The Savvy Photographer

The Seniorologie Tour heads to Texas!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Seniorologie, an inspirational blog dedicated to the study of senior portrait photography is heading to TEXAS!!

With the success of our first tour in Atlanta, they are taking the workshop to Texas and they want you to join them!!

The Seniorologie Tour is a unique workshop that gives the attendees not one but FOUR amazing speakers to share their knowledge on high school senior portrait photography! Joining Seniorologie on the Texas stop are Courtney DeLaura of Get Schooled Photo and Peachtree Studio, Amii Wroblewski of Amii Wroblewski Photography, Tara Swain of Tara Swain Photography and myself, Leslie Kerrigan, Creator of Seniorologie! With these four speakers offering four unique perspectives and insights you will get the education of four workshops in one!

The Texas Tour will be held at The Nylo Hotel in Plano, Texas. This hotel provides beautiful, modern loft style accommodations and will be a wonderful backdrop to the shooting portion of the workshop.

Topics Covered during The Seniorologie Tour:

- Finding Your Seniors - How to market to the seniors in your area

- Rep Programs that WORK

- Interacting, Connecting, Styling and Planning your senior sessions

- Pricing, Collections for both seniors and parents and In-Person Ordering Appointments

- Lighting and Posing for Seniors

- Much, Much More

The Tour offers three different rates:

The Single Rate - $1795 and includes a welcome reception, Single Room accommodations (king bed) at the Nylo Hotel for two nights, All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday, October 22 and breakfast and lunch Tuesday, October 23, and the workshop which includes learning from four photographers and shooting for two days.

The Bunk with a Friend Rate - $1495 and includes a welcome reception, Double Occupancy accommodations (two twin beds) at the Nylo Hotel for two nights, All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday, October 22 and breakfast and lunch Tuesday, October 23, and the workshop which includes learning from four photographers and shooting for two days.

The Local Rate - $950

This rate is new for this tour! There are so many photographers in Texas that we wanted to give you an opportunity to join us without having to stay at the hotel! This rate does not include hotel accommodations or meals, except lunch. What is included is the workshop and learning from four photographers, shooting for two days and lunch for those two days.

What each Tour Includes:

- Amazing education from 4 top senior portrait photographers

- Two full days of Learning and Shooting

- Meals

- Goodie Bags full of coupons, Seniorologie T-shirts and much more!

- Portfolio Building with completely STYLED Shoots

- Bonus Q&A/Panel Style discussion with all speakers including editing tips

-Private Facebook Group to meet and support each other before and after tour

To Register for the tour, please click here! There are limited seats and they are selling quickly! Register today to secure your spot in Texas!!

announcing... The Open Book Workshop by Mika Beth Edwards

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:50:00 +0000

We are excited to be a sponsor of the Open Book Workshops by Mika Beth Edwards!

To read more about this wonderful workshop, view here.

check your inbox today...

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:40:00 +0000

If you entered the Savvy Images Contest, I'm quite sure you are anxious to see the winners! I was completely blown away with all of the amazing entries! We had thousands of entries...and there were so many great ones to choose from!

Today I will be contacting the three winners from each category...check your email today! The winning images will be shown this week...and we will also have a "people's choice award" announced next week. That means I will show the top twenty (or so) images in each category and the viewers will vote on their favorites! I will have more prizes for the viewers choice winners...so if you don't get an email today, don't be disappointed. You will still have a chance next week to have your image shown on the Savvy blog and win.

If you are a finalist for the people's choice, you will contacted and ask to send a watermarked image to be shown on the blog.

Thank you to all who entered!

Please help save Jen!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:48:00 +0000

I don't ask for much from my readers...I come here as often as possible...I write words to you, I scramble most days for content to help you be a better business person and a better photographer...I find pretty things to inspire you...and I'm now asking for you to return the favor...and it's not something big...it will just take a minute.

It's money...yep...I'm asking for you to donate money... and it could help save a life...Jen's life!

We have followed her intense battle over the last 9 months with ovarian cancer...we cried for her and smiled for her...but now, I will beg for her!

