The Savvy Photographer

The Savvy Studio Grand Opening Party

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:26:00 +0000

The Savvy Studio...I've dreamed of opening this for so long and I'm thrilled to announce it's finally here!

We had our grand opening party last week...thank you to all of my dear friends and Savvy readers who joined us!

Tomorrow I will share some more about the space and the before pictures! I must admit I loved decorating the space...and I did it on a budget...very small budget...and I love how it turned out!

I'm also excited to launch my new site, The Savvy Studios. I've created the blog for the studio and my portrait business, Marsha Mifsud Photography. You can also see more pictures of the studio here...The Studio. I will bring in an associate photographer to photograph family and child portraits while I specialize in photographing women. I'd love it if you follow me on Facebook (how's that for a shameless plug)...I thank you for supporting me along the way these past three and a half years on the Savvy blog!

**The above images are from the talented Lisa Polucci. She is an amazing wedding and portrait photographer in the Atlanta area. I decided last minute to hire someone to photograph the event and I was so glad she waas available that night! She was great to work with and has a wonderful eye...thank you Lisa!!

Want some Savvy Swag?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Hey ya'll...(I am a living back in the South now and I guess I can say that)...we have something great up our sleeves for our Savvy readers!! In the next two weeks, everyone on our newsletter sign up list will be getting an awesome goodie in their inbox...sign up now and keep your eyes open for something great from the Savvy (and some awesome Savvy vendors!) Subcribe below...and the goodie is only for subscribers!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Free Actions from The Shoppe

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:00 +0000

Our friends at The Shoppe have a gift for Savvy readers...a set of four free actions!
Click here to get yours... The Shoppe Free Actions. Use the code savvyfreeactions and the actions are free! (for one week only!)

Make sure you stop by their Facebook page and thank them for the gift!
They also have a wonderful set of video tutorials on their website that teaches you to install your actions and how to use them...also lots of great Photoshop tutorials!!
If you haven't visited their site yet, head over now...you'll love it!!

my new favorite things from Z GALLERIE

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:37:00 +0000

I'm almost finished with decorating my new studio...images will come soon! My new branding is black and white stripe...and I'm loving the collection from Z GALLERIE right now! The cabana is divine...don't have room for that in the studio but it sure would look cute in my backyard.

The Prairie Sweet Sale...

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:22:00 +0000

Our friends at the Prairie Sweet Boutique just sent this over...and it ends today so hurry! They have released their newest line, The Sunshine Collection, and it's 50% off right now (but ends tonight).
We love these sweet designs!

How do you deliver digital files?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:33:00 +0000

One of the treats in the Savvy Swag Bags from the workshop was a custom USB drive for all the girls with the Savvy Workshop logo...it turned out so cute! (see pictures below)

We loved working with the company that made these...USBMemoryDirect.com. If you offer digital files, these are a great way to deliver them to your clients.

*USB Memory Direct is offering all the Savvy readers free packaging with their order of drives! This special last one from today (ends May 2nd, 2013). Once you place your order, just mention The Savvy Photographer promotion and their representatives will include printed packaging at no extra charge on your order! Click here for an example of their packaging.

Free download from Jamie Schultz Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:20:00 +0000

Our sweet friend, Jamie Schultz, celebrated her birthday this weekend by giving all of her fans a gift...a free download! You can download it here...and if you're not already a fan of Jamie's on Facebook, click here to become one! Make sure you visit Jamie Schultz Designs and help celebrate with the Birthday Bash sale!

Designing to Sell

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:46:00 +0000

Join these fabulous ladies for this free event! Join here...it's today!

Prayers for our Savvy Sister

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:09:00 +0000

I'm here today to ask for prayers...
Prayers for our sweet friend who was just diagnosed with cancer.

She is a Savvy sister...a fellow photographer...and an expectant mom carrying her first baby...due September 15th. She just turned 26.
Please pray for her as she travels this painful road.

Please, please pray for her, her husband and her baby as they face this challenge.

We love you Lindsey! You've got 30 Savvy Sisters that will not let you face this alone!

(photo credit: headshot by Leslie Kerrigan, couple shot by Betsy Mullinax)

Studio tour from Brooke Ringdahl

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:59:00 +0000

yep...I'm back...life has been busy lately and I had to put blogging on the back burner for a bit...but I'm back! And I'm so excited to kick off with a studio tour! These are my favorite blog post...I think many of you love the studio tours...and you'll love this charming space!

Take a peek at the studio of Brooke Ringdahl Photography.

"Hello. My name is Brooke. I am a photographer, a mom, a wife and a lover of life. I am a self-proclaimed tea addict; a vintage prop junkie and I love playing with babies.

