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Tis the season!

2010
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by Heather Skau *  One Sun Designs *  Catch A Star Photography

Whatever holiday you’re celebrating, this time of year means family, friends, and good times to most people.  If you’re a portrait photographer, it also means busy season, long work days, and a struggle to balance it all and still have a life outside of your business.  I’ve had countless discussions over the years with other photographers about the ‘shoemakers kids have no shoes’ phenomenon. Too often, we get so caught up in running our businesses in this hectic time of year that we don’t spend enough time with our families – who are often the reason we have a photography business in the first place!  Too often, we find ourselves finishing up client orders on December 15th and sending them to the lab, then sighing as we realize that we didn’t make cards or photo gifts for our own families, and we’re fresh out of energy, creativity, and time.  I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel like the little lady on the left ;D.

My own personal ‘worst’ story involves a client order for several large wall portraits, placed in the first week of December and intended as a holiday gift.  I promised to deliver.  I ordered asap.  I waited and waited and waited, and the.frames.did.not.show.up.  I confirmed they’d shipped.  They showed ‘on the truck for delivery’ for SIX DAYS.  No one could tell me why they hadn’t been dropped off at my studio.  The end result was a frenzied trip to deliver these wall portraits…..on Christmas Eve.  I delivered the portraits, then turned to look at my babies sitting in the backseat of my car, and felt heartbroken.  So many moments of that holiday season that I should have spent with THEM were spent making other people’s holidays memorable.

Now, I’m not at all advocating giving anything less than 100% to your clients all year round, busy season included. But I am advocating early ordering deadlines. I’m advocating sticking to your schedule, and turning off the computer when your workday (even extended ones) are done.  I’m advocating knowing your limits and not taking on so much that you miss out on the moments that truly matter to YOU and the people you love.

And of course, I’m advocating saving a bit of your creativity to capture something joyful for your family.  Pick up your camera. Take pictures of your husband trying to strap the tree to the top of the minivan, and be thankful it’s not video to record his colorful diatribe.  Laugh – and click – as your kids put more marshmallows than cocoa into the mug.  Snowball fight with friends?  A favorite ornament  on the tree?  Icicles sparkling in the sun?  Your dog with reindeer antlers?  Don’t miss any of that.

Pick up your camera and capture it.  Record it, save it …. and share it.

Email your favorite holiday/seasonal images to Portrait Allure – we’ll choose a couple favorites each day to share on the website and in a Facebook album.  Include the link to your website, and a caption or backstory about the image if you’d like.   We can’t wait to see what you send in! (p.s. – yes, we want you to get out there and shoot just for you, but sending in images from winters past is just fine too!)

Here’s a few images to get us started:

Teri of  Teri Mason Photography in Austin TX shared this image of her children in a fun take on a Santa theme.

Melissa Kahn of  Priceless Reflections Photography,  serving Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, shared an image from a recent commercial shoot.  This image,  shot for background use in an ad, just stood out to Melissa and jumpstarted her holiday spirit.

And,  my own offering … this image was taken the year *after* the Wall Portrait Debacle that I mentioned above.   It was a hard lesson, but I learned and I remembered.  And I made changes to my business that would allow me to be present both physically and mentally as our family enjoys the holidays – ensuring that no gingerbread creations will go undocumented.

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Send us your images! Please email your holiday/winter images to heather.portraitallure@gmail.com.  Include your studio watermark on the image, and make sure to tell us your web address.  We will select several favorites to include in our holiday album each day!

Filed Under: Photo Contests Tagged With: , , , ,

Post Session Client Packet

2010
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by Meggan Jacks

One of the ways I like to prepare my clients for the ordering process is to provide them with a small packet of information after their portrait session. Included in this packet are:

  • Monitor Calibration Info/Test Print
  • “Designing a Wall Display” worksheet
  • “Portrait Gifts” worksheet
  • Product Guide

Everything is designed to fit within a B5 pocket style invitation folder from Paper Presentation. The 5×7 Monitor Calibration Print is adhered to the inside left of the folder and the Wall Display/Portrait Gift worksheets (printed as a dual sided 5×7 flat card) and 4×5 accordion Product Guide are slipped into the pocket on the right side.  I also adhere a business card to pocket side of the folder so they have all of my contact info right at hand. The folder is then sealed shut with one of my logo foil stickers from Rubber Duck Designs.

