wrap it up

I’m a little under the weather this weekend and had to postpone a session, which gives me a chance to sit down and share a few of my favorite things from Imaging USA 2011… Keep in mind that Todd and I were there a grand total of about 2 hours, so we took in all we could as fast as we could!

First up is Barbour Backdrops. They have amazing faux flooring and baseboards on their website. And even more exciting things in their catalog:

WHCC was debuting all of their new card shapes.

For a limited time, you can get a free download of the template above.




Another vendor that caught my eye was Artsy Couture. They have floating gallery block canvas arrangements, and well, just see for yourself!

(For the more traditionalists, they offer single gallery blocks as well.)




Of course it was awesome running into Terry Cutlip of Sassy Designs and Kristen Caldwell (both at the Simply Canvas / Simply Color booth), and my former web roommate Christine Tremoulet out in the wild!




Last but not least, first person to need / use / comment for this gets it… I have a 50% – 20% gift card from Color Inc. You receive 50% off your first order, and 20% off your next 10 orders – plus 99¢ 8x10s, 17¢ 4x6s, and free shipping.

UPDATE: That card is gone, but remember Paperie readers always get a great discount from Color Inc.!

Don’t forget we have TWO SEPARATE contests going on from LOKTAH now!

build your portfolio

This is the second of two back-to-back LOKTAH product giveaways / guest / vendor posts here at Paperie…

Description Of Product:

Featuring a thick and sturdy feel this portfolio folder comes in a 9×12 size, it also features sleek rounded edge corners on the cover flap and has the ability to hold a 8.5 x 11 size sheet on both sides and can hold multiple sheets.

We at LOKTAH are excited to give one lucky winner 3 of any of our portfolio folders! How do you win? It’s simple – you have three chances!

1. Follow Loktah either on Facebook or Twitter.

2. Post this to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did)::
    I want to win three LOKTAH portfolio folders from
    Loktah.com / @loktah and @paperieboutique /
    PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/7mYvfT

3. Go check out the LOKTAH website – then come back here and
    comment what your favorite portfolio folder is and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, February 28th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or listed your favorite product from website – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck and don’t forget there’s another LOKTAH contest right now as well – thanks to LOKTAH for everything!

Amazonian

LOKTAH is back with another incredible Paperie giveaway – the first of two – plus a guest / vendor post to celebrate the upcoming launch of their new Amazon Collection.

A Little Info On The New Amazon Collection:

A textured handmade paper produced with a mixture of wild grass and hemp materials is the essential element of Amazon. Featuring a hand carved coconut accent that is perfectly woven into the beautiful paper. A hidden tab locks the flap in place to prevent any opening, but also maintain a simplistic look. Amazon features a full faced media tray made from corn starch and water that allows the case to remain light in weight but also secure.

We at LOKTAH are happy to give one lucky winner the chance to win one of each of our latest cases from our new AMAZON collection.

How do you win? It’s simple – you have three chances!

1. Follow Loktah either on Facebook or Twitter.

2. Post this to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did)::
    I want to win the new LOKTAH Amazon Collection
    from Loktah.com / @loktah and @paperieboutique /
    PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/DmDdVx

3. Go check out the LOKTAH website – then come back here
    and comment what your favorite product is and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 26th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or listed your favorite product from website – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck – and thanks to LOKTAH for today’s awesome giveaway. Stay tuned because as mentioned earlier, this is just one of two. We’ll have LOKTAH back again tomorrow for another one!




Don’t forget there’s still a chance today to win a 20-box packaging set from HB Photo Packaging! More details here…




Last but not least…have you thought about advertising with Paperie lately? Meet the latest member of our family – the EW Couture Collection.

Kathy of the Boudoir Business Boutique writes:

“I just thought you’d like to know that I’ve received triple the amount of traffic from your site than any other site I’m advertising on! I’m so pleased with choosing to advertise with you!“

Stats don’t lie! Contact todd @ this domain if you are interested in joining our advertising family. And if you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

Kodak moments

We have a winner in the Vegas portion of our HB Photo Packaging contest – it’s Katrina Weingart! Here she is pointing to the Paperie Boutique sign at the HB Photo Packaging Booth (#1565):

Here’s a photo of the Paperie display at the ProDPI booth (#1219).

And here’s a shot of Buttons and Bows on the Moo booth (#1246) backdrop.

