just say Julie!

Posts like this make me smile. Not just because the packaging is so fantastic (which it absolutely is), but because all the counteless hours people have poured into this site are really paying off and helping people. What a fantastic way to “pay it forward”! Grab a Coke, a smile, and kick back. Another great packaging feature / guest post coming up…by Julie Rollins Photography…

This past October 2009 is when I decided to move full steam ahead with my photography business. I scoured the Internet daily, trying to soak up everything I possibly could on how to get my business off the ground and running. I constantly read about how important branding is and I knew I had a ton of work ahead of me. I came across the Paperie Boutique website and turned to it almost daily looking for inspiration for the packaging I would eventually come up with.

My New Years Resolution for 2010 was two parts. The first part was to get my blog (julierollinsphotography.com/blog/) up and running. The second part was to design my packaging and Welcome Kit.

All of the colors in my packaging are a direct spinoff of my logo. I wanted to stick to that same color scheme, which made things easy for me.

My bags, tissue, ribbon, raffia, large Kraft boxes and Kraft pillow boxes are all from Gift Box Corp of America.

My large and small round stickers are from Zazzle.

My brown photo boxes are from DNL Photo.

My rounded hangtags are from 48HourPrint.com.

Inside the chocolate boxes you will find clear bags with backing boards, which are from Clear Bags. Also included in the boxes are 5×5 cards with portrait care and copyright information.

When my clients call to book their session, the first thing I do is send them out their Welcome Packet. The packet is full of information about my photography, pricing and session details.

The Kraft colored presentation folder is from Paper Presentation.

Inside my Welcome Packet you will find a chocolate petal envelope with my referral cards in it and a 5×5 card detailing the program. The envelope is from Paper Source.

Also included in my Welcome Packet are a pen and a sticky note pad. These two items along with my 4×8 rack card are from Vista Print.

The remainders of my press printed products are from local printers. I love being able to have all of this information together in my Welcome Packet, because it’s so nice to mail this right off to my clients when they call to book their session. The last thing I include in the Welcome Packet is a Session Reminder Card, which is also from a local printer.

Designing all of my press printed products took a while and then ordering all of the packaging was also a huge job. That being said, having everything done is such a relief. I felt great today when I had a new client call to book a session for next week and I dropped her Welcome Kit off at the post office this afternoon. Knowing that I have this all finished, I probably would still be trying to figure things out if it hadn’t been for the inspiration from Paperie Boutique! Thank you so much Robyn – I love your site!!!

-Julie

Thank you so much, Julie! Make sure to stop by her blog and say “hi”! (You can also see a lot of the photos above bigger and in greater detail there.) And don’t forget to submit your own packaging photos to the site (instructions at post’s end)!

In case you didn’t see today’s newsletter, Paper Source just announced a new recycled kraft paper collection. Check it out:

Don’t forget there’s just over 24 hours left to enter the “Pink Boutique Packaging Set” from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging. Go here to enter!

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).

the perfect Color

I promised y’all something big today – and here it is! Today’s guest post is by Color Inc. Digital Pro Lab.

Make sure you read all the way to the end because there’s a very special prize and an amazing offer exclusive to Paperie Boutique viewers!

Color Inc. is a full service digital lab that is founded on helping other photographers experience the same success as we have through education, networking, and marketing. Our commitment to you is to provide you with the best digital product at the best possible price.

We are excited to offer one Paperie reader a free 16×20 gallery wrap canvas!

Photographer Lori Reedy had this to say about Color Inc. gallery wraps: “…Gallery wrapped canvas art is the top selling product in my studio, so it just made sense to show more of what my clients love. After all, you sell what you show and canvas is perfect for that tactile high end presentation.”

Our Gallery Wrapped Canvases are a high-quality, finished product that will come ready to hang the moment it is unwrapped. Preserve your memories in style with the Gallery Wrap!

Each Canvas is hand wrapped around a 1½” frame with the finest attention to detail. Each piece is properly finished with a wire hanger, bumpers, and you can choose to leave the back open or cover it with Tyvek® backing. In addition, your canvas will be coated with Hahnemuhle protective spray which protects your work from harmful UV rays and other atmospheric contaminants.

