As we enter into our tenth year of business in 2009, we would like to share the high points of 2008 with you. This past year has been our most productive year yet, and we could not have done it without you. Thanks to your constant feedback and ideas, we were able to greatly enhance our product and service offerings! We anticipate great things for 2009 and look forward to our continued partnership with your studio in this promising year.

Product Updates
ROES

In September 2008, Collages.net introduced ROES, which allows Mac and PC users to experience the convenience and simplicity of ordering prints through collagesColor™. ROES provides photographers with three-step reprint order fulfillment and allows Mac and PC users to enjoy the following features:

• Quick and simple downloads of all Collages.net reprint orders that allow you to find the high resolution images on your computer
• The ability to work offline on your Mac or PC computer and send orders when you’re ready
• An enhanced cropping tool and custom template design
• More product options and direct access to all product ordering systems

Brilliant Albums

In August 2008, Collages.net introduced the Brilliant Album Collection. This collection features full bleed image covers printed on photographic paper with a protective laminate coating, creating a beautiful pearlescent sheen that gives the album cover a unique metallic appearance.

Brilliant Albums offer the same excellent lay-flat properties and minimal page seam you have come to expect from Collages.net Albums, with the additional benefit of showcasing your work both inside and out. The versatility of our Brilliant Albums provides complete artistic freedom with additional options for your clients. From a single panoramic, full bleed image spanning both covers to a large collage wrapping around the album, the cover can be tailored to any taste, style, or occasion. In addition, because our Brilliant Albums are leather-free, they provide a great option for clients who are environmentally-conscious or are looking for an animal-friendly alternative.

Features include:

• Excellent lay-flat properties
• Smallest page seam in the industry at less than 1 mm
• Completely customizable full bleed image covers
• High-quality presentational packaging, including a pillowcase slipcover
• Live, knowledgeable, and dedicated customer service
• Meticulous review by our quality control specialists
• 30% discount on studio samples

Staff Updates

Collages.net’s employees have celebrated many blessings during 2008! Director of Marketing and Product Development Deirdre Gillin was married, product consultant Jeff Jones welcomed a new baby girl to his family, and controller Stefan de Wet will soon be welcoming his first child..

Throughout the year, twelve staff members celebrated their first anniversary with Collages.net, and Collages.net added several new staff members.

In April 2008, the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the world’s largest professional photography association, announced the appointment of Kevin C. Casey, CEO and President of Collages.net, to its Board of Directors.

“I am really looking forward to working with the talented staff on PPA’s board,” Casey said. “There are a number of tremendous initiatives taking place at PPA right now, and I am thrilled to do my part with an organization that does so much to help each and every photography studio.”

Awards
Collages.net Recognized for its Growth

This past year, Collages.net ranked in the top third of the INC. 5,000 list, which celebrates the fastest growing privately held companies in America. For over 27 years, the INC. 5,000 award has served as a benchmark for the most innovative, dynamic, and successful companies in the nation. Additionally, Collages.net was also recognized as one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in Philadelphia by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Collages.net also received three Hot1 Awards in 2008 for its gallery wrap product line, Build Your Brand marketing campaign, and collagesDesktop™ + collagesColor™.

This week’s websites of the week come from Greg Hoskins Photography and Cocoriah Photo.

Greg Hoskins of Greg Hoskins Photography shot Angela and Jeb’s private wedding ceremony in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He recalls, “We were a bit worried when the day we arrived met us with cold air and snow, but the following day was perfect for their ceremony. Mix great weather and beautiful scenery with a couple who is filled with passion for each other and very natural in front of a camera, and that makes for some wonderful wedding day images.”

Dee Jones of Cocoriah Photo shot the Barnes’ family portraits at Lakeside Park in Plano, Texas. Dee remembers, “Not only was the light gorgeous, but these kids were beautiful, polite, and just up for anything. I was honored that I was able to capture such a lovely family on such a lovely day.”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

We are anxiously anticipating the first trade show of 2009 – Imaging USA in Phoenix, Arizona. We will be showcasing our latest product updates, including albums, high-end cards, press printed books, gallery wraps, and professional printing.

Make sure you stop by booth #809 to see and experience the new products, which include companion albums and additional album leather choices. We look forward to sharing these latest innovations with you, meeting new faces, and helping your studio set the stage to maximize 2009.

Make sure to check out our trade show schedule at www.collages.net/ontheroad.

This week’s websites of the week come from www.studioCAPTURE.com and Dani Mac Photography.