PLEASE give a donation to help fund her clinical trials that will hopefully save her life. It can be a small amount...any amount will do! How about if you told that next client placing their order that you were donating the proceeds from their portrait purchase to help save a photographer friend fighting for her life. They would know they were also helping...spare one shoot for her?

I know that's a lot to ask...and if that's not possible, then how about giving up a venti latte? We can all spare $5...can't we? Please donate to help her...help those two little boys in the picture above...they need their mom!

The doctors gave her 12-18 months to live...let's give her more than that...let's help save her life.

To read more about Jen and her battle, click here.

To donate, click here.

Thank you!

What a star struck Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:42:00 +0000

Yesterday I had the honor of attending the Spelman College Commencement Ceremony. The guest speaker was the one and only, Oprah. Amazing to hear her speak! She encouraged the graduates to "Always do the right thing even when nobody knows. You will always bring the right thing to you." And my favorite quote from Miss O.... "Let excellence be your brand".

I love that! As photographers and artist, we are always trying to define what our brand is...let it be excellence! Love that!

I was also a proud wife when my husband was on stage introducing the three graduates who were commissioned as Naval Officers. I must say he did great. (thousands were there!) And looked great in that uniform!

I met Star Jones and had my picture made with her...but no one will ever see that (full) picture because I'm smiling so big I look like a fool:)

I was told no cameras were allowed...so I followed the rules and didn't bring a camera. Just my iphone...and EVERYONE had cameras! I can't believe I didn't bring one. So... I have no pictures of Oprah...just tiny iphone pics that you can't even see.

This is us...stuck in traffic trying to get there. Smiling through our irritation of being late.

summer...summer...summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:18:00 +0000

It's Thursday...and tomorrow is the day...the last day of school! It will be a glorious day in my house. I start singing "School's out for summer"...you know the one by Alice Cooper that my kids have never heard and wonder what I'm singing. Just googled the words and realized maybe it's not the best song to sing...I need a new "school's out" song!
I really do enjoy my kids being out of school. I enjoy the lazy pajama days. I love being able to hop in the car and take a trip whenever we desire. I LOVE the games of Rummikub with my boys. I love staying up late with the kids watching movies. Our new neighborhood has a pool and I'm excited for my kids to get to hang out with their friends all day soaking up the sun. I'm ready...bring it on.
The lazy days of summer also make work a bit harder. So please be patient if the post here aren't as often as normal. I have big plans of spending quality time with three little people (who aren't so little anymore...one is taller than me and the other will probably be soon after sumer...but they are still my people).

(image from The College Prepster)

I just saw this on Pinterest and thought what a fun summer project this would be. Each week make a set of Instagram photostrips from images during the week...and then I thought how fun if my readers wanted to be a part of the fun..."The Twelve Weeks of Summer" project! Want to join me?
I'll post more about it soon...and I hope you want to jump in on the fun for a week or two...or twelve!

There is a fabulous "how to" on making these photostrips on the wonderful blog, The College Prepster. Her blog is full of pink, green and preppy! A girl after my own heart...love her blog and the great tutorial you can find here!

I'm looking forward to getting to "meet" you all on instagram! Follow me there... @savvyphotographer

do you have an office space you love?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:19:00 +0000

Oh dear...could these spaces be any more perfect?

I love looking at the workspaces of others...and wonder if they always look that neat and tidy.

I wouldn't dare show you my messy desk right now...I hoping this will inspire me to straighten it up a bit.

All of the images above are from Better Homes and Gardens Online. It's a decorators delight.

So many great ideas in one place...enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:59:00 +0000

I'm wishing you all an absolutely wonderful Mother's Day. I hope it's filled with the best homemade cards and gifts from your little (or big) ones.

Just in case you want to buy yourself a little something, we are having a sweet sale to honor all the Mother's out there.

Use the code momsale to save 50% off all the digital products in the Savvy Store. The code expires Monday night at 11pm.

And you can also save 20% off the Savvy Flooring using the code mom. Expires tonight at 11:59pm.

Have a wonderful day!

a super duper grand prize for the pet category

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:10:00 +0000

I have a few more prizes to tell about for the Savvy Images contest.

