giveaway on the Photo Talk forum!

If you are a member of the Photo Talk Forum, this is the free template download from The Savvy Photographer.

It includes a 5x7 birth announcement and a business card size "mommy card" template...enjoy!

We are also giving away three fabulous prizes from the Savvy Store on the Photo Talk Forum Blog giveaway! Go enter right now...good luck!!

freebie at the photo talk forum

If you are a member of the Photo Talk Forum, this is the free template download from The Savvy Photographer.

It includes a 5x7 birth announcement and a business card size "mommy card" template...enjoy!

We are also giving away three fabulous prizes from the Savvy Store on the Photo Talk Forum Blog  giveaway! Go enter right now...good luck!!

awesome Clickin'Moms giveaway

We love Clickin' Moms..and the generosity of the founder, Kendra. She loves to gives things away and look what she's giving away now...a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body ($2,499 value)!

Only current members of ClickinMoms are eligible in this drawing. If you are already a member of ClickinMoms.com forums all you have to do is post a blog comment  on the ClickinMoms blog telling them what you love about CM!

If you are not a current member, use coupon code TREAT for 20% off a membership (including lifetime memberships)

The contest ends at Midnight (PST) on October 31st!  The winners will be posted on November 1st.

Click here to sign up...Clickin' Moms

featured

We are thrilled that part of the Savvy team was featured in the latest issue of the Design Aglow Magazine. Check out the feature on packaging...Packaging that Inspires. We love the great ideas for fun packaging that will definitely inspire you! Congrats Anne!

a plane ride to paradise

One week from today we will be arriving here...any ideas where it is?

I simply can't wait.

Our first vacation since arriving in Japan. I'm giddy with excitement.

I think I'm leaving my laptop at home...seriously...can I do it? An entire week with no emails...no blogging...hmmm. The idea of it sounds nice.

orange crush

Silver chrome LEICA M7 camera with exquisite Hermès Swift calfskin leather.

Only 200 available in the world...price tag...are you ready for this? $14,000.00

loving Loktah

I'm loving the colors of the CD/DVD holders from Loktah...lovely!

the winner is

Congratulations to comment number 6, Joyce Smith. You are the lucky winner of the pink beret and a bag full of Japanese goodies. Thank you to all who entered!

I also want to thank you all for the kind comments...I love reading them ;-)

living in Japan

we have been here almost 3 months...in some ways it seems like 3 years.  I mean that in a good way.

I had waited to write this post until I felt settled here. Everyday I think of something to share with you all...but time gets away from me and other things come up. I also wonder if you want to read about my family life. Are you here to get the latest photography info only or do you mind hearing more from "me"? I hope not because I'm ready to share some of my thoughts about living in Japan.
Everyday I find myself saying "I'm in JAPAN...I'm living in JAPAN". It seems crazy {and scary} to think about how far away I am from my family. We are blessed to have the internet and phone service that allows calls to and from the US for a low monthly rate.

I wondered when we first got here if I would ever feel normal here. Would I ever feel comfortable?
I can honestly say I am happy to be here. I can walk around now and not feel scared. I was so scared when we first got here. I still feel a little panic when I have to pay somewhere...I'm not comfortable yet with Yen. But they are always patient with us. The Japanese are extremely nice and caring people. The nicest people I have ever met. They are truly grateful for your business when you go in a store.
I really thought before I got here that most of the Japanese people spoke English...I don't know why I assumed this...but I did. I at least thought someone in the stores would speak English. My lack of Japanese and their lack of English makes it difficult but we always seem to manage.
Back to the part about how nice everyone is...they are also very trusting. One of the first nights after we had arrived here, we went out to dinner in town. We always pay with our debit card but here, they don't take cards at restaurants {crazy huh}. After the bill came my husband pulled out his card. They shook their head no. He said he would go get money and come back. They asked if he would bring the money back tomorrow. Can you imagine any restaurant letting you leave and come back the next day to pay. They are honest, good people.

I have many stories to tell and pictures to share. I hope I don't bore you.

Don't you love the pink beret? I just bought it for my daughter the other day...and I bought two...I thought a lucky Savvy reader might want one! If you are interested, leave a comment and I'll draw a winner for the pink beret on Friday morning at 9am EST. I'll also fill the bag with some fun Japanese goodies 8-)

{I used Florabella actions for the above pictures...love these actions! I used Retro Vintage for the top two pictures}

the winner is

Congratulations to comment number 77~ Ginny Daniels. You are the lucky winner of the giveaway from The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer. We know you will find it a much needed tool for your business. Enjoy!

giveaway day from The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer

It's giveaway day from The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer. We have found accounting to be the number one weakness in most photographers we talk to. The giveaway today is the perfect solution for those of us who lack the accounting knowledge.