Don’t forget, there’s still one more chance to win the remaining HB Photo Packaging box set – check this post for more info!

viva Las Vegas 2 – electric
      boogaloo

In case you’ve been under a rock or trapped under heavy furniture, this week is WPPI in Las Vegas. This afternoon I got an e-mail from Ryan at HB Photo Packaging with pictures from today’s events and this report (and keep reading on for an HB-giveaway):

The show is going great!! Were are meeting…a ton of Paperie readers, many of which are international. Your blog seems to have quite a following in France.

In that last photo, you can see one of my Buttons and Bows signature photo boxes – and just behind that on the backdrop are two Paperie Boutique signs! (If you happen to be at WPPI, don’t forget to get in close and read them for a special “Easter egg” treat.)

To celebrate our appearance at WPPI I’m giving away two prizes – one for those of you who are there (we have our Vegas winner!), and another to those of you who couldn’t make it this year.

Each winner will receive TWENTY 8″ x 10″ x ½” aqua/aqua skinny boxes – one set will include a 25-yard roll of 1½” Bella Terra paper ribbon in white – and one set will include a 12-foot spool of 1½” Offray ribbon in pewter.

The first person (here’s the winner of one set!) to post a photo of themselves at the HB Photo Packaging Booth (#1565) pointing to the Paperie logo over at HB’s Facebook Page wins one packaging set above.

If you aren’t at WPPI and want to win (or are at WPPI but didn’t win the other set), head over to the HB Photo Packaging website and find your favorite box color. Then come back here and post that color in the comments through 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 24th. I’ll use Random.org to select the winner and post it here.

So two chances to win…get busy!

BUT WAIT! That’s not all! If you’re at WPPI and want more Paperie, stop by the ProDPI booth (#1219) for a special offer from Paperie Boutique!

AND! If you spot Paperie Boutique or Buttons and Bows Photography anywhere else at WPPI (Moo*cough*#1246) and send me a picture, I’ll give the first person to do so a $20 gift certificate to Paper Source!




And I’m excited to announce the winner in our Malane’s prop set giveaway…it’s CrystalB Photography!

Congrats to Crystal, thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to Malane’s for such an adorable contest prize!

Viva la Paperie!

hoppin’ down the bunny trail

Today’s guest / vendor post and giveaway is by one of my favorite vendors – and it’s also their anniversary! They’ve come to Paperie to celebrate with you!

Also scroll down to see the two winners in our latest contests…

My name is Malane and I have been crocheting since my teenage years. I have two grandkids, so let’s just say I’ve been crocheting for A LONG time. Even before the start of my Etsy shop, I had an entire closet full of yarn that I used to make sweaters, afghans, and baby gifts. Last year, my photographer daughter Renae, of Renae Alane Photography, and avid Etsy shopper daughter-in-law convinced me to start my own Etsy shop. I would already make things for my daughter to use as props so they figured…why not offer them to the Etsy world?

I love using soft and durable yarns for my designs. Knowing that most props are used on kids one and under, things can get messy! Renae and I are always coming up with new designs and love to see what photographers do with them!

Two of my most popular designs are the All American Baseball hat and the Rabbit hat and diaper set. They are both perfect for this time of the year! I am always adding new cute baby props to the shop, so be sure to check back often!

So here I am a year from the opening of my Etsy shop and it sure was a fabulous one! What an adventure this has been, and to celebrate I am offering a free rabbit hat and diaper set to a lucky Paperie Boutique reader!

How do you win? You have three chances!

1. “Like / follow Malane’s on Facebook: facebook.com/malanes

2. Post the following about malanes.etsy.com on Facebook and /
    or Twitter (and tell us where you did):
    Win a cute rabbit hat and diaper cover set from
    Malane’s (malanes.etsy.com) at @paperieboutique /
    PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/ZEPgrE

3. Go check out Malane’s Etsy shop – then come back here
    and comment what your favorite product is and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, February 19th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with link), and / or listed your favorite product from the Etsy shop – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck – and happy anniversary to Malane’s and thanks for the giveaway!




We have a couple of contest winners to announce! First up in the “pretty girl designs” stationery set contest the winner is…Silver J Photography!

Next the winner in the “Snaptastic Shots Photography” logo contest is…Cammie Onesto!

Congrats to both of the winners and thanks again to “pretty girl designs” and “Snaptastic Shots Photography” for the great prizes!




Last but not least…have you thought about advertising with Paperie lately? Meet the latest member of our family – the Wedding Photographic Society (WPS).

Kathy of the Boudoir Business Boutique writes:

“I just thought you’d like to know that I’ve received triple the amount of traffic from your site than any other site I’m advertising on! I’m so pleased with choosing to advertise with you!“

Stats don’t lie! Contact todd @ this domain if you are interested in joining our advertising family. And if you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

simply. baby.