Our wrapped canvases are available in the “Gallery Wrapped Canvas” catalog in our ROES software. To order first read these instructions, then go into ROES and click the “Sizes” button, then the “Gallery Wrapped Canvas” option as seen at left. Canvases are arranged by size within that catalog.

So now you’re ready to win that 16×20 gallery wrap canvas, right?

Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Wrap it up! Win a gallery wrap canvas from Paperie Boutique & @colorinc / colorincprolab.com – visit paperieboutique.com for details!

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 per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Because so many people are traveling to WPPI this weekend, I am extending the contest through Monday morning this time. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 a.m. EST on Monday, March 8th.

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 put in touch with Color Inc. within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

As if that wasn’t awesome enough, Color Inc. is also offering all Paperie readers 25 FREE 4×6 prints! Use the code PB25.

Thank you so much Color Inc.! You’re definitely kicking everyone’s weekend off on a great note!

And just in case you missed yesterday’s entry, keep scrolling because you have to check out the The Boutique Product Catalog!

Here’s just one more example of how they can be customized:

It’s a product I can’t wait to use, and I think you’ll feel the same! So go peek…

Have a great weekend everyone!
-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).

what a concept

I was lucky enough to get a demo version of The Boutique Product Catalog recently. To say I was “blown away” would be an understatement. In fact, I tore into the box like a little kid at Christmas. And then I made my poor husband sit there and “oooh” and “ahhh” right along with me until he showed enough enthusiasm for me to let him off the hook and return to my regularly scheduled swooning in private.

I have been looking for a solution like this – not only in look, but in price – forever. This delivers and then some! The concept is fantastic. The design is beautiful. The quality is exceptional. And because they’re customizable and the wording is available, well that’s really just the icing, now isn’t it?

It is with much excitement that I introduce Andrea Halsey of “The Designer Concept” for today’s guest post…

If you have ever looked into creating a unique catalog to hand to your clients at (or before) your session, you may have had some of the same troubles I did when seeking out this perfect marketing piece. After a lot of research, both local and around the digital marketplace of the world wide web, I finally found a solution that was perfect for the Boutique Experience, and light on the pocket!

I wanted a piece that served the following purposes:
- Boutique Look and Feel
- Something unique you can’t just get anywhere
- Something small enough for clients to keep in their pocketbooks (and show off to friends and family)
- Something concise and image-oriented
- A piece that matched my branding and set me apart from other local photographers

Is it so much for a girl to ask?!

Well, I did find some solutions that I loved, but just couldn’t swallow the price tags. I started to find myself looking into custom pieces that had minimum quantities in the thousands just to reduce the price to $3 or $4 a piece. Or, if I wanted to spend $10 a piece, I could get just 250 (insert googley eyes). When I looked into smaller booklet-style pieces, I just wasn’t happy with the look and feel. I wanted my pieces to have that wow-factor that represented the caliber of my boutique work, and the products I offer.

After some prototype mockups, I found a solution that would only cost me around $1/catalog and met all of my expectations. I kid you not! And the minimum quantity was right where I needed it to be, at just one hundred pieces. Having used the pieces myself, I know how valuable they are and can confirm that you will love handing them to clients, leaving them with other businesses, and handing them out to prospective clients… and they will love them too!

The deal only gets sweater. One of the issues I share with many other photographers, is the need to update or change pieces in my product catalog over time. Imagine spending $2,500 on your product catalogs just to realize a vendor has increased their prices or discontinued production. What if you have a new product line you want to add? Even though your original investment for your catalogs may have been around $100, the way our pieces are put together, you can update an entire section for just around $15 or $20. And when I say update, I mean update ALL of your booklets.

The team at my studio has put together a template for The Designer Concept that will give you a Master Cover template to custom match to your branding, as well as layout guides and instructions for creating your own booklet for just $1/piece. You can also purchase our Premium Template and have my personal catalog shipped to your door! This will give you a first-hand look at how I have created my own catalog, the products I offer my clients, and the images and wording that I use.

Paperie Exclusive Alert!

I have developed an exclusive Paperie Master Cover Template ONLY available for Paperie Boutique readers. After purchasing your template, simply email me your PayPal transaction ID and mention Paperie Boutique, and you will get in on this exclusive cover template. (If you have already purchased the Boutique Product Catalog, you can still email me for the exclusive cover!)