I've mentioned the amazing prize donated for the grand prize winner of the pet category...the Unleashed Pet Photography Workshop! Unleashed Dallas 2012 will be 2 days of hands-on shooting and creative inspiration with photographers Teresa Berg and Bev Hollis. The prize includes a copy of DOG SHOTS | Tips & Tricks for Pet Photographers and a follow up 2 hour online class.

Topics will include: Natural lighting outdoors, kids + dogs, studio lighting, natural light shooting indoors, as well as business discussions on products and pricing, marketing, social media and SEO and developing your personal style. The Aloft Hotel in Plano will be home base with studio shooting held at Teresa Berg Photography in north Dallas. Check out the Unleashed Blog for more information! www.unleashedworkshops.com

The value is $1200...what an awesome prize for someone!

The two runner ups in the pet category will also get a copy of the DOG SHOTS book.

Have you had your shutter hugged?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:02:00 +0000

Our friends over at Shutter Huggers are also donating a prize to the Grand Prize winner in the Children, Family and Pets category. The winner chooses their favorite!

meet the judges for the Savvy Images Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:44:00 +0000

Alice Park is a documentary child photographer in Atlanta known for her storybook folio books. She effortlessly blends herself into her subject’s world of make-believe and lets their imaginations soar. Photo sessions become play dates, and the connections she makes with them transform into stunning images that depict who he or she is at that age. Alice documents the little things with the big picture in mind: their magical stories.

Alice and her dashingly handsome and brilliant husband Kyu started Alice Park Photography together in 2006. They founded the National Association of Professional Child Photographers soon after.

Nashville based photographer, Mandy Johnson of Mandy Johnson Photography is passionate about preserving memories through the art of photography. Her award winning work is displayed in fine homes across the country. Her clients include numerous celebrities who value her genuine & modern esthetic. Mandy's work has been featured in People magazine, seen on the Today show, The View & the Rachel Ray Show.

Anne Siller is from Houston Texas where she has been photographing families and children for over 16 years. Her career began as a black and white film artist where she was drawn to capturing the true emotion and spirit of her subjects. Since her transition to digital she still tries to maintain the honesty and uncontrived nature of her original film work. To see more of her work, visit Anne Siller Photography.

Portland based Family Photographer, Leah Remillet is world recognized for the experience she creates for her portrait clients. Specializing in children and families. Leah's passion is in creating beautiful wall art and a wonderful experience.

Leah Remillet is the also the creator of the popular photography blog, Go{4}Pro .

June Kuiper has been a Grand Rapids family and child photographer for over six years. Her work has a modern style and an artistic, casual appeal. She is the co-founder of Photographer Cafe, and is mom to two girls.

Mary Beth Vreugdenhil is also the co-founder of Photographer Cafe, has been a child, family, and wedding photographer for over seven years, and is a busy mom of four.

Courtney DeLaura is the joyfully silly photographer behind the camera of Peachtree Studio and the computer screen of Get Schooled Photo. With her laughter and dedication to helping young women feel beautiful during an otherwise insecure time, Courtney has grown her senior portrait business to blessed heights. She lives for snuggles while watching zombie movies and her heart leaps for joy when she can bring a bunch of photographers together for education, encouragement & support! Courtney lives in Knoxville, TN. with her best friend/husband, their two amazing children and the two fur-kids.

Leslie Kerrigan is the owner and operator of Leslie Kerrigan Photography in Greenville, South Carolina. She is also the creator and owner of Seniorologie.com, an inspirational blog dedicated to the study of high school senior portrait photography! When she is not blogging or taking photos, she is hanging out with her husband and two young boys, running or shopping!

Justin & Mary Marantiz are internationally traveled destination photographers, who call New England home. Justin is a 2003 graduate of the highly-acclaimed Rochester Institute of Technology, and Mary is a 2006 graduate of the Yale Law School.

They are also the creators of the Spread the Love workshop.

Bev Hollis: Pet photographer, veterinarian, guardian of two dogs. My life has always had dogs wrapped about it. I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel honored to spend my life studying, watching, healing, and photographing pets - mainly dogs. With a particular interest in the human-animal bond, my goal with my work is always to elevate animals to the work of art they are so worthy of.

