Featured Vendor: JayBird Designs

I don't know about you, but I love doing Featured Vendor interviews. I love finding out the artist behind those awesome products that us photographers simply adore!

Today's vendor is Jennifer J. Cirka from JayBird Designs, a crochet products business.

My name is Jennifer J. Cirka and I am a crochet designer. I have been professional designing crochet items since 2007 and have had designs published in major crochet magazines such as Interweave Crochet, Crochet World, Crochet!, and Crochet Today. I will soon be published internationally in Inside Crochet and I also have a book of my designs published through Leisure Arts. Along with my professionally published designs, I also independently publish my own patterns under the name Jaybird Designs which I sell online. For people who do not crochet, I also sell my finished items and am always willing to work on custom orders.

What type of product do you offer to photographers?

I create some of the most unique and beautiful photography props for babies! I especially love to create hats and am constantly coming up with more ideas than I could possibly create! I love working directly with photographers to help make their dream creations come to life and I value the feedback I receive from professionals about how my items work for them and any changes that could be made to the design to make it better. But my work is not limited to babies! I am always happy to make items for older children or even adults! I love it when my items show how unique the subject is and the type of things they are interested in.

What made you want to start this kind of business?

Concerning my photo props, a good friend of mine decided to become a professional newborn photographer and knew that I crocheted. She asked for a few specific pieces and then my creativity just took off. Since I am only one person, and could never fill all the orders for custom made items, I decided to write the patterns for my designs so that others could crochet and make their own props. I also allow other crocheters to purchase and create my designs and sell them on a limited basis.

What is your favorite of your products?

That’s a tough question! I really think the photographers make my items look even more beautiful than they actually are. So, instead of having “favorite designs,” I have “favorite photos!”

Are you a photographer as well, or at least a photo-taking junkie?

NOPE!! That is why I love creating photo props! Someone much better than I can take my pictures for me.

Do you have a favorite photographer that you drool over their photos?

Yes, I have two, and both for very different reasons. I have luckily had the chance to work with both of them over the past few years. Robin Long Photography for her adorable newborn photos and Naturally Red Photography for her unique conceptual and edge/glamour photos. http://www.robinlongphotography.com/ http://naturallyred.zenfolio.com/

What do you do like to do when you aren't running your business?

I love spending time with my family! We live in the most beautiful area of the country, Western Colorado. Along with my husband, daughter, and Greyhound, we love camping and being outdoors. Together, we just started a large family garden in our backyard and can’t wait for some fresh veggies to start coming in. I also love to cook and bake, thus I also spend a lot of time at the gym doing Kickboxing and Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Any advice to someone wanting to start a business?

Do what you love. It’s that easy. Find a mentor, ask a lot of questions, and strive to learn new things all the time.

Birth Photography

Have you ever considered being a birth photographer? I have. But, then I considered all the responsibilities that are connected with being a birth photographer, and decided against it. The biggest for me is needing to be 'on call' for the birth. I just couldn't do that. So, kudos to all those wonderful birth photographers!

I had the pleasure meeting Scarlett Bowling, who includes birth photography in her services. I wanted to find out about her thoughts about why she does birth photography.

In Scarlett's words:

While I love photographing so many different things for different reasons, photographing a birth has to be at the top of the list for me. There is nothing quite like being there to watch this little miracle take their first breath, to see the look in a parent’s eyes when they meet their baby for the first time.

Here is an excerpt from a birth that was very special to me. I think it sums up...

What an emotional and rewarding experience it is to photograph a birth: There are moments in our life where time seems to stand still. Where seconds seem like hours and you can hear your own heart almost beating out of your chest. Moments that you know you will look back on ten, twenty, thirty years from now and be able to recall every detail as if it were just yesterday. Friday, April 23rd, 2010 was one of those moments.

As I raced down 95 south I prayed that I would make it there in time. We have been there for each other so many times over the past 29 years, I couldn't imagine not being there for her this night, the night she would meet her baby boy. When I rushed into the pitch dark room at 8:30 pm, I realized I had made it….. barely. I gave hugs and reassurance of how proud I was of her (and her amazing husband, he really blew me away with what a great support he was to her), and then started snapping. With every image I captured I knew I was witnessing and documenting something so amazing, a miracle really. Within a few minutes, as the lights from Fenway Park shined in the distance, baby Will was here.

I watched as he took his first breath, heard his first cry, and met his mom and dad for the first time. What a treasure, my heart was so full it felt like it might burst. Aimie and Matt, thank you so much for letting me be there for such an amazing moment in your lives.

