clean green slate

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

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

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

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




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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ll have what she’s having

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

For this month’s holiday-themed article I contacted everyone’s favorite photographers and asked, “What are YOU giving your clients this year?”

Those who answered the call include:
•  Michele Anderson (pinkletoes.com)
•  Lena Hyde and Design Aglow (designaglow.com)
•  Beth Jansen (bethjansenphotography.com)
•  Beth Forester (foresterphoto.com)
•  Alycia Alvarez (alyciaalvarezphotography.com)
•  Kelli France (francephotography.com)
•  Shannon Holden (shannonholden.com)
•  Lori Nordstrom (nordstromphoto.com)
•  Jamie Schultz (jamieschultzphotography.com)
•  The Boudoir Divas (theboudoirdivas.com)
•  Heather Lickliter (stylizedportraiture.com)
•  Sarah Petty (sarahpetty.com)
•  Kelley Ryden (kelleyryden.com)
•  Clark+Walker Studio (clarkwalkerstudio.com) -and-
•  Me / Robyn L. Pollman (buttonsandbowsphotography.com)

There’s also a bonus-supplement on holiday cards featuring designs and kits by Design Aglow, Jamie Schultz Designs, Simply Color Lab, The Album Cafe, Designs by Taz, and My Lil’ Creations.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 42, page 44, page 46, page 48, and pages 50-51 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




I just put together my own charging station / valet using a much less expensive desk organizer from Amazon.com – I saved half of the Pottery Barn counterpart.

You can read more plus pricing comparisons at Pinterest if you’re interested.




Don’t forget Wednesday is the last day to win an album box full of ECO CHIC goodies from Rice Studio Supply:

Happy November everyone! Check back this week for MORE fun giveaways!
-Robyn & Todd

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!

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

For this month’s article I reviewed wedding and engagement photography-related items by Design Aglow, Moo, H&H Color Lab, Simply Color Lab, Rentglass, White House Custom Color, ACI, Sassy Designs / Miller’s Professional Imaging, and Smilebooth.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 50, page 52, and page 54 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




It’s no big secret that we both bleed Crimson and Cream, so we created a bit of fun with the Red River Rivalry as the theme…

Shown above are the Jill-e Classic Collection Medium Bone & Red Leather Camera Bag and the Kelly Moore Libby Bag in Orange.

By the way, in the battle on the field, OU was victorious 55-17. Just in case you missed it..




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

Check the right sidebars and you’ll see a new set of ads from one of our favorite advertisers Loktah! Loktah believes eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be ugly – it can actually be a stunning work of art!

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




This weekend there’s a special Paperie giveaway on the Chic Critique Forum!

“The Chic Critique Forum is focused on providing candid critique for photographers. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer, Chic Critique Forum is the place to be when you are ready to step it up.” Go here to start your FREE 30-day membership trial!




Don’t forget we have a giveaway going right now for two Swanky Stitch prize packs – contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT Sunday night.

“The eyes of Texas have been blackened“. -OU/tx 2000 Broadcast
Boomer Sooner!
Robyn & Todd

it’s by design

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 54, page 56, page 58, page 60, and page 62 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

you might be a winner – vol. 6

Happy 2nd birthday to Paperie Boutique!
Visit PaperieBirthday.com for all events!

Winner announcements started on Monday, July 25th…

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

For this month’s article I reviewed frames by The Organic Bloom, American Frame, CPQ, MPixPro, The Savvy Photographer Store, Simply Color Lab, Obrien & Schridde Designs, WHCC, and Photojojo.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 50, page 52, and page 54 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




Thanks again to our vendors and readers for making our 2nd birthday party such a big success! Stay tuned for more winner announcements soon!
-Robyn & Todd

magical Mystery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do you win? It’s easy!

1. Follow Loktah either on Facebook or Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck!

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

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




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

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

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

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




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

playing catch-up

Once again I apologize for the lack of updates lately. More over at Facebook…


First up, I have a very belated contest-winner announcement for the Photo Card Boutique $100 gift card, and it’s Elizabeth Simmons Photography!

