clean green slate

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

For this column I got to review eco-friendly / “green” products by Miller’s Professional Imaging, Moo.com, Botanical Paperworks, Loktah, HB Photo Packaging, Globe Guard Products, Kraft and Jute, Nashville Wraps, Rice Studio Supply, ReBinder, and ProDPI.

There is also a supplemental mini feature by Nathan Welton of Dreamtime Images that discusses carbon-offsetting for your business with carbonfund.org.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 78, page 80, page 82, and page 84 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes – and you can see the online supplement here. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




If you went to Imaging USA 2012 in New Orleans, you might have seen Paperie Boutique and Buttons & Bows Photography sprinkled about. Here are a couple of peeks if you missed it:

You can see more over at our Facebook page! Thanks to Ryan at HB Photo Packaging for these photos!

If you have photos from Imaging USA 2012 that you’d like to see published here, contact Robyn at: robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com




It’s the New Year and it’s time to restock your arsenal. A few of our favorite merchants are running sales!

1. HB Photo Packaging – 15% off through January 22nd with code
    WinterBlues

2. Moo.com – 10% off all printed products through January 25th
    with code MOOPRINTJAN

3. ReBinder – 20% off all ReSleeve and RePlay products through
    January 31st here

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2012!
-Robyn & Todd

Have a BOO-tiful day!

Happy Halloween! Today we have a treat instead of a trick for you – a giveaway and vendor/guest post by one of our new multi-advertisers Rice Studio Supply!

While traveling in India, Scott Rice visited a village where the art of paper making has been practiced since 1590. Handmade paper is crafted from 100% recycled cotton fiber. The stock is acid free, archival quality, and simply beautiful. Scott knew this was the answer to your requests for stylish photo packaging that is safe for photos and safe for the environment.

The Artisan Portrait Case is an eco-friendly presentation package with natural deckle edges. The paper is handmade one sheet at a time, using natural products, so no two deckle edges are identical. The deep cocoa color is available in 5×7, 8×10, 8×12, 11×14, and 16×20 sizes. Rice Studio Supply will sell these handmade products from eco-friendly paper at the same cost as mass produced wood pulp papers.

For one week from the date of this post, Paperie readers can order the new Artisan Portrait Case at the 500-quantity price, regardless of how many you order (that’s a 30% discount off the each price). Shipment will begin the first week of November.

“We can’t brag enough about how wonderfully your product presents our photography! Our clients comment all the time about how beautiful our packaging is. Thank you so much for offering such an outstanding product and service.” -Leeann and Winnie Greer, Lexington, KY

And now one lucky Paperie reader will win a 12×12 album box stuffed with ECO CHIC goodies, value $120.00! Here’s how to enter:

1. Like Rice Studio Supply on Facebook and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

2) Post on your Facebook account what your favorite product is from Rice Studio Supply (then come back here and tell us where you did it)

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (then come back here and tell us where you did it):

Win a 12×12 album box STUFFED with Handmade Packaging goodies from RSS ( http://ricestudiosupplies.com ) at @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/nWIMrf

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what Rice Studio Supply product is your favorite

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

Comment that you have liked their Facebook account(s), or already follow them – and / or posted your favorite product to Facebook – and / or posted to your Facebook or Twitter accounts about the giveaway – and / or list your favorite product in the comments here (in separate comments) 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 Wednesday, November 2nd. You can enter up to FIVE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to five times total – one entry each for all of 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 FIVE 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 to everyone who enters!

And thanks to Rice Studio Supply for the wonderful giveaway!




Don’t forget we also have a contest going on right now to win the “Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides” set!

-Robyn & Todd

it’s Friday – I’m in love

Jamie Schultz Designs is back again for another vendor / guest post! (And if you missed our latest camera strap giveaway, be sure you read on to the end!)

Jamie Schultz Designs is proud to partner with the Paperie Boutique as a new vendor. Jamie has an array of templates available including coffee table books, cards, CD cases, image boxes and much, much more. With the holiday card season quickly approaching be sure to check out Jamie’s fabulous new holiday card collection.

