fast pass

HB Photo Packaging is giving away TEN (10) complimentary Full WPPI Registration Passes (a $399.00 value each) with Paperie Boutique.

A random generator will be used by HB Photo Packaging to pick TEN (10) people who tag HB Photo Packaging on Facebook with the following – each will receive one (1) pass:

“I’m going to see @HB Photo Packaging at WPPI in Las Vegas!”

BEFORE you hit post, make sure that you’ve typed out “@HB Photo Packaging” (rather than pasting it) so that it creates a tag that will appear on HB’s wall. (More information on how to tag on Facebook can be found here.)

You don’t want to miss the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247) at WPPI this year! Paperie and HB have a big secret to share, and those lucky enough to attend the WPPI trade show will get first peek / dibs! Stay tuned here in the upcoming days for more details (and photos)!




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

In this issue I reviewed web services for your business by ProPhoto Blogs, Zenfolio, Miller’s Professional Imaging Art Department, Photo Cart by Pictures Pro, Colorati, RadLab from “Totally Rad!”, PhotoBiz Website Templates and Blog Sites, IntotheDarkroom.com Vend Photo Cart and Flaunt Photo Slideshow, Photo Shelter, Showit Fast & Pass, and Creative Motion Design.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 46, page 48, page 50, and page 52 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.




Don’t forget that you have a chance to win this POMPIDOO leather camera bag until 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 14th. It would make the perfect Valentine!

Happy weekend -
-Robyn & Todd

my ‘signature color’

You may have noticed that things have been a bit quiet around here lately. We recently gave a peek into one of the reasons why on Facebook. But today we break the silence with an awesome guest / vendor post and giveaway from POMPIDOO camera bags!

POMPIDOO is a modern answer to all women who respect style and quality, who are passionate about photography and aesthetics. POMPIDOO is a new brand for stylish camera bags where natural leather and well thought-out form are only a small part of all offered advantages. Modern design and functionality, which form the basis of the brand, creates a perfect tandem for those who value convenience and originality. POMPIDOO camera bag is an alternative to a usual handbag – stylish, spacious and reliable.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a POMPIDOO Cologne bag in Idle Turquoise! View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know what your favorite POMPIDOO camera bag is! That’s all there is to it!

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.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow @POMPIDOO_bags on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

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 with your favorite POMPIDOO bag – or that you’ve liked POMPIDOO on Facebook – or that you’ve followed @POMPIDOO_bags on Twitter – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 14th. You can enter up to THREE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in three separate comments here 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! See official rules for more details.

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 everyone – and thanks so much to POMPIDOO camera bags! Someone is going to win quite the Valentine’s Day gift this year!

Happy (almost) weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

the Venetian

We have an amazing giveaway today from ONA Camera Bags – who’s also stopped by for a vendor / guest post!

ONA is a purveyor of fine camera bags and accessories. All of our products are handcrafted using premium materials, such as naturally-milled full-grain leather and waxed cotton canvas.

And one lucky Paperie reader will win ONA’s “Venice” bag (value $329.00). The new Venice bag is a naturally milled full-grain leather SLR camera bag designed to hold a camera body, 3-4 lenses, small personal items, and an iPad. It is available in ONA’s online store in four colors (plum, camel, black, and stone).

So how do you win the Venice camera bag? It’s easy!

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

Win a $329 leather Venice Camera bag from @onabags / onabags.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/sQMlwc

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

3. Follow ONA on Twitter and come back here and let us know (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 ONA on Facebook – or followed ONA on 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 Sunday, November 20th. 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 so much to ONA for the great prize!




Don’t forget this is the last day to enter to win a Martha Stewart heat embossing tool!

More goodies ahead – stay tuned!
-Robyn & Todd

the “it” bag

We’re excited to have a new vendor at Paperie today for a fun guest post / giveaway! Please help us welcome…THEIT Camera Bags!

THEIT creates camera bags for photographers that value both style and substance. With designs that aim to capture classic modernity with a sense of playfulness, this philosophy exemplifies the essence of the THEIT customer: someone who is independent, inspired, and full of life, who cannot help but to capture the beauty in her world through the lens.

An homage to the well-known fashion term “the it bag“, the brand represents more than the most coveted piece for the season, but a new wave of design enabling style, function and versatility for the fashion-minded photographer. Inspired by the runway and the streets, THEIT‘s vision is to uphold a fashion standard that helps photographers live their dreams in style.

And now one lucky Paperie reader has a chance to win The Bossi Bag by THEIT in Gravel (value $159.00)! The bag is water resistant with antique brass hardware, comes with interior and exterior zip pockets for extra room and metal feet for protection, and has a zipper top closure.

Features:
•    Convenient dual carrying handles
•    Detachable cross body gold chain strap
•    Customizable padded dividers to protect your gear
     and suit your needs
•    Fully removeable padded insert; our unique design
     allows you to easily organize and change your bag
     from a camera bag to a fashion handbag

The photos above were taken by Paperie Boutique and show the Gravel Bossi Bag with the following inside: Nikon D700 body with grip, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, Nikon SB-800 speedlight, Apple iPad2, Speck iPad2 FitFolio Cover, and Abie Designs camera strap – the bag will zip closed with the items shown / listed inside. (I did not fill the exterior or interior pockets with additional items although there was ample room to do so, and I did not use all of the removable protective padding included with the bag.) The bag’s dimensions are 14 x 9 x 6″.

