weekend wrap-up

Today’s post is a giveaway within a contest! We are joined by vendor “Senior Portraits 101” for a guest post and your chance to win their “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“!

First though, we have several new entries in our 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)




First up is Entry #4 by Nicole Haley Photography – Audrey would be proud! Boxes are from HB Photo Packaging.

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“This is my every day packaging dressed up a bit for the holidays! It is very important to me the everything is either made from recyclable material or re-usable. All of the printed marketing pieces are printed through WHCC on their Art Recycled Card Stock. Under the birdie gift wrap is a CD case from ReBinder, made of recycled cardboard. The bag and ornament are reusable which is great! I dressed up the accordion albums with a simple bow.“

There are still several entries in my inbox left to post, and I’m sure more will be coming in soon as everyone finishes their holiday orders – so keep checking in!

For information on how to enter, check out the instructions here.

Did someone say giveaway? They sure did – welcome “Senior Portraits 101“!

This guide is for those photographers who want to jump into the senior portraits business. It also is great for photographers who would like to revamp their current senior business right now.

It is filled with information that can give you the push you need for your senior program to do well. Not only is it an overall senior start up program, but it also shows how to start up your rep program.

If you are a visual person, then you will love the workflow and editing video included. If you are serious about your senior portraits business, take a look at the Senior Portrait 101 Guide and how it can help you!

What is included in the Senior Portraits 101 Guide -
A Comprehensive Digital Guide that dishes out every last strategy and detail:
• Senior Portraits & Marketing
• Pricing Guide
• My Current Pricing & Other Examples
• Promotion Ideas
• A Typical Client Meeting
• Clothing Guide
• Styling Your Senior
• Posing + Tips
• FAQ for Clients
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• After The Session
• Quick Session Tips
• Starting A Senior Rep Program
• Senior Rep Benefits + Information
• Senior Rep Meeting
• Marketing Tips for your Rep
• Resources, Sponsors, and Discounts

A Digital Folder Containing Customizable Forms & Contracts:
• Senior Portrait Contract
• What to Wear
• Senior Rep Program Welcome Packet + Follow up Forms
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• FAQ for Clients
• Invoice Template
• Senior Rep Referral Tracking Chart
• Client Gallery Email Template

65 Minute HD Video Covering My Workflow + Editing:
• Uploading & Sorting
• Preparing Images for Client Gallery
• Basic Edits in ACR
• Client Gallery + Email
• Editing in Photoshop
• Saving for Print & Web
• Blogging
*All done in real time so you can see exactly what my process is.

Getting You Started Marketing Templates:
• 5×5 Marketing Trifold
• 5×5 Thank you Card with Print Release On Back
• Model Release Contract
• Single CD Case
• Senior Rep Card
• 10×20 Storyboard

Now you can be prepared, be inspired, and be creative with everything you need in this Senior Portraits 101 Guide.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Templates are fully layered Photoshop PSD files for unlimited customization
   and ready to print at WHCC.
• The Contracts & Forms are MS Word Format so that you can more easily
   change text and layouts.
• Templates are compatible with Photoshop CS3 and newer.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“. (Please do not enter if you live within 3 hours of Sacramento, CA. More on Paperie giveaway official rules here.)

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know where you’re from! That’s it – no, really!

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” their Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

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

Comment with where you’re from – or that you’ve liked Senior Portraits 101 on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 21st. You can enter up to TWO times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to two 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 TWO 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 so much to Senior Portraits 101 for the great prize!

And “Senior Portraits 101” is also offering this $45 discount code to Paperie readers!

More packaging photos posted soon – where’s yours?
Happy weekend –
-Robyn & Todd

gotta get down on Friday

Quick update today because I’m in the middle of designing Christmas cards for a client…but had to share two new entries for the “2011 Wrap Battle” from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames… (Official rules here.) Check back soon because we’ll be posting more as time allows!

And if you missed our previous post, we now have well over $4500 in prizes donated for the Wrap Battle – the prizes for 1st place total more than $2K!




I love it when I see packaging entries that make me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Here’s Entry #2 by Shalonda Chaddock of Chubby Cheek Photography – the client-gift idea is brilliant, that snowflake through the ribbon is to die for, and it’s a gorgeous use of the popular Chevron pattern!

“The best part of this years packaging and of the ‘all wrapped up sessions’ this year was the gift inside the gable box…it was a hand-carved, personalized address stamp for each family.”

Vendors used:
• Small gable boxes: garnish
• White 8×10 and 5×7 boxes: NPD Box Company
• Stickers: designed by yours truly, printed at WHCC
• Snowflakes: Target (left over from last years Polar Express party)
• Ribbons: Container Store

Thanks so much for your entry, Megan!




Lena Hyde of Design Aglow fame has just launched a new project called Muses & Visionaries – the communal art space is located in West Palm Beach, FL:

“Muses & Visionaries aspires to create an enlightened environment where dynamic and creative women can come together to draw inspiration for their work and lives.