Teresa Berg is a graduate of the Elkins Institute of Photography and a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. She is a nationally recognized photographer and author. She specializes in artistic baby, family and pet portraits.

Bev and Teresa will be leading the Unleashed Pet Photography Workshop in Dallas 2012. (see blog tomorrow for more details.)

****

To learn more about the Savvy Images contest, check out the info here. And to hear more about the amazing prizes, click here.

more vendors= more goodies to win

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Today we are introducing three of the vendors who are donating to our winners for the Seniors category...thank you all for being a part of this!
Tomorrow we will introduce the judges and tell more about the huge grand prize in the Pets category!!

Seniorologie

LCH Design

Senior Portraits Forum

fabulous vendors

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:41:00 +0000

We have two more days of introducing the wonderful vendors that have donated to the prize packages for the winners of the Savvy Images Contest. There is still time to enter your images...for more information on entering,

go to the post, Savvy Images Contest.

On Wednesday, I'll introduce our judges! We have six teams of judges...each team has a category to judge...and they are all fabulous!

Now for more of the vendors who make our prize

packages rock!

Go{4}Pro

Life-n- Reflection Design

The Posing Guide

Flourish

Michelle Tiek Design

vendors who donated prizes (cont.)

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:07:00 +0000

Crave Design

Marketing and Props for Photographers

Dear Miss Modern

Get Sales- Order Appointment Training

more vendors to thank (and love)

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Photographer Cafe

Pro Digital Photos

The Shoppe

vendors we thank

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:15:00 +0000

The great prizes for the Savvy Images contest were donated by so many fabulous vendors.
Thank you to all of them! Here are just a few more of the goodies you could win...and there are many more we will show you throughout the week!

Life Art Design Shoppe

Frank and Frida

Birdesign

thank you to the vendors who donated~

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:46:00 +0000

More about the fabulous prizes and vendors who donated to the Savvy Images Contest.

Loktah... Natural Media Products

The Savvy Photographer Store

We are posting more throughout the day and week...stay tuned and check back often!

The Prizes for the Savvy Images 2012 Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:10:00 +0000

The Savvy Images contest is off to a great start! I've received some amazing images so far...so excited to see so many great photographers submitting their work. And now for the prizes that 18 lucky winners will receive!

Each category will have three winners...a grand prize winner, a first runner up and a second runner up. The prizes vary a little in each category. And they are all amazing! We will be adding more prizes I'm sure since vendors are still sending prizes in so that means the loot gets bigger.

Next week I will introduce our fabulous panel of judges. Each category will have its own set of judges due to the amount of images we have received. So much great talent and wonderful judges to help us decide the winning images.

If you want more info on the contest and how to enter, click here... The Savvy Images Contest 2012.

And now for the prizes....

Baby Category~Grand Prize:

The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)

One 46x66 Northern Barnwood Rug from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $180)

5 dvd/cd cases of winners choice, 3 8x10 Prints on Cotton Rag White and 1 Thumb Box of choice from Loktah: (value $150)

Rock the Walls Nursery Collection from Life Art Design Shoppe (value $89)

$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign

$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe

One Antique Wooden Bowl Replica from Marketing and Props ($45 store credit)

The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)

$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)

Accordion 4x8 Book- Barefoot from Life-n-Reflection (value $10)

First Runner Up:

3 dvd/cd cases of winners choice, 2 8x10 Prints on Cotton Rag White and 1 Thumb Box of choice from Loktah (value $100)
Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner Up:

2 dvd/cd cases of winners choice, 1 8x10 Prints on Cotton Rag White and 1 Thumb Box of choice from Loktah (value $75)
Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Child Category~

Grand Prize:

Crave online photoshop mentoring session. Andee of Crave Photography will teach you how to create standout imagery. (value $350)
The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)
The Posing Guide by Skye Hardwick (value $149)
$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign
$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe
The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)
$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop
One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)
3x3 Mini Book - Secret Garden from Life-n-Reflection (value $10)
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props
Winners choice of Shutter Hugger

First Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Family Category~

Grand Prize:

The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)
One 46x66 Northern Barnwood Rug from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $180)
$125 gift certificate to Michelle Tiek Designs.
Rock the Walls Multiple Portraits Collection from Life Art Design Shoppe (value $89)
$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign
$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe
The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)
$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)
3x3 Mini Book - Gator from Life-n-Reflection (value $10)
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props
Winners choice of Shutter Hugger

First Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Wedding Category~

Grand Prize:

The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)
Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign
$50 gift certificate to Flourish
$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe
The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop
One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

First Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$25 gift certificate to Flourish

$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$25 gift certificate to Flourish
$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Senior Category~

Grand Prize:

The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)
A one year listing in the Seniorologie Directory (value $100)
Senior Edge 4 collection from LCH Design (value $79)
$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign
$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe
The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)
1 year membership to the Senior Portraits Forum (value $26)
$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)
3x3 Mini Book - Whitney from Life-n-Reflection (value $10)
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

First Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

A six month listing in the Seniorologie Directory (value $60)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner Up:

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)
A six month listing in the Seniorologie Directory (value $60)
The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)
$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe
$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Pet Category~

Grand Prize:

A seat at the Unleashed Pet Photography Workshop. The Unleashed Dallas 2012 will be 2 days of hands-on shooting and creative inspiration with photographers Teresa Berg and Bev Hollis. The prize includes a copy of DOG SHOTS | Tips & Tricks for Pet Photographers and a follow up 2 hour online class. value $1200 *(does not include travel and accommodations)
The Savvy Digital Collection from the Savvy Photographer Store- the collection includes eight products (value $315)
$75 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.
$50 Gift Certificate to Birdesign
$50 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop
$50 Gift Certificate to Photographer Cafe
The Carnivale Actions Set from The Shoppe (value $40)
$25 gift certificate to the Dear Miss Modern shop
$25 gift certificate to Crave Design
One clear tumbler cup from ProDigitalPhotos (value $19.99)
$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props
Winners choice of Shutter Hugger

First Runner up:

A copy of DOG SHOTS | Tips & Tricks for Pet Photographers $85 value

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$45 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$25 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

Second Runner up:

A copy of DOG SHOTS | Tips & Tricks for Pet Photographers $85 value

Get Sales : In-person Sales Training from Get Schooled (value $75)

The Savvy Chevron and Stripe Wall Collection from The Savvy Photographer Store (value $50)

$25 Gift Certificate to Frank and Frida.

$25 gift certificate to Crave Design

$10 Gift Certificate to the Go4Pro Shop

$25 Gift Certificate to The Shoppe

$10 Gift Certificate to Marketing and Props

***This week we will show off many of the fabulous prizes on the blog...come back each day this week to see a glimpse of the products that you could win.

the birthday girl...

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:45:00 +0000

I feel like I've made a lot of broken promises lately...and I'm sorry.
I will not have the prize info or the judges announced today for the Savvy Images Contest.
I'm working frantically to get it posted but I know it won't be happening today.
My week has been quite eventful...if you follow me on facebook (or instagram), you know what I have been dealing with. My daughter was very ill this week and her birthday morning started with a call to 911 and a ride in the ambulance to Children's Hospital. It was truly the scariest thing I've been through as a parent...and I'm still trying to grasp everything that is going on. She is fine...as far as we can tell. We are going to see a neurologist next week and I just pray what happened was a reaction to her immunization the day before and nothing more. I'm so thankful for all of the prayers and kind words from my readers. I feel blessed.
Here's a picture of my sweet girl on her birthday...not quite the birthday I had planned for her.

Thank you all for your patience...I will announce the info soon.

The Savvy Images Contest is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:31:00 +0000

The 2012 Savvy Images Contest is here!

CATEGORIES:

Baby

Child

Family

Seniors

Wedding

Pets

There will be six grand prize winners.

In each category we will award a grand prize winner along with a first and second runner up.

{in other words...18 fabulous prizes}

The prize packages will be announced tomorrow!
We will also introduce our wonderful panel of judges tomorrow.

