nPhoto Photography Articles

3 Ways to Make Your Client’s Wedding More Special

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As a wedding photographer, you aren't just there to document what happens over the course of the day.

Instead, you're there to help ensure that the day is as special for everyone as possible.

That means that in addition to giving your clients gorgeous photos, you need to think about other ways that you can help contribute to making the big day a memorable one.

Here's three quick ideas for doing just that...

Include Their Parents

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The wedding day isn't just about the people getting married, but the families from which they come.

That means that finding ways to include each party's parents in the photography festivities will help make the day that much more special for them.

There's obvious choices to make regarding the parents - get family photos of the bride and groom with their respective families, shots of the entire group together, and, of course, photos of the bride and groom with each set of their parents.

Getting a photo of the father-daughter dance or mother-son dance is a good plan, too.

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You can also include the parents in some of the more intimate photo sessions.

Ask the couple if they'd like to have their parents in tow for the engagement session for a few shots of the group together.

Include the parents in the first look shots as well (more on that later) so that you can capture their joy when they see their child all dressed up for their big day.

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And once you have all these images taken, deliver them in a keepsake like a parent album from nPhoto.

These mini photo albums allow the parents of the bride and groom relive the memories of the wedding day over and over again.

The layflat pages give a full and unobstructed view of the images within, and the weight of the paper used and the quality of the cover materials make it an heirloom piece that parents will love.

Better still, parent albums are identical in design and craftsmanship to the full-sized albums you can offer your clients, so the look and style is consistent throughout.

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Often, building a successful business is about the little things.

The more you do to pay attention to the details and go above and beyond the call of duty, the more likely your clients will be satisfied.

Giving parents of the bride and groom a keepsake like a parent album is just one way that you can ensure your business gets off to a good start.

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Document the "First Look"

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Traditionally, the "first look" is a private moment between the happy couple before the ceremony begins.

Many photographers are present during this time to capture the happiness of the moment that the couple first sees one another in their respective wedding attire.

To maximize your ability to document the moment, it's helpful to have your second shooter so you can both concentrate on one member of the couple-to-be.

Though it's typical of the parents of the couple to assist them in getting ready, a fun idea is to have the parents wait outside to participate in the first look moment.

This gives you further opportunity to capture those genuine, candid moments that are more private than those that occur during the ceremony or reception.

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But beware - you'll need to plan out the first look photos in advance.

Direct the couple as to where they need to enter the room. Check lighting so you're sure you've got enough for a well-exposed shot. Select a location for the first look that's conducive to a quality shot, like one with a non-descript background that won't compete for attention in the frame.

The more legwork you put into planning the first look moment, the better your photos of that moment will be.

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Respectfully Ask That Guests Not Take Photos

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This can be a tricky one...

On the one hand, you don't want to step on any toes and insult family members, friends, and other guests by demanding that they leave the photo-taking to you.

On the other hand, as you're photographing the bride walking down the aisle, you don't want everyone leaning out into your shot, their smartphones in hand to get a photo.

Not only does this detract from the look of your photos, but it also detracts from the sacredness of the moment.

The key is to head this problem off well in advance.

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When consulting with your clients, mention the issue of people taking photos during the ceremony.

Together, you can come up with some sort of announcement to be made by the officiant at the start of the ceremony asking that the photography duties be left to you.

Another option is to have a sign made that says as much, that's placed outside the venue.

Either way, the fewer mobile phone screens you have to deal with, the better your images will be!

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We Recommend


4 Truths About Being a Wedding Photographer

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If I were to rank the types of photography in terms of their difficulty, I would put wedding photography at the top of the list.

I'm not saying that it's impossible to be a successful wedding photographer - far from it.

However, I think it takes a little extra work because the stakes are so high.

After all, as a wedding photographer, you bear the burden of recording one of the most significant moments in your clients' lives. That's heavy stuff!

With that in mind, I put together this quick list of wedding photography truths that will shed some light on the realities of throwing your hat in the wedding photography ring.

It Can Be Hard to Maintain Balance

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Being a wedding photographer is a ton of work, and because of that, it can easily throw your life out of balance.

By that, I mean that before you know it, being a wedding photographer might be all that you feel like you do. Working weekends certainly doesn't help...

There will be times - particularly during wedding season - that you might not see your friends and family that much. That can lead to some pretty heavy feelings of isolation, and you might even wonder if this is the job for you.

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Having said that, if you can find ways to bring that balance back, wedding photography is a great career.

When it comes down to it, having a better work-life balance can often come down to good scheduling and choice.

For example, if you know you'll be working this weekend, take Thursday afternoon off. If you have an engagement shoot out-of-town, bring the family along for a little vacation. Get up 10 minutes earlier each morning to have breakfast with your kids before you take them to school.

Yes, these suggestions might not always work, but they're certainly worth a try!

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It's Incredibly Rewarding

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All the long hours and time away from your friends and family can be trying. But at the end of the day, being a wedding photographer can be incredibly rewarding.

Aside from the fact that the photos you take will be admired for decades to come, being a wedding photographer means that you get to witness the most important day in your clients' lives. That's pretty special.

That's not to mention all the people you get to meet and photograph.

Seeing generations and generations of a family come together in one spot for one event is fun to see - and can be even more fun to document with your camera!

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It Ebbs and Flows

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There's no getting around the fact that weddings are seasonal.

You'll be busy in the spring and the fall, not so busy in the winter and the dead of summer.

With those ups and downs in the demand for your services, you need to figure out how you're going to even out those peaks and valleys.

That might mean taking on different types of work - engagement sessions, family portraits, newborn photography, and the like - or it might mean working more during the peak times of the year to have enough money to make it through the slow times.

Either way, it can be a challenge, but, again, it's part of figuring out how to have better balance in your life.

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Your Products Need to Speak Volumes

Artwork by Luke Woodford

You can be the most skilled photographer on the planet, but if you present your work in the form of cut-rate prints and albums, you might as well close your business doors right now.

Quality photos need to be presented in a way that enhances them, increases their value, and makes them something even more special for your client.

Look at the image above - now that makes a visual statement, does it not?

It's an Acrylic Prestige Collection Album from nPhoto, one of the best manufacturers and suppliers of photo albums in the world.

If you want your work to make a real statement, nPhoto's albums are the way to go.

Artwork by Luke Woodford

Where some printers might build their albums with flimsy paper and cheap cover materials, that's certainly not the case with nPhoto.

They offer a variety of cover materials for their different albums including supple leatherette and texture-rich textile that give their albums an immediate wow factor. The cover can be modified by the client in virtually endless ways, with different material colors, fonts, album corners, and so on.

In the case of their Acrylic Prestige album, there's a refined acrylic window on the cover that beautifully frames the cover photo in a way that gives the album a beautiful, modern look.

Artwork by Luke Woodford

Inside, the beauty continues. nPhoto's albums feature layflat pages that are the perfect medium for enjoying the photos inside.

And since the images are printed on 800g/m2 paper, the pages feel sturdy and weighty, like something that will last forever.

Speaking of printing, nPhoto makes use of silver halide Noritsu HD technology and metallic and silk papers (which can be intermixed in a single album!) that make the images leap off the page in beautiful color and detail.

You get tons of options too. You can have as few as 10 pages or as many as 70 pages in one album, select from multiple sizes of albums, and offer you clients features like padded covers, laser etched covers, and edge seams.

The bottom line is this: you can work hard and maintain a great balance between work and home. You can enjoy taking photos of these special moments all you want. But if you don't present those photos in the best light, it'll be difficult - if not impossible - to make a success of your business.

In that regard, the products you offer are the linchpin to your success. With that in mind, choose to work with the best - nPhoto.

Judging from the sample images throughout this article, I think you can see that these albums are the ideal way to present your photos!

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We Recommend


4 Ways Promote Your Wedding Photography Business in the Off-Season

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The great thing about wedding photography is that it's such a rewarding career.

Not only do you get to witness special day after special day and document it for posterity, but it can also be financially rewarding for you as well.

But, of course, there's a downside, and that's that wedding season doesn't last all year.

That means you need to be prepared to generate business when wedding season is over.

Here's four simple, straightforward ways to do just that.

Write a Wedding Photography Blog

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Blogging is a great marketing tool for a couple of reasons.

First, having a blog allows you to demonstrate your expertise and show off some of your best images to potential clients.

Clients want a photographer that actually knows what they're doing, and a steady stream of blog posts will show them that you have what it takes to photograph their wedding.

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Second, if you blog about your wedding photography experiences, your workflow, the gear you use, and so forth, it could be picked up by photography websites, which increases exposure for your business even more.

And the best part?

Often, when your blog gets re-blogged, you don't have to do anything but give them permission to use your work. That makes it an effective tool for building your business, but one that doesn't take any extra time.

Start a YouTube Channel

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In addition to writing blogs, making how-to videos for budding photographers and posting them on YouTube is a great way to get more exposure for your business.

YouTube has a huge audience, and photographers of all skill levels flock to videos with good content that are well-produced.

What some photographers do is focus too much on the content and not enough on the production value of the video.

That doesn't mean that a beautifully made video can make up for bad content; it just means there needs to be a good balance between the two.

I've seen my fair share of videos on YouTube that were just plain hard to watch not because the content was bad or the video quality was bad, but because the audio was so terrible.

Whether it's faint voices, too much background noise, or that annoying sound the wind makes when it blows across the surface of a microphone, bad audio can totally ruin your videos.

That's why if you want to get the most out of marketing your business on YouTube, you need great audio to go along with your awesome content and HD video.

You can get just that with Sound Shark.

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This thing is small, lightweight, and easy to use as it simply mounts to your camera's hot-shoe.

That puts it out of the way so you don't have cables to trip over. Plus whoever is working the camera can be highly mobile without sacrificing audio quality.

Another great feature of Sound Shark is that it eliminates extraneous noise, focusing just on your voice, even from great distances.

In fact, this thing will pick up voices from up to 50 feet away, but they'll sound crystal clear with ambient noise and wind noise all but eliminated.

Even better, Sound Shark comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, so what have you got to lose?!