About Jamie:
Jamie Schultz Designs was created by professional photographer, Jamie Schultz, who started creating cards, books, and other photography products for her clients. As quickly as her portrait business grew so did the demand for the templates she was selling to her clients. Thus, Jamie Schultz Designs was born. Jamie’s designs are best known for their timeless features with just enough defining detail that allow your client’s photos to take center stage. As a professional photographer, Jamie knows that no two clients are alike which is why she offers a wide variety of designs from traditional to contemporary.

There’s always something for everyone at Jamie Schultz Designs!

And now Jamie is offering an exclusive discount to Paperie Boutique blog readers. Simply enter code: paperie10 at checkout to receive $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more. (Valid through 12/31/2011.)

Here are some of the latest holiday card designs from Jamie Schultz Designs:

Be sure to fan Jamie Schultz Designs on Facebook to receive special offers and to keep up with all the latest product releases.

Thanks so much to Jamie for stopping by, and for the great offer for our readers! I’m a huge Jamie Schultz Designs fan and have been for quite some time. I just bought this announcement template set and I can’t recommend it enough!




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

It’s titled “Hot Stuff: Bad Sass Backdrops” and features a favorite Paperie vendor Bad Sass Backdrops, Inc.. Make sure to read it all the way through because there’s a big discount for Professional Photographer readers!

Have a great weekend everyone -
-Robyn & Todd

it’s by design

Today we have a guest / vendor post by Leslie Vega Design (with a very special discount for Paperie readers), and I share my latest column in Professional Photographer Magazine.

Leslie Vega Design is a brand design studio offering inspiring brand designs for photographers, wedding professionals, and other creative businesses. From your logo to your web image, we keep you and your business personality in mind every step of the way. Whether you’re classic, chic, modern or go ga ga over all things vintage, we help you put together the perfect brand that reflects your business.

We offer logo design, stationery, web graphics, packaging and any other creative piece to complete your look.

We would love to have you visit our Facebook page, check out our website and jump on over to our Twitter page to keep up with the daily fun at the Leslie Vega studio.

Through September 15th, Paperie readers will receive a $100 discount on the design project of your choice! Whether you need your logo designed, or any other part of your brand!

All you need to do is join us on Twitter and follow us, and visit our Facebook Page! Like our page and comment to let us know Paperie brought you to us and your $100 discount is yours!




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

For this month’s article I reviewed albums and books by Loktah, DigiLabs, AsukaBook, KISS Books, Dream Album, Collages.net, Miller’s Professional Imaging, WHCC, Cypress Albums, GraphiStudio, Bay Photo Lab, H&H Color Lab, Finao, and Pinhole Pro.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 54, page 56, page 58, page 60, and page 62 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.

deux années – giveaway 23

The goodies just keep on coming — a gift pack from Collages.net, BrandSushi, and Handmade Paper Album Boxes by Leah Gibbons Photography.

Included in this prize pack is a $35 coffee table book credit from Collages.net, “The Portrait Workbook” by BrandSushi (worth $95), and a “Sample Pack” of album boxes by Handmade Paper Album Boxes. (Sample pack worth $70 includes four boxes: {1} size-8×8 in Natural, {1} size-10×10 in Natural, {1} size-8×8 in Charcoal, and {1} size-10×10 in Charcoal.)

So how do you win? It’s simple!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win a @Collagesnet & @brandsushi & Handmade Paper Album Boxes gift pack @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Collages.net on Facebook.

3. Like BrandSushi on Facebook.

4. Comment here with your favorite Handmade Paper Album Boxes color.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FIVE chances to win, you have to do the five things listed above, and then make five 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 Monday, July 25th. You can enter up to five times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to five 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 five 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!

Huge thanks to Collages.net, BrandSushi, and Handmade Paper Album Boxes for this awesome giveaway. Don’t forget that Collages.net, BrandSushi, and Handmade Paper Album Boxes all offered coupon codes for our Paperie birthday celebration. You can find those codes, and several others from our vendors, continually updated this week here!



It’s the weekend and I still have several more giveaways left!
We’ll keep going ’til all of them have winners – see ya’ 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!

bonne fête – giveaway 16

Our next prize pack is simply amazing! Boudoir Business Boutique is back again, and this time they’re going to give one lucky Paperie reader copies of their Lighting Guide, Posing Guide, new 24-piece Business Set, and new 4-piece Album Template Set! That’s $850 worth of products!

