Simple Tricks for Organizing Your Workspace

Simple Tricks for Organizing your Workspace
By Leah Remillet at Go{4}Pro Photos ☺

Time. The one commodity that everyone wishes they had more of. But in order to have more time, we need to be more productive. And in order to be more productive, we have to get more organized.

I'm sure you can relate, but my productivity levels have a night and day difference from when I've got it together and when I don't. Clutter kills creativity and chaos stumps productivity. In short - organization is crucial. In a world where we're constantly trying to be it all, we've got to start with being organized.

Confession: It's really easy for me to think about what pretty things I would like in my office! A flip through the Pottery Barn Magazine, a stroll down the aisles of Target and those ideas are flow'n! The fresh flowers, the vintage cameras and the beautiful canvases adorning the walls... I can see it all now. Isn't it lovely?


But pretty does not always translate to productive. I need both! So, I began my attempt to figure out this magical land of organization.


First I created a Functionality Plan. Instead of planning the color scheme or furniture layout, I scrutinized over what actually makes my workspace workable...


This is my list of what I need in my office to be able to accomplish something...
1. Computer Station: Clean/clear desk with computer.
2. Reference Station: Archival disks, notebooks, client paperwork, etc.
3. Supply Station: Office supplies such as ink, paper, etc.
4. Packaging Station: Ribbon, boxes, bags, tissue, tags, press printed products, etc.
5. Prop Station: Tutus, hats, bowls, clothing, fabric, etc.
6. Equipment Station: Camera gear, projector, screen and such.


Does it sound like I have a studio space to organize all of this? I don't! I have the extra bedroom, and that's my office. But by creating "stations," I could start to determine what it is I really needed in order to create functionality. Try it and see what you come up with.


Moral of the story... Think past just pretty and on to pretty functional!

Leah Remillet is the creator and author of Go4ProPhotos.com, a website dedicated to helping photographers thrive as business owners. Connect with Leah on Facebook and Twitter. And make sure you check out all of the awesome freebies Leah gives to her readers!


Leah would love to give you a FREE DESKTOP WORKFLOW ORGANIZER (as shown on her computer desktop) by getting you in on the fun at facebook.com/go4prophotos.

Also, make sure you check out the monthly giveaway from Leah on the blog...you don't want to miss the chance to win! 

Are you looking to win a little "Blog Sugar"?

Our sweet friends from Dear Miss Modern (the designer who created our cute Savvy blog design) sent us over some info to share with our readers...


"This is Dear Miss Modern's first big giveaway and BOY, are we excited. We hope that you'll be just as excited since we're giving away a Blog Sugar Design Kit and custom installation on your blog! That means we will update the colors, add your logo, link your social buttons, etc. We'll basically customize up your favorite Blog Sugar Kit, wave our magic wands, and VOILA! You'll have a brand new, customized and fully installed blog! You must have either a Pro Photo or Blogger Blog to qualify for the installation. Winner will be picked randomly on Tuesday, January 31st, and be notified by email. Ready, set, GO!


For Full images and descriptions of our Blog Sugar Kits, please visit our design shop: www.dearmissmodern.com
To enter the contest, please visit the blog here.


350.00 value.
*So sorry, but we cannot answer any emails or questions regarding the giveaway."


You must enter on their blog..not here...good luck! 

more images from Imaging USA 2012

The booth from Life Camera Actions. 

We loved their booth and we LOVE their actions! If you haven't tried them, you should! Brett, the owner, is the nicest guy who is also incredibly talented. I'll be telling you more about these actions  in the future. 

 Do you use Big Folio? These guys are great! 

 The adorable Vicki Taufer posing beside her daughters image in the ad. Vicki had just finished her class, Simplify Your Business and Get Your Life Back, which was great! She is always a pleasure to listen to...and such a sweet person. 

 Kevin Kubota teaching at his booth

Gotta love the fun booth at moo.com

The Wild Sorbet booth always does a great display! 

Miller's and Mpixpro booth~ Imaging USA 2012

We loved the Miller's and Mpixpro booths! They have wonderful products and the people that work there are simply the best! We can't say enough good things about this company...they make their clients top priority and it shows. We consider them friends...they are not just our lab...they are the lab we can trust to deliver our products beautifully and so quick it's amazing!

We love the display of the new LUXE frames from Miller's. 

Clickin Moms~ Imaging USA 2012

We had a wonderful time last week in New Orleans at Imaging USA. The best part was meeting some of our favorite online friends in person. The girls from Clickin Moms were fabulous! The booth was beautiful and so were the sweet faces in it. If you are a member of Clickin Moms, you will surely recognize some of these faces. 

The founder of Clickin Moms, Kendra Okolita, and me 

(no photoshopping here...can't you tell? the bags under my eyes are always there...I would like to blame it on the late nights of fun in New Orleans)

To learn more about the great community of women photographers at Clickin Moms, click on the banner below...

free downloadable business plan workbook from Photo Talk Forum

Photo Talk Forum wants to help you plan for a successful and profitable 2012! They have just posted a FREE downloadable 30 page business plan workbook and a goals worksheet!

And the best part, you do NOT have to be a Photo Talk Forum member to get this new year gift!

PTF members can download the Business Plan Workbook and then grab the Goal Worksheet.

If you're not a member, click here to download your business planner and goals worksheet. 


Photo Talk Forum also wants to remind everyone to make sure you've downloaded the 12 Days of Christmas downloads from all of our favorite designers! Time is running out! If you'd like to join PTF in 2012, enter the code NEWYEAR when you check out for $30 OFF our regular yearly membership! 
Super easy – join or renew now for just $99.


Also check out their blog!  

the winner is...

Congratulations to comment number 18,  Christine Long...she just won the one year subscription to The Easy Accounting Solution! 
You can still sign up for a free 2 day trial here: Free Trial 


Thanks to those who entered and to the girls at The Easy Accounting Solution! 

Studio tour from Lena Hyde

Lena Hyde sent us images of her studio where she runs Lena Hyde Photography & Design Aglow in Palm Beach, Florida. The space is amazing! We love how she has created not only a studio for herself but a place for other women to have a space of their own also.

Muses & Visionaries was designed around the notion that a place of function can also be one of style and beauty. 


"With 4,000 square feet of bright open space, we offer a daily retreat outside of home and office where women can flourish and find enrichment, enjoy a unique place to read, relax, socialize, meet, work, or think in a positive and intellectually rejuvenating environment. 

Members may take advantage of the club’s library and creative resources, sitting areas for lounging solo, relaxed workspaces for groups, and a large and chic conference room."