See for yourself how incredible the sound quality is with Sound Shark in the video above.

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Market Yourself With Incredible Products

Artwork by Luke Woodford

Likely the best means of promoting yourself in the off-season (well, year-round, really...) is putting out gorgeous products that show potential clients how dedicated you are to delivering the perfect wedding photography experience.

And I don't just mean taking beautiful photos - that's a given.

Instead, how you present those photos can be used to help you generate business year-round.

You can't just offer your clients beautiful prints. Instead, you need a complete product line that allows them to save their memories in whatever way they choose.

Naturally, wedding albums are a primary means of doing so, but if you don't offer the right kinds of albums, you'll find that your clients aren't as impressed as they could be.

That's where nPhoto comes in...

nPhoto handcrafts some of the best photo albums on the market today, albums that offer your clients a gorgeous vehicle for viewing their photos and cherishing them for generations to come.

When you pick up some photo albums, you can immediately tell that they're flimsy and cheap. Not so with nPhoto.

These albums look and feel like a million bucks because of the quality materials and attention to detail that's paid in creating them.

From the covers of these albums - which come in a variety of materials and offer numerous customization options - to the thick, lay flat photographic paper on which the photos are printed, it's a viewing experience that's second-to-none.

What's more, there's so many customization options that your clients can truly get an album that's specific to their tastes and wants.

That means that the album you deliver to them will be that much more special, something that they will want to share with friends and family and relive their happy day all over again.

And that's great news for you!

The more your clients show their album to their loved ones, the more people ask, "Who was your photographer?" And the more often that question is asked, the more opportunities you'll have to book new clients in the future.

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Network and Make Friends in the Business

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Whether you network in person or via social media, it's a crucial component to developing your business in the off-season.

Think about it - there's wedding planners, florists, printers, bakers, and other specialists in your area that depend on wedding season, just like you.

And if you can make inroads with other wedding-related businesses, that will only mean more business for you down the road.

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Making connections with other businesses in your area doesn't have to be a time-consuming task, either.

For example, if there's a popular florist in your area, send them a message on Facebook and offer to photograph their staff and their products on a complimentary basis.

By extending that offer, you not only help improve their exposure during the off-season, but with your watermark all over their photos, you get some exposure each time they share the photos you took.

Besides, it never hurts to make friends in related industries, that way when someone is at the florist or the wedding planner and asks who a good photographer is, they'll recommend you!

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Final Thoughts

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Being in the wedding photography business can be a tough job with tons of stress and lots of time invested.

And evening out the ebbs and flows of being a wedding photographer is critical to your success.

However, if you persevere, develop a good workflow, foster relationships with other businesses in your area, and offer top-notch products and services, you will have a solid foundation for success, even during the off-season.



We Recommend


Anatomy of a Great Photo Album

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If you've been a professional photographer for any amount of time, you know that not all photo albums are made alike.

That being the case, you need to be very selective when you choose a company to handle your photo album needs because if you choose wrong, it could cost you business.

But, if you choose right, you could grow your business with one of the best marketing tools available - word of mouth.

Think about it...

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Your gorgeous photos presented in a gorgeous photo album, which your clients share with their friends and family.

Your clients rave about their wedding album, causing their friends and family to ask where it came from.

And with that, you get a referral!

Given the sheer power of photo albums to generate business, let's have a look at the anatomy of a great photo album.

Editor's Note: The example albums used in this article are from nPhoto, the largest printing lab in Europe that has a reputation for making the finest quality photo albums on the market. If you want to impress your clients with the very best, check out nPhoto's line of photo albums today.

A Great Photo Album is Hand-Crafted

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You know the saying that you can't judge a book by its cover?

Well, that might be good life advice, but for photo albums, they're judged first and last from the outside-in.

That's why it's imperative that you give your clients something that starts off with a bang, continues to impress throughout, and leaves them with their jaws on the floor when they close the back cover.

nPhoto has perfected the art of making hand-crafted photo albums.

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In fact, they have seven different photo album collections, giving you and your clients tons of choices for a beautifully crafted album that their family can enjoy for generations. That includes the stunning Acrylic Prestige Collection albums, shown in the images above.

Sure, you can get cheap photo albums printed yourself, but you have to ask yourself, are your clients' memories only good enough for something cheap?

Of course not!

Put their memories where they belong - in a showpiece photo album that's built by hand. Trust me, you won't regret making that decision!

A Great Photo Album Has Practical Style

Naturally, a professional photo album is one that will stand the test of time.

Here again, nPhoto photo albums have you covered.

In addition to being handcrafted, their albums feature Noritsu HD Silver Halide printing technology, which directly exposes the images onto the layflat pages of the album.

Not only does that create a beautiful photo display that's easy to view on layflat pages (as shown above), but it also makes for a practical keepsake that your clients can enjoy for a lifetime.

Speaking of a lifetime, nPhoto's albums come with a lifetime guarantee. Talk about peace of mind!

But trust me, you don't have to worry about clients calling five or ten years down the road complaining of an album that's falling apart.

These albums use 800g/m2 paper that's available in silk or metallic. That means the paper is thick and durable while making for an elegant display for your client's favorite photos.

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A Great Photo Album Has the Capacity to Tell a Story

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The images you create are sure to tell an impactful story.

But it sure doesn't hurt to put those images into an album that is able to help you tell a comprehensive, moving story with your images.

Sometimes, this means having a few poignant, powerful images. Other times, it calls for an in-depth, immersive journey through a moving experience that features a large number of images.

In this way, the very best photo albums are those that have the versatility to handle any kind of story with just a few pages or a whole bunch.

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With nPhoto albums, clients can choose between a dizzying array of spreads - from just five to 35.

That equals 10-70 pages full of images of their favorite memories...

If you ask me, that's more than enough leeway for you to present your client with a comprehensive visual story!

A Great Photo Album Gives You Options

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Speaking of versatility, the last criteria for a great photo album is the ability to make it distinct with a healthy amount of design add-ons.

nPhoto ticks that box, giving you the ability to choose from countless designs and add-on options.

That means that each album you order from nPhoto can be as distinct as you want - even if you choose the albums from the same collection.

This is key because as the saying goes, no two people are the same, nor are their memories.

Having the ability to customize the albums you present to clients allows you to give them something that suits their specific taste and style.

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If I haven't convinced you of the value of providing top-notch photo albums to your clients, then by all means check the Learn More links below to see nPhoto's line of photo albums and other photography products.

As I said in the introduction, word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools to grow your business.

And trust me when I say that if you want to get your clients talking, offer them nPhoto photo albums as part of your product line.

Learn More:



We Recommend


Businesses That Will Innovate Photography in 2018

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I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly excited about the direction that photography is headed.

We're seeing more innovation than ever in cameras, lenses, and other photography gear, which gives us more power to create epic photos.

Post-processing programs are evolving into highly powerful editing suites that allow us to take our photography to the next level more quickly and efficiently.

We're even seeing changes in how we buy and sell photography equipment, share our photos, and market our businesses.

It's exciting times, for sure!

Here's some of the top businesses in the photography industry that are leading the charge in innovating the artform we love so much.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Legacy Photography

Sew Trendy started humbly in a basement just a few years ago.

Today, it's one of the premier wardrobe manufacturers for maternity photography, girls' photography, and newborn photography.

Their success in growing their business is attributable to many different factors, not the least of which that they constantly develop new designs for their line of maternity gowns, girls dresses, and newborn clothing, so photographers have fresh looks to offer their clients.

And in an age in which customer service is often lacking, Sew Trendy certainly bucks the trend. They're with you every step of the way, ready, willing, and able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Valerie Best, the company's Founder and CEO has a lot to do with the success of her company as well.

She's committed to quality, and that shows in every handmade garment that leaves her company's warehouse.

Learn more about Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Sirui

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Over the years, Sirui has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best photography tripods on the market.

I can attest to the quality of their tripods, as I own one!

But Sirui is much more than a tripod company...

They supply photographers the world over with high-quality gear that ranges from monopods to tripod heads, camera bags to lens filters, and even photography accessories for your mobile phone.

As if that's not enough, Sirui also offers a complete line of humidity cabinets, broadcast tripods, and various quick release plates, too.

In other words, Sirui is a one-stop shop for just about all your photography needs, and is definitely a company to keep your eye on in 2018.

Learn more about Sirui

CaptureLife

When talking about innovative photography companies that are sure to turn the photography world on its head in 2018, CaptureLife should immediately come to mind.

If you're not familiar with CaptureLife, check this out...

This app allows you to share photos with your clients right on their smartphone.

That means you can streamline how you get photos to clients as well as make it a more personalized process - the images are delivered via a branded text message that's personalized to the client.

On top of that, CaptureLife is a sales platform that allows your clients to order prints right from their phone. They can also share their photos with friends and family, which increases your sales footprint.

Mobile is the future, and if you're in the photography business, you need to capitalize on that by teaming up with CaptureLife!

Learn more about CaptureLife

Click Props

One of the challenges of staying relevant in the photography industry is keeping your ear to the pulse of what photographers need.

Click Props does just that.

With a huge collection of gorgeous portrait backgrounds, Click Props gives photographers the ability to create more impactful portraits no matter who the subject might be.

Aside from their commitment to crafting the best backgrounds in the business, Click Props understands the practical needs of photographers as well.

They offer backgrounds in various sizes, each of which is easy to setup and takedown. They're even easy to clean and easy to store, too.

That means you spend less time messing around getting things setup and stored away, and more time actually taking photos.

What's not to like about that?

Learn more about Click Props

Vanguard

Another company that's sure to make waves in 2018 is Vanguard.

I've been a fan of Vanguard for years now, and I can tell you firsthand that in the last couple of years, they've really stepped up their game with their product line.

In particular, their tripods and camera bags are among the best in the business, not just because they have innovative features that make photography easier and more efficient, but because their products are budget-friendly as well.

That means that Vanguard has figured out a way to offer photographers the best of both worlds - high-value, well-made products that won't break the bank.

Vanguard is at the tip of the spear of innovation in photography. If you aren't excited to see what they come up with in 2018, you should be!

