Finding the right photo book for your clients-in time for holidays!

Right now is the perfect time to start thinking about the holidays and your clients. Custom photo books are just the right personal gift to give a client.

As a photographer, I do a lot of photo books- a lot. I've been given the chance to try out many different photo book companies and while the books are okay, the design programs and prices aren't. Many are hard to be creative and only let you use their templates. Others are just plain confusing!

And then enters Blurb. The pricing is competitive, the quality is excellent and the program to make your photo book is user-friendly while at the same time allowing for the more detailed touch or professional to make minute changes. They have lots of different styles and they just added Planners too! Love it! This is the perfect time to get started at Blurb for the holidays.

I really stand behind Blurb and would recommend them even if they didn't have an affiliate program. They've been super good to me and they run lots of coupons, so I barely ever pay full price! They also notice when you order alot of products from them and they give you more specials. I've never felt like that from any other business.

Below are screen shots of one of my wedding books.

You can see on the bottom is all the pages. You can choose from their templates, or upload your own. I choose to make my own because of the style of books I do. Booksmart is the program you download to your computer so that if you don't have Internet, you can still work on your book, or create your own layout.

 

Shipping is super fast unlike other photo books I've ordered from other companies. You have the option of even faster delivery too. Perfect for getting out early for Christmas.

I've been with Blurb for probably 5 years now and I wouldn't go elsewhere. My clients love them and I use them for my personal use too. I would so be their spokeswoman if they would let me. ; )

Until then, I can let you know that if you order now from Blurb you can save 15% off! Use the code FALLTHANKS when checking out.

What does having an iPhone and taking great photos have in common?

I used to swear that I wouldn't get an iPhone. I convinced myself I didn't need one and I was just fine with my old flip phone. Then, my hubby got me one against my better judgement-and I could just kiss him for doing it!

If you have an iPhone and you are a photo geek, you’re already taking one of the most important steps to getting great photos – you’re taking your camera everywhere with you.

Now, did you know that you could create beautiful photos with just an iPhone?

The iPhone is currently the most commonly used camera in the world, with millions and millions of snap shots taken everyday, but only a few photographers are using the full creative potential of the camera.

That’s about to change…

I'm excited to announce that there's a new ebook launching today, iPhone Photography, that will help you learn how to create photos no-one will believe were captured with an iPhone.

The 3GS, 4, or the 4s are all compatible with what this eBook covers.

If you want to dramatically change how you take iPhone photos, this eBook is for you!


Within its 106 pages, this book breaks down iPhone Photographyinto the three main skills you’ll need for complete creative control – Shoot, Edit and Share.

As you progress through each section you’ll discover:

-How the iPhone Camera works and how to use it to take great photos

-How to take more control of your iPhone using Camera Replacement Apps (with a rundown of the best ones)

- Advanced shooting techniques with the ProCamera App to gain maximum control over focusing and exposure

- How to find compelling subjects including; with the family, on the street, in nature, while travelling and at night

-How to develop your own editing style

- A rundown of native iPhone editing functions

-An overview of the best editing apps including one touch apps, filter based editing apps and professional editing apps and techniques

-How to add text and graphic elements to your photos

-How to share your images with family and friends through popular photo-sharing apps including Instragram

-How to get your images ready to print

Are you excited yet?!

There are plenty of illustrations, screenshots and diagrams to help you visualise what you’re reading. Don't know about you, but I need visualization!

This book also includes a handy list of key iPhone photography resources, including blogs, competitions, photographers and the best apps to create your own iPhone photography toolkit.


iPhone Photography is available in two formats for your convenience; a PDF version and an ePUB version.

Download it now and save 25%!

To celebrate the launch of our brand new eBook we’re offering it for a limited time at $14.99 USD – a saving of 25% on the normal price of $19.99 USD.

If you want to take beautiful photos with your iPhone that impress your friends – download a copy of iPhone Photography today!

Photo Nuts and Post-launching today!

We all love it when we capture that perfect shot.

Even though your photo looks perfect, you may still want to edit it a bit. Add some color. Take some away. I love to edit as much as I love to capture. How about you? No?

For those who might need a bit help for where to begin when you are to this step, dPS has a new ebook!

Photo Nuts and Post is the third installation in the Photo Nuts series and it just launched today!

Written by professional photographer, Neil Creek, it gives you the tools you need to make processing work for you. Even if you have experience in editing, you can always learn new tricks.

To celebrate, they are offering 33% off if you buy today -Click here to read more!