The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer is an easy-to-use Excel spreadsheet designed specifically for photographers.  There is no prior bookkeeping or Excel knowledge required.  The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer includes the Excel spreadsheet as well as a detailed Word document explaining how to use the spreadsheet, as well as what kind of information should be tracked, and how to categorize all the information.

The Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer allows photographers to:

-Manage their customer database

-Keep track of their jobs

-Produce invoices

-Track which products are selling the most/least

-Track income, expenses, assets and liabilities

There are also tabs for:

-A detailed checkbook

-Tracking major tax deductions, and

-One that lets photographers know how their business is doing overall on a

month-to-month basis (Income Statement)

To Enter:

Leave us a comment and tell us why you’d love to win a copy of The Easy Accounting Solution for Photographers.

For Extra Entries:

{1} become a fan on Facebook of the Savvy Photographer and The Accounting Solution

{2} follow us on Twitter and give a tweet about the giveaway.

Then come back here and leave a comment. We will choose a lucky number tomorrow {October 20th} at 8am EST. Good luck!

Holiday cards what's hot for 2010

The die cut design templates are from Jamie Schultz Designs and printed by Millers Lab

f/stop breast cancer

We are so excited to announce the opening day of bidding for the fabulous project~ f/stop breast cancer~ started by the adorable Lydia Shannon. She is an amazingly dedicated girl who has started up this fantastic project as a way to raise money for breast cancer research. Once she raises her goal of $10,000, she is going to shave her head! Can you believe that?  I've thought about her so much and how scary it must be to give up something as precious as our hair. I know it grows back...but that has to be the number one scariest thing about finding out you have cancer {next to the fact you could possibly not survive} is the thought of going bald. And she is just giving it up for a great cause! So check out the auction...it runs from today until October 19th. *We are thrilled to be the platinum sponsor for the event! We couldn't turn down a chance to donate money to an such an excellent cause. We also have a "Savvy Store Shopping Spree for a Cure" up for bids...check it out.

Also check out the photographers donating mentoring sessions for the actions...

Bambi Cantrell

Becker

Jose Villa

The Image is Found

Lauren Clark

Sarah Petty

Audrey Woulard

Susan Stripling

Carlos Baez

Lori Nordstrom

Damon Tucci

Jennifer Skog

The Youngrens

Amber Holritz

Roberto Valenzuela

Kristen Kalp

Vicki Taufer

Mark & Candace Brooke

Lindsay Adler

Dale Benfield

Carla Ten Eyck

Beth Forester

Kristin Spencer

Kevin Jairaj

Doug Gordon

Dawn Shields

Sal Cincotta

Clark+Walker Studio

Kelli France

Kimberly Wylie

Corbin Gurkin

Ash Imagery

More Than An Image

Jennifer Hudson

Tee Petaja

Justin and Mary

Courtney Dellafiora

McLellan Style

Jennifer Weiss

Melissa Jill

Susan Bray

Sara Kauss

1313 Photography

Leeann Marie

Forever Photography by Kylene

Kristen Leigh

Tracy Moore

Kathryn Brown

BG Pictures

Mi Amore Foto

** All mentor auctions come with Totally Rad Actions Lightroom Presets {a $99 value}

I'll give the links to all of the mentors later today...it takes time to link everyone :)

Happy Bidding!!

Here is the link to bid!!!!

photo talk forum spotlight photographer

This was such an honor to be the October Spotlight Photographer on Photo Talk Forum! To read the interview, check out the Photo Talk Forum blog. If you haven't already joined the forum, you really should! Lori Nordstrom dedicates so much time to the forum and she's quick to answer any questions from the members. They give free downloads to their members from amazing designers and photographers.

I'm tickled pink to be a part of such a fun and informative forum...if you are a member, stop by and say Hello. Feel free to ask any questions there {I feel silly when no one ask me anything so please ask away} and keep an eye out for a free download from the Savvy site on the forum.

Thanks again Lori and Katie!

the winner of the Photographer Cafe giveaway

The winner of the $150 store credit giveaway from Photographer Cafe is...

comment number 176~ Pamela Smette

Congratulations!!

giveaway day from Photographer Cafe

Photographer Cafe is the place to go for great products just for photographers: marketing templates, holiday card templates, referral card templates, and more. With an active and supportive Facebook page and a beautiful, inspirational blog filled with photographer features, photography tips, new product spotlights, and giveaways, you can always find something new to learn that will take your business to the next level.

We know you're incredibly busy this time of year, but we thought you would love a shopping spree more than ever!  Photographer Cafe is giving away a $150 shopping spree to one lucky Savvy Photographer winner!