Learn more about Vanguard

Artbeat Studios

Photography isn't just about the gear you use, nor is it just about your skills in composition, framing, post-processing and the like.

Instead, the process of creating an image isn't truly complete until you have a gorgeous print. That's where Artbeat Studios comes in.

I came across Artbeat Studios last year, and after touring their facility, I was blown away by their process and the products they make.

Among their best sellers are their acrylic and metal HD prints, the latter of which you can see in the photo above.

To say that Artbeat's prints are gorgeous is an understatement. What they produce is truly fine art.

That's because they're committed to using archival materials, paying close attention to color fidelity, and providing custom services so you get the exact print you want.

If you're looking to revolutionize the way your photos look, give Artbeat Studios a try!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios

Uniregistry

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One of the best things about the photography industry is that there are so many companies doing so many awesome things for photographers.

In 2018, I strongly suggest that you change the way you market your photography business by partnering with Uniregistry.

These guys have two domains - .pics and .photo - that will help you get more eyes on your photos and more clients knocking on your door.

Why?

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It's simple - Uniregistry's domains are photography specific, so you can promote your work on your website with a professional and credible domain name.

Not only do .pics and .photo domains tell the world exactly what you do right there in the URL, but they're fresh and new, so the chances of you getting the exact name you want are much greater.

It's just a better way to market yourself on today's crowded internet!

Learn more about .pics and .photo domains

MPB

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Let's face it...

Photography gear can be expensive, and all that expense is cost-prohibitive if you're on a budget.

But MPB has changed the way that photographers buy gear because they've created an extensive marketplace where you can find high-quality pre-owned gear for excellent prices.

Not only that, you can sell your old gear to MPB and either pocket the money or get a credit toward the purchase of something on their site.

That means you can refresh your kit from time to time by getting rid of what you no longer want or need and replace it with well-priced, pre-owned gear for less.

Stretch your budget. Get more gear for less. Get better gear for less, too. Not bad, right?

Learn more about MPB

SHUTTERbag

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Not that long ago, there was a lack of photography gear specially designed for female photographers.

But in 2010, that all changed when SHUTTERbag was founded.

SHUTTERbag specializes in crafting leather camera bags for women that are beautiful and functional, too. 

This commitment to quality is evident in every SHUTTERbag model. 

For mom photographers on the go, SHUTTERbag offers the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above). 

This ingenious camera bag has three separate compartments - one for your camera gear and two zippered compartments for things like a tablet for business tasks and books, toys, diapers and other items for your kids.

Like all SHUTTERbag models, the Girls Day Out is the height of form and function.

It’s an ideal size for daily use, and with its built-in organizational aids, you can keep your photography stuff separate from your personal items with ease. 

That means you can grab your camera, your phone or a diaper at a moment’s notice. 

Now that’s how you get more production out of your day!

SHUTTERbag’s Trailblazer bag (shown top right, above) is another example of commitment to innovation.

This bag has a unique style and flair that make a strong fashion statement, but don’t think that this bag is just about looking good… 

Inside, you’ll find room for a camera body and up to four lenses. Alternatively, you can carry two camera bodies and three lenses. There’s even a spot for your tablet or laptop!

With padded dividers that are removable and adjustable, you can truly customize this bag to suit your specific needs.

For mid-range carrying capacity, SHUTTERbag designed the Heirloom 5-in-1 bag (shown bottom left, above).

Not only can this bag accommodate a camera, three lenses, and up to a 15-inch laptop, but it can also be carried in a variety of ways - as a tote bag, a messenger bag, a shoulder bag or even as a backpack.

Talk about innovation! 

Their Journey bag (shown bottom right, above) is a tote bag that’s made of genuine leather and features a breathable cotton lining that provides a soft surface for your gear inside the bag.

The Journey has a detachable strap that has a slip-resistant shoulder pad that gives you confidence when carrying your bag either over the shoulder or across your body. 

The bag can easily accommodate a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached, as well as a laptop, a tablet, camera accessories, and personal items like your checkbook and smartphone as well.

And as if their bags aren’t enough to impress, consider this - SHUTTERbag is a small business, so they treat their customers like family.

That means that you not only get to choose from a wide array of incredible camera bags, but you know that you’ll get the service you deserve before, during, and after the sale, too.

Learn more about SHUTTERbag.

nPhoto

When you think of photo albums, you might think that they're all the same or that there's not much room for improvement.

But you'd be wrong.

nPhoto has proven that by becoming one of the top producers of photo albums and other products in the world.

Their handcrafted albums, triplexes, photo boxes, and other products are second-to-none in the industry.

nPhoto uses the best materials to construct their products, from fine textiles and leatherettes for their album covers to silk and metallic papers that give each page of their albums a hefty, crisp, and expensive feel.

What's more, nPhoto gives you plentiful options for customizing their albums, so you can get something that's truly your own or tailored to your clients' specific tastes.

Taking great photos is only half the battle - how you present them matters, too. If you work with nPhoto, you'll certainly have the presentation aspect of it down pat.

Learn more about nPhoto

MyStudio

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The MS20PRO 20”x20”x12” tabletop photo studio by MyStudio is an ideal accessory to help you take your product photography to the next level.

Unlike many other tabletop studios, this one offers a seamless cyclorama infinity background with 90-degree corners that gives you many more shooting angles to highlight the products that you’re photographing.

The studio comes with dual 5000k color-corrected daylight fluorescent lamps, which offer tons of light for your images while providing excellent color as well. 

MyStudio also includes 9”x12” white and black bounce/fill cards with easel stands to create nice, even lighting, and a pair of 9.5”x11.5” white and black reflective acrylic panels to create beautiful reflections beneath the products you photograph. 

The folks at MyStudio have even produced a series of instructional videos that are available on their YouTube page to get you going with your new photo studio!

Learn more about MyStudio

MrStarGuy

I only became familiar with MrStarGuy in the latter half of last year, but they quickly became one of my favorite photography companies.

For starters, MrStarGuy is an authority on astrophotography gear - no matter what you need, whether it's a scope, a mount, a tripod, or something in between, MrStarGuy has what you need.

Secondly, these guys offer their high-quality products for prices that you can actually afford. You get tons of bang for your buck, which isn't always the case in photography.

But maybe most importantly, this family-owned business is committed to service before, during, and after the sale.

They're genuine folks that want their customers to feel like old friends.

If you're excited to expand your photography horizons this year and tackle some night sky photography, be sure to visit MrStarGuy to get all the gear you need.

Learn more about MrStarGuy

DJI

When I think about where photography is headed in the future, I can't help but think of drone photography.

And when I think of drones, DJI comes to mind.

DJI has some of the very best drones in the business. That's true whether you're a beginner drone photographer or an experienced veteran.

What makes DJI's drones so great is that they're packed with features - like collision avoidance systems and gesture-based flight controls.

Additionally, there are a plethora of options, upgrades, and add-ons that you can use to customize your drone to get the ideal flying and photographic experience.

As drones become more and more popular for photography, you can bet that DJI will be leading the charge in innovating how drones are built and how they perform.

Learn more about DJI

Macphun/Skylum

Macphun has been around awhile, and they've developed a reputation as one of the best in the software business.

As they rebrand and become Skylum, it's important to note that this small team of software experts continues to make waves in the photography industry.

In fact, they've won tons of awards over the years for their products, most recently for their impeccable Aurora HDR 2018, which was named by Apple as the app of the year for 2017.

Considering how many apps there are these days, that's quite the achievement!

Speaking of achievements, with Macphun's software, like the aforementioned Aurora HDR, as well as their Luminar 2018, you can achieve great things with your images.

Not only that, but you can create better-looking photos in less time and with less effort, all within platforms that are smartly designed and give you an effortless workflow.

My goal this year is to do a better job of processing my images, and with Macphun by my side, I have no doubt that I will achieve that goal.

Learn more about Macphun/Skylum

Lensfinder

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Have you ever wanted a new lens but just couldn't bring yourself to shell out the kind of money needed to get truly high-quality glass?

Well, that worry is over now that Lensfinder is on the scene.

Lensfinder is a marketplace where - you guessed it - you can find lenses for great prices.

If you're looking for a rare or high-end lens (or everyday lenses, for that matter), you can use Lensfinder's easy search tools to locate what you need.

Then, you can communicate with the seller, ask questions, and even pay for your new-to-you lens via PayPal, right there within Lensfinder.

You can also sell the lenses you no longer want, too, so it's the best of both worlds.

Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections, seller feedback ratings, and other smart tools that help make your transaction as smooth as possible.

If you want to upgrade your kit this year, check out Lensfinder!

Learn more about Lensfinder.

Spider Holster

My biggest complaint about cameras is the terrible strap that comes with them at purchase.

The OEM straps are thin, uncomfortable, and just plain get in the way when you're trying to take photos.

That's why Spider Holster is such a game-changer, because they're responsible for getting your camera off your shoulders and onto your hips where you can carry your cameras with greater ease and security.

Just looking at the photo above, you can imagine how much more streamlined your workflow would be if you're using a Spider Holster.

You can carry one camera or two using the Spider Pro (for big DSLRs) or the SpiderLight (for compact, mirrorless, or small DSLR cameras).

They even make hand straps that put your camera right in your hand in the ideal shooting position, all without a long strap always getting in your way.

Spider Holster has revolutionized how to carry cameras. In 2018, I strongly recommend that you let Spider Holster revolutionize the way you work.

Learn more about Spider Holster

Next Insurance

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When many people hear the word "insurance," they cringe.

But who can blame them? Buying insurance has historically been a process that's time-consuming and frustrating.

Not now.

Next Insurance has changed how photographers purchase insurance because they've cut out the middleman.

Instead of dealing with a broker, you can visit Next Insurance's website, get a free quote, and get the coverage you need faster and for less money.

By cutting costs, Next Insurance is able to pass those savings on to their customers, so you can get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

From equipment protection to liability for damages to advertising claims, Next Insurance has policies and coverages that will ensure your business will prosper for years to come.

Learn more about Next Insurance

CanvasHQ

Canvas is one of the oldest mediums that artists use for their work.