I love the polished look of the presentation and even more, love knowing that my clients are well prepared for the ordering process that comes after their session.

To get you started with creating – or refining – your own post-session packet, we are offering the Monitor Calibration Test Print template complimentary* for all of our readers.  If you do any type of online preview/ordering for your clients, this test print is a great way to educate and prepare your clients for viewing their images online.

*Monitor Calibration Test Print template is available for FREE in the store until 12/31/10.  Click HERE to be taken directly to the template product page.

Filed Under: Business

Client Gift Ideas

2010
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by Heather Skau

‘Tis the season for showing appreciation for the people in our lives,  including clients!  While many photographers include a gift for their clients with order delivery,  some photographers prefer to reward their best customers at the end of the year, during the traditional gift-giving season.  Whichever method you choose, one thing is for sure – you can have a lot of fun with these tokens of appreciation.

To me, the best gifts are unexpected, and deliciously wrapped.  Imagine receiving a package that you hadn’t expected.  You’re already delighted because of the surprise of the gift.  It only adds to the fun if the item is beautifully presented and fun to open.  Small prints are something that almost every client loves.  Try a new PhotoFolio by Loktah for  lush presentation and display of 4×6 or 5×7 prints.

Photo calendars are a huge hit with my clients.  They are inexpensive and easy to create, so like many photographers, I can give them to each client who had a session with me in a given year.  To keep this task simple, I create a folder at the beginning of the year into which I put a favorite image from each client session.  Then at the end of the year, I can drop each image into a calendar template (visit the Portrait Allure Shop to purchase some), and order them as 5×7 proofs.  I attach an adhesive magnet to the back of each (Magnet Valley is a good source) and include them with my studio holiday cards.  Be sure to check postage requirements, as the magnet adds quite a bit of weight.

With many pro labs offering gorgeous accordion mini-books these days, it’s a no-brainer to include these cuties on the list of great gifts for clients.  Lisa Holloway, of LJHolloway Photography in Lake Havasu, AZ,   keeps the presentation simple but classy, with each mini-book tucked into a mesh bag.  She ties in her branding colors by attaching a kraft tag with her website info with a simple, tiny safety pin.

Combine the photo calendar idea with the accordion mini-book idea for your best clients – try our Just Beachy template.

Props for presentation to Diana Hall of Diana Hall Photography in Fort Worth, Texas.   For client gifts several  years ago, Diana used tiny folios from Cypress to artfully display two small images.  The folio was then slipped into a vellum bag from Bags & Bows, and cushioned with shredded tissue.  The gift was finished with a bow of tulle, which secured a folded bookmark (from WHCC) expressing her thanks to her clients.

Whether you’re presenting a small gift to all customers, or a special treat to your most loyal clients,  a perfect way to finish it off is with a handwritten note.  In these days of texts and emails, taking the time to write out your appreciation is a gift in itself.  Vicki Taufer of  VGallery slips a small session image into a handmade ribbon-tied card (made in-house), and personally writes her thanks to the client inside.

Do you have your own unique, fun, beautiful (or all three!) client gift idea to share?  Email a picture of your special touches to us, and you’ll receive a coupon code for use at the Portrait Allure shop!  The best submissions will be featured in a follow-up article, so show us what you’ve got!

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: , , ,

Why Hello There!

2010
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We’ve been MIA since this summer, falling victim to too many ideas and not enough time. We’ve taken the past few months to regather our thoughts and we hope to bring you a new, revamped, polished-til-we-shine Portrait Allure.

One of the first things you will notice is the new format. A beautiful blogsite that will house a ton of great information, inspiring ideas and a store full of products to help re-energize you in the upcoming year.

“A store?” you ask?

Yes, a store! We have so many creative and useful templates – mini albums, holiday cards, birth announcements, business builders, collages, calendars…. the list can go on! To see what great items we already have available, please click on the “Products” tab in the top menu or one of the category links on the right side of the site. We will be adding new content regularly, so be sure to check back frequently, or “fan” us on Facebook: PA ON FB.