To enter:

1) Leave a comment below telling how you would spend your $150 store credit.

2) Become a fan of Photographer Cafe on Facebook. { and leave a comment here}

3) Follow Photographer Cafe on Twitter. {don't forget to leave a comment here}

4) Do one of the above or all three! Each counts as one entry!

Hurry! The contest ends Wednesday at midnight EST!

Just a few thoughts on how you could make spend your $150:

You could buy their exclusive calendar templates to make client holiday gifts that are economical and certain to dazzle.

Or you could purchase one of the incredible business and marketing collections to get your business ready for 2011. It's fast, the sets are gorgeous, and you will remove a huge burden from your shoulders. Here is their Fresh Vintage Set, but they have many options to suit your style.

Again, you have limited time to enter! Good luck!

Important news

Do you ever get a feeling that something is not right?

Everything looks good, but in your gut,  you feel a hesitation.

This is such a hard thing to announce...really hard.

After a sleepless night, I have decided not to do the workshop this year. I understand I just announced it and starting selling seats yesterday. However, I took the link to purchase down.

I can't continue to sell these seats knowing of this hesitation in my heart. I had originally decided not to do it this year because of our move to Japan and I could not leave my children to travel that far without a parent here with them. My husband's schedule has changed {most of you know he is in the Navy and the Commanding Officer of a deployed ship}. We learned this week how quickly things can change and it is not in our control. Since the change, we could wait this out and see if it he will be home...but that puts everyone in a bad spot. The girls who have purchased seats are already making travel arrangements.

In my heart, I ask for a sign if this workshop was not meant to happen...and last night, I got my sign.

I am at peace with this because I know for my children's sake, this is the right choice.

I could never leave them to travel back to the states without having a family member with them. My sweet Mom has traveled to every location we have lived in to help out with things like this. Sadly, this location is not an option for my mother.

My husband warned me canceling now would make me seem like a flake...my readers would not respect me anymore if I jumped the gun and canceled this after all of the planning I have already done. I hope you still respect me. I hope you understand my children have to come first. Lately, I think I had lost sight of that. I have one year in Japan,  I plan to work less and enjoy being a mommy more. Some things must go on the back burner for now.

Please,  forgive me if I have let you down. I honestly feel like I can breathe easier now.

Savvy top ten

The speakers of the 2011 Savvy workshop

We are thrilled to bring to bring together this fabulous group of teachers for the Savvy Sisterhood Workshop on the Waterfront. Each speaker brings so much to this workshop and you will love each and every one of them! I will give you the grand tour of our speaker line up over the next few days. We are pleased to welcome {and welcome back} the following girls into the Savvy Sisterhood...

Marla Carter

Catherine Clay

Ria Czichotzki

Christina Greve

Jodie Otte

Jamie Schultz

Now you just have to come...right! Monday will be the day to purchase. We will give you the option of paying the tuition in three payments.

the big announcement is tomorrow...

Tomorrow we will announce the speakers for the 2011 Savvy Sisterhood "Workshop on the Waterfront"!

Seats will go on sale Monday, October 11th at 9:00am EST.

The above images are from the Inn at Perry Cabin, the location for our workshop...dreamy ,uh? We love this place.

and the winner is...

Congratulations to our lucky winner of the giveaway from Pure Actions...comment number 5... Joanna Boyes .

giveaway day from Pure Actions

It's giveaway day at the Savvy blog...

Today's giveaway is coming from Pure Actions.

We ask Crystal at Pure Actions to tell us a little about her actions...

"At Pure Actions, we believe in showcasing the work of the photographer,

rather than stifling it with overly heavy actions.  Our actions are

light and refreshing and bring out the best in your image

Our first set it an excellent production set. (Pure Action Set 1)

It helps you get your image to a perfect, clean edit with helps for

exposure and white balance

And then you can build on that perfect foundation with color pops,

haze actions and black and whites

Once you've used Set 1, you'll have a beautiful image with a gentle style

Want to go even further?

Try Pure Season

They are gentle color washes with seasonal influences.

They can bring out warmth and fun in your image and take them to a

more artistic place.

We also have our favorite "one-click wonder", our Cross-Process action.

It is gentle and beautifying, without heavy color casts that usually

characterize cross-process actions.

With this whole set, you can fix simple issues, and enhance the innate

beauty of your photography.  Pure Actions allow YOUR image to shine

through

We also leave all of the layers open so that you are in total control

of your images.

Also, the actions are BOTH elements and photoshop compatible, with the

exception of the cross process which only works in photoshop.

We didn't make these actions to be heavy actions.  They are simply a

reflection of our workflow, so they are naturally gentle and subtle.