We offer a unique space intended to nurture fresh ideas, foster connections, and act as a catalyst for both independent and collaborative work.

Muses & Visionaries will cultivate a supportive milieu for women to move forward as thinkers, artists, innovators, trend-setters, and entrepreneurs.

Muses & Visionaries envisions a chic modern day salon where women can retreat to find what they need in that moment, whether it is relaxing sanctuary, stimulating discussion or inspired work.”

Visit the Muses & Visionaries website for more details!

Happy almost-weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

bring it.

Excited to announce new vendors participating with prizes and giveaways for contestants in the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules here.)

The prize package for our 1st place winner is now worth OVER $2000 – and we have well OVER $4500 in prizes donated total!

First place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $200 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $100 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $150 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $150 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $300 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $250 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate (10′ backdrop price)
• 8×8 Press Printed Album with Boutique Bag from WHCC*
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($85 value)
• Senior Portraits 101 Guide from seniorportraits101.com ($250 value)
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)
• Set of letterpress cards from Miller’s Professional Imaging

Second place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $250 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $100 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $75 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $100 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $100 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $150 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $125 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Boutique Stickers from WHCC*
• The Joy Bag camera bag
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Third place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $50 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $50 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $50 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $50 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $75 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $50 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Press Printed Cards from WHCC*
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Fan Favorite winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 Kraft and Jute store credit
• Epiphanie camera bag
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($50 value)

Most Original winner will receive the following prizes:
• $200 Photographer Cafe gift certificate
• Boudoir Business Boutique** choice of Boudoir Lighting Guide
   -or- Boudoir Posing Guide (up to $195 value)
• 8×10 Organic Bloom frame (style and color winner’s choice)

Each runner-up winner will receive the following prizes:
• $25 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $25 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate

In addition to the above prizes, winners and runners-up (including “fan favorite” and “most original“) will receive prizes from the vendors listed below:

Epiphanie, Nations Photo Lab, Boudoir Business Boutique**, The Organic Bloom, Sassy Designs Inc., Sarah Petty’s The Joy of Marketing, Nichole Van’s Flourish, Photographer Cafe, Rice Studio Supply, Senior Portraits 101, WHCC*, Kraft and Jute, The Joy Bag, Rock the Walls, and Miller’s Professional Imaging

*1. WHCC Press Printed Album includes 10 spreads printed on your
     choice of paper type finished with a Custom Photo Cover or our new
     Combo Cover! Present this WHCC Album in Boutique Bag in your
     choice of fabric! Boutique Bags are a great way to package any
     WHCC Albumor Book that makes a lasting impression.
*2. WHCC Boutique Stickers are a great way to place your logo and
     add that finishing touch to any client package. Stickers come in a
     set of 25 in your choice of boutique shape and size.
*3. WHCC Press Printed Cards come in a set of 25 in your choice of
     paper type and size. Use to increase awareness by creating price
     lists that your clients can keep, gift certificates, thank you cards
     to send after sessions, and mailers to promote session specials.

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount at Boudoir Business Boutique with coupon code: PB30

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount to life art design shoppe thru 12/31 with coupon code: paperie

Here are entries from last year’s contest for inspiration!

“This is my 2011 Holiday Mini Session packaging. I thought it was important this year to do something festive to get my client’s in the Christmas spirit as they received their Christmas cards and prints in the mail. Because everyone wants to feel like they are getting a present in the mail! It is a spinoff of my everyday packaging.

With each mini session the client received a CD with three digital files, three 8×10 prints and 50 custom Christmas cards. I also like to put a little special client gift in with each of my packages, so this year each client received a 3×3 ornament frame from The Organic Bloom with a photo from their session.”

Vendors used:
• 8×10 photo boxes: HB Photo Packaging
• Kraft bags and wraphia: Michael’s
• Candy Christmas ornaments: Hobby Lobby
• Tissue paper: Paper Source
• 3×3 ornament frames: The Organic Bloom
• Custom logo sticker: 10 Candles Party Shop

Absolutely gorgeous Emily! Thank you so much for entering and for setting the bar at the very top notch!

If you would like to enter, details can be found here. You have to enter to win!




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

For this month’s article I got play – ummm, I mean, review camera bags by Epiphanie, Jo Totes, *emera, Jill-e, ONA Bags, and Kelly Moore Bags.

This month’s column even has an online-supplement feature with even more bags, including Dre Hartmann Camera Bags.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 58, page 60, page 62, and page 64 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.

Between the print article, the online article, and my July 2010 camera bag article – you really can try before you buy! Get yourself something nice for Christmas!




We have a quick contest winner to announce in the Narrow Wear giveaway…and it’s Natasha!

Congrats to Natasha – I’ll be in touch soon with information on claiming your prize! Thanks to everyone who entered, and to Narrow Wear for the fun prize!