Congrats to Elizabeth, thanks to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to Photo Card Boutique for the fantastic prize!




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

For this month’s article I reviewed boudoir and maternity related products by HB Photo Packaging, The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN), Kiss Wedding Books, The Boudoir Divas, Design Aglow, ProDPI, Animoto, Boudoir Business Boutique, and Artsy Couture.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 72, page 74, and page 76 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




I’ve finally managed to score a couple of weeks off in a row to rest up, catch up, and enjoy summer break with my boys. So there will be new updates starting on Monday. Pinky-swear!

Check back then -
-Robyn

pick a Color

It’s a rare weekend post at Paperie Boutique! I’m excited to share our newest giveaway from Color Inc. Pro Lab, my latest column in Professional Photographer Magazine, and the winner in the recent Pinhole Press contest.

First up, welcome back Color Inc. for this vendor / guest post and giveaway.

Our solid wood 3/4” ready to hang Studio Mounts are a great way to creatively showcase any of your favorite family, wedding, newborn or senior portraits! Each Studio Mount is professionally finished with a smooth black laminate beveled edge and your choice of one of our 4 quality finishing options. Additionally, each piece will arrive with a pre-cut keyhole slot on the back, ready to hang straight out of the package!

• Print Finishing Options: Canvas/Satin/Matte/Velvet
• Your choice between black or white edging under the
  ’Options’ tab in ROES.
• Studio Mounts have a 3-5 business day turnaround time.
• 4×6, 5×5, 5×7, 8×8 & 8×10 Studio Mounts come with an
  Acrylic Dowel Rod Easel Back for quick shelf display.

And now three lucky Paperie readers can win a 12×12″ (or smaller) Studio Mount from Color Inc.! How do you win? It’s simple:

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

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

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win a 12×12″ solid wood Studio Mount from @colorinc / colorincprolab.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/pWJ39N

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what Color Inc. product is your favorite.

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 10th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met all four requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!




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

For this month’s article, I reviewed photography-related props by American Photographic Resources, Inc., Barbour Backdrops and Props, Bugs-N-Blooms, Denny Manufacturing Company, Marketing and Props for Photographers, Design Revolution, Savvy Photographer Store, and Virtual Backgrounds.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 70, page 72, and page 74 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




Last but not least: Pinhole Pro has selected a winner in their Paperie giveaway…and it’s Jennifer Farris!

Congrats to Jennifer and thanks so much to Pinhole Pro for the amazing prize!

Don’t forget we also have another giveaway going through Sunday night – it’s your chance to win two $250 gift certificates to Bad Sass Backdrops, Inc. and Sassy Designs, Inc.

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

you can go back again

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

For this month’s article, I reviewed all things retro by reVamp Vintage Clothing, Photojojo, The Impossible Film Project, Plustek, Kodak, Flourish by Nichole Van, and Lomography.com.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 70, page 72, and page 74 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




And I can’t forget to announce the winner of the cute little lion set from Fiber Arts by Boondock Studios…it’s…Blythe Crawford Photography!

Congrats to Blythe and thanks so much to Fiber Arts for the adorable prize!

senioritis

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

For this month’s article, I reviewed senior products and trends by Jamie Schultz Designs, Moo.com, Design Aglow, Pixel2Canvas, Miller’s Professional Imaging, ProDPI, and WHCC.

Click the magazine pages above for larger versions. You can find the article on page 68, page 70, and page 72 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

I would like to extend a special round of thanks and kudos to Myra Klarman Photography for this column – without her, and her amazing senior photography, the issue would not have been possible! If you live in the Ann Arbor area, do not miss Myra and her work!




Ever wonder how you can get your hands on this magazine I’m always talking about? Well right now you can get a a one-year subscription (12 monthly issues) for $19.95 – and be entered in a contest to win up to $10,000.

Plus, when you subscribe you will receive a FREE GIFT INSTANTLY – Professional Photographer’s exclusive guide “How to Make More Money in Professional Photography“.




And to wrap things up, I have a few contest winners to announce! First up is the second winner in the HB Photo Packaging Contest….it’s Hannah G. Photography!