James Tongol of www.studioCAPTURE.com shot Alex and Sandra’s wedding in Houston, Texas. James recalls, “Alex and Sandra are a beautiful couple to work with, and we got to share in their full day, starting at Central Presbyterian Church, a 1950s-style church that radiated with both warm and cool textures. Alex and Sandra’s community of family and friends brought out all of their energy and emotions.”

Danielle McEntee of Dani Mac Photography shot Randi and Tyler’s engagement portraits at Shell Beach in California at Giovanni’s, a cozy Tuscan restaurant. Danielle recalls, “Overall, it was a very short, but sweet shoot.”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

It’s never too early to prepare for next year’s wedding season. Collages.net offers several products that can be used for displaying your best work at 2009 bridal shows and in-studio client meetings. Here are a few ideas that will help you prepare for next year’s weddings:

• Purchase Collages.net Album studio samples and receive 30% off each sample. Collages.net’s Album collection includes Premium leather, genuine leather, and Brilliant covers to provide the versatility and flexibility you need to cater to every client.

• Press printed books provide the versatility and customization options that you clients desire. Purchase several samples in different sizes and page templates and receive 30% discounts off every sample order.

• Print big in 2009! Find your favorite wedding or engagement image from 2008 and print it large on metallic paper. collagesColor offers several size, texture, mounting, and finishing options, which can be used to show the range of print products your studio offers.

Having studio samples is crucial to your studio’s success during next year’s wedding season. Book your clients now by showing several product styles during upcoming bridal shows and client meetings. Collages.net is dedicated to providing the highest quality products in the industry and truly understands your studio’s needs. Contact Collages.net Customer Service at www.collages.net/chat or customerservice@collages.net for more information and ideas.

This week’s websites of the week come from Isis Modern Photography and Ryan Berkowitz Photography.

Jeremy Wieczorek of Isis Photography shot Erin and Greg’s wedding in Omaha, Nebraska. Jeremy recalls, “Erin and Greg felt it was truly important to include their family and friends, along with a bevy of priests from past and present. We had a great time around the church grounds, especially with that long flowing veil and soft autumn breeze.”

Ryan Berkowitz of Ryan Berkowitz Photography followed Marc and Kristy throughout the streets of New York City for this romantic portrait shoot. “Kristy had a vision of the types of shots she wanted, and I was lucky enough to have clients who trusted me.”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

Collages.net is still offering the most competitive online hosting plan in the industry at only $29 per month. We have extended our deadline from now until December 20, 2008, so when you sign up for or renew your Unlimited Uploads Yearly Plan, you will now receive:

• 12 months of unlimited event site uploads with unlimited images
• Premium Website upgrades for one year
• $350 in Collages.net product credit

This new plan allows you to post an unlimited number of events and images for only $29 per month and has been extremely well-received by photographers who post ten or more weddings or events per year or forty or more portraits per year. This plan offers you and your studio our best value.

Collages.net offers a range of products including albums, press printed books, professional prints, high-end cards, and gallery wraps. Offering a variety of options for your clients is key to increasing your sales. Purchase album studio samples and press printed book studio samples to show your clients in studio and receive a 30% discount on every studio sample album and studio sample press printed book order.

Collages.net Customer Service Representatives are available between 8:30AM and 8:00PM EST from Monday through Friday. If you are interested in signing up for this plan, contact customer service today by phone (877) 638-7468, e-mail customerservice@collages.net, or chat www.collages.net/chat.

This week’s websites of the week come from LunahZon Photography and Lindsey Turner Photography.

Jeremy Deal of LunahZon Photography shot these photos in the family’s house outside of Charlotte, NC. Jeremy recalls, “They are repeat customers of ours, so it was great getting to revisit and see how much they’ve grown.”

Katie and Edward were married in Roswell, Georgia at the Primrose Cottage. Lindsey Turner of Lindsey Turner Photography said, “The ceremony was very intimate and the couple was so excited. It was a perfect day!”

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.

This week’s websites of the week come from Julie Stauffer Photography and Alexis Photography and Video.

Julie Stauffer of Julie Stauffer Photography and Elyse Shapiro shot Wendy and James’ wedding in Muskoka, Ontario. Julie recalls, “The bride has been coming to this beautifully tranquil summer place since she was an infant.”

Michelle and Joey’s engagement portraits were taken at the historical Don Cesar Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach in sunny Florida. Here are a few favorite images.

To view the complete events, visit our websites of the week page.