help your creative business soar~

We are loving this site and the wonderful e-book series from Kelly Rae Roberts, perfect for all of us creative types!

help your creative biz soar

I'm loving this site and the wonderful e-book series from Kelly Rae Roberts...perfect for all of us creative types!

we laugh we cry

her daddy was not here for her first performance

she was mama bear in the play at school

she has practiced her lines all week

and he wasn't there...

the ship has left again.

we had him home for Christmas which was lovely

now he's off again

the life of a Navy family

P A T I E N C E

the smiles do come...they just need a little coaxing from Mom

these images were taken at night on a dark staircase...they aren't perfect quality

but the memories are what is important

she had a rough night...she informed me her nose quit working

a nasty head cold

so now I have three sick little loves

my oldest has pneumonia and has been home all week {hence the lack of blogging}

my middle one is on the couch asleep...he fell asleep at 3pm...it's now 7:30pm...he's still asleep

should be a interesting night...

Only three days left to sign up for Clickin’ Moms and get 20% off using your savvy code SAVVYNEWYEAR.

Since this is an affiliate contest and I’d love to win a prize or two…I’ve decided to give everyone that signs up using our click thru link here Clickin’ Moms , a little goodie…if you sign up {using our link} starting today until January 31st, 2011, you will get your choice of one of the following…memo board to do list template, chore chart template or the new place mats template {all of these are for the dry erase boards that we love!!}.

You have to use our code and it must show up under our affiliate link…if you email us hoping to get it and you signed up elsewhere, we can’t give it to you. Sorry…but please be honest!

Email us for your free template set… thesavvyphotographer@gmail.com

Please include your Clickin moms login name in the email so we can find you as a sign up!

We know you’ll LOVE the forum!!

(click on the picture above for the link)

more great designs from Jamie Schultz

Lovely Valentines from Jamie Schultz Designs

Aren't they adorable...we love her designs!

we are giving stuff away

There is less than a week left to sign up for Clickin' Moms and get 20% off using your savvy code SAVVYNEWYEAR.

Since this is an affiliate contest and I'd love to win a prize or two...I've decided to give everyone that signs up using our click thru link here Clickin' Moms , a little goodie...if you sign up {using our link} starting today until January 31st, 2011, you will get your choice of one of the following...memo board to do list template,  chore chart template or the new place mats template {all of these are for the dry erase boards that we love!!}.

You have to use our code and it must show up under our affiliate link...if you email us hoping to get it and you signed up elsewhere, we can't give it to you. Sorry...but please be honest!

Email us for your free template set... thesavvyphotographer@gmail.com

Please include your Clickin moms login name in the email so we can find you as a sign up!

We know you'll LOVE the forum!!

(click on the picture above for the link)

photo displays that rock

How do you display your photographs?

Do you find creative ways to display? We'd love to see...send us your images. If we use them on the Savvy blog, you'll get your choice of any digital product from the Savvy store. {sweet, uh?}

We wanted to share some of our favorite displays and ideas we found on some of our favorite sites...enjoy and be inspired!

These are from Faded Prairie...she has adorable things in her Etsy store...she has a great style...love her ideas!

This is a sweet idea from Scrapper Girl...perfect for Valentine's Day! Love the hearts!!

I'm sure most of you already adore the blog from Ashley Ann Photography~ Under the Sycamore...she has the best ideas...and the cutest blog...don't you love the lampshade she featured along with a great tutorial from Maria on how to do make it. I want one really bad...such a wonderful idea.

We love the mantle covered in images...adorable!

images from Martha Stewart

giveaway from Photographer Cafe

{update}  ***the winner of the Photographer Cafe giveaway is comment number 41...Allison Muirhead...congrats!!

Photographer Cafe is known for its gorgeous, practical products for marketing your photography business. We understand that January is often filled with plans for the upcoming year. We are here to help with tools that will simplify the process of getting the word out and presenting your business beautifully and professionally to prospective clients.

Photographer Cafe is giving away its two newest designs, the Pretty Album and the Pretty Marketing Trifold. The Pretty Album may be used as a little "traveling portfolio", while the trifold is a perfect "mini portfolio". With this pair of products in hand, be ready to impress prospective clients when they ask about your work, whether that be at the PTA meeting, in the doctor's office, or at the salon.

We think the Pretty Album is Pretty Versatile, but if it's just not your style, we're happy to substitute this prize for a $70 store credit. There's something for everyone in the Photographer Cafe shop!