Last but not least, I can’t help but give a little something more in the form of a limited time discount!

For *one week only* you can get a $25 or $35 discount only for Paperie Boutique readers and friends.

For the Premium Template, get $35 off instantly by using this code:
PaperieExclusivePremium

For the standard template, get $25 off instantly by using this code:
PaperieExclusiveStandard

OFFER ENDS THURSDAY, MARCH 11TH

Thanks to all for reading, much love!
~Andrea

Thank you so much for the product, and the special Paperie exclusive plus discount, Andrea! I cannot wait to get mine together and share the photos here!

In just minutes the My Funky Camera contest will come to a close. But stay tuned! There’s another HUGE give-away coming on Friday. Yes, I said HUGE. So don’t forget to check back in!

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).

just a splash of color

This guest post is a double-win – it has a packaging feature and a separate vendor-promo at the end! Jamie Brokus of Color Splash Studio LLC recently contacted me to see if I’d like to feature her packaging? Are you kidding, Jamie?!? I almost want to switch my color-scheme after seeing the photos!

I was so inspired by all of the awesome packaging I saw other photographers put together, so I am sending you what I came up with following Heather Garland’s guest post at Paperie.

After hearing Sarah Petty talk about boutique packaging, bringing your brand together and then seeing all of the wonderful things other photographers have been so willing to share on this blog, I was inspired to put together my own. It is so cool to watch people walk out of my studio with bags with my name on them and tissue and have them feel like their money was well spent on the the prints they just bought.

My kraft paper shopping bags, tissue and raffia are from Nashville Wraps. I also am using their gourmet food shipping box for a shipping box. It fits up to an 8×10 box.

My shipping labels are from 123print.com.

My photo boxes are from Rice Studio Supplies. I am also using their portrait cases for 11×14 and 16×20 prints.

My logo stamp is from Simon Stamp with the big and juicy stamp pad.

My square thank you sized business card tied on the bags is from prolabexpress.com.

My business cards are from overnightprints.com and then I score them myself.

Gift card is from Miller’s Lab on water color paper and trifold brochure is from WHCC.

Circle Stickers are from Zazzle.

Small orange suitcase is from Paper Source, and costs half the price of a custom proof box.

Note from Robyn: It’s harder and harder to get the retro-suitcases from Paper Source. Land of Nod recently started carrying them, so try there as well!

Thank you so much for sending these along Jamie! (Don’t forget to visit her blog.) It should not only inspire others, but also show how quickly you can pull a look together once you decide on the direction.

And now…the promo! It’s no secret this blog is a big fan of Moo. Not only am I excited to find out I’m in “The Moo Ideas Book” (pages 3 and 33 – see the book here on display at a trade show) — I’m also excited to share a new Moo.com promo just for Paperie readers.

Using the code SHUTTER10 will give you an extra 10% off a 200 pack of Business Cards (classic or green stock) OR a 400 pack of MiniCards.

The code:
• is valid for one pack
• expires midnight PDT on March 31st, 2010
• is only valid for one use per customer
• is an additional 10% off the cost of a bulk pack (Bulk packs are already discounted, so this makes it even better value!)

Please note: the code will not work on 4 separate packs of 100 MiniCards. It must be used on the bulk-pack of 400.

Thank you, Moo! If you haven’t already, check out the sidebar to the right for free Moo template downloads from Paperie…

P.S. Don’t forget the My Funky Camera contest is still running through 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 4th!

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).

third time’s a charm

The Internet is full of photography-related forums now, both free and paid, private and public, new and old. Sometimes it gets pretty overwhelming to figure out what to choose—not only from the sheer volume of groups out there, but also deciding which ones will benefit your business and be the best investment of your time. On the 17th of last month, I gave one recommendation. Now I’m proud to feature the only other paid-forum that I’m a member of – Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers (PT4P). I have been a member of PT4P since day one of v1, and immediately renewed my membership for v2 and v3. I’ve always found it more than worth the expense for the member forum alone—nevermind the business and marketing materials, templates, card designs, website expansion tools, etc. So it is with great excitement that I introduce Michele, a.k.a. Pinkletoes, to explain more.

