One of the topics recently was about photographers running Groupon deals.  The biggest questions were would you invest more time and money then you get back? Is there a way to run them so they actually work out to make money for you?  Well thanks to this article on Groupons by John Mireless, it provides an interesting look into if a Groupon Add can work for you. The article is full of great ideas on how to run a successful groupon add.

Another topic recently was why do all the action makers and designers have freebies, but you have to publish to your wall that you got something from them.  While I see their point, I thought you know Photographers can use this too. We can make exclusive download codes for our clients. So as much as you may hate the publish to your wall, you can use it to help your business to.  If you want to learn how to do this, check out the post by photo editor Laura Mitchum (she is also a vendor her at Beyond and fabulous to work with!). You can read the article on how to add an exclusives tab here add features and pages to your facebook fan page.

We have a great mix of photographers both portrait and wedding photographers at Beyond and a topic that comes up often is how to pick a photographer. I found this article on Calgary event planners blog — it’s a great way to view photography when it comes to weddings. Send potential brides there, because it’s a short read with some great advice. Since it’s not coming from a photographer it has even more weight to it as well!

Even better is that Sandy Puc is doing a free forum to help 1000 photographers get certified.  The forum will be around as long as or until 1000 are certified.  This is a great way to meet others studying and get a study group together!  She has a free webinar tonight — but it will be available to review if you miss it!

I know this is just the jump start in need to do this — it’s something I have been talking about for a long time.

Shannon

There are many great blog and other resources like actions that help us work through using Photoshop and other tools.

A great starting points is the Internet and blogs. Such as the blog by MCP actions.  However, there are times when just a blog post or a few short tips/tricks is not enough.  That’s when it is nice to find things like the National Association of Photoshop users, you do not have to be a Photoshop guru to belong and use their services.  They have so many resources I am just still, moths after joining learning my way around. I suggest you go on over and take a look — if you join let them know I sent you (they do have a referral program — which is just one of their perks).

I also love Scott Kelby’s Training website.  You get a discount on the membership, when you belong to NAPP, and you will get access to hundreds of videos on dozens of photography related topics.  They are not limited to Photoshop and Lightroom but also include many topics such as use of flash, lighting and well jsut about anything you can think of!  I know I can not wait to get into all the videos and other things he has to offer.  (nope no referral program here).

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

shannon

They have started a venture that is amazing.  The blog will feature challenges and everything related to photography, except business. Their goal is to show how two different and talented people can approach the same subject or assignment and achieve different results.

They currently have two contests going on.  One is for a Ticket to see Becker in Calgary next weekend.  The other is an assignment using color — the prize is a 20×24 canvas from Pixels to Canvas.  What could be better then that, to learn from two amazing photographers and win a canvas.

Stop on over and leave them some blog love on their amazing new journey together.

There blog is sure to become one of my first stops when I go ‘reading’~!

Shannon
In the new year they will also offer online mentoring — that is a feature I can not wait to see and hopefully particpate in. I find both photographers inspriational.

I have come across some fun ideas on things to make, create or use your photographs in a unique way.

1. Shrink tags – OK so you don’t really use your photos — although if you purchased the inkjet compatible acetate you could. This just looks like fun. It is also a great way to make tags and things to update and give your packing of holiday photos for your clients that extra something.

2. Photo calendars — these are by far my favorite gift to give Grandparents.  Who does not love to see their beautiful grandchild and it’s practical.  I love the template shared by the Shutter Sisters — it uses standard CD cases to hold the prints — and most of us have tons of those hanging around or can easily pick them up at an office supply store.  Use your art photographs and this can also double as a fun give away for clients, teachers or just about anyone on your gift giving list.

I found Action Runner. This is not just an auto loading program (though it can be used as that). It literally will run a set of actions on your images then save them. They will be saved as either a jpg or a layered PSD, this totally changed how I did things. I can now run my first set of actions and save the images as layered PSD’s. Then I reload the PSD’s in the action runner and can use the auto load function to bring them up in order, so I can tweak and save the images for proofing. The BEST part is that even if I step away or go do something the auto loader will remember what images I loaded, what actions I wanted to run and keep doing it’s thing. I run my basic color action and basic black and white actions while I am away from the computer doing things with my children. Then I can come back and work at my pace on the tweaks and other things I want to do to my images.