Tips for shooting births...

I’ve also been asked to give a few tips when it comes to shooting births. First and foremost, I try to be as unobtrusive as possible, almost as if a fly on the wall. I don’t use any flash when shooting a birth, I just take advantage of all available light and adjust my settings accordingly. I personally shoot a lot pictures at a birth because I don’t want to miss a moment. This means having plenty of memory cards available and being able to switch them quick. Most importantly, I just try to capture every moment of this very important birthday for each family that I work with so that they have these amazing moments to look back on for a lifetime.

Will (one year later)...

So, if you are thinking about adding birth photography to your services, hopefully this photographer's view will help you decide!

Thanks, Scarlett!

Thrift Stores for props

I love thrift stores. Do you ever visit any? Thrift stores are a great place for photographers. These stores are filled with prop ideas. Vintage clothes, old chairs, wooden toys-they are like an indoor garage sale!

I finally had a chance to go this weekend and found some great items. I wanted to find some cute "prairie" style clothes for my daughter's photo shoot and some props. We found some awesome skirts, tops and a jean jacket.

I love jean jackets-they work with everything. Having some on hand in your studio or on a shoot may add to a photo.

Emily was starting to get a bit cold by these poses-I wish warm weather would come!

A promise of hot chocolate brought out one more smile.

I even found a cute little outfit for my grand baby-hence the jean jacket with this dress-how cute is that?

I found a new thrift store and found these "I DO" plaques. I was so happy! These make a cute prop for wedding photos-less than $2!

I also found an old white chair that I have to go back to get-I hope it's still there because it was only $4! I would have bought it that day, but I didn't think it would fit in my car (I miss my SUV!).

So, don't think you have to spend a fortune in props. Get creative and hit thrift stores and garage sales for supplies. But, don't forget about Etsy-a great place with awesome artists!

I HeartFaces Challenge: Slice of Life

It's been a long while since I've done the i Heart Faces challenge. This week's challenge is a Slice of Life.

I can always find my youngest with a pencil or crayon in her hand, drawing something. It reminds me of myself when I was her age. I love that I might have a little artist on my hands!

Featured Vendor: Chasing Dreams

This weekend was spent searching through thrift stores, looking for neat clothes for photo shoots and props. I came across some great finds that I will share with you tomorrow. Right now, I want to share with you an awesome photographer who also runs another business called, Chasing Dreams. She so graciously agreed to let me ask her some questions about her wonderful business!

I am Colleen, wife to my best friend and mom to six (four boys born to me and two little girls born in my heart). My company is "Chasing Dreams".

What type of product do you offer to photographers?

I create high resolution textures for photographers to use to enhance their photographs and fine art. I offer a wide variety of textures that can also be used to design cards, blogs, storyboards amongst other things. I often use my textures to add color to an image while removing the texture. There are so many things you can do with textures and I find myself discovering something new every day.

What made you want to start this kind of business?

I started out in photography and soon found myself addicted to photo shop. I came across some really cool textures on flickr and thought "hey, I can do that". I started messing around with color and brushes. The more I played, the more I wanted to play!!!!! I Googled and researched textures like crazy. Before I knew it I was creating textures for my own personal use and asking(begging) a few friends to test them on some of their photographs. A few of those "tester" friends encouraged me to put a small set of textures together and sell them on my photography site. I didn't advertise, I placed them on my blog and that was that! I could not imagine that anyone would want to pay me money for my scribbles. Then along came Angie (iheartfaces). Angie came across my textures when I entered an iheartfaces challenge. She wrote to me and asked if I would be interested in doing a giveaway on her blog. After I jumped out of my skin with excitement I wrote back saying "yes yes yes".. Angie put me on the map and I will be forever grateful to her!!! My textures started to sell like crazy!!! So to answer your question, I would have to say that Angie made me want to start a business.

What is your favorite of your products?

Oh my goodness this is a tough one. Every time I create a new set I think to myself "this is my favorite". I tend to create around feelings, family or a time in my life. I would have to say at the moment "The Tour of Europe" Collection is my favorite. I also love "The House of Vintage" which was designed from old wallpaper and other scraps I found in a box of my Grandmother's belongings. I am working on a new set called "Songbird" and the textures are being designed around my late Grandmother's favorite piano pieces. My Grandmother was an artist and piano teacher and I spent almost every day with her. I am really happy with the way the new set is turning out.