But, boy, is it still a gorgeous way to print your photos!

That's especially true if you order canvas prints from CanvasHQ.

Like many of the companies on this list, CanvasHQ demonstrates a commitment to crafting the highest-quality products using the finest materials.

And because of that, their canvases look like a million bucks. I should know - I have several in my house!

CanvasHQ gives you a mountain of options to customize your prints, and each print comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These guys are a small family business, so when you order your canvas, you'll feel like a member of the family, not just another customer.

If that's not enough to convince you to buy from CanvasHQ, I don't know what will!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

Syrp

Syrp Genie Mini Panorma

If filmmaking is your passion, then you need to see what Syrp has to offer in 2018.

As one of the most innovative companies in the photography industry, Syrp is always at the leading edge of what's new for filmmakers.

Their line of products helps videographers of all skill levels and experience to create breathtaking films.

Their Genie Mini motion control device (shown above) - which gives you control over your camera to create time-lapse videos using your cell phone - is just one of their incredible products.

They also have sliders, filters, ball heads, motion control bundles, and much more, so you can get outfitted for filmmaking quickly and without spending a ton of money, either.

Never before has making time-lapses and real-time videos been so easy!

Learn more about Syrp

Microsoft

I fully admit that I've been an Apple enthusiast for quite some time.

However, my love affair with Apple has waned in the last few years, and that's thanks to Microsoft.

Even though it's a household name and one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft still approaches the process of creating products the same way - with the end-user in mind.

In particular, their Surface line of products is especially impressive for photographers because they have technologies that make the daily grind of business easier and make things like post-processing a more efficient process as well.

With touch-enabled screens, innovative tools like the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, and machines that are stocked with technology that makes them faster, more efficient, and with more battery life, there's a lot to love about what Microsoft is doing with the Surface product line.

If you want to maximize your workflow, consider seeing what Microsoft can do for you.

Learn more about Microsoft

Wolverine Data

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Sometimes, being innovative means helping bring the past into the present.

That’s precisely what Wolverine Data does. 

Their new Wolverine 8mm & Super8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker is a fully automated gadget that digitizes all those old 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels into high-quality movies at 1080p. 

It’s a standalone machine that handles the frame-by-frame conversion without the need for software or drivers, or even a computer. The film scans directly to the machine where it’s saved to a SD/SDHC card (not included). The entire process requires just a few steps to complete.

The resulting movies are compatible with all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and you can playback the digitized movies directly to a TV with the included TV cable.

If you don’t have tons of old film reels collecting dust on a shelf in your house, I’m willing to bet you know someone that does...

Instead of letting those films degrade and take family memories along with them, this year, use Wolverine Data’s innovative new movie maker to convert your films to digital before those memories are lost forever!

Learn more about Wolverine Data

MyStudio

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This company is so impressive, I decided to put them on this list twice!

If you photograph products that are bigger than what the MyStudio MS20PRO can accommodate, the MyStudio US31 tabletop photo studio is the perfect choice.

Measuring 31”x19”x16”, it gives you plenty of room to maneuver your products, and true to form, MyStudio has ensured that from every angle, your images benefit from a gorgeous infinity background.

This tabletop studio features two color corrected, 5000K ultra bright LED lights that bathe the studio (and your products) in bright, clean, even light. These lamps are so bright, in fact, that you don’t need any additional lighting whatsoever. Just set up the studio, place your products inside, and you’re ready to go!

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You can see just how clean and even the lighting is in the sample photo I took of my camera gear and bag. 

I took that image when I was at Photo Plus 2017. I had the pleasure of seeing the folks from MyStudio while I was there, and managed to closely inspect the craftsmanship and materials used in their US31 studio. 

They clearly took no shortcuts in the quality of materials used or in the build quality. The design allows for even distribution of light, and quick set up. In short, I was more than impressed with the US31 Studio! 

Learn more about MyStudio

Joy

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One of the downers about taking photos is that eventually you run out of room to display them.

But the Joy Smart Photo Album takes care of that issue...

It's not your everyday digital photo album, either. Instead, Joy is a storytelling device that allows you to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones because it has voice notes that allow you to narrate each photo memory. You can even conduct voice calls between two Joy devices and share a screen so you can share memories together with loved ones that are far away.

The great thing about Joy is that it doesn't have to remain on the shelf or table - you can take it with you to the couch to enjoy up-close.

And when you aren't enjoying the photo album in your lap, it has a wireless charging stand that charges its batteries and displays your photos in slideshow mode.

Joy has a companion mobile and web app that allows you to load new albums and even invite friends and family to add their photos for display. You can easily pull photos from social media as well.

And with a 13.3-inch full HD display, your photos will look beautiful, too!

Learn more about Joy

Holdfast

One of the hallmarks of a great photo is attention to detail - ensuring that each aspect of the image is perfect.

Well, that sentiment holds true for photography gear, and there's no one better at the details than Holdfast.

These guys make some of the most incredible camera bags I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot because I've owned plenty of great bags over the years.

But what sets Holdfast apart is that attention to detail I mentioned, as well as the amazing materials they use to craft their bags and other products.

We're talking about bridle leather, water buffalo leather, American bison leather, and even python skin.

On top of that, Holdfast's products are smartly designed so you can carry more gear, more efficiently, all while keeping each piece of kit safe and secure.

If you're looking to upgrade your camera bag in 2018, look no further than Holdfast.

Learn more about Holdfast

Alpine Labs

When you talk about companies that have revolutionized how you take photos, Alpine Labs has to be in the conversation...

Their Pulse camera remote - and now their new Spark camera remote - have made taking great still photos, time lapse videos, long exposures, and real-time videos much easier and more accessible to even novice photographers.

These gadgets are packed full of powerful software and hardware that literally make it possible for you to create a time lapse video with just a few presses and swipes on your mobile phone.

Creating long exposures is equally as easy.

But don't think that because Alpine Labs has made things easy that their products are somehow cut-rate.

These are the best camera remotes on the market, and Alpine Labs is constantly making them better. That just makes me wonder what they have in store for us in 2018!

Learn more about Alpine Labs



We Recommend


Fun Photography Products to Boost Your Sales

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Part of developing a successful photography business that's sustainable for the long-term is developing a product line that speaks to customers.

What's more, you need to constantly evaluate the products you offer and adjust your offerings as needed to keep things fresh, fun, and in demand.

There are plenty of excellent photography products you can offer your clients, too, from parent albums to USBs, triplex displays to folio boxes.

Parent Album

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If you're a wedding photographer, you want to help make the big day special for the parents of the betrothed.

You can do that with a Parent Album!

Parent Albums by nPhoto are mini albums that are an ideal keepsake for parents.

These albums lay flat for an improved viewing experience, and with a variety of cover options, you can create a bespoke album that perfectly matches the style of your clients' main wedding album.

It's not only something that parents will enjoy, but it's a great upsell product that you can add to your wedding packages. It's a win-win!

Learn More:

USB Photo Case

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There's no mistaking it - we live in a digital world.

And as such, clients will demand that their images be delivered digitally.

But rather than emailing a link to their private photo gallery, why not dress it up a little with a USB Photo Case?

Outside, the cover of the case can be customized to your liking, with various cover elements like images, text, graphics, and more.

Inside, you can include an image or graphic or simply leave it blank if you wish.

Either way, when your clients get their USB drive full of images, they're sure to love the extra effort you put into the presentation.

It's a great add-on or gift idea as well, so again, you can use this to upsell your clients and get more money coming in.

Triplex Photo Display

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Another top idea to implement into your product line this year is a Triplex Photo Display from nPhoto.

These stately displays offer your clients a gorgeous, yet cost-effective way to give the gift of photos to their loved ones.

Naturally, the display accommodates three images, which you can use to tell a beautiful visual story.

The display's cover is a gorgeous leatherette that looks and feels like the handcrafted product that it is!

Better still, it's got a small form factor, so it's something your clients can purchase for themselves or other people that want a beautiful photo display, but don't have a ton of room.

Learn More:

Folio Box

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If you're looking for the ideal way to present matted or mounted prints, a folio box is it.

These folio boxes by nPhoto include a gorgeously handcrafted box that you can personalize to suit your clients' taste.

The cover can be customized with more than 60 different options of cover materials, text, laser etching, and sizes that range from 5x7 to 12x16.

Inside, you can store a set of 5-20 images that are printed on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Silk Paper and then mounted on foam or matted.

Matted prints can be further customized with six mat colors and are about 3mm thick. For a heftier presentation, you can opt for foam mounting, which results in a 5mm thick image.

Final Thoughts

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Really, no matter what options you choose to offer, you'll be giving your clients products that are gorgeously made, customizable to their tastes, and that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The point is that if you want to improve your bottom line and increase your sales, you have to be picky about the products that you sell your clients.

By opting to partner with nPhoto - which has a reputation as one of the premier printers in the game - you'll set yourself up for success for many, many years to come.

You can learn more about nPhoto's complete line of products by visiting their website at nphoto.com.



We Recommend


How to Design a Professional Photo Album

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Printing your photos in a photo album is an ideal way to reminisce and remember fond memories from the past.

But not all photo albums are created equally...

Sure, you can order a cheap "album" online and have it on your doorstep a day or two later, but those cheap albums are just that - cheap. They look cheap, they feel cheap, and they aren't built to stand the test of time.

Instead, a professional photo album is something that looks great, feels good in your hands, and, surprisingly, can be designed much easier than you might think.

Here's a few steps you need to take to design your own professional photo album.

Choose the Materials and Design Carefully

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When you think of a professional photo album, likely the first thing you should think of is the materials that are used to construct it.

On the one hand, the exterior of the album should be made of materials that are strong and durable, but also pleasing to the eye, like leatherette or textile.

On the other hand, the interior of the album should reflect the same durability and aesthetic qualities as the exterior. That means going with a company like nPhoto, whose albums are handcrafted from the finest materials using the latest technologies. That includes rigid pages that are printed on either silk or metallic paper for a luxurious and elegant look.

In other words, your images will never look so good!

