHCC
I’ve always been a big fan of White House. This year I was especially impressed with their new Stainless Steel Standouts. It gives their old standouts a super modern, high end feel. Love it!

ProPhotoBlogs
I don’t have a picture to go with it. But I have to tell you how much I LOVE mine. I bought it last year at WPPI and I couldn’t be happier. Best, easiest way to blog, EVER! You can use my promo code for $10 off, LYDSHA432. I think there was a WPPI code floating around, but I don’t know it.

Kelly Moore Bag
It is even more beautiful in person then it looks online!

Canvas on Demand Pro
This is just such a brilliant idea! What a modern twist on a traditional signature frame.

H-B Packaging
These custom boxes are prefect for branding. You can either get your logo put on them or you can create a huge statement by custom designing your entire box.

Michael Chinn
I was in love with these exquisite folios the second I saw them. They are so classy looking. Also, there albums and DVD folios are beautiful too.

Pixel2Canvas
I know they have been featured on here before, but I have to tell you, Roxanne {the owner and creative director} is absolutely one of the sweetest and most enthusiastic people you will meet! They just came out with the most beautiful new product, ChromaLuxe Storyboards. AMAZING. Not only are they fabulous, but the price cannot be beat. I will be ordering a bunch of these.

Snaptotes
When I was going in to a class, I saw the coolest purse ever, and it happened to be Roxanne’s from Pixel2Canvas. Roxanne is teaming up with Snaptotes and creating incredible designs to go on their purses. Here’s the one that caught my eye on my way into class.

This is her personal purse, with an adorable picture of her son. I can’t wait for my clients to be carrying around amazing purse with wonderful designs.

Well there you have it, my favorite items! WPPI was absolutely amazing and I encourage everyone to go next year! I will be speaking at a tradeshow booth, I’m just not sure which one yet! hehe

Thanks! Lydia

Thank you so much for the amazing recap, Lydia! For more on her trip to Vegas, go here.

All of the 2010 WPPI Vegas recaps on Paperie Boutique can be found here.

Contest winners in the Photographer Cafe promotion and Hello Kitty Photographer window decal will be announced shortly on Thursday morning so stay tuned! I’m about to fall face-first into my keyboard so I’ll be on it first-thing when we’re up and around in the AM – promise.

If you’re interested in sending reviews / photos of WPPI 2010, or in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

(Psssst…read to the end of this post for a chance to win fabulous prizes!)

Last fall I featured an amazing guest post by Heather James Photography. In it she shared her accordion price guide. She’s now designed that guide for you to use as well, and provided an amazing discount to Paperie readers. I’ll let Heather do the talking from here…

Last summer I found myself with a dilemma: I had an inquiry from someone who didn’t have internet. I found myself scrambling as I had built my business on an eco-friendly format and had nothing to send the potential client. I needed something that showcased my best photography, my pricing and most of all my passion for my work. I also needed a product that wouldn’t break the bank and was easily reproduced in small quantities. And so, the accordion price guide was born!

I love this piece and have had so many compliments and inquiries on what’s exactly inside that I’ve decided to release it as my first template in my shop for my new project, Brand by Heather James. This 10- panel accordion offers places for you to showcase images, provide information about you as an artist and your sessions, as well as a large section dedicated to pricing, packages and products. The photoshop template is both a fully editable and multi-layer and includes sample text direct from Heather James Photography’s guide that we currently use to help you get started.

I love this product so much that I want you all to have it as a part of your business brand. That’s why from now through March 31, 2010, take $10 off the purchase price of the template with offer code pbmarch2010. Be sure to visit our design site at thebrandproject.com and our shop at thebrandproject.com/shop for more details on this template and all of our other design offerings!

Thank you so much for sharing these, Heather! They look fantastic!

Today’s giveaway is a “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” courtesy of Paperie Boutique & HB Photo Packaging. Read on to see what’s included and details how to win!

The “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” includes:

• two sets of 2 still-shrinkwrapped 9x9x3″ boxes (4 total) by Making Memories (includes photo corners on top to hold 4×6″ photo – you can see it in use in my own packaging here – great for announcements, prints, and session albums 8×8″ and smaller)
• one 5×7 1/2″-deep Paragon Brown photo box from HB Photo Packaging
• one 5×7 1/2″-deep Pink Pearl photo box from HB Photo Packaging
• one 5×7 stretch ribbon loop in brown from HB Photo Packaging
• one 1.75×2.75″ photo frame by All Tied Up
• three 24″ strips of brown ribbon with pink polka dots / gold edging
• 1.5-yards of Martha Stewart Crafts decorative ribbon tape
• three .5-yard strips of 1/8″ stitch grosgrain ribbon in deep-brown/white, beige/brown, and white/chocolate
• one 25-yard roll of 1.5″ Bella Terra paper ribbon in chocolate from HB Photo Packaging
• one HB Photo Packaging “Professional Photography Presentation Packaging” guide

To win, it’s simple! Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

I NEED the “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” from Paperie Boutique & HB Photo Packaging / h-bphoto.com – visit paperieboutique.com for more!

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. I cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this promotion.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 11th.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Good luck!

UPDATE: The winner has been announced – check the comments for details!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

Since The Album Cafe did their last feature here at Paperie, I get multiple hits in my stats daily looking for their products and coupon codes. So I contacted them again to see if they’d be interested in doing another guest post / promo. Luckily we all win because they said “yes!” Read on…


Hi everyone! We just wanted to share with you a SUPER CUTE new product we recently announced – Accordion Mini Book templates! These little books are the hottest thing out right now, and I can certainly see why – they are adorable! Our mini book templates are designed for printing at White House Custom Color, and we’re offering 20% off the entire store until Valentine’s Day so that you can try them out!

While you’re over checking out the new mini books, why don’t you grab our newest freebies!!

Don’t forget to grab the code at the bottom of each image to receive your “20% off entire order” through Valentine’s Day! And huge thanks to The Album Cafe for this promotion!

If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

P.S. Paperie Boutique was featured in the latest moo.com February 3rd “Photography special: Ideas to fall in love with!” Moosletter. Did you catch it?

(Originally posted to Flickr forums in June 2009. Announcement template design shown below is by Diana Hall.)

Since I’m only taking packages at this time, most include either a holiday card or birth announcement selection. I have online galleries of the designs I offer, and each "client welcome kit" includes a paper sample packet. I use this card design to print on five different paper types (when my lab runs its annual press-printed sales, I stock up in bulk):

I’ve found that red changes the most between the paper types (because not all paper is “true white” before printing). This gives them a pretty good example of the color-shifts between their available choices. Two envelope paper selections are included as well. The back of each sample has the paper type listed:

I bring accordion albums along with me to the newborn (or holiday) sessions – they are filled with samples of previous clients’ flat and folded press items so they can see paper types and styles with the other designs I offer for their own birth announcements and Christmas cards:

Quick tip if you’re on a limited budget to start… Design your sample template with 3-4 identical “strips” either horizontally or vertically. Like basically fitting 3-4 bookmarks on a card — instead of designing an announcement or card here, you’d be designing a bookmark and then printing multiple ones uncut on one flat postcard. When they arrive, take a paper cutter and slice into your bookmark-sized strips. Voilà! Paper sample pack for clients, with 3-4 more times the samples for you to give out. (If you don’t know where to begin, I now offer a template for this at “Fit to Print“!)

P.S. Don’t forget the Moo.com code exclusive to Paperie Boutique viewers expires on August 25th, 2009!