So how do you win this camera bag? It’s easy!

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

Win THEIT Bossi Gravel Camera Bag from @theitbags / lovetheit.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/GM6rdB

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

3. Follow THEIT on Twitter and come back here and let us know (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 THEIT on Facebook – or followed THEIT on 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 Friday, November 11th. 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 again to THEIT for the great prize!




Don’t forget we have a contest going on right now from BrandSushi – the grand prize is a logo design valued at $650!

Check back in this week – we’re just getting started!
-Robyn & Todd

don’t blame the messenger

Paperie had one more *emera camera bag to give away, and this time we’ve partnered up with The Savvy Photographer Blog to do it!

Go visit the Savvy Blog for more details on how to enter – and good luck!




Just finished the new splash page on my Butttons & Bows site – wanna peek?

I’m really pleased with how it turned out! For more information on using QR Codes on your website, go here.




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

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 here – one Paperie reader who does will win this cute camera magnet set:

Have a great week everyone!
-Robyn & Todd

the winner’s circle

We’re excited to have one of our regular vendors back for another giveaway / guest post! I have this prize here with me in person and it’s sometthing I’d love to have for myself!

Nathiya at *emera has donated one of her new Circle Print Tote camera bags – and one lucky Paperie reader gets it!

The above images show the (interior of the) bag filled with my own equipment. I did not fill any of the pockets. To give you an example of what the interior compartment holds, pictured above with the Circle Print Tote are a Nikon D700 body with grip, a Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens, a Nikon 85mm f/1.4D lens, a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, a Nikon SB-800, an Apple iPad2 with Speck iPad2 FitFolio Cover, and an Abie Designs camera strap. Here are the specs on the bag:

    • Water-resistant PU coated canvas with soft leather straps and trim
    • Zipper top for security
    • Quick-access outside pockets for phone, keys, ID and emergency mints
    • Generous interior zip pocket for very important accessories
    • Large interior compartment for iPad, magazines, and file folders
    • Modular Velcro dividers create seven padded, customizable compartments
    • Durable canvas interior lining
    • Small metal feet help protect the bottom of the bag
    • Bag size: 15 x 11 x 6”

So now that you WANT it, how do you WIN it? It’s easy! You have FIVE chances!

1. “Like” *emera on Facebook

2. Follow @emerabags on Twitter

3. Post about *emera bags on Facebook

4. Tweet the following on Twitter:
Win a Circle Print Tote designer camera bag from Emera / @emerabags / http://emerabags.com from @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/LjW34x

5. Leave a comment here and tell us what your favorite *emera bag is.

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 public Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked *emera on Facebook and/or Twitter – or your favorite *emera bag – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 14th. 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.




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!

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

give us dirty laundry

Another fun guest / vendor post and giveaway from Erin Durband and laundrybags.etsy.com…

Hi, my name is Erin and laundry bags are handmade by me, a photographer, for other photographers. They were born out of frustration of not finding any stylish or trendy bags in which to carry my canvases and albums when I met with clients.

My style of photography is popularly known as trash-the-dress, or as I call it, dirty laundry…hence the ‘laundry bag‘ name for my photographic art carrying bags.

These bags allow you to stylishly carry around a canvas or framed art sample to show your clients when you meet with them away from your studio. These deluxe bags are all one-of-a-kind, are fully lined in a contrasting fabric, and feature unique, fun handles.

I’ve also come up with a handmade and affordable packaging bag! These babies are sewn from deconstructed t-shirts and come in many fun solid colors. And, because they are solid, feel free to get creative with them and add your own embellishments to tie them into your current packaging and branding.

You can buy them one at a time, as you need them, and they come in a couple of different sizes. Since they are made of t-shirt material, they have some stretch to them, they are super soft, and they are completely reusable by your clients. (I take mine to the beach!)

You can buy yours at laundrybags.etsy.com and one lucky Paperie reader will win a set of THREE laundrybag packaging bags in either black or white (your choice!)!!

You can find more about these great bags here:
http://ekahd.com/blog/?p=1950
http://ekahd.com/blog/?p=2090

How do you win? It’s simple! You have four chances to win!

1. “Like” e.kah.d on Facebook

2. Follow @ekahd on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win three ‘laundry bag’ packaging bags from laundrybags.etsy.com / @ekahd at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/gpjjp

4. Post about laundrybags.etsy.com on Facebook (and tell us where you did it)

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – 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 telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 31st. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four options listed above.

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 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here – go look and see!

Good luck and thanks so much to laundrybags.etsy.com for such a cool prize!

who lives in a pineapple…

I’m very excited to share today’s guest post / vendor giveaway – and to be honest, a little bit jealous that I’m not eligible to win one myself since it’s on my site! This is a product I reviewed for the July 2010 issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, and I got to play with it for a few days.