Boudoir Business Boutique:
The Boudoir Business Boutique – a resource for boudoir photographers including a posing guide, lighting guide, branding, marketing, album and product templates! A great resource for all boudoir photographers – those who are wanting to learn boudoir photography or improve their boudoir business. Brought to you by Kathy Honeybourne of Honeybourne Intimates, Toronto’s leading boudoir photographer. Visit the store, have a look around and enjoy!

Complete Guide to Lighting:
With over 200 images, lighting diagrams and pull-back shots demonstrating everything from lighting basics to advanced techniques in an easy to follow format, this is the complete guide to boudoir lighting ! Over sixty pages packed full of information, this manual is all you will ever need for shooting boudoir photography and creating beautiful images. From soft wrap around lighting to the most dramatic of looks, you’ll learn the principles and lighting set-ups and be able to apply them to any environment from a studio backdrop, to a lavish bedroom or hotel setting.




Posing Guide:
Containing over 300 pages, the boudoir posing guide outlines the most flattering poses, tips and tricks to enhance your clients best features. Hands, legs, props, detail shots, camera angles and variations of many poses are all covered indepth. Also included is a Quick Reference Guide of over 100 standard boudoir poses to which you can add your own creativity.

New 24 piece Business and Marketing set in Mod Pink or Mod Blue
•   Everything you need to get your business up and running
•   Beautiful Charcoal and Color papers, 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 Album and 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

Visit the store at:
BoudoirBusinessBoutique.com
Check back often for new items and sign up for our newsletters for updates!

So how do you win this wonderful prize pack? 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 HUGE BoudoirBusinessBoutique.com / @BoudoirBusiness prize pack at @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Boudoir Business Boutique on Facebook.

3. Follow Boudoir Business Boutique on Twitter.

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!

Thanks Boudoir Business Boutique for this super-sized prize pack! And don’t forget the Boudoir Business Boutique is offering 40% off anything in the store through August 30th for all Paperie readers! You can find that code, and several others from our featured vendors (just updated TODAY) here!




More prizes going up 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!

bonne fête – giveaway 11

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!

joyeux anniversaire – giveaway 4

Next up as we start day two is a “prize pack” combo from two amazing vendors – Collages.net and Holly McCaig’s Store at Pink Ink Studios – one lucky Paperie Boutique reader will get both prizes!

Winner will get a $100 album credit to Collages.net – and a $50 gift code to the Holly McCaig Store at Pink Ink Studios. Pink Ink Studios $50 discount will be for a one-time purchase applicable to Holly McCaig’s personal designs at Pink Ink Studios only. Pink Ink Studios code expires August 30th, 2011 at 8 p.m. CDT.

So how do you win? It’s simple!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win $150 in gift cards from @Collagesnet & @PinkInkStudios from @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – visit: http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Collages.net on Facebook.

3. Like Pink Ink Studios 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 Friday, July 22nd. 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!

Thanks to Collages.net and Holly McCaig’s Store at Pink Ink Studios! And don’t forget Collages.net is offering a coupon code to all Paperie readers this week! You can find that code, and several others from our vendors, continually updated this week here!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! I recently updated the list again so check and see if your favorite vendor is there yet.

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!

We’ve only just begun…
-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!

magical Mystery

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!

mod squad

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

we’re back, baby!

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

perfect design

Excited to have another guest / vendor post with giveaway today by Design Aglow! Yes, I said Design Aglow!

Design Aglow’s Ultimate Album Builder is all your studio will ever need to create amazing albums time and again with ease. In addition to breathing any type of album into existence, this generous, 302 pages of album templates and five optional background textures is also fantastic for marketing, holiday cards, portfolios, slideshows and any application your studio can dream up.

Simply select your desired layouts and create an album or project with as many pages as needed by simple drag-and-drop for the easiest workflow yet! A seriously stunning tool for serious studios, don’t hesitate to incorporate this robust product into your arsenal. Build your best albums today with our instant download.

