This week’s websites of the week come from Tana Photography and Alison Portis Photography.

Tana Ruud Urizar of Tana Photography shot Nagore and David’s wedding in Boise, Idaho. Tana recalls, “Even though the couple live and work in Washington, DC, the bride, Nagore, wanted to have the wedding in her hometown. I photographed David and Nagore in the downtown cultural district and then went on to photograph their candlelit, DC-themed reception at the Linen Building. The bride tried to tell me they weren’t photogenic but I could tell right from the start of the shoot, that the couple would look fabulous together.”

Alison Portis of Alison Portis Photography shot Casey and Rebekah’s engagement portraits in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Alison remembers, “After a stretch of extremely cold weather in northern Kentucky, we were blessed with an ideal day for an engagement portrait session. Casey, an Army officer, and Rebekah, an opera singer, were very willing to try all my crazy ideas, even if it meant getting stuck in several thorn bushes. The session was held near a beautiful lake at Fort Knox, Kentucky. We had such a great time and I am so happy for Casey and Rebekah. 

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

Collages.net recently had the chance to talk to Jennifer Evans of Candy Apple Photography in Broomfield, CO about her studio’s success in 2008. Jennifer has been with Collages.net since 2005 and specializes in wedding, senior, and child photography.

How did you get into the photography business?
I loved photography from the first moment I picked up a camera. So I started very young being the photo editor of the yearbook in high school and taking the one photography class they offered as many times as my teacher would allow. Unfortunately, I had the misguided belief that a person couldn’t make a living doing photography, so I worked in the corporate world for a while and realized it wasn’t for me. So I did some soul searching and realized that if I could do anything, it would be photography. So I guess you could say I’m living my dream!

How long have you been in the photography business?
I was an apprentice for two years and then I opened my own business in 2005.

Describe your style.
Quirky, fun, artistic, and dramatic.

What gear do you use?
Canon.

What inspires you?
Hearing about how other photographers shoot. I’ll never forget the first year I heard Yervant speak at WPPI. It changed my life! I loved photography, but I thought there was only one way to shoot a wedding, high school senior, or kids session. When I saw his passion for doing things his own way, it gave me a license to be free. It really inspired me to find my own photographic vision.

What is your favorite Collages.net product or service and why?
Collages.net has been awesome in every aspect. Our clients love that their event sites are so easy to use. We get tons of reprint orders because people can easily view images and order without confusion or hassle. We use the DVD slideshows because our brides love having that DVD that they can take around and show their friends and family. We have also just started using Collages.net Gallery Wraps and Albums, which are both gorgeous!

Do you use Facebook or other social networking sites?
Not yet, but it is on our list of things to do. We photograph lots of high school seniors, so we fully realize the importance of being plugged in with how they are finding their photographer.

What was your wackiest wedding moment?
There is a wacky moment at every wedding! I think shooting a wedding might be the most unpredictable event a person could encounter. We always make a game plan before the wedding, but then you have to just be able to think on your feet when that plan goes straight down the tubes.

What was your best business decision in 2008?
Can I have more than one? Hiring extra help and raising our prices.

How are you getting more clients in 2009?
We are opening a new studio in April!

When people leave your studio, what impression do you want them to leave with?
That we will give them great images and that they will have a positive experience when working with us.

Collages.net would like to thank Jennifer for sharing this information about her studio. If you would like your studio to be featured on our blog, please e-mail us at customerservice@collages.net.

This week’s websites of the week come from Amber Procaccini Photography and Marcia Campbell Photography.

Cheryl and Matt were married on the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Amber Procaccini Amber Procaccini Photography calls them “A fun, flirty couple who love the outdoors. Their reception was at a nearby ski resort where guests were treated to a gondola ride to reach the top of the mountain and the reception. One fun detail of the day was the custom footwear that Cheryl, a shoe buyer for a local company, had had designed and manufactured for the bridesmaids and herself. The labels on the inside of the shoes read Cheryl (heart) Matthew.”