Today’s guest post is by Lisa of Simply Baby Photography in Hawaii. It’s a post I’ve been begging her to make for quite a long time – it’s “simply” one of the best expo-booth examples I have ever seen. The fact she even matched her skirt to her booth is just the icing on top!

Twice each year, in spring and fall, my city holds a baby expo. The spring expo focuses on products and services for new babies and families, while the fall expo is geared toward older children and families, with an emphasis on holiday gift giving.

For my first expo, held in May, I chose to promote the baby side of my business- Simply Baby Photography. I selected a slightly less costly center booth so I would have 3 sides for image display. Booths run several hundred dollars for the two day expo, so I set an expo budget of $1500. My idea was to design a chic nursery space and display large images that could be seen from a distance. I began planning for the May booth in January, when expo registration begins.

I built the walls of the both using 78″ high bifold closet doors found at a salvage and overstock warehouse for only $5/pair. (I bought 7 pairs- 3 for the back and 2 each for the sides) and hinged together using screw plates.)

Most of my furnishings were Craigslist finds. I scored a white mini crib for $20 and sewed my own bedding, including sheets, dust ruffle, and crib quilt. I re-upholstered the chair in the foreground to match the reverse of the quilt. I stored additional samples, sales material, and miscellaneous items under the crib.

The two damask chairs in back I found for $20 each, originally upholstered in a hideous yellow and green plaid. After refinishing and reupholstering (I spent $100 on supplies!) I got the shabby chic look I wanted. These chairs served as a great consultation area for potential clients to view books, announcements, and other product samples.

The table in front is another Craigslist find, refinished and gilded for use as a display table to hold business cards, samples and contest entry forms. Just behind it on the left is a console, purchased at Ross and refinished, with more product samples on top and additional promotional materials stored in the drawer.

More than a few people thought I was selling furniture! I wanted my booth to be eye-catching, and it did receive a lot of attention.

I had my Simply Baby booth sign custom made from plexiglass and vinyl decals and mounted in a curve, standing out from the back of the booth. The expo only provides a paper sign tacked to the curtains (the color of which, unfortunately, I had no control over), and I wanted my business name to be prominent.

I selected the images I thought best displayed my work in a clean, simple fashion, highlighting babies at the ages I most enjoy photographing – newborn and 7-9 months. My color palette of blues, aquas, and pinks complemented my vibrant apple green logo.

By watching for sales, I was able to order half off canvases for my display. The four shown are a 24×30 center canvas flanked by 20×24 canvases, with a 20×30 canvas on the right wall. I hung these using 3M Command self-adhesive hooks.

To the left, I created a gallery wall of 6 images ranging in size from 8×10 to 16×20. To save costs, I had all but the one 16×20 printed at Costco and mounted them myself. They were attached to the wall with self-stick velcro.

I wanted to put a rug or other floor covering down to cover the ugly cracked concrete, but couldn’t find an inexpensive, portable solution. A friend of mine recently “tiled” his booth floor very creatively, using con-tac paper cut into squares and adhered directly to the floor. Wish I’d thought of that!

Looking back, my front table was a bit cluttered, and there wasn’t much room for visitors to fill out their contest entry forms (I gave away a session and print). The seating area was used, so I’m glad I had that. Having a few large images on display drew a lot of attention.

Overall, the booth was a lot of work, requiring nearly four hours to set up the night before and two hours to break down, plus the two 9-5 days doing a meet and greet. I directly booked five sessions from the expo, and talked to dozens of parents. There were at least 5 other photographers with booths (coordinators make sure similar vendors aren’t nearby), though it was largely friendly and my booth received several compliments from my colleagues.

While the expo is billed as attracting a large number of upscale attendees, I found that those who stopped by my booth were largely price conscious and actually had a few Bugaboo-pushing parents literally gasp at my price list. The clients who did book were wonderful to work with and spent well.

Before the expo I laid out a list of goals to target. While many photographers book at the expo itself, that wasn’t a primary goal of mine – I did offer an Expo Special, but extended it for a few days after the expo and did get a few bookings in the 48h following the expo. I wanted to converse with a minimum number of visitors, get 200 names for my mailing list, and make a splash in the community to get the attention of both attendees and other photographers, presenting Simply Baby Photography as an upscale boutique studio.

I feel that I was successful in meeting all my goals, and the summer after my booth I grossed just over double my spring averages.