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But it isn't just those big details you need to worry about. It's the little things too.

For example, you want your professional photo album to have layflat pages for an improved viewing experience. Moreover, with nPhoto albums, full, panoramic spreads are encouraged because they offer a breathtaking look thanks to the layflat design that has no threads or creases to interrupt the viewing experience.

You also want a hardcover album for extra durability. You should think about the options you have for customizing the album as well, like using silk or metallic papers (within the same album!), having an acrylic front plate on the cover to boost colors, or rounded or metallic cover edges for an added bit of visual appeal.

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Speaking of visual appeal, companies like nPhoto offer packaging for albums in the form of a matching album box, like the one shown above.

Not only do these boxes match the design of the album cover, but they also protect the album and keep it safe.

That means that not only can you choose from a variety of options and materials to match the style of your images, but you can also create a total viewing experience that turns your photo album into much more than just a collection of photos.

Learn More:

The Tools Used to Design Your Album are Important

The problem with some printing companies is that they might offer really outstanding looking products, but their design tools are overly complicated and time-consuming to use.

That's obviously not helpful!

In the case of nPhoto, however, their design tools are straightforward, so you can create breathtaking photo albums without wanting to pull your hair out.

Not only does nPhoto have custom design templates (in Photoshop and Indesign formats) with full specs to download for your use, but they also have a bespoke design program - nDesigner - that's intuitive and easy to use. That means you can design your photo album quickly and easily right there in your web browser without having to download any software. See just how easy it is to use nDesigner in the video above.

On top of that, nPhoto partners with some of the best companies in the world - FUNDY and Smart Albums - so if you're a professional photographer, you have even more options for designing and printing nPhoto albums for your customers.

Learn More:

It All Starts With Your Photos, Though

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Naturally, if you don't have the right kind of photos to include in a professional photo album, it's not going to be a successful endeavor...

When selecting photos for a photo album, you need to cull your images and include only the best ones.

And I don't just mean the ones that are technically or artistically the best...

I mean the images that evoke feelings and emotions when people view them. Images that remind people of that day or the event. Images that people can connect with on a very real level.

Remember - this album is something that's going to be enjoyed for decades. And over that period of time, people will forget the chronology of the day, but they won't forget how they felt that day.

That's why you should think about avoiding arranging your images in a linear timeline, and instead arrange them in a way that helps you tell your story in a more salient manner.

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Additionally, try mixing and matching different types of images.

By that, I mean that putting close-ups, wide-angles, panoramas, and so forth together on a single-page spread helps create a much more engaging visual experience.

The different sizes and shapes of images add a little more life and vitality to your album pages and help you avoid having boring columns and rows of photos.

This is helped by the way you select and process your photos as well.

Choose images that have a strong subject and are free of distraction. If there's a visible horizon, be sure it's absolutely level. Look at the way that the image has been framed, such that the eye is drawn to the subject and doesn't wander around in too much foreground or background.

In other words, the path to a great photo album begins with you!

Learn More:

Bringing It Together

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As I noted above, a great photo album starts with high-quality images.

But a great photo album ends with choosing the right company to help you design and print your work.

For me, it doesn't get any better than nPhoto.

Their products are second to none, their design tools are intuitive and easy to use, and they've got a team of expert artisans that are dedicated to putting together a gorgeous, professional photo album just for you.

If you want to create a photo album that makes people's jaws drop, partner with nPhoto. It's a decision you won't regret!



We Recommend


How to Get More Photography Clients

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One of the great things about being a photographer is that you get to be part of people's special moments.

Be it their engagement, their wedding or their kids' school pictures, you've got a front row seat to the beauty of life and growth.

But, of course, simply opening your studio doors and saying "I'm open for business" isn't enough to get people to hire you.

Instead, you have to work to get photography clients!

Here's how.

Focus on Your Salesmanship

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Even though you're a photographer, you're also a salesperson.

That means you need to focus on how you market yourself in a way that's attractive to potential customers.

But the last thing you want to do is come off as a pushy, sleazy salesperson. The question is, how do you do that?

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Quite simply, you need to focus your salesmanship on the experience you offer your clients.

Don't rant and rave about this sale or that discount. Instead, tell potential clients how working with you will make them feel. Explain how the products you offer will help them preserve those special moments in their lives. Show them how you're there to help them, not just sell them something.

In other words, your sales proposition needs to focus on emotion, feeling, and results. If you can do that, you'll find that more people will be interested in working with you.

Learn More:

Show Them What You Can Deliver

As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and if you want to completely convince potential clients that you're the photographer for them, you need to take your salesmanship a step beyond just telling them how you do things.

You can do that by showing them exactly what kind of product you will deliver them.

This can be done in many different ways - your website, your portfolio, with testimonials from past clients, and so forth.

But none of those mediums are something that a client can hold, feel, and touch. For that, you need to show them actual photography products.

And when it comes to the photography products you offer your clients, you can't just give them a product that is available to anyone. Instead, you need to partner up with a company like nPhoto, which makes the premier photo albums and photography products and offers them excuselevy to professional photographers.

Remember - part of your sales proposition is evoking an emotion and a feeling of exclusivity, and trust me when I say that potential clients will get all the feels when they get their hands on a nPhoto photo album.

These albums are second-to-none in terms of their quality - after all, they're handcrafted by skilled artisans in Europe's largest printing lab.

Right out of the box, you can tell that these albums are a step above anything else on the market.

There's a weight to them that screams "family heirloom" that you just don't get with cheap, quick-print albums that have become so ubiquitous in the past few years.

And then when you open the album, you see vibrant, colorful image spreads on layflat pages. Again, the weight of the paper used in these albums feels great in your fingers as you flip from one gorgeous page to the next.

And since nPhoto offers tons of customization possibilities, you can work with your clients to create a custom album that's suited specifically for their tastes.

Talk about evoking a feeling and emotion!

nPhoto has many other photo products you can offer your clients, too, including USB Memory Boxes, Parent Albums, Folio Boxes, and more. That means you can create a complete product line for your clients with nothing but the finest products.

If that doesn't help you convince people to hire you, I don't know what will!

Learn More:

Commit Time Each Day to Marketing

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My guess is that you became a photographer so you could take photos each day, not spend time marketing your business.

But guess what, to survive and thrive, you need to set aside time to do at least one piece of marketing each and every day.

You don't have to spend hours and hours on marketing, either.

In fact, just do one thing each day to market your business, and you'd be surprised at how much business can result from that.

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Post to Facebook on Monday. Write a blog post on your website on Tuesday. Create a quick YouTube video for Wednesday. You get the point...

If you can get into the habit of marketing each day, you'll find that you can get most marketing tasks done in less than 30 minutes, freeing up the rest of your day to focus on meeting with clients, taking photos, editing photos, and so forth.

In the end, building your business and attracting more clients doesn't have to be hard or frustrating work.

What it requires, though, is good salesmanship, excellent products, and a commitment to developing and implementing a smart marketing plan.

Learn More:



We Recommend


How to Tell a Story Through Pictures

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Pictures That Tell A Story

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

But, really, a picture is worth much more than that...

Pictures are the ideal vehicle by which to tell a story.

You can create emotion, evoke a feeling, and trigger a memory all with a single photo.

That makes the job of being a photographer one of the most valuable - and important - there is.

Learn how to tell more impactful stories with your photos by using the tips outlined below.

Get to Know the Subject

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Sure, you can photograph a person on the street, and if your timing is right, you can capture a genuine moment that helps people understand who the person is and what their life might be like.

But if you really want to dive deep and create a photo that tells a strong story about your subject, all you need to do is get to know them.

That doesn't mean you need to conduct an hour-long interview before you press the shutter button, either.

Simple questions about who they are, where they're from, what their favorite customs or traditions are, and so forth, will give you enough information to create your images in a way that exemplifies the person's qualities.

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This is a trick that's useful no matter your subject, but particularly so for wedding photographers.

Not only is your job to document the big day, but you also need a way to help the happy couple relax and look natural. What better way to do that than by being genuine with them, asking them questions about themselves, and getting to know them a little bit better?

Editor's Tip: Whether you're a professional wedding photographer or an amateur that takes portraits of your kids, presenting viewers with a series of photos of your subject only enables you to create a more impactful story. By including images that serve as an introduction, others that take the story to a climax, and still more that conclude the story, you are able to take viewers on a complete visual journey. Find out how to do that here.

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The Story Isn't Just About the Subject, Though

As important as it is to give your subject prominence in your portraits, the photo isn't actually just about them.

Instead, consider things like who else might need to be in the photo, what's going on in the background, and other elements you can include to give the image more storytelling power.

For example, when you think of a wedding portrait, you might think of the wedding party lined up in a nice, neat row, smiling for the camera.

But those kind of photos - though necessary - don't really tell much of a story.

Instead, images like the ones above and below offer much more in the way of insight into who these people are and the love they have for one another. 

Part of the reason for that is because the image isn't focused on just one person. Instead, the photographers highlighted the relationship between these two people.

Something else that helps these images tell a better story is that there's some environmental context to the shots.

That is, just like a written story needs to set the scene for the reader to understand what's going on, so too can a photograph benefit from the inclusion of the subject's surroundings to help viewers better understand the context of the shot.

If it's better stories you're after, don't frame up just close-ups of individuals. Instead, strive to show relationships and the subject's surroundings as well.

Learn More:

Present a Series of Images in Print

Living in the digital age is convenient and all, but from a photography standpoint, swiping through images on your phone just doesn't have the same ability to tell a story as printed photos.

More specifically, a gorgeously designed photo album is a much more powerful way to create a visual story than anything you can do in a digital format.

Being able to physically touch each image, turn actual pages, and hold an album in your hands adds a tactile experience to the viewing process.

And that's good news for the storytelling ability of your images because photo albums require the viewer to be an active participant in the process.

Sure, it might sound far-fetched that something as simple as turning a page helps people engage more thoroughly with photos, but it's the truth.

I know we all read on Kindles and other electronic devices these days, but for those of us that remember reading an actual book, there's nothing like the experience of getting to the end of the page and excitedly flipping to the next one to see what happens next.