PERFECT FOR:
• Photographer’s portfolio
• Unique and flexible client album
• Baby album
• Studio marketing
• Card or postcard (one page), a tri-fold card (three or more),
  or more for a studio brochure
• Show one page at a time for a DVD slideshow product
• Frame several pages for a wall display
• Holiday cards
• Thank you notes

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 302 pages, 12×12 square design
• Fully automatic. Bundled actions make inserting images a breeze
• Five optional background textures
• Suitable for any album company
• Includes bonus InDesign version of the templates for a speedy
  drag-and-drop workflow
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and newer, InDesign CS3 and
  newer, Photoshop Elements 6.0 and newer (templates will work,
  actions will not), Windows and Mac

*Special thanks to Anna Mayer Photography, Sarah D Harper, JG Photography, Angela Weedon Photography, Paul Johnson Photography & Untamed Heart Photography for the lovely images.

Click here to check it out in the shop with introductory pricing through March 29th at 5 pm EDT.

To celebrate the release of the Ultimate Album Builder, Design Aglow is giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky Paperie reader! How do you win? Easy!

1. Like Design Aglow on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-Aglow/100326373364376?ref=ts

2. Follow Design Aglow on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/designaglow

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I want to win a $100 gift certificate to DesignAglow.com / @designaglow over at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/heq8QX

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what your favorite Design Aglow product is.

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (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.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, March 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

P.S. From the Design Aglow Twitter account today: a Facebook fan and a Twitter follower will win a $75 gift certificate today…tell your photog peeps! (nothing to do, just join us)

Check it out!

P.S. 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.

stop the presses!

Yesterday I posted about the new Keepsake Soft Cover Books and Press Printed Calendars from Color Inc. Now you can win them!

Color Inc. is giving away one free 20-page Keepsake Soft Cover Book and five free Press Printed Calendars to six Paperie Boutique winners! Here’s how to enter:

1. Like Color Inc. on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Color-Inc/190322407656875

2. Follow Color Inc. on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/colorinc/

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win a press printed book and calendars from @colorinc / colorincprolab.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/jn02vm

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what you would do with either product if you win.

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (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.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 27th. 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

And if you just can’t wait to get your hands on one of these, Color Inc. is offering a special deal for every Paperie reader:

Huge thanks to everyone at Color Inc. for such a fantastic offer and giveaway!




Design Aglow has done it once again with a stunning new marketing set -
“The Glamorous Life“.

With an updated color palette, we are excited to re-release The Glamorous Life Marketing Set. Every studio can strut the red carpet with this complete set that marries delightful design with delicious dazzle. Our fully customizable templates appoint your studio with everything you’ll ever need: business cards, gift certificates, accordion brochures, price lists, letterheads, envelopes and even packaging stickers. So many scrumptious options to choose from, your most difficult decision will be which shoes to wear. Clients will fall for this collection, and you’ll love how good you’ll look.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
This colorful set includes:
• Two-sided 4×5.5, 8 panel accordion brochure to market studios
• Two-sided business card
• Two-sided 5×7 gift certificate
• Letterhead and envelope
• Packaging sticker for client DVDs or anything else
• Price list for offerings
• This set is fully customizable, consisting of fully layered Photoshop
   PSD files to easily change the look
• Compatible with Photoshop CS or newer, Windows and Mac.

You can also purchase a coordinating 8 Page Brochure separately. The marketing set has special pricing through 5 pm EDT on March 28th.

Don’t forget to follow Design Aglow on Facebook and Twitter for chances to win gift certificates! And check out this new post made 03.25.11 for a chance to win a $100 Design Aglow gift certificate!




P.S. 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.

cinq.

Recently I was asked to preview two new products from Color Inc Pro Lab – the Press Print Calendars and the Full Wrap Soft Cover Press Print Book from the Keepsakes Collection.

Since Buttons and Bows Photography is about to celebrate it’s fifth year in business this spring, I thought it would be the perfect time to put together a small retrospective.

From Color Inc: Check out our NEW Press Print Calendars and Keepsake Soft Cover Books! These Press Print Books and Calendars are a great addition to our Press Print Product line, both of which allow you to share your special memories of a wedding, vacation, or photographic portfolio with the flip of a page!

Press Printed Calendars are a great way to personalize a years worth of memories and provide a great way to spruce up any wall, refrigerator or door! Opening to a full 11×17, Press Printed Calendars offer plenty of room to jot down appointments, notes and reminders on 3 unique grid designs ranging from classic solid colors to bold and modern patterns. Printed on durable 110lb. card stock, Press Printed Calendars will easily withstand everyday use complete with acid-free paper to ensure the quality of your images for years to come.