Marcia Campbell of Marcia Campbell Photography in Honolulu, Hawaii shot the Christie family portraits on a lovely afternoon on the beach. Marcia recalls, “Kacey Christie lives in Honolulu and his family came to visit him for the holidays. Running away from the winter on the east coast, there was nothing better than having their portraits taken by Diamond Head Beach and enjoying the sunset in a warm get together.”

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

Tough economic times call for action. Collages.net CEO and President, Kevin Casey, is hitting the road to initiate relevant dialogue to benefit photographer studios across the country in an interactive workshop, Finding Your Blue Ocean in 2009.  This interactive workshop is designed for studios that are committed to being successful. Finding Your Blue Ocean provides the tools to help photographers learn the basic business strategies that allowed Kevin to start Collages.net, a rapidly growing multimillion dollar company, from his kitchen table.

Robert J. Trenske of Robert & Kathleen Photographers in Bridgeport, CT describes his experience at Casey’s seminar: “Kevin presented a solid approach to analyzing business and action plans, and he really got me thinking about change – outside the box. The interaction and team exercises were very beneficial.” This workshop is designed for you to take a hard look at your studio. You will walk away with a clear idea of what changes you can make tomorrow. You will learn:

What Profitable Studios are Doing
Understand what is working in the most successful professional photography studios across the U.S.

What to STOP Doing
Conquer your fear of change and see the most common mistakes that studios have stopped making in order to increase their profitability.

What to START Doing
Take away at least three new ideas that you will be able to implement immediately.

What your Finances Really Mean
Hear highlights from PPA’s benchmark survey of 250 studios to help you measure your studio’s financial strength right from Kevin, a PPA board member.

How to Plan for the Future
Discover easy steps that successful studios are taking toward improving the financial management of their studios.

Registration costs $19 online. Every attendee will receive a $50 Collages.net product credit. This seminar is limited to 75 participants per city. All seminars are from 6-9PM. For more information, visit www.collages.net/blue.

Collages.net has released the beta version of Site Builder. Site builder is ten years in the making and is a significantly enhanced tool that gives Mac and PC photographers the ability to quickly upload images and streamline order fulfillment. Collages.net Site Builder offers several new and updated features:

• Two Workflow Options - Choose the workflow that fits your studio. Express lets you upload low resolution images and Full Service lets you upload high resolution images.
• Event Insurance - Never worry! Collages.net can back up and store your low or high resolution images for a minimal fee.
• Enhanced Price List Manager - Price lists can be easily created and edited before feeding directly into ROES for collagesColor for seamless print order fulfillment.
• Discounts and Photo Credits - Your studio will now be able to offer incentives for customers to purchase images online.
• Event Templates - Create default settings to increase the speed of event creation.
• Mobility - Upload and access your events from any computer with a centralized, online Event Manager.

We are confident that Site Builder will streamline your studio’s workflow experience. But this is only the beginning! In 2009, Collages.net will continue to add new features and enhancements based on feedback from all of you. You can expect to see the following updates in the upcoming months:

• Digital Downloads
• New Account Manager
• Superior Marketing Manager
• Product Order Tracking

Are you ready to join other photographers using Site Builder beta? Contact customer service at www.collages.net/chat or customerservice@collages.net to opt in today.

This week’s websites of the week come from Photo Fanatic Photography, LLC and Brandi Grooms Photography.

Amir West of Photo Fanatic Photography, LLC shot Mario and Kate’s unique wedding at the Ritz-Carlton in McLean, VA. He recalls “During our first meeting, I was immediately impressed with the creativity and personality that they were working hard to pour into their wedding. They wanted their day to be unique and reflective of their own sense of style, love, and art. They had this crazy idea about taking the bridal party to the movies for some photos after the ceremony. I loved the concept because I share their love for great movies, so I literally couldn’t wait to go!”

Brandi Grooms Johnson of Brandi Grooms Photography shot Genilda and Luke’s maternity and family portraits at their home in Red Bank, New Jersey. Brandi remembers, “Genilda and Luke were so excited about their new addition, baby Olivia. I shot both their belly and baby portraits in their beautiful Red Bank home. Genilda worked so hard creating her own stencils and hand painting Olivia’s room with a bee theme. Olivia couldn’t have been cuter, with her big eyes and beautiful smile.”