Spring your photography business into action with Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers! Now in its third year, PT4P is the original ever-evolving, all-in-one design, marketing, and resource center for photographers. Whether you’re just starting out or even if you’ve been in the business for years, PT4P has materials to help save you time and money and keep your business fresh and moving forward. New materials are released quarterly, but here is just a small sample of the kinds of templates created just for PT4P members:

Be sure to check out ALL of the offerings in PT4P including webinars (topics chosen by the members), album and framing actions, contract and brochure templates, and so much more.

Special Limited Time Offer: Purchase your v3 membership by March 7th and mention “Paperie Boutique” in your payment message and you’ll receive a bonus Senior Save the Date postcard template.

Thank you so much for doing a guest post, Michele! I look forward to seeing some of you at PT4P soon!

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).

peek-a-boo, I see you

[ Psssst... Read to the end for multiple chances to win a 5x5 tri-fold template! ]

Another guest post today, this time by Lizette Barbour of Peekaboo Studio Photography. I just adore her Boo logo and color scheme. Everything is so bright and cheery. If you have the winter doldrums, this post should definitely lift your spirits! Take it away, Lizette…

When I first started my photography business, I was completely clueless about branding. I was trying to do everything cost effectively and ended up buying 500 brown kraft paper bags. Years later, I still have a ton of these and was desperately wanting to get rid of them to make room for my new packaging created around my new branding.

After giving it A LOT of thought I finally figured out a way to incorporate these into my new look, in fact, it became the main idea of my packaging.

My little owl (nicknamed Boo) represents a nature earthy feel, so I decided to add in more recycled kraft products to tie in with the bags, meshed it together with my vibrant red and voila, my new look was born. I describe it as Nature meets Modern.

My bags and tissue are from Mayers Packaging.

The bag tags shown are what I use when I’m in a pinch. The rectangular tag on the small bag are mini Moo cards. The reverse has all my info so it also acts as my biz cards too. The owl on the large bag is printed on a 4×6 photo. I just cut it out, hole punch it, and tie it on. I have a few on hand at all times. (It is a bit time consuming, but it’s only used as “Plan B”.)

I usually use the tag shown in the center above. It’s printed out on a 4×6 photo as well, and I customize the name and pic to correspond with my client. Sometimes I forget to print one with my client’s order, and that’s where the other tags come into play.

All my press printed products are from my local printers. I’m so lucky to have them literally 5 minutes away from me! Shown below are my client reminder cards that I mail out the week before, my “what to expect next” tri-fold and my gift certificates that I package in a kraft envelope bought from Crystal Clear Bags and placed in a 5×7 red box. The sticker on the envelope is from Moo.

My boxes are from HB Photo Packaging. I went with HB for their prices, but I am definitely staying for their CS – so fantastic! I have them in sizes 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 and 4×6 proof boxes for announcement cards. I wrap the boxes in recycled twine that I purchase from my local hardware store. The “stickers” on the bottom right hand corner are actually my mini Moo cards. I cut off the orange part and use a glue gun to adhere them to the boxes. (So many uses for them.) I would love to be able to do foil embossing, but because of my multiple colors it just isn’t affordable.

I had to search high and low for these CD cases, and finally found them at ReBinder. In the left pouch is a copyright card, and printing instructions. Both are double sided press printed cards (once again from my local printers). The CD was printed at CD Print Express and I have to say their quality is awesome!

I really could go crazy with more printed brochures like welcome/info/pricing packets. I just love the look and feel of beautiful paper. But I am trying hard to stick with my nature / environmentally friendly packaging and instead have created a password protected online “client lounge” that I call the Tree House. It’s a great place for my clients to get all the 411 on what Peekaboo studio has to offer.

Not shown are my referral cards. I hand out 5 cards to each client, personalized with their photo. Also not shown are my thank you cards. I also like to personalize these with the client’s picture and a nice handwritten message inside.

Well there you have it. My packaging that seemed to take forever to create. It’s unbelievable to have this weight lifted off my shoulders of finally having everything put together AND to love all the elements. (I’m so indecisive sometimes!)

My inspiration for all this has definitely been the Paperie Boutique, so it was only fair that I share my packaging in return.

Thank you so much for sharing Lizette—your hard work has definitely paid off! For more info on Peekaboo Studio Photography please check out the website and blog.

And because everyone likes a little something for free, I’m giving away five (plus one) Fit to Print “design seven” 5×5 tri-fold templates (shown below).