My Idol

When I first started out blogging, I did a family blog. I worked hard on that blog and I had fun with it as well. I never thought about writing about photography at the time. I had a blog that I used to read every day named dooce. I'm sure you know of this blogger (Heather Armstrong) and maybe you even read it.



Anyway, I think I liked her because she was doing what I wanted to do (be a blogger) and well known for it. She was my inspiration to work hard at blogging and I loved to hear about her life. After awhile, I decided to focus more on photography, which made me not have so much time for blogging about family issues.



When I decided to move to blogging about photography, I stumbled across a wedding photographer named, Jasmine Star. I began to read her blog every day and soon, Dooce was replaced with Jasmine. She is such a fun person and has such fun with her career. She incorporates humor in her posts and is very willing to share her wisdom with other photographers.



She helps me (by reading about her journey from being a shy person to a famous wedding photographer) to achieve my dreams photography related. When I'm feeling down about something, she usually has some similar experience so I find out that I'm not alone. It's always fun to live vicariously through another, hoping that some day you could achieve the same-or close to.



If you never heard of her (Jasmine Star), go over to her blog and check her out-even if you don't shoot weddings!

Succeeding at photography

Just a reminder that Digital Photography School's Going Pro Kit will be going up after Tuesday!

Take advantage of their special price of 29.99-Going up to 49.99!

Check out my review HERE.

Going Pro-How to succeed

The other day I talked about the cost of being a photographer. Today, I want to talk about HOW to be a successful photographer.

Everyone has their tips on how to become successful. Instructor and author Vik Orenstein suggests that it's all about constant learning, community and support.

Tom Ray, a Certified Professional Photographer, wrote that you don't need schooling to become successful.

Here's a valuable tip: It's not about the talent.

There are talented photographers making tons of money (if that's how you define success) and there are talented photographers not making very much and wondering why they are not successful.

Running any small business successfully takes a lot of hard work, smart marketing ideas, and even a bit of luck. Photography is no different. Making money from your photos can be a tough business if you don't have some kind of help.

What if there were sort of a "business in a box" for photographers to help them to "go pro" with their photography? I think I found just a thing. It's actually a kit for photographers.

It contains the following:

-Going Pro: How To Make Money From Your Photography, a 91 page ebook that entails first-hand experience from Kelly Kingman to help you sell your images the way you want.

-2 hours of Audio downloads of interviews with pro photography experts Susannah Conway, Charles Borst, Suzanne Sease, and Christina Villaflors.

-Getting Published in Photography Magazines, a 28-page practical primer on getting your photos published, by DPS pro Mitchell Kanashkevich.

My favorite is the audio! A ton of valuable information:

Susannah Conway (photography teacher and author) – shares her story about how blogging kicked off a full-time business teaching people about photography online
Charles Borst (Director of Photography, Education Week) – lets us know what he looks for in a photographer and advice on developing your style
Suzanne Sease (photography marketing consultant) – gives expert tips on creating a great portfolio and getting it in front of the right people
Christina Villaflor (art producer at TBWA ad agency) – shares her insights into how agencies work and the tips you need to meet with art directors

These audios give you advice on different marketing directions that you don't really read about on photography blogs.

I know there are a lot of photography help ebooks and print books out there these days and they all seem to cost a fortune. That's why I wanted to let you know about this kit today. They are running a special for the next two weeks.

This kit will have a regular price of just $49.99 but to celebrate its launch they are offering it for $29.99 – that’s 40% off.

So, if you are looking for help, now is the best time to get some-at an affordable cost!
Click here to view more details

Review- DIY Home Studio

When you are a photographer, you have the choice of renting a space, going to client's homes, or design a home studio.

On-Location.

Going to client's homes, or on-location would be the cheapest route, but can be a hassle lugging equipment, not knowing the lighting and many other surprises that may arise.

Renting Space.

Renting a space can be exciting, but very costly with added fees on top of rental fees.

Home Studio.

If you have the space, a home studio can be convenient, cost effective and stable. BUT, you still would have the cost of equipment. I have a home studio and spent almost $700 in equipment and still don't really have everything I need.

So, what if you want to have a studio, but don't want all the expenses?

Home Studio Photography may be your answer.

This ebook shows you how to put together inexpensive DIY studio equipment that works just as well (if not better) then expensive equipment.