Don’t forget that Paperie Boutique has an amazing stationery set giveaway and a contest to win a free logo right now – enter both while you still can!

she’s got the look

Today Khimberly Caton of Snaptastic Shots Photography is stopping by for a vendor / guest post and is giving away one of the three logos below to a lucky Paperie reader.

From the time I was a little girl I was fasinated with photography. I love the beauty and memories that come from photographs. I’ve been shooting since I got my first Polaroid – before digital cameras were around. I am totally and utterly addicted to the feeling I get from producing a wonderful work of art. Without it I am not whole. I feel an instant puppy love crush with my favorite photos.

I am an addicted photography-crushaholic.

I always knew the typical 9-5 job wasn’t for me… Converting my role from a Director and Lead Pre-K teacher into a full-time photographer wasn’t what I expected but it’s what I always wanted. A little bit of me goes into each of my photographs. I’m incredibly self-critical, not to mention a perfectionist. If my heart’s not in it then 9 times out of 10, the photograph is deleted because it just doesn’t evoke any emotion in me when I look at it.

As with most aspects of life, moments in time flash by in a buzz. This happens so quickly that we often miss the fine-tuned details of life which occur with beauty and synchronicity. I cannot explain the beauty that I discover. It comes to me in a flash as if it is an innate sense of knowing when to snap.

It is out there for all of us to discover.

Win one of the following three logos from Snaptastic Shots Photography!

You have three chances to win!

1. “Like” / follow Snaptastic Shots Photography on Facebook:
    facebook.com/pages/Snaptastic-Shots-PHOTOGRAPHY/

2. Post the following about prettygirldesigns.com on Facebook
    or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
    I need to win a new logo design from Snaptastic
    Shots Photography over at @paperieboutique /
    PaperieBoutique.com – http://bit.ly/hxxl0n

3. Tell us which of the above three logos is your favorite – and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, February 11th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with link), and / or listed your favorite logo – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck – and thanks to Khimberly for this great contest!




Don’t forget we have an amazing stationery set giveaway going on, too!

I feel pretty…

I am so excited to announce today’s vendor / guest post and giveaway. It’s a prize I truly covet myself!

“Happy Girls are Pretty Girls” is our motto and what makes a girl happier than a little bit of extra something? Glitter, Shimmer, Personalized Gifts…our ideas are endless And because we’re small and nimble we can work with you to create the perfect invitations, announcements, cards or gifts!

My name is Darcy and I am the girl behind “pretty girl designs”. My husband and children can often be found covered in glitter. I love all things paper. Fonts make me happy. Photography makes me swoon. And I have a weakness for stickers!

Jamie Schultz from Jamie Schultz Photography and Design Studio recently asked me to create fun and unique packaging for her clients. I gave her these three options. Can you guess which one she chose?

I am excited to be giving away one of these sets to a lucky Paperie reader! You have three chances to win!

1. “Like” / follow pretty girl designs on Facebook:
    facebook.com/prettygirldesigns

2. Post the following about prettygirldesigns.com on Facebook
    or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I want to win a ‘pretty’ stationery set from prettygirldesigns.com at @paperieboutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/a9JXlY

3. Tell us which of the above three sets is your favorite – and why!

Each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, February 10th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with link), and / or listed your favorite stationery set – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter / post up to three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

You have three chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win!

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

I’m so jealous one of you gets to win this prize – good luck! Thanks to Darcy at pretty girl designs for giving you the chance! And don’t forget to visit her Etsy shop, too!




Last but not least…have you thought about advertising with Paperie lately? Kathy of the Boudoir Business Boutique writes:

“I just thought you’d like to know that I’ve received triple the amount of traffic from your site than any other site I’m advertising on! I’m so pleased with choosing to advertise with you!“

Stats don’t lie! Contact todd @ this domain if you are interested in joining our advertising family. And if you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

est ce-que tu parles français?

Kelli France is back again for another guest / vendor post with an incredible giveaway from Francypants Academy.

Francypants Academy is giving away a FREE spot to Kelli France’s 6-week online mentoring course in March. This prize is valued at $1195!

To enter, simply email francypantsacademy@gmail.com with your full name. Be sure to include “Francypants Academy giveaway + your name” in the subject line of your email.

All entries must be received by midnight (PST) Tuesday, February 8th.

Then get everyone you know to visit francephotography.com/blog/ to vote for you. Voting will take place February 9-13. The person with the most votes wins! The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Good luck – hope a Paperie winner takes it all!
-Robyn