The same is true of looking at photos in an album.

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There's another important consideration, though - the quality of the album.

Just like a really good lens will do your images much more good than a cheap one, a really good photo album will only give your images a greater ability to tell a stronger story.

You want an album that's handcrafted, with a gorgeous cover and fine details that look and feel expensive because that helps set the mood of the viewing experience.

Once the viewer opens the album, you want them to feel the heavy weight of the paper, see the vibrant, rich colors, and experience the images in a layflat format that presents your photos in a beautiful spread.

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In other words, storytelling with images isn't just about who's in the photo. It's not just about how you create the photo, either.

Instead, telling a story with your images is also about how you present those images to the viewer.

If you want a cold and disconnected viewing experience, by all means, point people to a URL.

But if you want to set the mood, get people involved in the story you're trying to tell, and create a memorable experience, you need to get those photos into a high-quality photo album.

Editor's Tip: There are plenty of companies that make photo albums, but nPhoto is certainly at the top of the heap. Not only are their albums handcrafted using the finest materials, but they're also highly customizable so you can tailor the album to the story you're trying to tell. It's easy to design your album with nPhoto's bespoke nDesigner platform. Learn more about nPhoto's photo albums and other products by visiting their website.

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We Recommend


Ingenious Ways to Market Your Wedding Photography Business

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One of the challenges of being a self-employed photographer is getting your name, your brand, and your product out in front of the buying public.

After all, even if you're the best photographer in the world, if you don't know how to market yourself, your business will be doomed to fail.

But marketing your photography needn't be a difficult or confusing task.

Below, I outline three dead-simple ways to promote your photography and get more clients into the fold.

Use Sample Albums

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What better way to impress potential clients and market your brand than by showing them samples of the products you offer?

A sample album does something that your website and social media feeds can't do - they put the actual product in the clients' hands, giving them a real-life, tactile experience of what you can do for them as their photographer.

And I don't just mean that you should have product samples to show your clients at the consultation.

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Instead, I mean have a few sample albums made to share with different vendors that also work in the wedding industry.

Leave one with local churches and other wedding venues. Ask the local baker and florist if you can leave a sample album there as well.

By leaving examples of your product line with colleagues around town, you have a surefire way to market your photography and a pretty easy way to get referrals, too.

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Of course, to have the maximum impact, the sample albums you provide can't be those cheap, flimsy ones you can get online for a few bucks.

Instead, if you partner with a company like nPhoto that has a long-standing reputation for handcrafting gorgeous photo albums, you'll have sample albums that have tons of visual impact and compel clients to contract you for your services.

And the great thing about nPhoto photo albums is that there is so much variety.

There's virtually endless combinations of album sizes, cover materials, types of paper, and layouts.

You can get a photo album on its own, a photo album with a matching album box, or even a complete album set that includes a photo album, a matching album box, and a matching USB drive.

With options to have rounded album corners, laser etching on the cover, layflat pages, and much more, nPhoto offers your clients the height of customization for preserving their memories of their big day.

They say that first impressions are everything, and by putting a sample nPhoto album in front of potential clients, you'll certainly make a strong first impression!

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Define Your Client Base

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Posting things to social media and putting ads in the local newspaper is fine and all - that will certainly get your name and face out amongst the public.

But there's a difference between simply spreading the word about who you are and what you do and getting that marketing to convert would-be clients into paying customers.

To do that, you need to define your client base.

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By defining your client base, you can tailor your marketing message to that specific group of people.

What's more, you can create content that that group of people will find helpful, relevant, and valuable. And the more content you create that actually helps your ideal clients solve a problem or learn something new, the more likely they will be to consider you an authority on the matter and hire you when the time comes.

As a wedding photographer, that might mean posting blogs about tips for planning your wedding, pitfalls to avoid when hiring a photographer, and other topics related to weddings.

You might post YouTube videos that detail the consultation phase of working with a client, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at your wedding day workflow.

Even sharing stories about past clients and how much you enjoyed working with them will be helpful in creating content that resonates with potential clients.

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Play the Long Game

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Very few of your clients will come to you after being engaged for awhile.

In fact, many couples will start looking for a wedding photographer much earlier on in their engagement, if not before the engagement even occurs. At the very least, some people will look at wedding photos just to get an idea of what they can expect.

That being the case, you can't just focus your marketing on heavy-hitting "Sale Sale Sale" type of interactions with potential clients.

Instead, you need to work a long game, and create low-impact interactions with potential clients that gets you multiple "touches" with them over a period of time.

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For example, a short-game marketing strategy for a wedding photographer might be an all-out social media blitz to promote a sale, like offering 20 percent off your photo album packages.

And while that type of marketing is necessary at times, to bring people into the fold over the long-term, they need to see your work over and over and over again.

That's where low-impact content really works.

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By sharing examples of your photos on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites, you have a way to market your business without sounding like you're marketing it.

Instead, your photos speak for themselves, show up in people's feeds, and begin to plant the seed that you're a wedding photographer in their area.

That means that over time, you can build relationships with people that might not even need your services for years to come. That's why the long game works so well!

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We Recommend


Life Saving Tips for New Wedding Photographers

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I'm a professional photographer and have been for more years than I'd like to count.

But even as experienced as I am in taking portraits and landscape photos, the idea of shooting a wedding is something that sends shivers down my spine.

It's hard work - stressful work, too.

So if the pros get nervous, I can only imagine what the experience is like for a new wedding photographer.

If you're looking for a few ways to improve your ability to capture the big day, this article is for you!

You Need Help

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Unless it's the world's smallest wedding, you're going to need someone to help you get all the shots that your client wants. That means hiring a second shooter.

Though the temptation might be to give a camera to your brother and have him take photos, you really need someone that knows how to handle a camera and compose an eye-catching shot.

After all, it's your name at stake here, so you want your second shooter to be just as skilled as you are in creating beautiful photos.

You might also consider having a "rover" that helps with things like setting up lighting, wrangling the wedding party for group photos, swapping out memory cards or lenses, and so forth.

The less logistical stuff you have to deal with, the more time you can be behind the lens, taking great photos!

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Don't Skimp on Products

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When you're just starting out as a photographer, one thing that can have an immediate, positive impact on your business is offering your clients the best quality products possible.

And I'm not just talking about prints, either.

One of the most important deliverables you can have for your wedding clients is their photo album, so it needs to be gorgeously crafted, unique to their specific tastes, and give them a complete viewing experience that helps them relive the wonder of their big day all over again.

You can do all those things with an nPhoto photo album.

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These albums look and feel like a million bucks.

That's partially due to the high-quality materials that nPhoto uses to manufacture their albums, but it's also due to the fact that each album is handcrafted by a skilled artisan.

These are not mass-produced albums that have a cookie-cutter look and feel to them.

Instead, nPhoto offers a wide variety of customizations that give you and your clients the ability to create something that's truly one-of-a-kind.

That includes different album cover materials, different types of paper finishes, add-ons like laser etching, layflat pages, rounded album corners, and so forth.

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And the good news is that nPhoto does all that for a reasonable price.

That means you can add their photo albums (and their other incredible photo products) to your product line, give your clients the best possible experience, and make money all at the same time.

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In fact, you can easily use some of nPhoto's other products - like their Album Boxes, Triplexes, and USB Memory Boxes - as upsell items. That means your clients can get even more gorgeous reminders of their day and you can put more money in your pocket.

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You Need to Understand the Wedding Program

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Any photographer worth their salt knows and understands their subject.

That's true whether you're photographing a baby, wildlife, or, in this case, a wedding.

Since no two weddings are alike, you can't just rely on your conception of how the wedding program will proceed.

To ensure you're in the right place at the right time to get the best shots, you need to be intimately familiar with how each couple's wedding will unfold.

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Different religions have different steps in the process, different symbolistic events, and different rituals. If you aren't familiar with each, you could easily miss an important moment of the ceremony.

So, sit down with your clients well in advance of the wedding day so that they can explain to you exactly what is happening and when. An ideal time to do this is when you go over the shot list.

As you learn more about the planned events, ask questions. Be interested. Don't approach it as a business meeting in which you're outlining what you need to do and when. Instead, take this opportunity to get to know the couple a little bit better.

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After all, the more you know about your clients, the better job you can do in capturing the emotions and feelings that they will have on their big day.

This list of wedding photography tips might only have three items, but trust me - if you can master each one, your performance as a wedding photographer will only be improved!

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We Recommend


Must-Have Products for All Wedding Photographers

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If you're a wedding photographer, I don't have to tell you that it is an extremely competitive industry.

That means you have to work harder than ever before to set yourself apart from all the other photographers in your area.

If you don't, it will be hard for your business to survive.

But if you find ways to be unique and offer gorgeous products to your clients, you'll have a solid foundation for establishing long-term success.

With that in mind, I'd like to offer up a few product ideas that will help you establish a reputation as a top-flight wedding photographer. 

To illustrate each point, I've selected one of the incredible photography products from nPhoto, one of the best manufacturers and suppliers of professional photography products in the world.

Let's get started!

Photo Albums

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I had some friends get married not that long ago, and we got together for the first time a few days ago to have dinner.

They brought their photo album to show me, and I was stunned at the poor quality of the product.

That got me thinking just how important it is for wedding photographers to have a high-quality line of photo albums to offer their clients.

Not only does a great photo album impress your clientele, but it's also a wonderful way to market your photography.

After all, the more impressive the photo album, the more likely friends and family will ask, "Hey, who was your photographer?!"

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Additionally, if you offer albums by nPhoto, you have all sorts of options for up-selling add-ons.

That includes additional photo spreads, customized covers, and different paper options to match your style and your client's expectations.

Additionally, nPhoto photo albums are elegantly bound, preserving the story of the wedding day and the most cherished moments in an easily accessible and highly stylish album.

My friends' wedding album was "fine" at best - certainly nothing I'd offer my clients.

Don't make the same mistake. Offer your clients the best quality photo album from nPhoto!

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Album Box

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Earlier, I noted that one of the most valuable features of a photo album is the opportunity to up-sell with various add-ons. 