Keepsake Soft Cover Books are a great new way to offer customizable photo books your customers are sure to love! With custom printed soft photo covers on the same 100lb archival paper found in the Keepsake Hard Cover collection, these beautiful, affordable books are perfect for parents and friends, or as handy brag books for sharing the joy of a newborn or family pet.




Review by Robyn: I’m always looking for the perfect client thank you gift or client “stocking stuffer”, and both of these fit the bill! The color and quality are excellent, and the size of the soft cover book is great for that little “something extra”. Here – see for yourself!

Client calendars are the perfect way to make sure your client thinks of you and your business every day. Just add your logo to the front and back cover (and even on each page inside!) and it’s a year-long gift full of their memories and your branding. I think the soft cover books would be particularly cute as a storybook for a toddler or young child session – it could be designed as “the story of you”, and its soft cover and price-point are both perfect for ending up in tiny little hands. They would also make nice brag albums as an add-on to identical hard cover albums.

And as luck would have it, if you place your Color Inc order today you might just get it for FREE! There’s one winner every hour! (Valid on orders placed from 2:00 pm EST 03/23/2011 until 2:00 pm EST 03/24/2011.)




Last but not least, I have three contest winners to announce! First up, the winner of the Stash camera bag is…Wilkins Portraits!

The winner of the first Trendy camera strap is…Studio Bliss Photography!

The winner of the second Trendy camera strap is…Liz Bedwell Photography!

The winner of the SwitchBack Starter Kit from Trendy Camera Straps is…Hybrid Photography!

And the winner of the Vintage U Creations camera necklace is…Brooke!

I’ll be in touch with you all shortly to claim your prizes!

eco-friendly

A beautiful “green” packaging feature / guest post, and a special lab contest, on tap today…

My name is Brittany Langfeldt, of B. Langfeldt Photography, and I am a custom on-site photographer from the Chicago area.

I have always tried to keep my business as “green” as possible and had previously begun using organic and natural materials for my albums and CD cases. But once I saw Caroline Ghetes’ article featured here on Paperie Boutique I was truly inspired. I began trying different ways to package my products and quickly realized how difficult it can be to find organic or recyclable materials.

I bought a copy of Caroline’s resource list and felt like I hit the jackpot! I ended up using a lot of the same vendors or types of materials and ideas that Caroline uses but the only exact item we share is the CD box. I love all the natural products not only because they are eco-friendly but they also have such a unique and beautifully simple look to them.

My albums are made of all natural materials. They are packaged in this beautiful slipcover with a beaded closure.

For my prints I use black recyclable folders in various sizes wrapped in ribbon.

I tied up 2 tags in the ribbon; 1 stamped prints and 1 stamped with my logo.

My CD cases are made of all natural and organic materials not to mention they are gorgeous! I package them in the same box that Caroline uses and again tie them up with ribbon and 2 tags and add a sticker to the lower left corner.

I stamp my info directly onto the CD.

I include a hard copy of my print license printed on natural handmade paper in a matching envelope. I also have a secondary envelope containing proper storage information, business cards and my refer-a-friend program.

View of the print license.

Everything all put together!

Although I didn’t use a lot of the same items as Caroline, I did use a lot of the vendors provided to me through the resource list she sells. Therefore I can’t disclose my vendors, but I can tell you if you are interested in this style of packaging you should definitely buy a copy of her list! All the proceeds go towards funding for mission trips!

Thank you Caroline for the wonderful inspiration!

(And thank YOU, Brittany, for sharing such lovely packaging with our Paperie readers!)

We’d love to feature your packaging here as well! Please e-mail robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.




Color Inc. Pro Lab is having a Facebook Photo Contest. Photographers can send in their favorite image of a child / baby and they will add it to an album on their Facebook page.

The image with the most “LIKES” wins a $300 Color Inc. lab credit.

• Contest started Wednesday, March 9th
•  Entry deadline is Friday, March 11th
•  Voting Ends Monday, March 14th
•  e-mail to send images to:  contest@colorincprolab.com

Learn more about the Color Inc. Facebook Photo Contest here!

simply. baby.

Today’s guest post is by Lisa of Simply Baby Photography in Hawaii. It’s a post I’ve been begging her to make for quite a long time – it’s “simply” one of the best expo-booth examples I have ever seen. The fact she even matched her skirt to her booth is just the icing on top!