Enter to win:

Leave a comment here telling us what marketing projects you're working on in January.

For extra entries:

Follow Photographer Cafe on Twitter and tweet this: @Photog Cafe is having a giveaway at http://www.thesavvyphographerblog.com.

Become a fan and  “Like” The Savvy Photographer on Facebook.

Leave a comment here for each extra item you did. 3 entries per person. Giveaway ends tonight {January 24, 2011} at midnight EST.

***all comments will be moderated and will take 7 hours to show up on the blog...I'm off to bed and will moderate in the morning...thank you!

save the dates~

We love the new addition to Dear Miss Modern…adorable save the dates! So cute and your clients will love them~

Also love these cards that can be used for any time of year…perfect for spring!

save the dates

We love the new addition to Dear Miss Modern...adorable save the dates!  So cute and your clients will love them~

Also love these cards that can be used for any time of year...perfect for spring

dinner anyone?

In case you missed it on the new blog...come see the newest addition to the Savvy Store..Place Mats for the little ones using dry erase boards from Millers...we love these!

here's the link to view and purchase...The Savvy Blog

dinner anyone

Could dinner time be more fun? Who wouldn't like to doodle while waiting on a delicious meal...we think it will be a hit in your house too!

Once clients get word of your fun trick to get your kids to the table, they will be knocking down your door.

The Collection One Place Mat Templates contain 6 layered 18.25 x 12.25 templates sized for the dry erase boards from Millers Lab. The boards come with a dry erase pen for your little artist to start doodling right away.

Make sure your blog about your newest addition to your products...your clients will love to know what fun things you offer just to keep them happy...enjoy!

All six templates are yours for just $20...that's a sweet deal!

Here's where you order... Savvy Store Placemat Templates

This is currently not an automatic download...the files will be emailed you to you within 24 hours...we will have it added as an automatic download soon.

Savvy giveaway winners announced

I love announcing the lucky winners!

Here it goes...

Barnwood Flooring rug...comment number 187...Irene Lenihan

one 16x20 Barnwood Frame...comment number 225...Charlotte Jennings Photography

Beach House Collection Canvas Templates...comment number

148...Life Prints by Shandon

39...Joy Alice ***

125...Tina McKinney

154...Amanda Schultz ***

249...Carrie Bayless ***

300...Dionne Grubbs

23...Cynthia Pace

267...Alexandra Hunt

71...Amanda Stone ***

201...Erin Phillips ***

Savvy Canvas Collection Templates...comment number

141...Tammi Scritchfield

293...Dana Rampolla

8...Sabrina Dupre ***

284...LindsayRamstetterPhotography

182...DeAnna Newsome ***

132...Julie Ross ***

208...Mandy Henry

160...Brandi Lee ***

46...Amara Cohen

88...Kristy Murphy

Savvy Memo Boards To Do List and Chore Charts...comment number

106...Tessa Melby ***

309...Tj Aneca

66...Chastity Martin

150...Tiffany Weaver ***

253...Kelly West Mars Photography

25...pavei photos

298...Brooke Azevedo

64...Cayce Elms

92...Janet Masterson ***

119...Stephanie Tisdale

***they posted a banner and link to the Savvy blog on their blog!

Congratulations to you all!!!

Email me to claim your prize. {please remember I'm on Japan time...16 hours ahead of most of you...I'm heading to bed as you are waking up...I'll email you back once I start work the next day...thank you for your patience!}

more Imaging info Free jewelry

The wonderful Tanya from Kotori Photo Jewelry is giving away sterling initial bracelets every hour at booth number 1616. They will  also have Kimberly Wylie speaking at 11:15 and Lori Nordstrom speaking at 1:15 today (Monday). Here's a fun peek at her booth...

Imaging has started...

If you are are in San Antonio right now...lucky you! I'm jealous...really jealous.

I love being with my family here in Japan but I will admit a big part of me wants to be there. My two best friends are there together {my sister and my long time friend}...so that makes me extra jealous. I've already called them twice for updates on the fun~ that makes it worse I think. {now three times :)}

But if you are there...you gotta stop by our four favorite booths and get your Savvy Store coupon! Some of you will get an extra special goody...just for stopping by and saying Hello. There is a limited supply so once they run out, they are gone.

Here's the booths to stop by and visit...and ask them for your Savvy goody.