Let’s just say it’s definitely on my “Ohhhhh, Santa!” list already!

Now thanks to Nathiya at Mr. & Mrs. Pineapple Seed, YOU have the chance to win the quilted bag by *emera.

In 1955, Coco Chanel shook the fashion world with a quilted bag. Now with a bow to Mademoiselle C., *emera offers a perfectly constructed quilted bag for your professional photo equipment. A clever mix of femininity and practicality, it’s designed to protect your DSLR, lenses, and other critical things.

From my Professional Photographer Magazine write-up: “The Quilted tote from *emera has a sophisticated look and can withstand a real photographer’s needs. It features a water-resistant body and padded straps with leather trim, and on the bottom, four metal feet. It has zippered top closure, interior zip-pocket for accessories, and outside side pockets for quick access to small items. The large interior compartment is suitable for an iPad or notebook. Velcro dividers protect your gear. The only thing lacking is a second longer shoulder strap to carry the bag cross-body if needed, but with a bag this size, fully loaded, that could quickly get cumbersome…”

“…Holding this bag makes me want to slip into a little black dress, sweep my hair into an up-do, grab black sunglasses, and head to Tiffany’s for breakfast. It’s that beautiful. And functional. Win-win.”

So now that you WANT it, how do you WIN it? It’s easy! You have FIVE separate chances!

UPDATE: Contest is over. The winner has been announced here!

1. “Like” *emera on Facebook

2. Follow @emerabags on Twitter

3. Post about *emera bags on Facebook

4. Tweet the following on Twitter:
I want to win the perfect, chic designer camera bag from *emera / @emerabags / emerabags.com over at PaperieBoutique.com by @shutterblog

5. Post about *emera bags and this giveaway once on any of the following – public-access blog, public-access forum, or public-access Flickr account

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want FIVE chances to win, you have to do all five things listed above, and then make five separate comments telling us how you did them.) U.S. residents only, please.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, September 12th. You can enter up to five times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed the Twitter account – or post the links to your Facebook entries, Tweets, and blog/forum/Flickr posts – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

You can enter / post up to five total times – one entry each for the five options listed above.

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 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Comments are moderated and may be slow to be added today but they will be added by late afternoon or early evening.

Thanks to *emera for the amazing prize – and good luck to everyone who enters!




Don’t forget we also have two more contests going on right now!

Both of these contests end at the stroke of midnight (Eastern) Friday night – so enter fast!

Have a great weekend!
-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.

it’s my bag, baby!

I’m happy to introduce a guest / vendor post today that I use and love – Jo Totes.

I have the “Missy – Pink” bag and it’s too adorable for words! As shown above, it’s long / deep enough to hold my camera body, an 80-200mm with lens hood, an extra lens and speedlight – plus personal belongings.

You can also see my review of one of last season’s bags in the July 2010 “Professional Photographer Magagazine“.

Jo Totes are the perfect bags for carrying your camera and an extra
lens or two with your purse items while out and about. They allow you to safely carry your gear on a daily basis, at photo shoots, and while traveling.

The padded interior can be custom fitted not only to protect a camera and lenses, but also to accommodate and organize items like a wallet, music, phone, keys, cosmetics and more. Padding is sewn directly into the interior lining on all four sides and the bottom of the bags. The bottom is also equipped with four metal feet to guard your bag from rough, dirty, or damp surfaces.

Inside of each Jo Tote are removable pads which are completely customizable — you can use as many or as few pads as you wish, arranged in the way that best suits your camera, lenses, and other items.

Each bag also includes pockets, strong and comfortable shoulder straps, a top-zippered closure, and a removable cross-body strap.

And Paperie readers are in luck. This week Jo Totes is giving away a bag – color and style of the winner’s choice! How do you win? It’s simple! You have four chances:

1. Follow Jo Totes on Twitter

2. Like Jo Totes on Facebook

3 & 4. Add the following to Facebook and / or your Twitter account:

I want to win a Jo Totes / @jototes / jototes.com camera bag – my choice of color & style – over at PaperieBoutique.com by @shutterblog

Then comment here (up to four separate times) that you have Twitter-followed, Facebook-liked, and / or the link(s) to your Twitter / Facebook posts in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 1st.

ATTENTION: The links you post must direct to public 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 or page or request permission to see it, you will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post that you have followed or ‘liked’ the above Jo Totes accounts, and / or add the links to your entries, up to FOUR times total. One entry each per person, per option – links must direct to public, non-private Facebook and / or Twitter accounts.

You have four chances to win but only one chance per option listed. Post what you have “followed”, “liked”, or posted in separate comments here. 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 numbers will be chosen by Random.org, and the winners will be contacted within 24 hours of contest’s end to claim their prizes.

Comments are moderated and may be slow to be added today but they will be added by late afternoon or early evening.

GOOD LUCK to everyone and thanks so much to Jo Totes for the fantastic prize!!!

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here – check it out!

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