How do you win? It’s simple… Cut and paste the following to either your Twitter stream or on your Facebook wall (two separate entries maximum per person, one per Twitter / Facebook account):

I start my day at Paperie Boutique by @shutterblog — you should, too! Visit and win a free trifold template: paperieboutique.com

Come back and post the link to your Tweet / post in the comments for this entry. The first five people to post will automatically win (so please leave a valid e-mail address). Never fear though! If you miss out on the “top 5″, tomorrow at noon (12 p.m. EST on Friday 02.26.10) I will use Random.org to select one more winner! So you’ll still have a chance to win!

UPDATE: Final winner is announced here – thanks for participating!

By the way, I highly suggest setting up a pop-up reminder or iCal appointment to come back to Paperie Boutique tomorrow. I’ve been holding something BIG for the end of the week, and you won’t wanna miss this one! Trust me. See you then!

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).

but wait…there’s more!

The last 12 hours have been incredible for me. First I found out I’d got a little “ProDPI Love!“. Then it was announced I’m the “February Guest Photographer” over at Prop Insanity.

And just because I care, if you head over to Prop Insanity this little surprise is available for (FREE!) download from Paperie Boutique—a Moo MiniCard template I hole punch a corner of and use as a gift tag.

Anyone out there going to WPPI in Vegas? If so, and you’re interested in posting a recap for the rest of us (similar to this one from Imaging USA), please get in touch with me!

And in case you missed the last entry, this week there’s a chance to win a fabulous (free, year-long) prize from Clickin’ Moms*!

Clickin’ Moms* is one of my guilty pleasures these days during that rare thing known as free time. Directly from the website: “We are a community of women who have a passion for photography. Some of us are amateur photographers who just want to take better pictures of our family, some of us are hobbyists, and some of us are seasoned pros. We learn from each other and help each other…this is a safe place to share your photos and chat about photography. Our forums and galleries are closed to non-members. Our site features great and easy to understand tutorials, lessons and challenges. All of the contributions are from fellow members who are more than happy to help and give advice to one another. We host amazing photography vendors who offer us discounts and group buys on their products…we have great bunch of women that enjoy hanging out with people that have a common passion – photography!”

* Clickin’ Moms is hosting an affiliate referral contest and the link I am posting will help this site in the contest.

All new Clickin’ Moms registrations sent from Paperie Boutique though midnight March 31, 2010, will receive 10% off new member subscriptions by using the coupon code FRIEND at checkout.

Clickin’ Moms has also donated one free year’s subscription to a Paperie Boutique viewer.

To enter, go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Get your cameras clickin’ with paperieboutique.com & @clickinmoms / clickinmoms.com – pass this on and win a year’s subscription!

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for the last entry (NOT this one). Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, February 21st.

Comments on the last entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the prize code will be e-mailed to that person within 24 hours of contest’s end.

More prize giveaways are in the works for this month so stay tuned… I want them for myself!

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).

and I’ll have more ideas for you

It’s been one of those months. Holiday weekend = good. Entire family battling yet another cold/flu = bad. I’ve been trying to post this entry for the last 8 hours. But finally a bit of peace and quiet to my day and we all win!

Literally.

Because thanks to the fine folks at Clickin’ Moms*, this entry comes with goodies and the chance to win a fabulous (free, year-long) prize!

Clickin’ Moms* is one of my guilty pleasures these days during that rare thing known as free time. Directly from the website: “We are a community of women who have a passion for photography. Some of us are amateur photographers who just want to take better pictures of our family, some of us are hobbyists, and some of us are seasoned pros. We learn from each other and help each other…this is a safe place to share your photos and chat about photography. Our forums and galleries are closed to non-members. Our site features great and easy to understand tutorials, lessons and challenges. All of the contributions are from fellow members who are more than happy to help and give advice to one another. We host amazing photography vendors who offer us discounts and group buys on their products…we have great bunch of women that enjoy hanging out with people that have a common passion – photography!”

* Right now Clickin’ Moms is hosting an affiliate referral contest and the link I am posting will help this site in the contest. All new registrations sent from Paperie Boutique though midnight March 31, 2010, will receive 10% off new member subscriptions by using the coupon code FRIEND at checkout.