Here are the DIY photography studio projects listed :

•The Easiest Softbox In The World
•DIY Strip Light
•The Best Softbox Ever
•Continuous Light Softbox
•Turkey Pan Beauty Dish
•Foamboard Reflector
•V Cards
•PVC Diffusion Screen
•The ‘Oh So Famous’ Cereal Snoot
•Coroplast Gridspot
•Black Straws Grid
•PVC Light Stand
•Pony Clamp Stand
•Stick In A Can
•Light Tent
•Underlight With A Cardboard Box

Will these look like crappy-did-it-yourself junk?

Nope!

You will see that the projects look very professional and nothing to be embarrassed over.

Heck, I wish I knew about this book before I purchased my lighting!

There are still DIY's that I plan on making to complete my studio equipment. The instructions are easy to follow, and supplies are easily accessible at your local hardware store.

I would even recommend investing in this affordable ebook ($19.85) if you are considering renting a studio. why not save some expenses?

If you are even just thinking about getting this book, you need to pop over to DIY Photography to check out more awesome products as well!

Friday Photog Finds:Photo Nuts and Shots

Great photography CAN be learned.

Do you wish you could take beautiful photos like the photographers that you love do? There is a debate whether you have to have "the eye" to be able to be a talented photographer.

Great photography CAN be learned.

With the right tools, you can be taught to be a great photographer. There are a lot of great workshops you could go to. But, what if you can't afford the cost-most run around $1000-or, you can't travel to where they are held?

Don't give up! Photo Nuts and Shots is a how-to guide for some one wanting to achieve that dream of becoming a great photographer.

What does it cover? Pretty much everything! If you really need to start at the beginning, this ebook is a super source that starts by what you need to learn in basic language, like rules of third, quality of light and negative space.

By using the techniques that this book teaches you, you can still achieve gorgeous photos-even if you feel that you don't have an artistic bone in your body.

This 100+ page book (Wow! pretty big for an ebook) includes lots of photos to go along with their teaching. I am one of those people who need visual- are you?

Here is a screen shot of the table of contents:

As I said, great visuals to go with the techniques.

So, if you are always wondering, “Why don’t my photos look like that?” you can achieve the craft of photography with out spending a fortune in the process.

Mixbook Review

I had the opportunity to review a custom photo book from Mixbook and I jumped on it because I wanted to get a book made of my youngest, Emily. I was given the 11x 8.5 Classic Landscape book.

Instead of doing my own design layout, I decided to try out one of their premade templates.

This one is called The Rad Plaid.

Very cute!

I have to say, I was nervous using a template, since I'm very anal about doing my own designs. But I liked the way it turned out. The designs were very girlie and cute. They have lots of other templates as well to suit any taste.

I think it's something that photographers could use for their portrait sessions, or weddings. If you don't want to use a template, you can just use a blank custom photo book and insert your own designs.

I also liked that it didnt take very long to print and ship. Sometimes I'm waiting many weeks for my books-I hate that!!

I have used many printing companies, so I had quality to compare to. There are some I would never use again-I won't say who-but, Mixbook is not one of them! quality is great. The binding is solid. A thumbs up for Mixbook!

Mixbook is one of our sponsors in our upcoming HUGE giveaway this coming week-so, check back to enter our grand opening giveaway to win your own photo book!

Are you ready for Mother's Day?

I just found out that Tiny Prints (my favorite printing company for cards) is having an awesome special for Mother's Day. They are offering personalized Mother's Day Cards for $.99 for a limited time!

A great deal if you offer personalized cards, or you just would like to get one for your own mom! We got the heads up early to let my readers know about this awesome deal!

Personalized Mother's Day Cards from Tiny Prints. $.99 for a limited time.

Future Photographer

Do you have a little girl that follows you around with her little camera, taking pictures just like mama?

My little girl does. So, I had to design one of these shirts for her and she loves it!

Now, you can get one for your little photographer too!

They come in pink, blue, white and yellow.

And, different hair coloring choices of blonde, brown, or black.

You can get them in infant, toddler and kid sizes too!

You know you want one...

So, order one today, darn it!

(boy photographer shirt coming soon!)

What if you don't want to go pro?

Several readers have been asking me what type of camera I would recommend for the person that doesn't want to be a photographer, but just maybe good photos for their blog or to take on vacation, etc.

I know how investing in camera equipment can add up fast. I really never sat down and added up how much that I've spent on glass, bodies, accessories, etc., I would probably faint. But, I also know that all that investment MAKES me too, so it's a good investment.

But what about the amateur photographer or a mom that wants a camera a bit nicer, but more affordable?