Rules of contest:

Entries may not be from a workshop.

Entries may not contain a logo, watermark or signature.

Entries must be the Entrant's original work and creation.

A maximum of four entries per category.

Email entries to savvyimagecontest@gmail.com and the subject line should be the category you are entering the image in. Each category needs a separate email.

The submitted images should be cropped to 610 pixels wide.

The deadline for entries is May 15th, 2012.

The Savvy Images Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:25:00 +0000

Tomorrow "The Savvy Images Contest" begins...and we are so excited! I will give all the details on how to enter your images along with the contest rules and the fabulous prizes you could win...starting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 24th, 2012.
I can tell you the prizes will be fabulous { I already said that once but there's no other word to describe them besides fabulous!}
We have six categories...and each category will have three winners...a grand prize winner, a first runner up and second runner up. That's a total of 18 winners!
Start going through your images...grab the very best...and be ready tomorrow to start entering!

We are thrilled to be able to offer this contest to our readers! So many great prizes and such a great way to get world wide exposure for your images.

Check back tomorrow for all the details!

desk prints {super-sized} at a fabulous price!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:32:00 +0000

When you think of a desk print, I bet a 30x40 doesn't come to mind. Maybe it will now! Can you imagine a 16x20 propped along that wall? It wouldn't make as much of a statement, would it? When a client walks in and is greeted by a canvas this size, what size do you think they will want? You are showing them how easy it is to go big...and put it basically anywhere.

In order to sell big, you must show big. And now is the perfect time to order a big canvas! We are giving Savvy readers something special today...an introduction to a new canvas company with amazing prices and a coupon to make the discount even higher! You will be floored when I tell you the cost of the 30x40 above from CG ProPrints...wait for it...$64.99...yep...under $65 for a 30x40 gallery wrapped canvas.
I was first introduced to the company, CG ProPrints at Imaging in New Orleans. I was immediately impressed with the prices but wanted to see the quality closeup and in person so I recently placed an order. The canvas arrived one week later...and it would have perfect if the UPS driver would not have placed it behind my garage door. Crazy spot to leave something...and my husband texted me to deliver the news. He had driven over the box. I called the company the next day and they had another shipped immediately. Great customer service!

So what did I do? Ask them to offer a sweet deal to my readers! and they did!
You know that crazy price I told you...well...they are giving $10 off that price for one week only!

This coupon is good only for a customers first order (new customers) and it is good for one canvas only (so make it big).
The offer expires 4/25/12 (one week only) so don't miss out!
The coupon code is SAVVYCANVAS

*You must be a professional photographer to order from CG ProPrints.

side note~ I recently featured another 30x40 canvas that looked quite similar (different smile on her face but same pose) from another company...you can see that post here. Just wanted to clarify it's a different canvas from a different company.

an office makeover from a Savvy reader

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:50:00 +0000

Today we are sharing a fun office makeover submitted by a Savvy reader, Tammy from Kissed By Tammy. We think she did a fabulous job decorating this cute space! To see the before pictures and a fun video about the office makeover, check out her blog post here. Thanks Tammy!

Selling print ready images...

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:02:00 +0000

I received an email last week from a reader who wanted to submit an article for the Savvy blog . After reading it, I definitely thought it would be great to share here. It was written by Ashlyn Dawson, a Canadian photographer who specializes in weddings and newborns. I hope you enjoy it!

In no way is this post intended to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. That decision, ultimately needs to be made by you. This post is simply here to outline the reasons why I personally do not give away a disc of print ready images easily.

I have always enjoyed helping clients decide what images to print. I love sending out print orders and seeing the reaction on my clients faces when they receive their final products. To me custom photography is all about the experience; from beginning to end.
There is something so special about each moment.

This year almost every single inquiry I have received started off with “ I would like the disc of my print ready images so that I can print them myself”. For a little while I had actually been considering offering digital negative packages as opposed to print packages. I had everything set up. Then I took a moment to really think about what I was doing. Here are a few things that ran through my mind:

At the end of each year I send out a survey to all my past clients, have them fill it out and sent back to me. I ask questions about their experience, what products they liked best, if there is anything I can work on etc. A few of the questions I had on my survey last year were directed to individuals who purchased a print ready disc from me. And not just individuals who commissioned me, but to those who won a free session with the disc of images, friends or family.