The winner in the LOKTAH Amazon Collection contest is…Moments by Kara!

And the winner in the LOKTAH Portfolio giveaway is…Life in Bloom Photography!

Congrats to all the winners, thanks to each and every one of you who entered, and thanks to HB Photo Packaging and LOKTAH for being such amazing vendors here at Paperie! I’ll be in touch with the winners to claim their prizes soon!

P.S. This is completely unrelated to anything Paperie, but will you please take a second to vote for regular Paperie contributor Heather Lickliter in the Crate & Barrel wedding contest? You can do so here. Thanks, and good luck Heather!

I would like to subscribe

The digital edition of the February 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers. And read on for a very special guest / vendor post givaway from the Photographer Cafe !

For this month’s article, I reviewed royalty-free, rights-managed and stock music options by: SongFreedom.com, Music Bakery, Frances England, JewelBeat, Ear Candy Digital, Triple Scoop Music, Red Beard Music, Stock 20, and metta audio.

Click the magazine pages above for larger versions. You can find the article on pages 60 through 62 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

Photographer Cafe is known for its practical, stylish products that save you valuable time. From marketing materials to card templates to album templates to an inspirational blog, Photographer Cafe is a phenomenal resource for photographers of all levels and experience.

Photographer Cafe recently introduced its BASIC Newsletter content and templates. You instinctively know how powerful a newsletter is for keeping in touch with your clients and attracting new clients, and you understand how important it is to keep up your marketing efforts in this very competitive industry. However, if you’re like us, “send out newsletter” is always on your To Do list, but it somehow gets moved lower and lower down the list as other, more pressing tasks arise! Or, you may actually take the time to sit and draft a newsletter, only to find yourself plagued by writer’s block.

Photographer Cafe is here to rescue you! 2011 is the year you will send out the gorgeous newsletters you’ve always envisioned. Photographer Cafe makes it so simple – you can customize and send out a newsletter within a matter of minutes! With 12 beautifully crafted mini articles, you will have enough content for a year’s worth of quarterly email campaigns. Our content is especially designed for lifestyle child and family photographers and allows you to effectively communicate your style, expectations, and promotions with an upbeat, yet professional voice.

One especially lucky winner will receive a free Newsletter set of his or her choice. Choose from Retro, Curves, or Contemporary, whatever suits your style. Getting your newsletters done is going to feel soooooo good!

To enter:

1) Leave a comment below telling one marketing effort you plan to make in February

2) Become a fan of Photographer Cafe on Facebook (and report back here)

3) Follow Photographer Cafe on Twitter and tweet the following: Hey! @PhotogCafe / PhotographerCafe.com is giving away a Newsletter Set for photographers over at @paperieboutique / PaperieBoutique.com.
(and report back here)

Each action will earn one entry. A winner will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the day Thursday and announced Friday morning.

Good luck everyone, and thanks once again Photographer Cafe!

booking it.

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

For this month’s article, I reviewed business catalog products by Design Aglow, FrancyPants Designs, TAoPaN, Sassy Designs, Inc., and The Designer Concept.

Click the magazine page above for a larger version. You can find the article on page 98 and page 100 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

dashing through

I have been MIA around here for far too long. Our family went down like dominoes to the flu last week, then as I started to recover I had a mountain of work and shooting / editing to catch up on, and these days seems like the alarm has just sounded in the morning and it’s time to crawl back in bed again at night.

I promise I haven’t forgotten about y’all over here – or the “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“ – which still has several entries yet-to-be published (and a winner to pick). But until I can quit packaging client card and print orders, shooting sessions, and proofing sessions, and filling the orders…..most everything else in my life is on a temporary hiatus. Thank you for your patience!




To show you how behind I am, the digital edition of the December 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine was released last week – and I’m just now remembering to take a peek at it, much less post it here.

For this month’s article, I reviewed photography jewelry selections from BRAGaLittle.com, Isabelle Chase Studios, Kathy Lo Rocks, Kimbra Studios, Kimtown Boutique, Kotori Photo Jewelry, Marye Street Studio, and PlanetJill.