This is my home away from home. The moment I walked into this space I knew it would become my studio. I had already envisioned the walls a fresh white paired with a subtle grey brick and concrete floor. I have ever-changing backgrounds and props in my humble little studio to keep things fresh and new.

I share a beautiful historic warehouse with many artists ranging from painters to woodworking to screen-printers. There is even a collector of all things bikes, which is quite a site to see. Being surrounded by other creatives really fuels my creativity in a whole different way.

Overall, this is my happy place. Welcome."

Thank you Brooke! What a lovely space!!

Brooke is also a Savvy Sister and wrote a wonderful blog post about her time at the February 2013 Savvy Workshop...you can read it here.

Savvy Workshop 2013...Instagram Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:18:00 +0000

The Savvy Workshop was one month ago...and I'm still dragging my feet showing all the great pictures from those wonderful four days. Why, I wonder? Maybe I'm sad it's over...and looking at the pics make me want to be back there...hanging out with so many great girls! I loved every minute of my time there! I have so much to share...and never enough time to sit down to write about it.

I did want to share a fun Instagram Collage created by our sweet savvy speaker, Laura Winslow! We love her...truly love this girl! She brings laughter to any room...and warmth with her sweet personality. She wrote a wonderful blog post about her time in Alys Beach...check it out here and here (yep, she did two blog post already...I'm feeling like such a slacker).

Enjoy the pictures...and also this Monday morning! I'm off to the new studio...which is almost ready...ekk! So excited!!

Flooring sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:41:00 +0000

How about a flooring sale...in honor of WPPI...you will save 20% today and tomorrow (March 15 and 16, 2013)...use the code wppi

Shop here...The Savvy Store..and use the code wppi and you get 20% off your purchase of any Savvy flooring!

who doesn't love a freebie

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:37:00 +0000

Check out the lovely Timeline Photoshop templates from Birdesign...and they are a free download!

playing catch up

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:09:00 +0000

I'm just a month behind blogging these images from the Seniorologie/ Savvy Shoot Out in Atlanta the day before Imaging USA began. We had a great turnout...and great models! Leslie did a fantastic job styling the models and building the sets! The attendees each went home with a ton of great images and a swag bag from some great vendors!!

Thank you to Deluxe Modern, Kotori Photo Jewelry, Seniorologie, WHCC, and The Savvy Store for the great swag!! The girls loved it!

Thank you Leslie Kerrigan for the wonderful day and the opportunity to join you and the other great photographers!

If you are going to be in Vegas for WPPI, don't miss Leslie Kerrigan (the creator of Seniorologie) on March 14th at 9m. She will teach " The Study of Senior Portrait Photography and The Steps to Create YOUR Senior Portrait Business". You will love her and enjoy her sweet, southern accent!

home from the workshop~

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:22:00 +0000

We are home...still marveling at the fabulous time we all had at the Savvy Workshop! So many wonderful new friends...and incredible memories of our time together! I have so much to share...but I'm a bit busy today...want to know why? I'm dying to tell you~ I sign the lease on a studio today...The Savvy Studio! I will share all the juicy details soon...I'm giddy with excitement! Stay tuned Savvy readers!!

The Mayonnaise Jar

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:40:00 +0000

I had to share this today on the blog...
I saw it on Facebook and I have no idea who it's from...so I can't give credit where credit is due. But I wanted to share it.
Right now my life feels especially busy with the workshop in two weeks and my poor neglected blog is begging to be updated. My time has been spent being a nurse to my sick little ones and being a patient myself while recovering from the flu. I needed to read this story below...and remember what really matters. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
important to you...” he told them.

“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

NAPCP Retreat plus giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Click here for more details about this fabulous retreat and how to be a part of it!

the story of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:08:00 +0000

'The Light That Shines' a story for all from InBedWithSue.com on Vimeo.

I am touched beyond words...the story of Jill and her battle with breast cancer. Read more about her story here... her story of love...

The Light that Shines

To follow Jill on facebook, click here.

Thank you Sue Bryce for bringing us Jill's story. And thank you Jill for inspiring us all! Sending up prayers for you!

honored to be featured!

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:08:00 +0000

I'm honored to be featured on the Prairie Sweet Boutique Blog!

Thanks for the fun interview girls! You can read more about me and my top three tips on how to become a better blogger! Also find out the best thing I ever did for my business...it might shock you.

Enjoy!

Thanks again girls from Prairie Sweet Boutique!!

The Photographer Pinspiration Party Series

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:39:00 +0000

I’m super excited to be a part of Laura Winslow’s Photographer Pinspiration Series!