Did Someone Say Sale?

Because we love a good sale nearly as much as we love a beautiful f2.8 bokeh, we are starting things off with a fantastic store wide 20% off sale. Just use the code: UROCK20 to apply the discount to your entire order. (Valid until December 1, 2010)

Also, be on the look out for more great content coming soon. We have a fun variety of things planned, including:

  • monthly photo contests
  • guest photographer interviews
  • product reviews
  • photoshop tutorials
  • marketing tips

We are really looking forward to spending time with you again!

Filed Under: General Info Tagged With: , ,

Is Talent All That Is Needed?

2010
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Awhile ago, I posted and article here about being inspired by television shows and movies. So imagine my delight when I found out there was a new show on Bravo about two high profile commercial photographers called Double Exposure. I will admit that while the shoots on the promos looked interesting, I didn’t find the personalities of the two featured photographers, Markus Klinko and Indrani, as engaging. Now that the show is hitting full steam, there is one thing I am definitely learning, and it has nothing to do with lighting or posing. It’s how you shouldn’t behave on set (not that I didn’t already know that).

There is A LOT of arguing going on between these two photographers as they work together. As someone who works alone, I wonder how having to consult with another professional for every shot would affect my demeanor…..but am I being too confident in saying I would not be acting like this? One question that keeps popping into my mind as I watch – what amount of talent makes inappropriate behavior acceptable? Is it ever acceptable? It think the answer comes in the revelation that Klinko and Indrani are drowning in bankruptcy and debt.

This is a valuable lesson. We have all heard stories about those talented photographers that sit alone in empty studios, and then about those that might not be as technically gifted but they have more clients they can handle. This show proves the point that running a successful photography business, whether portrait of commercial, takes more than knowing how to create a great image. And while I’m awestruck by the fantastic images and how they are using all that expensive equipment, more than anything, this show confirms for me the importance of conducting yourself professionally while you work. That might be the greatest lesson ever.

MaryAnn Talamo | Custom Digital Images

Filed Under: Business

Go Green: Portrait Style

2010
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Go Green. Its all the buzz in eco-conscious circles, but often overlooked as a fresh color, perfect for photography! Green actually looks great on most skin tones, comes in a wide variety of shades and most of the time looks great when multiple shades are blended together (which is not the case for most colors– think RED!)

Pair several shades of green with crisp white and you have a classic, yet fresh look that will be amazing on walls– including those that are still just plain beige!

Filed Under: Design

Color Inspiration | Color At Your Feet

2010
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by Meggan Jacks | The Collage Connection

I’ve been on the hunt for a new rug for my living room. Like usual, I don’t know exactly what I want, but I am confident I will “know it when I see it” (and can only hope it won’t be $2000 for a 5×8 rug!) I was intrigued, however, by the multitude of color configurations and let that intrigue inspire this month’s Color Inspiration post:

Filed Under: Design

Client Communication | Kick it up a notch!

2010
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I will admit, I am not the best at “prettying-up” my communication with clients. I typically send emails as compared to pretty paper correspondence and while I have taken the time to make sure I have a cohesive brand for my website, blog, client information portal and my ordering gallery, my emails don’t follow through with that same flair.

I found the answer to my on-line correspondence prayer in Mad Mimi – www.madmimi.com – a really cool, easy to use, online marketing tool.

I use it in two ways – Email list correspondence (aka – online newsletter) and also for individual client communications where a form letter is needed. (Note, I don’t use it for general day-to-day correspondence with clients.)

For the individual form letter correspondence, I have several templates set up and simply clone the template and make customizations for the client I am sending it to.

I use it for:

1. Formal confirmation of the session date/time to the client and link them to my Client Portal website that has pertinent information about how to prepare for their session and my detailed product catalog. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE

2. Follow -up confirmation a few days before their session.

3. Post-session email with a quick peak at a one image (generally sized 200×300 px with watermark), personalized “Thank you” and “Next Steps”. Also includes a “Product Spotlight” to remind them of the products we discussed at their session. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE

4. Online ordering information once their gallery is activated

So if you are looking for a way to take your client communication to the next level, I encourage you to explore Mad Mimi to see if it’s right for you!