Are you a photographer as well, or at least a photo-taking junkie?

Yes I am a photographer as well. Although some may say I'm a photo-taking junkie LOL Either title is ok with me. I love viewing the world from behind my lens. I photograph children, families and seniors. I think children are my favorite because they are so unpredictable

Do you have a favorite photographer that you drool over their photos?

There are several photographers that I drool over. Amy Wenzel's work is totally drool worthy!!! She captures children like no one else!! I was lucky enough to attend one of Amy's workshops last year and she is phenomenal!!! Sweet and super duper talented!!! Amy is in a class all her own. And if only I could photograph florals, still life and scenery like Sylvia Cook, Claire Penn and Isabelle La France. Their work is exquisite!! Then there is Jessica Drossin who makes everything she touches look gorgeous!!!!! As for wedding photographer's, Jasmine Star or Salvatore Cincotta are at my top drool list. They make me want to get married again just so I could have them photograph my wedding (ssshhhhh, don't tell my husband that).

What do you like to do when you aren't running your business?

This question should read "what do you like to do when you are not being a mom". My answer "creating textures and photography". For me, the role I take most pride in is being a mom...that always comes first. Although I am very proud of my business it is not what defines me...my children and family define who I am...: )

Any advice to someone wanting to start a business?

Start off slow, research and don't be afraid to ask others for help and advice. The one thing you don't want to do is go in debt while starting up your business. Taking baby steps is smart. I believe in chasing dreams. You only live but one life, why not live it knowing that you went for it!!! I would rather fail at something knowing that I tried then succeed at something that didn't make me happy. Everybody has a story and something unique about them...find out what makes "you" unique and different from the others in the same field and use that as your plateau.

Thanks, Colleen!

Colleen is offering free textures for her fans on Facebook-check it out here.

http://www.chasingdreamsphotography.blogspot.com/

Branding with video

Branding is very important when it comes to defining yourself as a photographer-actually, in any business. Finding the right color combination, the perfect logo, the right packaging-these are all an important part of branding.

What about your bio? Sure, we all have an 'about me' page with a photo of us beaming with our camera in hand. It's all good. Or is it? Have you thought about using a promotional video?

Promotional videos seem to be popping up on photographer's sites and I absolutely love it! If you read Jasmine Star's awesome blog/site, or Scarlett Lillian's very cool site, both use promotional videos to let potential clients get to know them even before they meet them.

Screen shot of Scarlett's blog.

Screen shot of Jasmine's blog.

Visit their sites and you'll want them to be your photographer. They make them look fun and easy to be around. They appear to be a sought after photographer. You find yourself drawn to meet them. Wouldn't you want clients to feel that way about you?

Here is a sample of a promotional video. Not one of my favorites, I like Scarlett and Jasmine's videos better, but you get the idea.

Now, I know what you are thinking. These photographers ARE sought after and well-known. It would be silly for little 'ole you to do one of these. I disagree with a capital D-I-S. You are just as important and cool as Jasmine-even if you weren't asked to photograph the royal couple's wedding. So, let's get onto the key factors of planning your own video and how fun it can be to put together.

Plan Ahead.

You need to have a vision before starting. Think about what you want to come across to your clients. Pick the perfect location, outfit, and maybe what you specialize in. Like Jasmine and Scarlett's videos show them shooting weddings, you could do a session with a child.

Simple & Short.

People are distracted easily by shiny objects. Their attention span is short, so your video only needs to be 2-3 mins long. Don't worry, you can get a lot across in a short amount of time.

Music is a Must.

What music you choose will make or break your video. Pick the type of music that you want to show what personality you have. Soft music will imply a laid back photographer, etc. Try Triple Scoop Music for free music!

Hire Someone.

Shooting a promotional video is not as elaborate as shooting a commercial, so the cost is not as bad. If you don't have anyone to shoot your video, call around to different videographers to find out prices. Otherwise, here are some tutorials on video editing.

Live or Slide Show?

If you can't afford a videographer, or you are just too shy to shoot a video, you can still put together a promotional montage just using photos of you during a shoot, or photos of you at your favorite spot. You can set it to music and adding words or sentences describing your personality. Or, add your voice to it, talking about your likes and dislikes in a fun way.You can even use Windows Movie Maker on your computer to put it all together.

Do I have you excited yet?

Go ahead now, make that video!

Friday Photog Finds

Finally, it's Friday! Last weekend, we went out of town to Des Moines to go on a shopping trip. This weekend will be spent getting ready for weekend photo shoots.