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

Collages.net recently had the chance to talk with Lacy Dagerath of More Than An Image Photography about her studio and her blog. 

How would you describe your studio style?
PJs, a bed, and 5 dogs. Yes, I really have 5 dogs: Tyco, Bella, Brody, Little Man, and Chanel. All joking aside, I would say “non-boring.” I was 23 years old (4 years ago) when I started my business. My mom showed my website to my grandpa who was also a photographer and the first thing he said was, “Those people are not going to like those pictures. They aren’t even looking at the camera!” I thought, I don’t like creating moments, I like capturing them, creatively. It is not my job to coordinate every single shot that I take so that its redundant. It is up to me to make sure the couple, the bride, the family, the children feel comfortable with me so I can get the most natural shots and the best expressions possible. I’ve been told I have the ability to be able to capture people at the peak of their expression. This goes much deeper than knowing how to work my camera, it has everything to do with how you, as a photographer, relate to your clients. I’m vulnerable and I’m honest. I think because of these things, my clients know they can trust me.  

What type of photography are you most passionate about?
I don’t think there is a type I’m most passionate about, but I will say this, it’s a toss up between two complete extremes. I love capturing emotion. When you look at a photo and it makes you feel something, in my opinion, it’s what makes a picture great!  There is something very irreplaceable about that. I try to always capture the heart and personality of the person. Many photographers get so caught up in the technical aspect of photography that they lose the reason they are shooting. Again, that’s just my opinion. The other extreme I love is taking pictures as art. One of my favorite pictures was taken while I was in Venice. We were riding on our little boat to get to our hotel and I saw this rusted, blue-green door on this white wall and it intrigued me. I love finding beauty in the mundane, everyday things that people far too often take for granted.

Where did you find your inspiration for your blog’s design?
Sometimes I just need a creative outlet. My mother and I went to a high-fashion home store in downtown Houston and I found this fabric that I absolutely fell in love with. It is a black fabric with an ivory baroque-style pattern. Because I was craving another creative outlet (other than photography), I bought the fabric and made a headboard for my bed. Then, I found a similar black pattern and wanted that as my background for my blog! The blue I use is the blue that is in my current logo.

What was important to you when looking for a blog vendor?
I really wanted something that was incredibly easy to maintain on the back end. I knew it was something I was going to be updating almost daily, so I wanted it to be very easy and manageable. Also, I don’t like advertisements cluttering my space. I pay a yearly fee for my blog to keep that from happening.

Which entry has been your most popular entry this year?
People seem to be terrified of leaving comments, so really I don’t have any idea!

What do you write about on your blog?
I generally post my favorite ten to fifteen shots from every shoot. I know what it is like to be disappointed when I visit a blog and there are no updates so I try to update the blog regularly. Also, from a client’s perspective, I know how great it makes them feel to be featured.
 
How do you see the blog benefitting your studio?
I think blogs are becoming more popular than studio websites for photographers. Usually a blog means you are continuously changing and updating your work and people want to see the latest and greatest. Aside from that, when you feature clients on your blog, they tell everyone they know to go view your blog. They also let friends and family know about your post through social networking sites and word gets around. It’s really great exposure for any studio.

Do you have any blog stalkers?
I typically have anywhere from 75 to 200 visitors to my blog daily.  I’m not sure who everyone is though!

What advice would you give to photographers who are looking to start a blog or revamp their blog?
Find a blog that works for you. I was recently talking with a friend and fellow photographer who said he wouldn’t consider having a blog because he thought he couldn’t manage it. I think if you choose a blog that is manageable, updating is a breeze! I also think you should find one that you can customize to reflect your style. Details in this business are key. You definitely want your blog to reflect your studio’s style and personality.

If you had to lose one hand in a freak elevator shaft accident which hand would you lose?
My left! I shoot with my right, so I’d be jobless and handless. They don’t make left handed cameras!