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Tutorial : Tips for Making Your Own Textures

2010
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by Marianne Drenthe | www.marmaladephotography.com

We have all seen them – amazing photographs created with a little help from textures.

So what ARE textures exactly? Textures add an additional level of dimensionality to a photograph. Textures are often used to make newer photos look a little worn, dingy, scratched up, weathered, etc. They can be used to add color where no color exists (ie: a blown out sky could benefit from the addition of texture). The trick to achieving a great effect with the help of textures is to choose a photograph that has just a slight variation in tonality and texture. When you choose to overlay a texture over an image you simply drag & drop the texture layer onto the photograph you wish to enhance and change the layer mode (my favorite is to change to OVERLAY but MULTIPLY, SCREEN and SOFT LIGHT sometimes work well, I encourage you to play with the layer modes to come up with some cool combos!). Textures that are overwhelming (loads of contrast or a big mix of high low texturizing) can be difficult to manipulate on top of a photo unless it’s already a busy shot with texture of its’ own. For my client work I tend to prefer subtle textures that enhance an already strong image with a toning, burnt or hazy effect.

Take for example this texture – the texture image used to lay over the top of the photo is a black & white manipulated texture I created myself. I used a combination of photographic techniques with Photoshop manipulation to create this texture so that it produces just a hint of texture and increases contrast in certain areas producing an almost burnt edge effect. I used my Isle Of Palm Sandstorm texture here (the texture is based on some sand I photographed then later manipulated):

See the subtle nature of the texture as it highlights the background? I took my time erasing back my focal point (in this case this beautiful little girl) to produce a nicely finished image, I don’t particularly love texture going over focal points unless I am trying for a dreamy effect which I do on occasion.

I’m offering up the Isle of Palms texture as a freebie giveaway for the next couple of days…feel free to share this tutorial with your friends – this link will only be downloadable for the next week! Enjoy! (file is called ISLEOFPALMSMONOSANDSTORM.jpg). If it opens in a browser window then go ahead and just save to whatever part of your hard drive you’d like it to save to.

DOWNLOAD

FINALLY…So how do you make textures? That’s the easy part! The simplest and most common way is to find common everyday flat surfaces and photograph them. For my own meanderings into the world of texture I enjoy surfaces as diverse as driveways, pathways, brick, stone and all sorts of other crazy odd surfaces (I once photographed a raindrop laden, glass covered backlit restaurant menu on the famous Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas – it’s one of my favorite of all textures). That’s it! The great thing about textures is that you can take them into Photoshop and desaturate or change the color range, use your Photoshop skills to create amazing textures all your own!

Filed Under: Design, Tutorials

Portrait Faux Pas | The Uncovered Diaper

2010
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The first in a series on common “faux pas” in the world of portrait photography

Diapers were not meant to be photographed. Nothing about them screams “quality” or “elegant.” They serve more function than form and for that reason, photographing a baby with a diaper, but sans diaper cover, is a professional portrait faux pas. A portrait should never scream “sponsored by Pampers!” (And before all of the “lifestyle” photographers yell at me, I will agree that there may be exceptions for certain types of lifestyle/photojournalistic type sessions.)

The first objection I hear when pointing out the diaper faux pas is “I don’t know where to buy basic diaper covers!” Well, fret no more – here is a vendor that will get you started!

www.titch.biz – a great resource for basic knitted diaper covers. I suggest buying two in the newborn white and if you photograph older babies, a few of those in white as well. It’s a great start for a very basic cover. (I will warn you that I am not crazy about the off-white color that she offers. It’s a bit too yellow for my taste.)

A Titch cover in action (imagine this portrait with an uncovered diaper!)

When you are ready to expand your collection of diaper covers, you can easily search Etsy.com for “diaper covers” and be presented with a multitude of options. In a previous post, Kuttin’ Up was featured with her boutique covers, but she also offers a few simple styles that I love to use with little girls.

So, bottom line – while bare baby bums might be preferred, if you need to have a diapered baby, be sure to use a diaper cover!

Filed Under: Design, Portrait Style