This Friday, I wanted to share with you some FREE finds!

My first find is from Resources for Photographers.
They offer free downloadable PDF tutorials for Photoshop users!

Here are some of the great tutorials:

Introduction to Curves

Overlays & Textures

Using Sun Flare Brushes

Creating and Using Custom PS Brushes

Pencil Drawing

Using Bokeh Brushes

Dreamy Effect

Red Eye Correction

Using Grunged Edge Brushes

Duo-Tone
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My next free find is from MCP Actions. I'm sure you've seen Jodi Freeman's work all around photography land. I love her actions and she has actions for Photoshop and Elements.
She offers free actions!

You can find them here.

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This next find I just found out about yesterday from my Featured Photographer interview. Have you ever wondered if you are charging what you should charge, or putting your price list together?
Now, you can get some help-for FREE!
Stacey Reeves offers help with a free Pricing Guide for Photographers. How neat is that?!
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When I saw that Life Art Design Shoppe, was offering a Complimentary Design Guide, I knew I had to add it to my Friday Finds. Check out her site for templates and other cool products.

That's it for this Friday-enjoy!

Featured Photographer: Laura McPhail

I love to pour over other photographer's sites. I can lost in all the wonderful photos these talented individuals produce. Something I love more is to pick their brains and find out what makes them tick.

One of my favorite photog blogs is Laura McPhail of Chikadeez Photography. So, when I started this blog, I knew she would be one of my first photographers I would ask to interview. If you haven't heard of her, you will fall in love with her work after you see her photos!

So, without further ado, here's Laura!

I'm Laura McPhail, of Chikadeez Photography, I’m a wife, a mom, and a go getter! Chikadeez Photography is located the Greater Metro Atlanta Area, and specializes in natural light photography of children and families.

Tell us what made you become a photographer?
It all started in 2007. I had a 6-month-old little boy that I was completely enamored with, and I was taking thousands of pictures of him. From this grew a great love for all things photography. I nurtured and cultivated that passion, and it eventually became, Chikadeez Photography.

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
Its a mixture really. The first year that I had my first DSLR, I never took it off automatic. Then one day, I decided that was it, it was time to get over my fears of learning the camera functions! I asked another local photographer to come out and give me personal lessons. After that, I started researching blogs, websites and publications so I could learn as much as I could. My work started improving as time went on, but it wasn't until after I took some classes at a local photography school that my work/mentality crossed over to professional. Those classes pushed my creativity and the way that I see the world around me. You can teach yourself the technical aspects of photography easily, but the hard part is the creativity. The classes helped a lot with that. The assignments forced you to think outside of your comfort zone. I highly recommend taking any classes you can (at school or online) to give you that little extra something in your work and thought process.

What do you think is the most important factor in making a good picture?
Emotion. Like I said before, anyone can learn the technical side of photography. The hard part is connecting with your subjects on a level that captures who they are. It all stems from a love of what you do. Don't get into photography because you want to make a buck, you must have passion for it. Also, shoot what you love and what you relate to most cause that love will show. I love children, I love the way they play, talk, and the fact that they have no preconceived notions about anything. What you see with kids is who they are, PERFECTION.

How do you decide on locations & poses?
Before a session, I ask the family if they have any ideas in mind, and if not, I can make suggestions based on what they would like. These images will be accents in their homes, so I try to be sure that it will match their personal taste. Most of the parents look to me to tell them what to wear and where to go. I make those decisions based on who they are. I get to know them to find out what they like to do as a family and then go from there. I used to look at other images for inspiration, and would go to a session with all of these ideas. But sometimes what you have pictured in your head just doesn't happen, so you have to be ready to just go with it too. One that that has helped a lot is keeping a journal. I keep a journal near me at all times because session ideas and pose ideas will randomly pop into my head. I quickly jot the ideas in my notebook so that I can reference them later.