If you could drive any car in the world without paying attention to price what would it be?
The Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile. Really!

If you could choose any career other than photographer what would it be?
A professional golfer. A very poor professional golfer. I think I’ve held a golf club once during a game of mini golf, but I won! Only because I cheated, though.

Let’s talk! If you’d like your studio featured on Collages.net’s blog, send an e-mail to customerservice@collages.net.

This week’s websites of the week come from Manning Photography, Inc. and Rita Frelich Artography.

Patrick Manning of Manning Photography, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shot Heather and Keith’s wedding right in the city. Patrick recalls, “Heather and Keith had a small, intimate winter wedding in Milwaukee. Though the size was small, Heather and Keith celebrated their special day together in grand fashion.”

Tran’s bridal portraits were photographed by Rita Frelich of Rita Frelich Artography on Friday the thirteenth. Rita remembers, “It was supposed to rain all day long, so we started as soon as she was ready. Tran is a really fun bride who loves Mardi Gras, so we got permission to take some portraits in one of the warehouses owned by Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. My husband Jonathan did the lighting and Tran’s friend Lauren came along to make sure she looked stunning for every shot and even snuck in on a few photos. Despite the rain, we all had a lot of fun!”

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

In this month’s issue of Professional Photographer magazine, Lindsay Adler provides a helpful guide to using Facebook as a free, but powerful marketing tool in her article “Facebook: Network with Seniors.” Facebook, one of the largest and most popular social networking sites in the country, has over 100 million active users.

Adler, a fashion and portrait photographer, has achieved success using Facebook as a marketing tool that draws high school seniors to her studio. She believes Facebook offers three main benefits for photography studios: targeted advertising, social networking, and online promotions. Here are a few highlights from her article:

On Targeted Advertising: “When you create a Facebook ad, you are prompted to select several criteria to determine who will see it. You can select the age range and geographic region, so, for example, you’d choose 16 to 18-year-olds living in the town nearest to you, thus designating your target group. When a viewer click on the ad, he or she will be sent to your page in Facebook or directly to your company’s Web site, whichever option you choose.” This is a good target range for seniors. For brides, you can change the age range to 20 to 35-year-olds living in the town or city nearest you.

On Social Networking: “The business profile you create is your Facebook business identity. You can upload photos and videos, post events and contact information, open discussion topics, and more. It’s a great vehicle for communicating with potential clients and offering them incentives.” Collages.net has a Facebook fan page. You can become a fan of Collages.net now and see the advantage of this feature.

On Online Promotions: “By offering promotions [on Facebook], you can not only encourage clients to book a portrait session with you, but also encourage them to increase your brand awareness by spreading you to their social networks - online word of mouth. Through your business profile page you can send mass updated messages to your fans to make them aware of new promotions or opportunities.” Collages.net also uses this feature to alert customers of new products and promotions. Most recently, album design, Site Builder, and 2009 products have been sent through this channel.

Collages.net now provides event links that allow photographers and their clients to link any event site to their Facebook, MySpace, blog, or website. Learn more about how other studios have been using these links to their advantage and several tips for using these links.

To learn more, pick up this month’s copy of Professional Photographer magazine.

This week’s websites of the week come from Wagner Photography and Chameleon Photographix.

Jackie Wagner of Wagner Photography and Spring Waugh shot Erin and Brian’s wedding in St. Louis, MO. Jackie recalls, “We knew the first time we met Erin and Brian that they would be fun to work with. They are so at ease with themselves and each other. They are a low-stress, high-energy couple. The ceremony took place at the Jewel Box in Forest Park and the reception at Windows off Washington in St. Louis’ trendy loft district.” The result was an elegant, modern wedding.

Bill and Kathy Scheer of Chameleon Photographix in Redding, California photographed the portraits of Shiloh, Alyssa, and Roman in Chico, California. Bill remembers, “We photographed Shiloh, Alyssa and their energetic son, Roman, at a baseball field and later at Bidwell Park in Chico. On that gorgeous day in February, everyone had such a great time together playing sports and running around outside.”

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