One of the most beautiful add-ons nPhoto offers is their album box.

With an album that's so well-made, you don't want it simply sitting out on a shelf to collect dust or risk that someone might accidentally knock it to the floor or spill something on it...

An album box provides protection to the album but does so without hiding the beauty of the album.

nPhoto album boxes are a sophisticated way to present an album, with styling that matches the photo album for a perfect pairing.

Not only that, each box is handmade and tailored to fit the specific photo album it's designed to hold for a fits-like-a-glove result. Your clients can even customize the cover options to complement the album it holds.

In other words, an album box isn't just a functional tool but a gorgeous addition to the photo album experience as well.

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Digital Files

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Living in the digital age as we do, your clients will expect not just hard copies of their images but digital copies as well.

But rather than dumping their photos onto the cloud for them to download later, why not present their digital files in the same beautiful, refined way as you do with a photo album or album box?

nPhoto offers 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB USB drives that are presented in a USB box that can be personalized to fit the client's tastes.

Add a cut-out window on the cover to show off a favorite image, add text to the USB box cover, and personalize the box with leatherette or textile finishes.

In other words, you can actually make something of a show out of presenting something as impersonal as a flash drive - all handmade and built to look every bit as impeccable as the photo albums nPhoto creates.

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Complete Album Set

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If you really want to impress your clients, nPhoto's Complete Album Sets are certainly the ticket...

These sets combine the previous three elements - a photo album, album box, and USB - into one elegant package.

So, not only can you impress your clients with a handmade, layflat photo album, but you can also offer them a matching album box and a USB drive and USB box as well. 

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This is a great option for clients that want a showstopping package to show off their wedding photos, and it's an ideal option for you because the sheer beauty of these products together allows you to command a higher price for the product. 

Again, you have all sorts of customization options available so you can tailor the design of the complete album set to your client's needs.

And once they see the final product, they will no doubt be impressed by your images and by the way that they are showcased in the album set.

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Triplex or Parent Album

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For the special people in your clients' lives - parents, grandparents, friends, and so forth - a full-on photo album of the wedding might not be in the cards.

That's why nPhoto's Triplex is such a great product.

It allows you to challenge your artistic eye and storytelling ability by selecting three of the most critical images from the day to capture and retell the unforgettable experience of the wedding.

Covered in leatherette, the Triplex has the same level of elegance and sophistication as nPhoto's other products. And since it can be folded up or unfurled, it can easily be displayed on a dresser or bookshelf.

This is an ideal up-sell product, or you can offer it as part of a larger package or even as a complimentary gift to your clients.

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Another excellent up-sell or complimentary gift idea is nPhoto's Parent Album.

Like the Triplex, the Parent Album is a great way to share the memories of the day with the parents of the happy couple, but without breaking the bank.

These layflat mini albums are a perfect complement to the full-sized photo albums mentioned earlier and give the parents of the couple a beautiful and easy way to recall the best moments of the big day.

Like nPhoto's other products, Parent Albums can be customized to suit your client's taste for an elegant, consistent look with the overall product package.

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Image Box

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For the most special prints from the wedding day, ensconce them in a high-quality photo box that has the same level of craftsmanship and beauty as the rest of the photography products you offer your clients.

An nPhoto Image Box is a perfect keepsake that has a textile cover with the option to add laser etching and text to the cover for personalization.

Inside, the box holds up to 12 horizontal or vertical images that are printed on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Paper - the same paper that nPhoto uses for the pages in their photo albums.

In other words, this isn't just a plain box to hold photos...

Instead, it's yet another opportunity for you to impress your clients with a product that has impeccable build quality and gorgeous details that they are sure to appreciate.

Best of all, you can mix and match these items to build custom packages for your clients.

Like I said in the introduction, in today's world, it's more important than ever to stand out as a photographer.

By working with nPhoto, you can do just that!

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We Recommend


Reviewed: The Best Photo Album on the Market

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Artwork by Luke Woodford

Being in the photography business means I'm always on the lookout for new products that I think will have a positive and long-lasting impact on the industry.

Sometimes, the products that catch my eye are flashy gadgets that are more of a flash-in-the-pan thing that don't have a lot of staying power.

But other times, I come across something that I truly believe will help photographers provide improved services to their clients while also helping photographers improve their bottom line, too.

A recent find is nPhoto, a company that specializes in creating high-quality photo albums and photo products for professional photographers.

After having a look at their line of photo albums, I was so impressed that I wanted to pass on my thoughts on what is the best photo album on the market today.

The Quality is Second-to-None

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Artwork by Luke Woodford

nPhoto has the biggest printing lab in Europe and employs 400 experienced workers to handcraft their fine photo albums.

They've been in the business for more than a decade now, meaning they've got their workflow perfectly calibrated for creating stunning albums for your clients' photos.

What strikes you when you get your hands on an nPhoto photo album is the attention to detail.

Take the Acrylic Prestige Collection album shown above and below as a prime example.

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Artwork by Luke Woodford

It's got a refined acrylic window that offers you a peek at a favorite memory on its cover. That gives the album a classic, yet modern look.

With a variety of cut-out windows and colors available, there's virtually no limit to how it can be customized to meet your clients' tastes.

This album has a feel of luxury as well because its cover is handmade and the pages are made of rigid card with an 800g/mpaper weight. In other words, the moment you pick it up, you can feel that it's a well-made product that's durable.

And it looks great, too. nPhoto uses silver halide Noritsu HD technology, metallic and silk papers, and layflat panoramic spreads so the images contained within the album have a vibrancy and life that's unparalleled. This is one sleek and elegant photo album!

In other words, if you want to really wow a client with a top-notch photo album, nPhoto's Acrylic Prestige Collection Album is it!

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There's Loads of Options

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I've come across photo albums in the past that looked great but didn't offer much in the way of customization.

nPhoto certainly broke the mold on that front...

As I mentioned above, nPhoto gives you two different paper options - metallic Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl paper and silk Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Paper Type DPII - to customize how the images look in the album. You can even mix both types of spreads into one album.

You can choose a layflat spread as well, which means your clients will be able to enjoy their photos in full view without having to fight pages that bend at the binding.

Build a large photo album of up to 70 pages, or if your client requires something smaller, you can order the Acrylic Prestige Collection Album with just 10 pages.

This album has three different cover material options - leatherette, textile, and DUO - in a variety of colors, and an assortment of cut-out windows as well.

There are three sizes available, too - 8"x8", 10"x10", and 12"x12" - so you can give your client a truly custom photo album to mark their special occasion.

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You Get Amazing Quality for a Great Price

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Artwork by Luke Woodford

The whole point of a photo album is to display favorite memories in a way that brings those memories to life and does so for generations.

That means that lesser printers that ship out flimsy albums with poor paper quality and terrible inks aren't going to fit the bill for what your clients want.

Instead, you want to present them with top-quality options like those from nPhoto.

And while comparable printers charge an arm and a leg for their top-of-the-line products, nPhoto doesn't.

You get the best of both worlds - an amazing product for your client, and one that won't break the bank, either!

On top of that, the process of creating these incredible albums is a breeze, too.

There's no complicated interface to learn, no feeling like you're totally lost and doing it wrong.

Instead, you simply go to your account online, select the options you want in your album, and set about working on creating the photo album that your clients have dreamed of.

Check out the process of creating an nPhoto album in the video above.

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The Acrylic Prestige Collection is Great for Upselling

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Another great thing about nPhoto's Acrylic Prestige Collection is that it's not just a photo album.

You can also order it as an Album set, which are unique for the industry because it includes a combination of three matching products from the same collection.

In other words, you can get the photo album, an album box that has the same cover options as the album itself, and a USB in a matching case.

Not only is it less expensive to purchase these items as a set (as opposed to ordering them separately), but these sets are also so well designed and impeccably crafted that they can really impress your clients.

In fact, the Acrylic Prestige Collection Set is often included in the most expensive wedding photography packages that photographers offer. It's that good!

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Wrapping It Up

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We all know that giving your clients something they'll cherish forever starts with your ability to create compelling photos.

But if you don't present those photos in the best possible way, what's the point?!

As I stated in the introduction, a lot of new photography products find their way to my desk. That means that a product really has to be something else to grab my attention the way that the nPhoto Acrylic Prestige Collection Album has done.

If you want to give your photos the best platform for making an impact, and if you want your clients to rave about the quality of the products you offer, do yourself a favor and head over to nPhoto right now.

Trust me, you'll be as impressed as I am. After all, they make the best photo album on the market today!



We Recommend


Starting a Wedding Photography Business? Here’s Some Things You Can’t Forget

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Starting a business can be a daunting task.

That's especially true when it's a wedding photography business because it's so cyclical in nature.

That means that you need to have a rock-solid plan and a sensible approach to creating your business.

The question is, what does that look like?

Here are a few tips that will take some of the mystery out of building a successful wedding photography business.

Be Consistent

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Being consistent applies to all sorts of things in business.

On the one hand, you want consistent results in the images you create. That should be the easy part because you're a photographer!

But most photographers aren't businesspeople, and it's in that realm that a lot of consistency is needed.

That includes developing a consistent schedule from one day to the next so all the business activities that require your attention get done.

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That also includes your marketing plan and being consistent in your message to potential clients, the branding that you use, and the style of the images that the viewing public sees on your website, in your portfolio, and on your social media channels.

The more consistent you are, the easier it is for you to get into a routine, and the more likely that your clients will perceive you as professional and experienced. Those are all good things!

Editor's Tip: To bring more consistency to the manner in which you present your photos to clients, you need to partner with a printing company that offers top-notch products for your business. nPhoto is one of the premier printers in the world, with an expansive line of photo albums and other accessories that will wow your clients. Find out more by clicking here.

Give Your Clients an Experience They Won't Forget

One of the best ways to ensure you stand out in the crowd of wedding photographers is to focus your attention on giving your clients an experience that's second-to-none.

There are many different ways to do this...

Start out with a bang, by constructing a consult experience that is sure to knock people's socks off.

Buy them coffee, have treats to share, and foot the bill for it all. These aren't expensive items, especially when you consider how many thousands of dollars potential clients will spend on their wedding photography packages.