What’s your best marketing advice that you have found to work?
Having a PR and marketing background, I would love to say a brilliant ad campaign. However, after spending money on advertising and having little to no return, I have conceded to the fact that word of mouth really is the best thing for this business. I do have quite a few clients that come from Google searches, so when you invest in a website, you need to invest in someone that can help you with your search engine optimization (SEO). Having a blog is a GREAT way to build your SEO.
What is your favorite lens and why?
Hmm . . . I love my 50mm 1.4 because of the sharpness. But . . . I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my 70-200mm 2.8, that lens is just sublime and the bokeh is so pretty.
How do you balance it all?
Honestly, I'm still trying to figure that out. I work from home and have two toddlers, so it can get pretty rough. Most of my work occurs after everyone in the house has gone to bed. Lot's of late nights for mommy. :)


What advice would you give a new photographer who is just starting their own photography business?
Take your time, there is a lot of work that goes into starting any business. I you want to truly be successful, you must be firm in your pricing and structure. There are some really great tools out there for people that are starting their first business. A lot of them are free, so do a lot of research and take advantage of the tools that are available. Stacy Reeves' Photographer's Pricing Guide is a spreadsheet that's an asset to any startup business. It will help you figure out how much it will cost to run your business and how much you need to be charging. Wait, it gets better . . . it's completely FREE!!! My dad is a CPA, so I had him look it over to make sure that the calculations were legit. After looking it over, he said that it was GREAT and every business starting out should use something like this!!!
Link to Stacy Reeves' Photographer's Pricing Guide: http://www.stacyreeves.com/photographers-pricing-guide/

On a personal note-When I first started out, I followed so many wonderful photographers. Although I learned so much from them, I found myself constantly comparing myself to them. In the end that hurt me, cause some of them were truly amazing, and I would get down on myself. This profession should be fun, and you should feel free to be yourself and you can't truly be yourself if you are always striving to be as good as someone else. Coming to that realization helped me find out who I am as an artist.

Thanks, Laura-we hope to have you back soon!

Headshot Photo Credit: Paul Johnson http://www.pauljohnsonphoto.com/

Be different

With the photography industry flooded with photographers these days (a LOT of women are jumping into the photography business) you really need to think out of the box when it comes to standing out.

I do my share of web surfing on the topic "photographers". There are so many wonderful photographers out there right now. I started my photography business when it wasn't so saturated and it was easier to get clients. I am mainly a wedding photographer and in my area, there's a fair share of wedding photographers, but I still get lots of business. Why? Because I like to try to be different from the other photographers. One key point that makes me stand out is my price and what I offer.

My prices are very reasonable compared to my fellow photographers. Clients are drawn by my work and are thrilled to see what I charge. I also make things easy for me and the client by offering one package. Other photographers offer different packages at different prices, which is fine, but I hate to make a bride feel bad because she can't afford the bigger, more elaborate package. This is kind of my attitude towards the whole wedding event. I charge what I want to make, so I'm happy and the client is happy too.

So, am I saying that you should charge less to stand out? Not necessarily. What works in my part of the country may not work for where you live. Call around in your area and see what the most successful photographers are doing and try to do a bit different, or add something more. For example, if Joe's Photography is offering 12 free wallets with his senior session, offer the same, but ADD a free wallet tin.

People like to get their money's worth and they love free stuff. Think of something that other photographers in your area aren't offering and offer it to your potential clients. Just make sure you don't end up in the hole in the process. Look for products sold in bulk, like personalized flash drives, photo boxes, and wallet tins.

Personality can be what makes you stand out as well. You need to make them feel comfortable with you and they'll remember you for all future business. If they are wondering about family photos, talk to their kids too. If they are looking to hire you for a wedding, ask them where they met. Get them talking about themselves. They'll feel a connection with you and not know why!

Of course, you need to display your best work and style on your blog or site-you DO have at least one of those, right?? A potential client will be drawn to your style of photos over another photographer. So, that would be something that may set you apart from others.

Play around with ideas and try different things out. Hold a contest on Facebook. Visit daycare centers and offer a deal to take preschool spring photos at an affordable rate. The sky's the limit!

Come back tomorrow for an awesome vendor interview!

Featured Vendor: Alisha Klein from Sugar and Spice Crochet

Tell us who you are and the name of your business..

Alisha Klein. My Business is Sugar and Spice Crochet

What type of product do you offer to photographers?

I make Handmade crocheted and some knitted hats and photography props ( hanging stork pouches, hammocks, and fringe blankets) for those super sweet newborn photo shoots. I am starting branch out making One of a kind ready to ship items with hand dyed hand spun yarn. I really love that stuff!

What made you want to start this kind of business?

My Grandma taught me when I was about 8 how to crochet. I started with blankets for family members and friends. I really enjoyed making baby blankets and baby shower gifts for a few friends. Last Dec I had a friend mention to me that I should open a etsy shop. I noticed that there was a pretty big market for baby hats which photographers loved so my business kinds grew into photography hat and props!

What is your favorite of your products?