I’m teaming up with my dear friend Laura along with my awesome graphic designer, Christine from DeluxeModern Designs, and Brenda from the Bloom Forum, plus our fabulous friends from Miller’s and Mpix Pro!

The Photographer Pinspiration Series is a Pinterest party and is intended to inspire one another, share tips, tricks and finds. The series consists of 9 themes...a different one each Wednesday through March... with several Featured Pinners.

Laura asked me to take part in week one and pin some of my favorite packaging and product ideas and inspiration. So please won’t you join us here on Wednesday, January 16th (tonight) from 9-9:30pm EST/6-6:30pm PST. It will go live tnoight but you can start following it now...hope to see you there!!

What if your child was being bullied? What if it was you being bullied?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:18:00 +0000

So I'm wondering something, in other professions, do the older, more experienced professionals bully the new, less experienced professionals? How silly that must sound. Why in the world would a grown adult feel the need to bully someone in their same profession just because the "newer professional" is newer. The only thing I can think of is that they are intimidated by these younger, "newer" people. Do other professions have those who set up websites with a fake person behind it (or perhaps their wife is the face on the website) just to bully and criticize the newer people. Can you imagine...your insurance salesman gets on Facebook all day and calls out the "new" guy and how can he know what he's talking about because he hasn't been in business "long" enough! Or your dentist wife goes to all the trouble of making videos to mock other dentist that are newer and not as experienced (or in other words, as old) as the "experienced professionals". Yes, I know dentist have a formal education, and as photographers most us don't have a formal college education in photography, but does that give someone the right to bully someone else?
Making fun of a group of people without pointing any fingers at anyone in particular seems harmless I guess. I personally would not do it to make myself feel better. But when you get personal and provide your followers with a direct link to the person you are bullying, then you have gone too far. I think the people jumping in to give those mean comments are just thankful it's not them being bullied. Just like those kids in school that go along with the mean kid bullying the little guy just because he's different, these followers that chime in are no different. They are just happy it's not them being made fun of.
What makes people feel good about making fun of other people?

Isn't it time to stop trashing people? If you're not happy with your business, get your butt off Facebook and do something about it...besides making fun of someone who is trying their hardest to be successful.
People don't recover from being made fun of...do the bullies realize this? It's serious...and choosing to end a life because you have been embarrassed to death is freaking serious! It happens all the time...the nurse that just took her own life because of the prank the dj's played on her...was that prank really worth her life. I know the dj's didn't have any clue that would happen, but it did happen and they have to live with that. Everyone needs to stop it now. Treat others how you want to be treated.

Yesterday I came across a group of people who were making fun of a fellow photographer/ blogger. My heart hurts for the sweet girl who was made fun of and laughed at by these "professional" photographers...and to make fun of her for being religious...that was low. I want to stand up for her...tell everyone that jealously will get you no where...if you don't want to buy what people are selling then don't...but don't make fun of them for trying to pursue their dream.

Who will they target next? Who will they make fun of for incorrect spellings and punctuation? Who will they call out because they don't have enough pictures on their website or because they started a blog because they don't have any business as a photographer? Geez...I'm probably next and there will be more behind me...but when that one person decides to end their life because of you making yourself feel better, then I hope you are charged with their death that resulted from cyber-bullying and public humiliation. If not here on earth, then it will be in God's hands.

Getting your life back in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:36:00 +0000

Do you feel like it's time to get your life in order? Time to get organized and back on track?
Our sweet friend, Kelli France, feels your pain and has been through it herself..here's what she had to say...

Several years ago, I was a hot mess. I was ready to quit photography. You can read about it in my Diary here. Believe me. I get it. I get YOU because I WAS you. I either had to quit or get organized. I love photography so I decided to get organized. Now, people ask me, "How do you do it all?" For over 3 years, I’ve been writing & revising what works for me and I’m excited to finally share my secrets with you in this BonjOrganization Boot Camp! Take time to get organized. 6 weeks will change your life.

Hurry! Save $100! Intro pricing ends in 5 days! They are more than halfway sold out.

SIGN UP NOW and get organized!

Want to hang out in Atlanta with us?

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:49:00 +0000

We are so excited to team up with Leslie Kerrigan from Seniorologie to offer our readers a chance to attend a "Senior Shoot out" here in Atlanta. Next month many of you will be heading to Atlanta for Imaging USA 2013 and we thought this would be a great opportunity to bring our readers together and create one-of-a-kind sets for the attendees to build their senior portfolios with.