Get those packaging photos ready—thanks to Emily Crump Photography it’s already been “brung“!

Happy Merry!
-Robyn & Todd

let’s get ready to ruuuumble

I am not Super Woman. As such, I’m getting this post up just before the stroke of midnight. Today, December 2nd, the 2011 Wrap Battle officially kicks off. However, with it being the holidays (client gifts, holiday cards, etc.) and two column deadlines this week, there’s still miles to go until the contest is fully ready!

But never fear! We are taking your packaging photo submissions NOW [2011 submissions are closed - thanks and stay tuned]. Send in up to three photos of your business packaging – it can be your everyday packaging, something special for Christmas, or both! Your three photos can be of totally different packaging if you have separate for different session types (baby, seniors, weddings, etc.) or use a different packaging scheme for the holidays. Or you can do pull-back shots and zooms of the same packaging. It’s up to you!

So grab your point-and-shoot while packing up those holiday orders and send us a pic, or three… Don’t forget to look through last year’s contest for inspiration!

Official rules, prizes, and judging information all located in the posts here. One of the grand prizes is a $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging!

Submissions will be accepted through 11 p.m. EST on December 31st.




It’s great to see all the new traffic here from the Moo Advent Calendar!

Check the download link above for several FREE Moo templates. You will also find our FREE Moo holiday sticker & label templates here. “Stick” around awhile!




Thanks for your patience — and go win a scarf before you surf on!
-Robyn (and Todd)

P.S. Remember the FREE baby t-shirt / onesie template I put up the other day? I got a few back from Zazzle on Friday and they turned out so cute! Here is how I customized them for Buttons and Bows Photography clients:

I added a smaller version of the Santa-camera with my URL on the t-shirt backs.

Try using code HOLIDAYSALE2 for 50% off Zazzle infant t-shirts / onesies!

sparkle and shine

Everyone getting ready for the “Wrap Battle” kickoff on Friday? Here’s some inspiration (and a giveaway)!

Wish I could say I was ready — but I am so behind. I still haven’t sent out any of the e-mails that need to be sent in advance. I haven’t even read half my e-mails today yet! As such, things may be rocky until mid-week next week when I get more holiday cards finished and off to the printers, ordering galleries complete and e-mailed to clients, packages wrapped and off with my “bend and snap!” man, plus get myself through another column debut and new deadline… Oh yeah, and I guess I should fit my kids and husband in there somewhere as well. Shall I continue? It’s the same song and dance we all do every November / December and ask ourselves “WHY?!?”

But even so – even with a 39th birthday under my belt this week – I still took the time to “show you mine”. Now you get ready to show me yours!

I’m sending these “gift wrap kits” with client orders I know contain gifts so it’s easy for them to turn around and re-gift the contents to their families.

Never fear! To make sure we all get through the holidays alive, the contest entry deadline won’t fall until the week between Christmas and New Year’s. When hopefully this will all be a distant memory thanks to the spiked eggnog!

     How do you get the above? Here are the vendors:

     1.  Custom boxes – HB Photo Packaging
     2.  Eco Tote Bags – HB Photo Packaging
     3.  Custom logo stamp – Ampersandity
     4.  Alphabet letter stamps – Michael’s $1 bin
     5.  “Merry Christmas” stamp – Martha Stewart Crafts Scandinavian Set
     6.  Christmas buttons – Dress It Up
     7.  Button stickers – Martha Stewart / EK Success Woodland Buttons
     8.  Santa hat stickers – Jolee’s / EK Success
     9.  Clear Bags – ClearBags.com
     10. Holiday Ribbon – Michael’s
     11. Satin Ribbon – Paper Source
     12. Christmas stickers and labels – Moo.com (free templates here)




And what’s a Paperie post without a cool vendor and a little summin’-summin’ you can win? One of my favorite knitters Boondock Studios Fiber Arts has launched a fun tiny little division called “Narrow Wear” and they’re here for a quick guest post!

Narrow Wear makes funky and eclectic skinny scarves, from a huge variety of fibers and textures. Use them as hip accessories for older kids and teens, or wrap them around / pile under newborns for texture and color.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win the “Mrs. Claus” by Narrow Wear.

How do you win? Easy! Just leave a comment here and let us know what your favorite item in the Narrow Wear Etsy Store is (or what you’d like to see)! That’s it. The winner will be picked this weekend with Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize. Good luck!




Packaging supplies out. Cameras up. Ready? Set. Go!
-Robyn & Todd

it’s better to give…

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! To show you how thankful we are for our Paperie readers, we’re offering up this free baby tee design for use at Zazzle – it would make the perfect client holiday gift! (And read on, because through 11.27.11 shirts are now 50% off at Zazzle!)

UPDATE: You can now see how the shirts look when you get them from Zazzle here. Try using code HOLIDAYSALE2 for 50% off Zazzle infant t-shirts / onesies!