Mpixpro...booth number 1007

Kotori Photo Jewelry...booth number 1616

Big Folio...booth number 1048

Loktah...booth number 553

Check out their flooring...the Savvy Barnwood flooring we debuted at Imaging last year. {I've heard someone has a booth there selling it...I guess being copied is a compliment, right...go to Loktah and get your coupon to the Savvy store and purchase it from us! We thank you!

Have fun!!!!

Design Aglow email assistant

Struggling for the right words when writing to everyone, from future brides to disgruntled clients, vivacious vendors and hopeful assistants? Design Aglow has partnered with professional photographer and wordsmith extraordinaire Heather Rivlin to create this extensive collection of 20 professionally crafted letters to deliver the perfect prose for any situation while establishing your studio’s solid business policies. Whether you draw from this complete catalog of correspondence for emails, phone scripts or mailed content, you’re sure to appreciate these time savers while your clients and contacts appreciate your customer service and attention.

1. Email response to price shoppers.This welcome email aids you with responding to price shoppers/hagglers and provides a strong education in the value of wedding/portrait photography.

2. Style and Session. This email explains the photographer’s shooting style, the session, the ordering process and payment.

3. Pre-session email. This email sets the rules for the shoot and reminds customers via key bullet points what’s included in the session fee.

4. Second Photo Shoot Rescheduling. This email sets forth studio policy regarding rescheduling for a second time.

5. Second Order Appointment Rescheduling. This email sets forth studio policy when rescheduling for a second time.

6. Photographer as client. This email shares how to approach a local photographer who wants a shoot with you.

7. Addressing post session digital files and sticker shock. This email shares how to handle a miscommunication regarding digital file inclusion, or when a client experiences cost concerns after the session.

8. Economic concerns post session. This email covers how to address reticence in ordering after a session when a client asks to postpone ordering.

9. Unauthorized internet use of an image. This email addresses how to approach a client who has scanned/copied your images to or from the internet without permission.

10. Mentor request. This email shares how to address a request from a local photographer wishes to be mentored by you or wants to assist you

11. Client order session preparation. This email prepares clients for the upcoming order session.

12. Client session clothing choices. This email outlines practical suggestions regarding clothing choices for the upcoming photography session.

13. Difficult client returns. This email shares how to respectfully handle a difficult former client who wishes to hire you again.

14. Vendor barter request. This email addresses a vendor who has requested a free shoot in return for future referrals/word-of-mouth in lieu of payment.

15. Money past due. This registered letter shares correspondence for money owed on a session or order when the client is unresponsive.

16. Creating potential bride interest. This email illustrates how to respond to potential brides in order to compel them to continue the conversation.

17. Pleasing anxious clients. This email outlines how to reassure excited clients whose continued queries regarding the status of their order are drawing your attention away from processing orders and handling other business in your studio.

18. Session Follow-up Email. This email shares gratitude to a client for a wonderful session and shares an incentive program for referrals.

19. Client Questionnaire. This email shares a sample questionnaire to send to clients to get to know them and their needs before the session begins.

20.  Client Reshoot Request. This email shows what to say when a client requests a reshoot for reasons that are not due to studio negligence (clothing choice, hair not brushed, child not cooperating, etc.).

Click here to check it out in the shop with introductory pricing!

the winner is

Congratulations to our two lucky winners that both won a life time membership to the fabulous forum Clickin Moms!

Our lucky winners are...

Joy Alice comment number 32

and

Katie Lou comment number 48

Enjoy the wonderful friendships and incredible information you get from the forum...I know you will both love the site that Kendra has created.

If you didn't win, you still can save 20% off the subscription price using the code SAVVYNEWYEAR

{I apologize for announcing the winners a day late...we had the pleasure of entertaining 11 and 12 year olds for my sons Birthday party...and I completely forgot...imagine that after a party full of rowdy boys...I'm sure you all understand}

meet Clickin Moms founder Kendra Okolita

Come meet the founder of Clickin Moms and check out the awesome giveaway she is offering two lucky Savvy readers!

We just love Kendra! click here for the interview...

If you haven't joined clickin moms yet, now is the time! check out this great site!

meet the founder of clickin moms Kendra Okolita

We'd like to welcome to the Savvy blog the founder of the wonderful Clickin' moms forum, Kendra Okolita

Thank you for being a part of our "Inspiring Women" series!

How long have you been a professional photographer?