If you haven't planned on attending Imaging, you should! Many aren't sure what Imaging is all about and I can assure you if you haven't been to an photography trade show before, this is the best one to start with. The expo trade show last three days and it cost nothing (most companies give out trade show passes, let me know if you need one). The trade show is a great ways to introduce yourself to new products and meet the people behind many of your favorite companies. You will come home super inspired and ready for a successful 2013!
If you live local, you have no reason for not coming...right? Some girls have worried they don't know anyone and don't want to come alone...and I think the senior shootout is a great way to meet girls and have someone to hang out with at the expo. You will leave with new friends!
We will all be meeting up for dinner that weekend for those shoot out attendees who want to join us!

Some of you have had a few questions about the shoot out and I've ask Leslie to explain things a bit more...

Tell us the basic concept behind the Senior Shoot Out?
When planning shoot outs, I really try to give the attendees something that they would normally see with seniors and something that is a bit more concept-y (I love making up words!). Sometimes it is hard to pull off things with themes or concepts by yourself, so it is always fun to do something out of the ordinary at a shoot out. But, like I said, I also like to do something that seniors would relate to as well. A good mixture of both for shoot outs!!

So for the Atlanta shoot out, we are doing two days of photo shoots. One outdoor and one indoor and we have different themes/sets for each day.

The outdoor shoot will be in downtown Atlanta so we are doing an Urban Winter shoot with the girls dressed in sweaters, hats, jeans and more. Just something girls would wear hanging out, maybe going to a coffee shop. And then the concept one is an ice skater. This is a girl dressed in a cute winter white dress, fun tights, fur vest, mittens and more. She will have a pair of ice skates as a prop.

The indoor shoot will be in a studio where we will be able to practice natural window light and artificial light. These sets are super fun as well. One will be based on a party theme. Think New Year's Eve or Prom. The girls will be dressed in cocktail attire and we will have fun props such as confetti, balloons and lots of sparkle. The other set will be a snow white concept. This will have an awesome snow covered backdrop, apples, red lips on the model and a fun cape.

How does this help those wanting to shoot more seniors? I have done shoot outs in Vegas and at The Savvy Photographer Workshop and in both situations, attendees leave wanting to shoot more seniors. I think just getting out there and practicing with real seniors that aren't your clients will boost your confidence for shooting that age group. Some photographers are nervous to photograph seniors because they don't know how to act around them or they are afraid the senior will think they are not cool. But getting out there and interacting with them will help you see that they are a fun age group to photograph! I also think that if you are wanting to get into the senior market it is super important to have seniors in your portfolio. Show what you want to shoot so people will start to look to you for senior portraits. Showing cool things that maybe you wouldn't normally do will attract a cool clientele and broaden your reach in your area. You may not get the senior wanting to be snow white, but you will get the senior who thinks that is cool and will remember you because of that awesome photo shoot you did.

It is such a great way to learn, grow as a photographer, gain experience and gain beautiful photos for your portfolio. Every time you go out and shoot, you are gaining knowledge, experience and improving your skills. Shooting without the pressure of a paying client, gives you the freedom to think outside the box and push yourself past your comfort zone. At all our shoot outs, we pair attendees with a photographer who guides them through the process, shows lighting and posing techniques and answers questions. Attendees have gone on to add seniors to their business or they have built websites with to-die-for portfolios. And all of the attendees have not only learned something from the photographers on hand to teach but also those that attended. And they have left with a support group like no other!!!

Are you ready to attend??
We have seats open to purchase and look forward to meeting you!! To grab a spot at the Atlanta shoot out, go here to purchase. The price is $195 for one day or you can attend both days, January 19 and 20, 2013 for $300. The shoot out is a three hour, completely styled photo shoot.

And you know we wouldn't let you walk away without a fabulous swag bag full of goodies right?
So what are you waiting for? Join us!

Stay tuned tomorrow, I hear Leslie will be announcing an image contest that could have a seat to the Shoot Out as the Grand Prize!!

The above images are from past Seniorologie shoot outs.

Check out the inspiration board below that inspired the Snow White Princess Set that we will be shooting in Atlanta!!

Displaying your holiday cards

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:48:00 +0000

More card displays from our Savvy readers!

Images from Kristi Zobrist

Images from Dyan Witt Photography

Displaying your Holiday cards

noreply@blogger.com (Marsha) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:43:00 +0000

My Holiday card tree...filled with wonderful cards from so many wonderful people!

More scenes from around my house (if you follow me on Instagram, then you already got the scoop on my $4.99 floral arrangement above...greenery from my yard and $4.99 hydrangeas from Kroger...and I love it!).