You can either download the .psd file below and move things around to add your own logo — or if you prefer to just print the design as-is, use the Paperie Zazzle Store and choose between a baby onesie, an infant t-shirt, an infant organic creeper, or a baby long-sleeve tee in sizes 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

  → download link ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

You can edit the background color in this .psd file and move layers around. However, you cannot edit the text as-shown or make changes to the graphic. If you choose to print the design with a vendor other than Zazzle please make sure to check the size and crop guidelines first! Paperie is not responsible for mis-prints.

If you prefer to print the shirt without a logo, or do not have the ability to edit .psd layers, you can order it directly from Zazzle here.

And through 11 p.m. EST tonight / Friday (8 p.m. PST on 11.25.11) take an extra $5 off t-shirts at Zazzle with the code “ZBLACKFRIDAY” (see UPDATE above).

Shown above is a similar onesie that Buttons and Bows Photography gifted to clients in 2008. They were a HUGE hit!

Template is ©Robyn Pollman, 2011. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.




We also have a couple of winners to announce! First up, the winner of the Martha Stewart heat embossing tool is…Tatiana Fowler!

And the winner of the ONA Venice camera bag is…Jennifer Stuart Photography!

Congrats to both of our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to ONA Camera Bags for such a fantastic giveaway!

I’ll be e-mailing both winners this weekend so make sure to check your e-mail soon!




Check out our Facebook page if you haven’t seen it already – both Amazon and B&H have been running huge specials on Adobe’s Lightroom 3 today! It’s been as low as $89.99, and as of 2:45 p.m. EST on “Black” Friday, November 25th it’s still on sale for as low as $149.00!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. The 2nd annual “Wrap Battle” kicks off a week from today on Friday, December 2nd – get ready!

so boss

Everyone getting ready for the 2nd annual Wrap Battle that kicks off on December 2nd? Here’s another great way to spice up your packaging – heat embossing!

I started the “habit” a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it! Here are a few tips and tools of the trade to get you started…

And read ’til the end to find out how to win a heat embossing tool of your own!

Shown in the above photo: Martha Stewart Heat Embossing Tool, VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad, VersaMark Dazzle Watermark Stamp Pad Frost, Martha Stewart Embossing Stamp Pad, and Tidy Crafts No Spill TrayMate

Shown in the above photo: Opaque White Embossing Powder, Ranger Rich Red Embossing Powder, Martha Stewart Crafts Scandinavian Wooden Stamp Set, VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad, and HB Photo Packaging kraft 5×7 box

First take your stamp, press into the clear stamp pad (just like a regular ink stamp), and stamp the box or paper you will be embossing. I suggest a few trial runs first to get the hang of it! (Martha Stewart has more detailed instructions here.)

Then pour your embossing powder over the area you’ve just stamped.

Tap the item to remove the excess powder, and your stamp will have the powder covering it. You might need a small brush to remove excess powder – you don’t want to emboss it as well! Take the heat tool and cover the stamped / powdered area until you see it transform from a “powder” finish to a “slick” / embossed finish.

Let dry and repeat with additional stamps / colors!





For this heat embossed stamp: VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad, custom logo stamp, Ranger Silver Embossing Powder, and Paper Source Pool A7 envelope

Shown in the above photos: VersaMark Dazzle Watermark Stamp Pad Frost, Opaque White Embossing Powder, Ranger Silver Embossing Powder, Paper Source button stamps, Martha Stewart Crafts Scandinavian Wooden Stamp Set, Tidy Crafts No Spill TrayMate, and Rice Eco Chic Peacock CD Sleeve

Used for this heat embossed stamp: Paper Source Bah Humbug Rubber Stamp, VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad, Ranger Silver Embossing Powder, Martha Stewart Heat Embossing Tool, and HB Photo Packaging aqua/aqua 8×10 box

Shown in the above photo: Ranger Rich Red Embossing Powder, Martha Stewart Crafts Scandinavian Wooden Stamp Set, Recollections Glacier Opaque Embossing Powder, EK Success Martha Stewart “All Occasions” Clear Stamps, and Stampendous clear acrylic small rectangle Stamp Handle




And now one lucky Paperie reader will win a Martha Stewart Heat Embossing Tool (value $25.00)!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):

Win a Martha Stewart heat embossing tool just in time for the holidays at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/GSnxmU

2. Friend / Like / Follow Paperie Boutique on Facebook and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

3. Follow Paperie Boutique on Twitter and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a follower)

4. Share your favorite giftwrap / packaging photo on Pinterest – post the link here in the comments. (Here’s my packaging board to get you started!)

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 posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked the us on Facebook and/or Twitter – or your favorite Pinterest giftwrap photo – 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, November 17th. You can enter up to FIVE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments 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.