I love the One of A kind hats made from Thick and thin yarn. I only wish I could make my own yarn for them as well ( my next venture). I also making custom items. I just love it when some one has an vision of a hat they want and I am able to make it happen for them.

Are you a photographer as well, or at least a photo-taking junkie?

I wish I was a photographer I just love pictures! I do take a lot of pictures for scrapbooking. Gotta document everything I do lol!

Do you have a favorite photographer that you drool over their photos?

HMMM good question! Right now I really enjoy Itsy bitsy Newborn photography she takes amazing newbie pics. I also LOVE Making Memories Portraits INC. She has used a few of my hats in the most amazing themes! One hat was a dino hat and she actually and the baby wearing it in a large egg with ferns all around, Another theme she did with one of my hats was with a One of a kind white elf hat she did the whole vintage marshmallow set SUPER cute!

What do you do like to do when you aren't running your business?

When I am not busy making hats I am usually vegging out watching TV or sleeping lately LOL. If I do have time I like to scrapbook or just spend time with my hubby and dogs which just had puppies! I could spend all day everyday playing with them!

Any advice to someone wanting to start a business?

Just do what you love. If you don't have a passion or enjoy what you produce you wont be successful. Also always come up with new ideas or product just to keep things fresh!

Thanks so much, Alisha!

Designing your own home studio

Not everyone has the luxury of renting a fancy studio, though we may dream of it. Then again, some photographers love their home studio and wouldn't change it for anything.

I am one of those photographers that has a home studio. I may be switching to a regular studio, but for right now, I do photos in my home. If you want to take the next step and invest in a studio space for your home, then don't fret.

Designing a studio in your home doesn't have to be hard, nor does it have to be expensive.

This is from my grand opening last year. My daughter is enjoying the snacks we had.

Below, is the other end of the "studio" and where the backdrops are.

The only thing that gets in the way sometimes is pole-but we kind of need it to keep the floor up. lol.

I didn't spend a lot on materials, and they work fine for what I need. I found the lights as a package deal on ebay for around $250. I did a lot of research before buying to make sure company was reputable and the equipment wasn't faulty. The paper rolls I love and are a great deal from B & H Photo (love these guys!)

I put together my own back drop holder, which saved a ton of money.

I bought two backdrop stand poles off of Amazon for $20 each. Then, I bought a couple of pairs of curtain holders from Walmart to hold up the poles. Simple! Oh, and make sure you put some long screws to keep the poles from sliding off.

You can decorate by framing some of your work and hanging it on the walls. I suggest using photos of your own children at first so you can enjoy your own family photos and advertise as well!

If you offer framing or canvas prints, invest in them as well.

With a few investments in equipment and decorations, you will be on your way to a beautiful home studio that holds up to those fancy studios in no time!

Looking for Guest Posts

When I started this site, I wanted to make sure that I had help in teaching my wonderful readers all about photography.

So, today I'm looking for guest contributors to inspire us to be better photographers in every topic.

Do you know something that helps with the way you take photos, edit, market, etc.? Then, I would love to hear from you!

Please drop me a line and let me know!

Friday Photog Finds

It's Friday already! I am happy to say that I have a quiet weekend ahead. I like to have nothing planned once in awhile just to catch my breath.

Anyway, I wanted to post my Friday finds-I think you will like them! This week, I'm mixing it up and not just posting about one topic.

My first find is from Addy Lane.

Addy Lane provides elements and templates for photographers. These beautiful products seem to have a vintage look to them and clients love that. My favorite are her baby announcements.

It used to be that you would have to send out to have cards made if you didn't know how to make them. Now, you can just buy a template ($10 + up) and use it over and over. I love that!

My next find is from The Newborn Nest.

These are bean bags designed for newborn photography. They are made of vinyl for easy cleanup. Right now, I have a cloth bean bag chair that I got from Target. I have to put diapers on top of it in case we have an accident. Right now, they are on back order, so keep checking back if you want to order one. ($89)

My last find of the day is from LooptyLooDesigns.

If you are like me, you spend a fortune on props. I'm really bad about newborn props. When I found LooptyLooDesigns on Etsy, I felt that this would be the way to go to purchase newborn hats and other props.

This designer sells her props in "package" deals to save you money. One example is this one that includes a Stocking Hat, Earflap Hat, Teddy Bear Beanie and Diaper Cover for $65.

So, if you are looking to start your collection, or add to it, you should check her out!

If you would like to be featured for Friday Photog Find, leave a comment and let me know!