But wait! There’s more! Clickin’ Moms has also donated one free year’s subscription to a Paperie Boutique viewer.

To enter, go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Get your cameras clickin’ with paperieboutique.com & @clickinmoms / clickinmoms.com – pass this on and win a year’s subscription!

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for this entry. Comment(s) must be posted by 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, February 21st.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the prize code will be e-mailed to that person within 24 hours of contest’s end.

But the fun doesn’t stop there because now there are pretty pictures and product recommendations to pass along!

Recently I received this e-mail from catherineamissphotography.com:

I wanted to share the valentines that I made for my son’s kindergarten class exchange.

I chose a picture of my son and my husband and added the following quote about love: “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” On the back I wrote “Happy Valentine’s Day! From, Austin.” And then, yes, I [shamelessly] added my website address. The background paper and frame element is from Sassy Designs.

I printed the cards on pearl paper as 4×5 promo cards from Miller’s. I put two Valentine’s per 4×5 card and then simply cut them in half. Then I punched a hole in the corner and tied a little baggie filled with 3 chocolate kisses onto the card with ribbon.

I had considered punching two holes on the side and sticking a lollipop through the card, but I decided that the children’s mothers would be more likely to notice chocolate (and thus my website address).

When my son saw the cards, he loved them! Then he saw the dandelion graphic on the back of the card and exclaimed, “Mommy! It’s the same flower from your logo!” ( I just worked with a designer to come up with a new logo.) Hopefully, the Valentine stood out in a sea of Spiderman and Spongebob and wished his classmates a very “Happy Valentine’s Day” all the same.

Thank you so much for sharing those, Catherine! They’re absolutely gorgeous and as a fellow-kindergartener’s mom, certainly would have got my attention — what a brilliant twist to up the ante and win mommy’s heart through Kisses!

Last but certainly not least… The longer I’m in business, the tighter I get with my prop budget. I allow myself a few splurges each year, but really like to keep things to a minimum if at all possible and keep my profits. I’ve lusted after the Urban Outfitters Distressed and Whitewashed fake wood Trompe L’Oeil Floor Mats for a couple of years now. I just couldn’t stomach the $140.00 pricetag. I’ve also seen links to the Bargain Outfitters Barnboard Fo Flor (by Bungalow who also carries the Whitewash), and links on sites selling the mats wholesale, but they always ran between $99.00 – $187.00. Deep down I had my heart set on the Whitewash version because this portrait of mine (shot on an actual wooden bridge) has always been a favorite. It was just a matter of digesting the pricepoints.

Recently though, I ran across the Fo Flor Mat in Whitewash from Grandin Road.

I Googled for a coupon and ended up getting two 23×36″ accent rugs for $34/each (plus shipping) instead of one large area rug style mat. Together they make a nice-sized 36×46″ faux-floor. My total order was $82.00. Much better on the budget. As you can see, they will work with room to spare for newborn-in-basket type shots and close-up toddler portraits, which are the bulk of my work.

For the planks coming at me instead of going horizontally, I may need to clone the seam line just a bit, but overall they photograph very well. And the white has the added bonus of being a minor reflector.

These are the same fabric-printed-on foamy-mousepad-material you may have seen discussed elsewhere. Very thin, lightweight, easy to roll, and extremely portable.

It really does pay to do a few minutes of extra homework. The 23×36″ Barnboard version at Bargain Outfitters is now on sale for $29.97 and there are tons of coupon codes floating around for that site on Google. I believe their shipping runs about $9.

You can also search for Bungalow Fo Floors at Amazon.com, some of which will allow you to take advantage of their free Prime Shipping option.

With the money you save, you just might have enough to hit Etsy for a cute baby hat or tutu as well… Happy propping!

(P.S. Wondering where I got that cute little cupcake? That one is custom-made, but I got it (and this one) from Shimrit’a cupcakes. I have a lot of “baby’s first birthday” sessions coming up, and I wanted a non-melty-icing option for my outdoor ones. These look good enough to eat in real life and in photos!)

totally sweet

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?

Heather, be thy name

I am so excited about this guest post—it has really inspired me to change things up a bit and add a few new items to my packaging arsenal. Sit back, take five, grab and drink, and prepare to be wow’ed by Heather of Heather Garland Photography!