Speaking of contests, we have a winner to announce in the THEIT camera bag contest…it’s Paola Pinto!

Thanks to everyone who entered, congrats to Paola, and a special thanks to THEIT for the amazing giveaway!

And we have THREE winners in the Artsy Couture giveaway…Jennifer Alvi, Troy Branch, and Tammy Ali Photography!

Once again thanks to everyone who entered, congrats to the three winners, and a huge round of applause times three for one of our favorite vendors Artsy Couture!

If you’re one of the winners listed above, I’ll be in touch in the next couple of days with details on how to collect your prizes, so watch for it!

Stay tuned this week – more giveaways / fun on the way!
-Robyn & Todd

it’s hip to be square

New day, new contest – and this is one you definitely won’t want to miss! We have a prize pack giveaway in a vendor / guest post by Artsy Couture!

WHAT ARE SWEET FRAMES?
Sweet Frames are a collection of distressed and aged looking frames hand crafted from high quality wood. Every frame is meant to inspire whimsy and wonderment, like being presented with a life sized piece of candy. Join in on spreading the sweetness.

WHAT IS CUBE DÉCOR?
They are photo cubes created from four inch image panels, each being a pro print laminated onto a solid wood material, which come together to create a one-of-a-kind home furnishings product.

Artsy Couture is celebrating the launch of their new Sweet Frames and Cube Décor product lines by giving away a prize pack to three lucky Paperie Boutique fans! This prize pack (valued at $150.00) includes:

•   a set of 3 cubes
•   an 8×10 classic Sweet Frame
•   an 11×14 ornate Sweet Frames

How do you win? Pick ONE of the following questions and answer here in the comments. (Only one answer / entry per person please.)

    1. If you could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?

    2. If you could have one photography “super power”, what would it be?

    3. Who is your photography hero and why?

    4. How did you make the decision to purchase Nikon or Canon (or other
        brand) and do you plan to stick with it?

    5. What is your favorite product by Artsy Couture – and why?

Select your favorite question and leave ONE answer here in the comments. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 12th. You can enter / post one time.

(PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

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.

Both Sweet Frames and Cube Décor are 25% off through 11/15 and after this time, we are happy to offer Paperie Boutique fans an exclusive savings!

Thanks to Artsy Couture for always supporting Paperie, and for such a fun giveaway for our readers!

Welcome to everyone coming in from Moo.com – please check our “free downloads” page for several free Moo regular and holiday templates!

And guess what?!? Moo.com is offering free shipping when you spend over $35 through November 22nd!




We have a winner in our BrandSushi Grand Prize contest and it’s…Shelby Leigh Photography!

And we have two winners of the BrandSushi $75 gift certificates and they are…Adria Peaden Photography and Danni Wallace!

Congrats to our winners! We’ll be in touch by Friday with information on how to claim your prizes! Thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks again to BrandSushi for the fabulous prizes! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Only 45 days ’til Santa Claus comes to town!
-Robyn & Todd

haute couture

Remember the amazing packaging contest we had last year? Well it’s back this year and it’s going to be even more amazing!

Don’t forget when you’re busy wrapping up your client and / or holiday orders to stop for a minute and take photos of your beautiful creations before delivering them. The second annual business and holiday packaging contest kicks off on Friday, December 2nd!

Don’t know where to start? Paper Source always has great video tutorials! And with just one of the prizes being a $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging, it will definitely be worth your time!

Watch this space for more updates in the coming days! And happy wrapping!




New week, new deal for Paperie readers! Today we have a vendor / guest post by Beth Forester of photoDUDS!

“Be Artsy!”

Beth Forester of photoDUDS has just released a new line of templates created just for Artsy Couture Gallery Blocks.

Let’s face it, Artsy Couture Gallery Blocks are one of the hottest items this year. With these designs you’ll be able to impress your clients by offering these upscale custom designed items in your studio.

There are SEVEN different templates designed to work specifically with the Artsy Couture Line. These fully-layered templates are super-easy to customize so you can change the colors to match your photographs.

Not using the Artsy line yet…well look no more because all of these templates also include files for deep Canvas Gallery Wraps.

So, you get two products for the price of one!

And as an introductory offer, these designs are on sale in the photoDUDS store for 20% off. Or you can save 50% off and buy the bundle!

Plus, Beth Forester of photoDUDS is offering Paperie Boutique followers an additional 20% off* the already reduced items or anything else in the photoDUDS store. So not only can you get the special introductory prices but you can save an additional 20%. So head on over to the photoDUDS store and use the exclusive Paperie code: paperie20

*Offer expires November 9, 2011.

Thanks to photoDUDS for stopping by with this incredible offer for our readers!




Earlier this year we featured MamaThredz maternity portrait ensembles from The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn. (TAoPaN)

Yesterday I was lucky enough to photograph a maternity session for Buttons and Bows Photography using the “Sassy – All Mama” gown. You can see the results above (click images for lager pop-ups). To purchase, visit MamaThredz.