You can run actions more then once to get a stronger effect if that is

what you feel your picture calls for!!"

Visit their website

http://purephotoshopactions.com/

and facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/PurePhotoshopActions?ref=ts

The giveaway is for  "Everything Pure" which is ALL of the actions they sell. Here's how to enter...

1) visit their Facebook page and "like" them

2) visit our Facebook page and "like" us

3) come back here and leave a comment...simple, uh!

The contest ends tomorrow at 8am EST...and the winner will be announced at 8:30am EST...good luck!!

Savvy Sisterhood Workshop on the Waterfront

We are super excited to announce the details of the 2nd annual Savvy Sisterhood "Workshop on the Waterfront".

Last year we had the pleasure of meeting seventy fabulous women and seven awesome speakers. The sisterhood was formed and I love seeing the lasting friendships that were created those three days.

This year we wanted to change things up...make it a life changing and business changing experience.

The Savvy Sisters invite you to join us at the workshop of the year.

4 weeks online learning~ 4 days together in a ultra-luxurious Inn~ does it get any better that that!

What is included?

4 week online workshop in a private Savvy forum {topics listed below}

4 days and three night stay at the world famous resort and spa, the Inn at Perry Cabin in St Michael's, Maryland.

4 star dining with all meals included {including fresh baked cookies on your pillow each night}

The online workshop will include:

The Art of Blogging...savvy secrets of how the Savvy blog became the must read blog of over 500,000 the first year. Learn the importance of blogging for your business.

Social Networking..how to tweet, facebook and blog effectively to capture an audience and gain clients.

Finding You...establishing where you are as a photographer and where you want to be.

Creating the business that you crave.

Finding your style...and sticking to it.

How to brand your business..logos, marketing materials, etc.

How to balance the mommy act while running a business.

Accounting 101 for photographers

Creating Portraits that sell

How to sell your work...the benefits of  in-person sales vs online sales.

When to hire a sales rep...how to hire and train a sales rep

What are the "must haves" in software and add ons? What do you need and why? What is Lightroom? What is Pro-Select? Who uses them and why?

Learn marketing tips from the pros

Learn how to make a "traveling studio" and decorate a studio on a budget

Pricing for Profit

How to proof a session in under an hour using lightroom.

How to make "workshop tuition" money back in one weekend.

The online workshop will allow those at different levels to learn at their own pace. Some photographers are just starting their business while others may be established in their business but still feel they would love to learn more.

Tuition for four days and three nights including all meals plus an online 4 week workshop...$2495

The date of the workshop is March 21-24th, 2011. {dates were changed by one day...please note these new dates}

The online workshop will be four weeks starting in February and ending the week before March 20th.

***Speakers for the Savvy Sisterhood  "Workshop on the Waterfront" will be announced this week! We are thrilled with our line up of speakers/mentors for the workshop. Check back this week to meet them all.  The four days at the Inn will our time to connect and discuss all that we have learned over the 4 week online courses. And the best part...we will get to participate in photo shoots each day at the Inn. More about this in the coming week. At the end of the week, we will open the registration for seats at the workshop...don't miss out!

winner of the giveaway from Jessica Feely

Congratulations to our two lucky winners...comment number 69...Maridette and comment number 11 Elizabeth Marquess.

{email Jessica to claim your prizes}

Giveaway day from Jessica Feely

Jessica Feely has created something that not only speeds up blogging, but helps you to get creative with your blog posts. Creative Blogging Actions (from Photographer Tools- by Jessica Feely) is something that Jessica created after hours and hours of blogging. She thought there has got to be a way to make this process faster. Blogging is very important because that is how we keep our clients up to date and advertise our work. So why not show off your work a better way? Yes, one picture can be worth a thousand words and be breath taking. But putting several images together into a collage tells a story and can be even more powerful to the eye. By using these actions to create collages, we now are able to draw in our readers and help them see the flow of our session, or the story we are trying to tell.

This action set comes with 33 actions. The majority are blogging collages/templates, and the others are editing actions that Jessica uses daily in her workflow. You can see more information here: http://www.jessicafeely.com/store

These template actions are extremely simple. Run the action, insert the picture, resize and save.

Want to win a copy of the Creative Blogging Action?

Jessica is giving away two copies of her actions. Here's how to enter... become a fan on Facebook of The Savvy Photographer and Jessica Feely.

Each person that "likes" both of our facebook pages can come back here and leave us a comment.

If you announce the giveaway on your facebook page, then you can give yourself an extra entry. Just leave another comment.

We will choose two lucky winners Saturday, October 2nd at 8pm EST.

Here is to happy and creative blogging.