The two questions I had were:

How soon after your session did you decide to print your images, 1-3 months later, 3-6 months later or 6+ months later?

How many images did you print and what sizes?

To my surprise, the answers were not what I was expecting at all. Many of the individuals who purchased (or received) a print ready disc seemed very excited and ecstatic to receive it. Their excitement conveyed to me that they already had plans to print many of the images, and very quickly for that matter.

43% of people said they printed their images 6 months to a year later. 57% of people said they forgot, or lost their disc.
30% of people said they printed between 5-10 gift prints (8x10 size or smaller)

Conducting this survey made me realize that as much as people professed that they wanted the disc, their actions did not line up with the excitement they once showed. It made me wonder if people want the disc solely for the purpose of preserving their images? Having peace of mind knowing that if anything were to happen, they always have the disc of their images to fall back on?

Many other photographers I have spoken to have noticed the same thing. Clients often return with e-mails or phone calls about lost discs over a year later.
When I got married last year I immediately purchased an album when I received my wedding photos. To this day I have NO clue where the disc of our wedding images is. For the life of me, I cannot find it. I tucked it away somewhere and it’s probably lost forever. But, I have my wedding album to show. I show that off to each and every individual that walks through my door. I even take it with me on occasion when I’m meeting up with someone who didn’t get the opportunity to attend our wedding. It was the best way to preserve my images. And I’m so thankful I did it.

--

Did you know that CD’s will be phased out by the end of this year? USB’s are expected to follow that same route sometime over the next two years. Many large companies have already stopped making both items. Once they’re completely done with, we’ll find another way “preserve” images. In a few years, computers will be made differently to accommodate whatever new technology is set to replace CD’s and USB’s. Which leaves you to wonder; how will you be able to view your images in a few years? How will you be able to share them? Will you have the ability to print them the same way?

Technology is constantly changing, and I personally do not want to take the chance of offering my clients something that they may or may not (likely not -- remember cassette tapes, and a-tracks?) be able to continue using in a few years.

The best way to preserve your images is not on a disc, or a usb, the best way to preserve your images are printing actual photographs. Remember when you were younger, at your grandmothers house. And she showed you her wedding images, or photographs of your parents when they were children? They were perfectly preserved in an old photo album for future generations to enjoy them. That’s the same way in which you must preserve yours. We’ve been able to travel back in time and view things from over one hundred years ago through photographs, paintings, sketches etc. These artistic pieces had one thing in common; they were tangible.

If you’re going to spend the money on the luxury of custom portraiture, wouldn’t you prefer to have something that will last a lifetime? Photographs and albums that your children, and your children’s children will enjoy for years to come?

By no means am I trying to deter you from purchasing print ready discs. And to photographers; by no means am I trying to persuade you to stop offering them. I do believe they have their place. Consider my points outlined above and make your own decision.

Clients: If you choose to go the route of print ready images please, please do not wait until it’s too late to print your images. Now is the perfect time to dig up that old disc wherever it is and get those images printed! And if you choose purchase one in the future, please print your images right away. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The most awful thing that could happen is having invested in custom portraiture and having nothing or very little to show for it.

Thank you Ashlyn for the great article!

It's a manic Monday...wish it were Sunday...

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Monday morning...we are on the countdown to summer...and everyone is ready!

First I want to announce the lucky winner of the Memento Action Set from The Shoppe is Daleea Barrett. Congratulations Daleea!!

Also, the Shoppe is offering Savvy readers $25 off the Memento Action Set until Wednesday, April 18th...use coupon code savvy25.

It seems like everyone is having babies right now...and just we love the Chalkboard Baby's First Year album templates they recently released.

We are also getting ready to kick off Spring with a "Savvy Images Contest"...and the prizes will be fabulous! More information will be out this week, so stay tuned. I'm excited to see all of the amazing work from our readers!

Have a great Monday!