Have a great week everyone and check back soon!
-Robyn & Todd

who ordered the Sushi?

This post is jam-packed full of giveaways and goodies to kick off your weekend on a good note! First up, one of our favorite vendors – BrandSushi – is back with an amazing birthday bash guest post / giveaway for Paperie readers!

The BrandSushi Grand Prize is a logo design ($650 value). And two runners-up will each receive a $75 gift certificate. BrandSushi is also running a promo code for 25% off with the code BIRTHDAYBASH throughout the entire month of November!

So how do you win one of these amazing prizes? It’s easy!

1. Tweet the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win logo design ($650 value) + gift certificates for BrandSushi.com / @brandsushi birthday at @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

2. Post the following to Facebook (and tell us where you did it):
Happy birthday BrandSushi! Win a logo design ($650 value) and gift certificates from BrandSushi.com over at PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

3. Like brandsushi on Facebook: facebook.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already “like” them)

4. Follow @brandsushi on Twitter: twitter.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already follow them)

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the FOUR separate 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 BrandSushi on Facebook and/or Twitter – 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. EST on Tuesday, November 8th. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four 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 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 to everyone who enters, and thanks to BrandSushi for such incredible prizes for this giveaway! Happy birthday! And many more…




In case you haven’t heard, MOO.com is having a big sticker sale this weekend – stickers are 15% off through November 6th!

Don’t forget we have several FREE Moo holiday sticker templates available for download here at Paperie!

My new column in the November 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine has several “client gift ideas” suggested by your favorite photographers.

Here’s another – right now Groupon is having a sale on Snaptotes custom photo tote / diaper bags and clutches. The bags are normally $105 and $65, and the Groupon special (which includes shipping costs) has them for just $39 and $27 respectively.

It’s a great chance to put your logo on photos they’re sure to carry with them everywhere! As of 10 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 4th there were still 15 more hours left to take advantage of this deal.




We have a couple of contest winners to announce! The winner of the “Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides” is…Jessica Hilborn Photography!

And the winner of the Rice Studio Supply “12×12 album box stuffed with ECO CHIC goodies” is…Brianne Osborn Photography & Design!

Huge thanks to Photographer’s Wall Display Guides and Rice Studio Supply for the fantastic giveaways, thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to our winners. I’ll be in touch with both of you this weekend with information on how to claim your prizes!




Whew! That was a lot for one entry!

Have a great weekend and good luck in the BrandSushi giveaway above!
-Robyn & Todd

seeing is believing

Today we’re in full-on catch-up mode here at Paperie. Since our Chinese drywall ordeal, we literally have no immune systems to speak of in our family. And now that the weather is changing, once again we’ve been down for the count for a few days with horrible colds. If you’re waiting to hear from either of us, please be patient – we do apologize!

But couldn’t let the weekend start without a big giveaway / guest / vendor post — some new packaging photos — contest winner announcements — and a big Halloween sale from my favorite packaging vendor. So read on and make sure you don’t miss anything…

Hi everyone, Ariana here from Photographer’s Wall Display Guides. If you aren’t already familiar with us, we create stylish, fresh and modern wall guides that use REAL room backgrounds to help your clients “picture their pictures” on their walls!

What happens when you SHOW your clients how amazing the images you took look on the wall instead of just talking about it? A huge increase in sales of large wall prints and canvases course!

And now, Photographer’s Wall Display Guides have teamed up with the Organic Bloom, to bring you Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides!

If you didn’t already know, Organic Bloom is the premier company creating beautiful, whimsical frames sold exclusively through photographers.

We think it’s a match made in heaven, and think you will too once you see this little video (click to launch Vimeo player):

The Organic Bloom frames can be used with ANY of the 15 Photographer’s Wall Display Guides rooms and it’s loaded with features:

•   Includes ALL 16 Organic Bloom frame styles in 10 different sizes from
    a 5×7 to a 20×30
•   Cross organized by both style and size for easy reference
•   Includes an incredible 101 (yes, you read that right!) designed
    groupings!
•   Includes both swatches AND a Color Book of Organic Bloom frame
    colors that makes showing your clients ACCURATE frame colors a breeze!
•   Actions for glazing, resizing and inserting your images
•   Create Double and Twin Double stack frames automagically!
    **{Stacking only supported in Photoshop CS3-CS5}
•   Use images of your client’s home as a background if you wish!
•   Easily create custom sizes and groupings not included with the product.

Although the Organic Bloom frames look STUNNING in all of the wall guide rooms, we did create a special new “Kid’s Pack” { Girl’s Room, Boy’s Room, Baby Room, Playroom } to coincide with the release of the Organic Bloom frames pack that can be purchased separately or as a bundle with the Organic Bloom frames.