I was a professional photographer for a little over 2 years.  I am currently on hiatus so that I can spend more time working on ClickinMoms and just being a mom and photographer to my own kids.  To be honest, I'm not sure I'll go back to taking clients full time.  All too often I see women jump into business because they feel like it is the necessary next step after they have mastered their skill and have invested in all the greatest gear.  I think I fell victim to that without realizing it.  I love my clients and love taking pictures, but I was not very good at time management or business management.  I didn't like the business end of the business - haha!  Ordering, packing, delivering....I dreaded all of that.  I know some people love it though!

Did you start off as a success or spend some time figuring it all out {how to make the money}?

I was lucky enough to be surrounded by successful photographers when I started my business.  They were so generous with their experience and advice, so I was able to make a profit in my first year.

When you first started photography, did you have a mentor that was instrumental in your success?

I didn't have one mentor, but I had some very good friends in the business at the time and they really helped me along.   Kristin Brown (http://www.kristinrachellephotography.com/) and Lisa Harrison (http://www.lisaharrisonphotography.com/) were my lifelines!  I think I will owe them margaritas for life

We love Clickin' moms and think you have created an amazing community of women photographers. Tell us how you came up with the idea for it? Are you amazed at how successful it has been?

It started because I had a handful of friends (some professional and some not) who wanted a place to chat about photography.  We wanted anyone to feel welcome to chat about their love for photography, no matter what level they were at. One of the most amazing things about photography (or any art) is that you can find a common ground with anyone.  Even the most novice photographer can render me speechless when they shoot from their heart.

I am incredibly amazed by it's success!  It sort of took on a life of it's own and I can't take credit for that.   Our members are such generous and kind people - it really is amazing!

It must be a full time job running Clickin' moms, are you still photographing clients?

I am not photographing clients right now, although I do plan to take on clients again on a very limited basis someday.  ClickinMoms is a full time job for sure, but I have a ton of help! Sarah Wilkerson, Kristin Brown, Lisa Harrison, Lynne Rigby,  Kathryn Page, and Megan Moore all help manage the site and keep it fresh with tons of new ideas.  We also have an incredibly talented team of mentors who are devoted to making ClickinMoms great and helping our members.

We'd love to hear your top 5 list of advice "to inspire" other photographers...

1) Be yourself!  It's fun to explore the latest trends and techniques, but try not to loose yourself in them.

2) Just because you are a great photographer does not mean you have to be in business.

3) Just keep shooting!  Don't get distracted by fancy gear or competition.  The more you shoot, the better you will be. Even the best photographers constantly strive to refine their craft.

4) Surround yourself with people who love and support you.

5) Be yourself.  Art is subjective! People want to see YOU in YOUR art. That's why they hire you! Because only you can "do what you do".

We all have our special family traditions for the Holidays, will you share with us a few of yours?

Our kids (8,8,5 &3) all earn enough dollar bills to go to the dollar store and buy gifts for our immediate family.  I set them loose in there and they fill their little baskets with very thoughtful treasures.  They wrap and tag their gifts themselves and are BEYOND excited to give them on Christmas.  My favorite gifts are the sponges, earrings, and night lights that came from the dollar store

Please help all of those photographers struggling to keep up in this busy season...how do you maintain a "happy" life during the Holidays?

For working photographers I always recommend to start booking Christmas sessions early (July) and end early.  I never booked clients after November 15th.  This gave me time to complete outstanding orders so that I wasn't in a total panic throughout the month of December.  Holiday orders take longer than regular orders because of card design and gift prints.  It's also hard to coordinate with clients during November/December because they are busy too.

Thank you Kendra for joining us!

If you are not a member of Clickin moms, now is the time to join! Kendra is offering Savvy readers  20% off any subscription. Just use coupon code SAVVYNEWYEAR. Such a sweet deal from such a generous lady. They are also having the amazing affiliate contest going on now until Jan 31st...you can earn great prizes for referring others {click our links below to join if you are interested :)}

Guess what else Kendra is offering Savvy readers...a chance to win TWO LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS to Clickin moms! I told ya she was a generous lady.

How to enter...

"like" us on Facebook...follow us on Twitter...and spread the word about our site...we love it when you gossip about us...good gossip that is! Then come back here and leave your comments to win!

Two lucky winners will be chosen Wednesday, January 12th at midnight...and we will announce the winner on Jan 13th. Good luck...and join the fabulous ladies over at Clickin moms!