Now, what defines "affordable" may mean something very different for me then it does someone else. This may fall true with what type of camera as well. With that, I will tell you that to have a decent camera, I think a camera that allows you to change lens is a must. You can still fall into the affordable zone (which to me would be under $700). Do I still have your interest? Good!

Before I actually talk about what camera(s) I would recommend, I would like to break down what you should think about in terms of what you need. When I first started looking for a camera, I did a lot of research on the different brands of cameras, what I wanted out of the camera and where I could go with it.

My dad (who got me into photography) was a photographer briefly. He studied under a well known photographer and learned a lot of photography wisdom from this man. One thing that he passed on to me stuck with me when I was shopping for the right camera. He told me that his teacher told him that while you need a decent body (camera body, that is ;)), the lens is where your bigger investment should be.

When looking for a camera, don't get so hung up on the mega pixels on a more expensive body.

So, that brings us to lenses. My opinion is if you can handle it, invest a bit more in your glass. Don't start cringing! I know we are talking affordability-I still am. For someone just looking to shoot nicer photos for their blog, of their children, or even to take on vacation, you can really get away with just two lenses- a 50mm, and a 70-200mm zoom lens.

I know their are other great lenses out there, I'm just throwing out two that I think would take care of most needs for someone on a budget without having to miss out.

I think I have about 15 different lenses at this point (some are a backup), but these two mainly stay on my cameras most of the time. I love the boketh each give me in my photos and they serve a lot of my purposes.

Like I mentioned earlier, invest a bit more for your lens-and don't buy the kit lens that companies offer with the body. Use that difference for the other two. Kit lens can work if you really have to get it, don't get me wrong. I just wished that someone would have told me this when I purchased my camera for the first time.

So, have I helped you any? A little? I hope so! Now, on to my recommendations. I don't represent any of these brands.

Canon

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i $548

You can't beat the price! It has a wide range ISO setting 100-3200 and compatible with 60 lenses.


Nikon

Nikon D3100 $548

I've been seeing these go on sale lately-would be worth looking. Nikon lenses are reasonable as well.

Pentax

Pentax Kx $449

I love Pentax. Pentax cameras stand up to Canon and Nikon with reasonable prices. The Pentax kx comes in cool colors too. I love the red one!

Ok, if you just want a simple point and shoot that can stand up to the big boys, I would have to say you might like to get the Canon PowerShot S95. It runs around $395 and gets good reviews for being travel friendly.

Hope this helps you in deciding and if you have any suggestions, feel free to share with us!

Friday Photog Finds

I think I want to make Fridays my "Friday Photog Finds" to showcase all the awesome photography stuff out there (and there is ALOT). I could so go in debt if I got all the products that I wanted out there.

I'll start this week's find with some beautiful (and practical) photographer bags.

Have you heard of The Shootsac?


(shown with optional covers)

These were invented by Jessica Claire, who happens to be good friends with Gary Fong, who I mentioned in my last post. I wish that I had thought of this type of bag, but I'm glad she did because this is just the type of bag I need. During a shoot, I change my lens about ten times. Sometimes, I just put each lens on a different camera-I have three cameras-But that can get bulky and then I have three SD cards to deal with instead of just one.

These bags, or sacs, aren't made to replace your normal camera bag. They are equipped to hold your lens on your body so you can easily have them available instead of running back and forth to your camera bag (like I do). The Shootsac runs $179. Worth the investment!


Looove them!


If you really want to be stylish, you can get a Kelly Moore bag.

These bags are absolutely gorgeous!


They look exactly like a purse to me, which is so much nicer than those ugly black camera bags that they sell in the stores-argh! I actually have four ugly camera bags that so need to be updated to one of these beauties. They start at $159 per bag. A bit pricey, but I think you will get your money's worth.


If you are looking for a more affordable cute bag, try the Cargo Camera Bag from Built.

I like the look of this bag and at $38, if may be more of an affordable bag for beginners. This bag has extra padding to protect your glass, which is a plus. I am always worried about banging my bag against something.

Stay tuned next week for more goodies!

Who do you read?

I can spend a whole afternoon getting lost in my favorite blogs. I love, love, love party blogs. If I wasn't a photographer, I would want to be a party planner. I am a total visual person and love a blog with lots of photos. I think it inspires me to create artistic stuff.

One of my favorites is The Party Dress.

I so want that throw a party in those colors.

She has some great ideas for weddings and showers. I think it would be a great idea to send the link to brides so they can get inspired about wedding colors and decorations.

You really need to check out this site-it's awesome!