Right now through midnight Eastern on November 4th, all Paperie readers will receive 15% off from Photographer’s Wall Display Guides with the code paperie.

And now the best part – we are giving the WHOLE thing away to one lucky reader! That’s all 15 Photographer’s Wall Display Guides rooms with the Organic Bloom frames pre-installed, currently a $385 value.

Ways to enter:

1. Like the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides Facebook page

2. Follow the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides on Twitter

3. Sign up for the VERY occasional Photographer’s Wall Display Guides newsletter (by occasional we mean maybe 2-3 times a year when we release new products!)

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

Comment that you have followed the Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), or already follow them – and / or have signed up for the newsletter – 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, November 1st. You can enter up to THREE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three 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 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.

That’s it, thank you! Good luck to everyone who enters!

And thanks Ariana / Photographer’s Wall Display Guides for the amazing prize!




I’ve posted a couple of my own photos to my Pinterest “Pretty Packaging” board recently, in case you’ve missed them:

We have a winner in our Hardwood Whimsical Frames contest and it’s…mhs Photography!

And the winner of our mini-camera magnet set giveaway is…Jammie Lopez!

Congrats to our two winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to Hardwood Whimsical Frames for the fantastic prize pack!

Winners, you’ll be hearing from me this weekend with information on how to claim both of your prizes.




Last but not least…guess where Paperie is this week? New York City!

We have a photo in a beautiful Organic Bloom frame at the HB Photo Packaging booth for WPPI NYC @ PhotoPlus.

If that isn’t scary enough, they’re also having a Spooktacular Halloween sale!

Happy Haunting, everyone!
-Robyn & Todd

rainbow sherbet

Today we’ve got an amazing giveaway and vendor / guest post from one of our sponsors Hardwood Whimsical Frames.

Our solid wood whimsical-style frames are hand painted and lightly distressed for a “shabby chic” look—no two frames are alike! Your prints will look beautiful in these fun, whimsical frames complete with option trim choices.

Hardwood Whimsical Frames are 4″ or 6″ wide and available in popular sizes and colors. We also offer 2 or 3 opening frames in 5×5, 5×7 or 8×8. Custom sizes are available upon request.

And guess what?!? Hardwood Whimsical Frames would like to give away THREE frames to one lucky Paperie reader. The winner can choose any size frame with any color and trim (size 16×20 and under). How do you win? Easy!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):

Win THREE Hardwood Whimsical Frames from HardwoodFrames.com over at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/yOSFTU

2. Friend / Like / Follow Hardwood Whimsical Frames on Facebook and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

3. Sign up for the Hardwood Whimsical Frames free newsletter and come back here and let us know you have (or that you’re already subscribed)

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the FOUR separate 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 Hardwood Whimsical Frames on Facebook – or signed up for the newsletter – 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, October 22nd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four 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 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 to everyone who enters, and thanks to Hardwood Whimsical Frames for such the awesome prize pack!




It’s time to announce the three winners of the Anima Dolce Design Boutique giveaway…”A Darling Shot“, A Million Sighs Photography, and Lacey Butler!

Congrats to all three winners, and thanks to Anima Dolce Design Boutique for the adorable prizes!

P.S. The Savvy Photographer blog just announced the winner of our second *emera bag giveaway!




Hey, do you follow Paperie on Facebook? We post items there that don’t always make it to the blog – but you don’t want to miss them nonetheless!

Like did you know that if you’re a PPA member you’re now eligible to opt-in for a $15,000 equipment insurance policy at no cost! Read more about it here. And don’t forget to follow us!

Good luck in our latest contest! And we’ll be picking the winner of the camera magnet giveaway with our next post, so if you haven’t commented to win yet, now’s your chance!
-Robyn & Todd

gallery opening

Today we welcome Design Aglow back for another guest / vendor post – they have a new product with special introductory pricing!

Ever wish you had an interior designer waiting in the wings? Straight from the Design Aglow team comes the answer: couture style, professionally designed wall displays, complete with hand drawn and painted furniture, frames, mats and accessories.

Now you can share these 25 stunning room ideas as representations of wall groupings your studio offers as an added studio design service. Not only can your client collect fine art, you have the power of a full-service design consultant right in your studio at your fingertips! This luscious set includes a cover, along with a customizable price list, welcome page, studio policies, colors and logo; and because our actions are bundled, you can simply place client’s images into the templates, saving you precious time, while making presentations more personal.

With this stunning collection you can put Design Aglow’s attention to detail to work for you.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
   •  25 gorgeous, professionally designed wall displays complete with
      hand-drawn and painted furniture, frames, mats, and accessories
   •  Each template is in fully layered Photoshop PSD format for unlimited
      customization including color changes
   •  Includes a cover, price list, and welcome page that are able to be
      customized with studio policies, prices, colors, and logo
   •  Bundled action will automatically place client’s images into the
      templates, saving time and making presentations more personal
   •  Each collection has been given a lovely, stylish name for easy reference
   •  Includes 12 page tutorial to learn how to use the guide, plus info on how
      to post it online and make mini copies

BONUS:
   •  InDesign version of the 8.5×11 galleries for easy drag-and-drop workflow
   •  4×5.5, 8 panel pocket mini inspire guide to plant the seed of investing
      in wall galleries; give to clients at the end of your session/event

Click here to see this incredible “Inspire Guide” collection at Design Aglow with introductory pricing!