The Action runner saves your edited images to a different folder (one you select) so your originals are still there for you, should you need them. This makes my life so much easier. I have found a few extra minutes to do things like organize my office, play games with the kids and do 101 other things besides sit in front of my computer while I edit.  This, I realize is not the only program that helps to speed up editing, but it’s the only one where I can run a session and go back later when I have a bit more time to tweak, I do not have to sit there as each image opens on the first run.

The interfaces is drag and drop, which makes it a breeze to set up actions, run them on images and see where you are at with the entire process.   I start by opening the interface, then I open my session folder,  I drop each image into the set of actions I want to run on them.   I just a few clicks I have t set to run both the basic proofing for color and black and white. If letting your actions run through scars you then you can use the auto loading feature. Just like the action runner the auto loader is drag and drop. You can drag images from multiple folders and sessions into the loader and the auto loader will load each image as you edit. This saves you tons of time and the best part is if you step away or even log off your computer when you come back everything is right there. You have a visual that shows you what images you have loaded, what actions you are running on what images and where you are in your processes.

I think the best part is that the two guys behind this amazing software are both willing to give you pointers and you can use the software for 10 days for free — They are also very responsive to questions and were very patient with me each time I had a question or did not understand something.

Even though I am a low volume photographer I can see how this one tool will change my life, in particular when I need to edit 500 plus wedding images quickly.

Shannon

What do you do to get inspired?  Is it the Ikea or Pottery Barn catalogs (OK I admit to LOVING those two!). Does reading Cosmopolitan or In Style give you ideas for your photo session or is it something a simple as the Paper Source Catalog. I have to admit that while I read all of the above nothing gets me thinking like the Paper Source Catalog.  They have great economical papers that  I use for all sorts of things from thank you notes to my client information packets and even packaging for CD’s.

In fact I will be sitting down tonight with my catalog circling all the things I want and would like to order after my office remodel going on over the next couple of weeks!
So share — what inspires you!

Shannon

For today I am going to give you some links to some great FREE or nearly FREE resources for Lightroom and Photoshop.  I am constantly amazed at the number of things that are available for FREE, which helps me learn at my own pace and keep my money for the fun things like a Lens Baby, or a Wacom tablet (should I ever get the extra $$ for them!).

There are many more so if you have some to share please email me or leave them in a comment below!

Lightroom Presets: This site has hundreds of Lightroom presets some of which go from basic changes to some that take things to the extreme, but all of which are free and fun!  I love that it’s like getting a new toy every few days.  There are also free tutorials for Lightroom.

D-Town:  While this site does focus on using Nikon equipment they often share tips and tricks that will help any photographer.  I love that it’s like my own private tutorial each week and they have an IN-DEPTH series on Nikon Lens which was fascinating to watch, and has changed my wish list a bit!

x-equals.com I am not sure how to categorize this site. I have learned tons from their snippets and they always educate and provide the why of what you do.  They also have some amazing Lightroom presets as well.  The  information is free and it’s a well written blog so that makes this one of my “must” go spots for Lightroom information.

Scott Kelby Training: Photoshop, Cameras, Lightroom Tutorials.  To get the full tutorials you need to purchase access to his site, but you can view the first three lessons on ALL the videos before you purchase.  There is a wealth of information there and you can also determine before you buy if you will benefit from this.

Photoshop Support — this is a list of resources for free Photoshop actions.  The list includes places like action central and

Lightroom Presets – just a site that has a long list of free presets — it’s pretty self explanatory!

MCP Actions -  Naturally we can not forget MCP Action’s blog.  Jodi, who is one of our preferred sponsors, has some free tutorial and actions on her blog.

Download the cards here – (remember to read our terms or use) they are both 5 x 7 and in PNG format.

Here is also a simple gift idea for you

Start by taking your container (hat box works great) and lining it with tissue paper before filling with items
Some ideas for your box:
Sachets of lavender
CD of songs that mean something to you
Candles and matches
Bubble bath
Couple of wine glasses for your favorite wine or beverage
Gift ( jewelry, engraved locket, compact etc.)
Book of poetry or journal or diaries you could share
Special photographs of your wedding, vacation, etc. to look at
Some of your love letters to each other
Some IOU (I owe you) cards
Cover the opening of your container with tissue paper, place the lid on and tape closed.

Till next time, take care.

Download here.

You are welcome to use these on your website, your splash page, cards for clients, ect.
No link back required.
You may not use these in templates for sale or giveaway, without written permission from me.

Enjoy.