Twice each year, in spring and fall, my city holds a baby expo. The spring expo focuses on products and services for new babies and families, while the fall expo is geared toward older children and families, with an emphasis on holiday gift giving.

For my first expo, held in May, I chose to promote the baby side of my business- Simply Baby Photography. I selected a slightly less costly center booth so I would have 3 sides for image display. Booths run several hundred dollars for the two day expo, so I set an expo budget of $1500. My idea was to design a chic nursery space and display large images that could be seen from a distance. I began planning for the May booth in January, when expo registration begins.

I built the walls of the both using 78″ high bifold closet doors found at a salvage and overstock warehouse for only $5/pair. (I bought 7 pairs- 3 for the back and 2 each for the sides) and hinged together using screw plates.)

Most of my furnishings were Craigslist finds. I scored a white mini crib for $20 and sewed my own bedding, including sheets, dust ruffle, and crib quilt. I re-upholstered the chair in the foreground to match the reverse of the quilt. I stored additional samples, sales material, and miscellaneous items under the crib.

The two damask chairs in back I found for $20 each, originally upholstered in a hideous yellow and green plaid. After refinishing and reupholstering (I spent $100 on supplies!) I got the shabby chic look I wanted. These chairs served as a great consultation area for potential clients to view books, announcements, and other product samples.

The table in front is another Craigslist find, refinished and gilded for use as a display table to hold business cards, samples and contest entry forms. Just behind it on the left is a console, purchased at Ross and refinished, with more product samples on top and additional promotional materials stored in the drawer.

More than a few people thought I was selling furniture! I wanted my booth to be eye-catching, and it did receive a lot of attention.

I had my Simply Baby booth sign custom made from plexiglass and vinyl decals and mounted in a curve, standing out from the back of the booth. The expo only provides a paper sign tacked to the curtains (the color of which, unfortunately, I had no control over), and I wanted my business name to be prominent.

I selected the images I thought best displayed my work in a clean, simple fashion, highlighting babies at the ages I most enjoy photographing – newborn and 7-9 months. My color palette of blues, aquas, and pinks complemented my vibrant apple green logo.

By watching for sales, I was able to order half off canvases for my display. The four shown are a 24×30 center canvas flanked by 20×24 canvases, with a 20×30 canvas on the right wall. I hung these using 3M Command self-adhesive hooks.

To the left, I created a gallery wall of 6 images ranging in size from 8×10 to 16×20. To save costs, I had all but the one 16×20 printed at Costco and mounted them myself. They were attached to the wall with self-stick velcro.

I wanted to put a rug or other floor covering down to cover the ugly cracked concrete, but couldn’t find an inexpensive, portable solution. A friend of mine recently “tiled” his booth floor very creatively, using con-tac paper cut into squares and adhered directly to the floor. Wish I’d thought of that!

Looking back, my front table was a bit cluttered, and there wasn’t much room for visitors to fill out their contest entry forms (I gave away a session and print). The seating area was used, so I’m glad I had that. Having a few large images on display drew a lot of attention.

Overall, the booth was a lot of work, requiring nearly four hours to set up the night before and two hours to break down, plus the two 9-5 days doing a meet and greet. I directly booked five sessions from the expo, and talked to dozens of parents. There were at least 5 other photographers with booths (coordinators make sure similar vendors aren’t nearby), though it was largely friendly and my booth received several compliments from my colleagues.

While the expo is billed as attracting a large number of upscale attendees, I found that those who stopped by my booth were largely price conscious and actually had a few Bugaboo-pushing parents literally gasp at my price list. The clients who did book were wonderful to work with and spent well.

Before the expo I laid out a list of goals to target. While many photographers book at the expo itself, that wasn’t a primary goal of mine – I did offer an Expo Special, but extended it for a few days after the expo and did get a few bookings in the 48h following the expo. I wanted to converse with a minimum number of visitors, get 200 names for my mailing list, and make a splash in the community to get the attention of both attendees and other photographers, presenting Simply Baby Photography as an upscale boutique studio.

I feel that I was successful in meeting all my goals, and the summer after my booth I grossed just over double my spring averages.




Don’t forget that Paperie Boutique has an amazing stationery set giveaway and a contest to win a free logo right now – enter both while you still can!