And we are currently running a fall special with advertising rates up to half-off (or more) — and we’d love to have YOU join us!

Swoone is a specialty design boutique created to meet the specific needs of the small business photographer. We create products to help photogs reach their business goals and to bring out the most in their work. We have two primary product categories; branding and marketing packages to help photographers develop brand presence and a variety of templates to highlight their work.

One of our long-time, best-selling product lines is our Seriously Simple collection. The clean, sharp design of this line translates well into albums, proof boxes, and wall displays. With so many combinations and varieties, there are an infinite number of ways to mix and match these templates.

We are also proud of our holiday card collections. One of our newest, Adornaments, is inspired by our favorite holiday shapes. It’s perfect card template set for the coming holidays. In fact, we think these templates look so incredibly cute/awesome/fantastic, that we know they’ll be perfect for any space – from the mantle to the dining room table to the family tree, these sets are worthy of a place front and center this holiday season.

Head over to our Facebook page for a complimentary Halloween Photocard template. Get ready to Swoone!

Congrats to Kelly Ann and thanks to *emera for a truly incredible prize!

If you didn’t win, never fear – check in early next week to find out how you can win another *emera bag!




I have a “pretty packaging” board on Pinterest if you haven’t seen it ’til now.

Today I added a new photo with Organic Bloom frames that Buttons & Bows has given clients recently.

One of my favorite boards is “Cool branding and packaging“ by Phreckles Photography. What’s yours?

Leave a link to your favorite pinner or Pinterest board in the comments – one Paperie reader who does will win this cute camera magnet set:

Last but not least, we have another giveaway right now from Anima Dolce Design Boutique.

Go enter to win while you can!

Have a great weekend -
-Robyn & Todd

flower power

We’re excited to have the Anima Dolce Design Boutique here today for a giveaway and vendor / guest post!

I’ve written a post for Paperie Boutique before about how I was inspired to create the branding for my photography business, Anima Dolce Photography. I’m back this time to share my inspiration with you on how I branded my new online shop, the Anima Dolce Design Boutique.

Last month I was searching through Etsy for props, as I do daily (it’s a real addiction), and I was trying to find headbands to not only match my new Bad Sass backdrops, but to also fit my style. I wanted smaller headbands with colors that you might find in a candy shop. And that’s when it hit me—I should make my own!

So while I was still on Etsy, I searched for fabric flower patterns that I liked and fit my style. Blossom and Vine had just what I needed. I purchased fabrics in colors that reflected a candy shop and I started cutting. But with all these cute flowers made, how would I brand it?

At the time, my site was a dark plum color found in the Spice paper pack by Sassy Designs. But that didn’t seem like a good color palette for my candy shop. It was too dark and heavy for what I wanted.

So I started looking through my Sassy stash to see if any color palettes inspired me. I’m a Sassy Designs junkie, so I knew I could find something that would inspire me.

The style in the Caroline paper pack was just what I needed…the polka dots, the stripes, the colors—it was perfect! I had just finished creating a mini book with the Blue Sky template from Oh Snap Boutique and I loved the frame, so I borrowed it for the shop logo. I think the final look really reflects that elegant candy shop feel that I was trying to achieve.

The boutique opened on Wednesday, October 5th and includes some special headband lines: circus candy and lollipop shop. I also have to give credit to my husband, Chuck, for helping me name all the flowers. (He’s quite good at coming up with names.)

And I don’t think I could finish this blog post without giving away some “hair candy”!

Three lucky winners will have the chance to choose a flower and finishing (elastic headband, ponytail holder, or hair clip)! Here are details how to enter…

1. Follow Anima Dolce on Twitter and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

2. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):

Win an @animadolcephoto boutique fabric flower and headband / hair clip from @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/TMPT6Q

3. Comment here and tell us what your favorite Anima Dolce Design Boutique product is

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 – in separate comments here – to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, October 15th. 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 thing multiple times. Duplicate comments 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.

Thanks so much to the Anima Dolce Design Boutique for the great prizes, and good luck to everyone who enters!

We also put up new, FREE holiday 2011 templates for Moo round stickers and coordinating address / gift labels:

And we are currently running a fall special with advertising rates up to half-off (or more) — and we’d love to have YOU join us!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with our readers! The Paperie new advertisers sale ends October 15th.

More giveaways coming up – including ANOTHER *emera bag – so stay tuned!

-Robyn & Todd