“Wow, I feel like it’s Christmas and I just got handed the most beautiful present under the tree.” When a client told me this one day, I knew why I put so much work into my package. It wasn’t just because I loved packaging, it was because my clients loved it too and it made them feel special. Of course, I do love packaging too. It is so exciting to me and I am always working to improve my packaging. Most people think it is silly to put so much investment and work into handing clients who have already booked you their prints. I think that is quite wrong, our clients that have had sessions are photographers MOST important marketing tool. Every one of them has friends, family, and co-workers who get married, have babies, and want family portraits. Making my clients happy is my biggest goal, not just for referrals but because I genuinely consider them friends after our sessions. Because of this, when I hand them their prints, I want them to feel like I handed them something worth the hundreds of dollars they paid for it.

First off my amazing marketing products and logo are from Amy Grace at candyapplestudios.com. She is absolutely incredible. I already had my logo done before and just switched to her to give me a somewhat new look. She made me feel so professional and amazing. Every design she handed me I was in awe because they were so incredible.

Above is my packaging. I have 3 different sizes of bags (one for sizes up to 5×7, one for prints up to 8×10, and one for sizes up to 16×20), a few different sizes of boxes (wallets, 4×6, & 8×10), and multiple shipping boxes (4×6, 8×10, and DVD sized).

My bags, boxes, tissue paper, and shipping boxes are all from papermart.com.

My tags are from cpq.com, are tied with raffia from bagsandbows.com.

My 8×10 boxes (apparel boxes), which I place inside the bags, have ribbon from Hobby Lobby and are secured with a 2 inch sticker I made myself. (I am probably going to start an etsy store eventually, just because there aren’t a lot of places to get quality round stickers. I’ve tried tons of places like Zazzle and can’t stand the shift.) I also have a 2×3.5 inch sticker from whcc.com on the bottom of my boxes and in the middle of my bags.

Inside my boxes I put the prints, an envelope with a copy of the contract, a business card, a referral post card with referral cards, and usually a little post-it note with a note to the client.

Here is a close-up of the envelopes with the contract. They are from vistaprint.com.

I include referral cards that share my referral program, along with a baggie from clearbags.com with 5-10 referral cards. The large postcard is from whcc.com and the business cards are from gotprint.net.

These are the post-it notes from 123print.com.

My prints are secured with the appropriate bag from clearbags.com and have white backing board.

I also have little wallet boxes and 4×6 boxes (jewelry boxes) that are inside the bag (if applicable).

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They have small 1 inch stickers on them, which I use on a lot of my products. I also make these myself.

If clients order a gift card, I package them the same as prints but in a 4×6 box. Here is a close-up of my gift cards.

My shipping boxes are new for me, I figured if I was professional in my other packaging I should have the same look for my shipping too.

I get my shipping labels from 123print.net and use a 2 inch sticker to seal it.

I include a tag (unpunched), the pictures, and tissue paper. This a 4×6 sized box with 4×6 prints and wallets.

For my wedding clients, I have my contracts printed and put in a folder from Office Depot. My folders are the only thing I am changing soon. I am looking into brown folders from paperpresentation.com. I put a 1 inch sticker in the corner and a business card in the slot inside.

When they book I send them a copy of the contract, a thank you card, and a candle. The thank you is from whcc.com and the candle is from Bath & Body Works.

I also include a link to a personalized site. This site has dates their payments are due, a copy of the contract & model releases, a get-to-know-you email form, and special tips for the wedding. If you want to see an example you can check it out here: http://heathergarland.com/bridesite/

Here is a close up of the thank you cards, referral cards, and business cards again.

The only thing not shown is my DVD cases, they are from jewelboxing.com and designed by my amazing designer. They are personalized with pictures from the shoot, along with a print release, and a panel explaining cropping of the photos and recommending Mpix.com.

My marketing materials change all the time, but I feel like now finally my packaging is established and I will only be adding on new and more exciting pages in the future. I am so excited to be able to share my packaging and hope it can inspire someone. This blog has definitely inspired me in my packaging and I love Robyn’s packaging and every person featured on the blog. So I hope I can pay back in a way, what has inspired and helped me so much. Thanks!

Love, Heather

Did I tell you that you would be wow’ed or what? Please stop by Heather’s blog and / or leave a comment to tell her “thanks!” What a way to kick off the new week!

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).