Click the magazine page above for a larger version. You can find the article on page 50 and page 51 of the print-version as they start hitting mailboxes.

And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




Last but not least, a quick-peek at some of the holiday gifts I’ve been assembling for my early-in-the-season Buttons and Bows holiday clients. I’m still waiting to get everything together for the later sessions, hence another reason for my lack of free time. But this should give you an idea (click top image for larger)…

Several will receive a dozen gift tags as one of their prezzies. These are made from Moo mini cards. The back has a small B&B logo and my URL, plus a decorative “To:” / “From:” section for them to fill out for their presents. I use a decorative hole punch and thread mini-ribbon through each tag. Since Moo allows you to submit up to 100 images for the front of their mini cards, they make it very easy to split up a pack into multiple gift tags for multiple clients.

The ornament shown is by Zazzle. I ordered these during a half-off promotion on November 9th. They did not arrive until December 6th, so you’ll most likely need to upgrade your shipping method if you opt to use them. It is not a rush-operation! I was very happy with the quality (both image and product) of the premium metal designs. The quality on the ceramic ornaments left little to be desired – however, you can add your logo to the back of the ceramic ones.

Are we there yet?
-Robyn

the technical explanation

The digital edition of the November 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine was released yesterday.

For this month’s article, I reviewed personalized packaging options from HB Photo Packaging, McKenna Pro, Jolie Wraps, and Nashville Wraps.

Click the magazine page above for a larger version. You can find the article on page 50 and page 51 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

The other big ‘news’ in magazine-land I’m extremely excited to share is that I’ve now been promoted from freelance columnist to ‘technical editor‘ with the magazine. You can see my name in the masthead (page 4), starting with the November 2010 issue. And expect to see me in all 12 issues of Professional Photographer Magazine in 2011!

In case you missed it, Buttons and Bows Photography was featured on the Design Aglow Blog yesterday.

You can find the Parisian photo borders shown in the article above here.




We have a winner in the laundry bags contest and it’s Christi Traster / Snickerdoodles Photography!

Congrats to Christi, thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks to laundrybags.etsy.com for the fun prize giveaway!




And starting now through Tuesday, November 30th, we want to see your packaging! Send in one (or more) photos of your business packaging – it can be your everyday packaging, something special for the holidays, or both!

We’ll pick out our favorite three from the photo submissions and put it up to the Paperie readers for a vote.

The lucky winner will receive a $20 Paper Source gift card! And HB Photo Packaging is also kicking in an additional $100 gift certificate to their store for the winner!

So grab your point-and-shoot while you’re packing up those holiday orders and send us a pic, or three! You just might be a winner! [send photos to robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com]

If you’re in the U.S., don’t forget to VOTE today!
-Robyn

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

< insert witty title here >

Rare weekend post for something very special! You know that awesome magazine I write for – Profesional Photographer Magazine? Well they’ve announced on Twitter that they’re doing a special for their Facebook fans and it’s the lowest subscription rate they’ve ever offered.

Hurry – this offer expires on Monday, October 11th at midnight EDT!

Big plans just got ironed out for 2011 – I’ll be sharing those soon. And I’d love to have you reading along with me there next year! So go subscribe today!




We have the winners in our Beyond Red and Green contest and our Wild Hearts Photography contest, and they are…..Kristen Schueler Photography, Rene Pfahler and Dana Rogers Photography!

Congrats to Kristen, Rene, and Dana, thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks to Beyond Red and Green and Wild Hearts Photography for more amazing giveaways here at Paperie!




And now a tip as we all gear up for holiday season…did you know that you could order FREE Priority and Express Mail shipping supplies (including Flat Rate) from the U.S. Postal Service? And not only that – they’ll also deliver them straight to your door for FREE!

You can get a variety of box sizes, address labels, stickers and envelopes, and there’s no charge to order or have them delivered. You can also print “Click-N-Ship” postage at home (some rates are discounted), and request FREE front-door pickup online for Priority and Express packages.

So make your life a little easier this year and let your mouse do all the work!




If you missed it earlier, we have a great advertiser special going on right now – and it includes a gift certificate to Paper Source! Check it out…

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