By turning the consult into something that feels less business-like and more like they're meeting with an old friend, the better the experience will be.

Another idea to impress potential clients is to present your work in a way that shows your dedication and commitment to quality.

On the one hand, this is an opportunity to show off your photography style by showing them sample images that you've created.

This is an important step because you want your clients to see your vision for what you'd like to do for their big day.

It's important for another reason as well - you can introduce them to some of the products that you offer.

Showing off your product line is by far one of the best ways to ensure your clients leave your consult impressed. That's especially true if you partner with a company like nPhoto, who has built a solid reputation for producing some of the best photo albums and accessories on the market today.

nPhoto's albums are highly customizable, too, so you not only have gorgeous products to offer potential clients, but you also have a custom experience to offer them as well.

These photo albums aren't just beautiful to look at, either - holding them in your hand, you can feel the quality of craftsmanship.

The covers are beautifully detailed, with your choice of several different materials. The interior pages are equally as beautiful with a weight and heft to them that make the album feel like an heirloom.

The point here is that the consult experience shouldn't just be you talking about how great you and your photos are.

Instead, you need to give your clients something they can feel, touch, and experience. If you do that with a sampling of nPhoto photo albums, you're putting yourself in the best possible position to impress would-be clients.

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Focus on Marketing Yourself

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It might sound weird to market yourself, but just hear me out...

The most unique thing about you as a wedding photographer is you. That means that when you are the center of your marketing strategy, you have a ready-made method of setting yourself apart from other wedding photographers.

So, when coming up with ways to promote your business, think of your unique qualities and how you can use them for marketing purposes.

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For example, if one of your best qualities is your ability to guide and direct people, upload a short video to YouTube that shows you wrangling people for a group photo at a wedding.

If you're proud of your ability to make genuine connections with people, put a series of photos on your Instagram that takes people step by step through your process of getting to know your clients.

Heck, you can even offer up some behind-the-scenes photos or videos that tell your personal story, like why you decided to become a wedding photographer.

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The point here is that by marking yourself in addition to your services, you humanize yourself, help people get to know you, and put a face to the business name, all at the same time.

The more people know you as a person, the more likely they will be to come knocking at your door to hire you!

Editor's Tip: A great marketing strategy is to highlight your relationship with other vendors. For example, you might add a blog post to your site about the bakery you recommend, the florist you prefer to work with, and the company you use to print your clients' images. By showing your personal connection to these other businesses, you help to humanize them while also showing your commitment to providing your clients a top-notch experience.



We Recommend


The Best of 2017

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I love this time of year… 

And I don’t mean just because of the holidays, either (though that’s nice!).

By this point in the year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet dozens and dozens of innovators in the photography industry, test out some awesome products, and get a glimpse at what the future holds for those of us that love photography.

And I have to say that the products and services I’ve found in 2017 have me more excited for the future of photography than ever before. I want to share that excitement with you in this article.

Below is a list of the top movers and shakers in the photography industry, and an overview of some of their top products. Some you’ve likely already heard of; others, you probably haven’t seen yet.

But trust me when I say that these companies will forever change the way we take photos, process photos, and even view photos.

Without further ado, let’s get to it!

Meural

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Hands-down, the Meural Canvas is one of the best photography products of the year.

I first met the Meural team at Photo Plus earlier this year in New York City.

The expo was full of incredible photography gadgets and gizmos that was a veritable playland for photographers. But out of the hundreds of booths there, Meural’s caught my eye more than any other.

When I was standing at the booth looking at the Meural Canvas, a couple of things immediately impressed me.

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First, the Canvas looks like any normal framed photo or piece of art, yet it’s digitized, allowing you to load your favorite images to enjoy them as a playlist. 

That alone was enough to impress.

However, the second thing that knocked my socks off was the fact that the images looked so darn real. I mean, this isn’t like viewing family photos on the old digital picture frame you gave grandma back in the early 2000s…

Instead, Meural uses TrueArt technology that renders the images lifelike. As I was standing there in the expo hall, I actually forgot I was looking at a digital Canvas instead of the real artwork. I literally felt like I could touch the Meural Canvas and that I would feel the texture of the artist’s brush strokes.

If that doesn’t explain the quality of this product and why it’s the best I encountered this year, consider this…

Not only does the Canvas automatically adjust its display to accommodate vertical or horizontal hanging, but it also has an ambient light sensor to adjust to the lighting in the room. That means you can hang it where you like and it will look like a million bucks.

Each Canvas frame is made of FSC-certified American hardwood, so it’s not only gorgeous, but it’s sustainably resourced as well. You can choose from a Leonora Black or White finish or if walnut is more your vibe, that’s an option on the Winslow frame.

Here’s the kicker…

You can control what the Canvas displays using the Meural website, the Meural mobile app or even by using hand gestures.

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You can upload your own photos and create your own playlists or use Meural’s curated playlists to display incredible works of art in your own home.

Adding photos via the iOS app is a breeze, allowing you to upload and crop images, add filters, and immediately send them to your Canvas for display. You can even schedule what the Canvas displays and when with its scheduling feature.

That means when the in-laws come over, you can proudly display family photos. When your annual dinner party rolls around, you can schedule classic artworks to display on your Canvas. It’s versatile, incredibly well crafted, and a total joy to view.

Learn more about Meural.

Artbeat Studios HD Metal Prints

It often seems like when you see one metal print, you've seen them all.

But after I ordered two metal prints from Artbeat Studios, I realized that they produce prints that are far beyond what the other guys offer.

There is simply no comparison between the quality of my metal prints from Artbeat Studios and the quality of other metal prints I ordered elsewhere.

My Artbeat Studios prints are vibrant, colorful, full of contrast, and simply look like a million bucks.

Part of the reason for that is because Artbeat Studios makes their prints in-house. No outsourcing here!

That gives them much more control over the quality of the prints they create, so when your photos arrive at your doorstep, there's no mistaking their quality.

Something else that allows Artbeat Studios to create the best prints is that they will offer you feedback regarding the best medium on which to print your photo.

All you have to do is email them a low-resolution version of the image, and they'll work up the best options for you. That includes giving you sizing recommendations to maximize the impact of the photo. Talk about great customer service!

When Artbeat Studios makes a metal print, they heat infuse the image right into a specially-coated aluminum sheet.

What that means is that you get a print that's water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and UV-resistant.

On top of that, your print has incredibly bright, vibrant colors that make the image leap off the wall and give it tons of life.

Trust me - I look at my Artbeat Studios HD Metal Prints each and every day, and they continue to boggle my mind with their incredible quality.

You get tons of customization options, too, so you can truly make the image your own.

Learn more about Artbeat Studios HD Metal Prints.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories Maternity Gowns

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My son was born before I learned about Sew Trendy. That meant my wife struggled to find quality maternity gowns during her pregnancy.

Had I known about Sew Trendy, we'd have many more maternity photos to cherish because Sew Trendy's maternity gowns are simply gorgeous and nothing short of extraordinary.

This company redefines class. That goes for the products they make as well as their customer service experience.

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I've visited Sew Trendy's booths at various trade shows over the years, and I'm always astonished by how busy they are.

Their booth is always shoulder to shoulder with people interested in seeing and touching their products and learning more about this incredible company.

I've had the pleasure of getting to know the company's founder and CEO, Valerie Best, and I can assure you that there's a reason why Sew Trendy's garments are second-to-none.

That's because Valerie and her team value each and every gown that leaves the warehouse just as much as they value each and every customer. There's something to be said for companies in this day and age that take the level of customer service to new heights.

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Something else that I appreciate about Sew Trendy is that they are always innovative, coming up with new designs that give maternity photographers fresh, new looks to feature in their photos.

Their fall and winter collection is no exception...

It features gorgeously handcrafted maternity gowns that run the gamut from on-the-shoulder, long-sleeve lace gowns to form-fitting, off-the-shoulder knit gowns, and just about anything else you can imagine.

No matter if you're a maternity photographer or an expecting mom yourself, Sew Trendy has a plentiful selection of beautiful gowns for any mom-to-be.

Learn more about Sew Trendy's collection of maternity gowns.

Arsenal Intelligent Camera Assistant

If you've ever been in a situation in which you aren't quite sure what camera settings to use, then Arsenal is for you.

In short, Arsenal utilizes Artificial Intelligence to find the ideal camera settings for you to use given the current shooting situation.

In other words, it takes all the guesswork out of trying to determine your camera settings, that way you can quickly dial in the correct ones and start shooting.

Arsenal is able to do this because it intelligently searches thousands and thousands of images in its database.

Once it's determined a baseline of suggested settings based on the sample images it's analyzed, it fine-tunes the suggested settings by using 18 different factors that influence camera settings, from diffraction to the motion of the subject to the dynamic range of the scene.

But don't think that Arsenal just does everything for you.

Instead, it's a fantastic learning tool that allows you to review the settings you used to get the shot. This review process will help you learn what camera settings to use in a given situation, including exposure settings, white balance, and so forth.

Once you develop the skills you need to control your camera settings manually, Arsenal makes it easy to do that - just use the Arsenal smartphone app to do so right from your phone.

Speaking of your phone, you can see live previews of your photos, easily share your images to social media, and make time-lapse videos.

If it sounds incredible, it is! That's why it's on our list of the Best of 2017!

Learn more about Arsenal

Holdfast Roamographer Bag

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I've been in the photography business for a good, long while now, and I've encountered some truly top-notch companies that put out incredible gear.

That's why no list of the best photography companies of the year would be complete without mentioning Holdfast.

The quality of their products is second-to-none. I know because I own some of their gear and have had the opportunity to check out other items at various trade shows over the years.

Without question, Holdfast's commitment to quality construction is second-to-none.

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That's certainly true of their top-of-the-line bag, the Roamographer.

This thing exists at the intersection of form and function.

It's not only beautifully made with fine details that speak to its impeccable design and construction, but it's also the height of convenience, too.

I particularly like the removable camera insert that allows me to use the bag as both a camera bag and as a weekend getaway bag.

The insert itself is soft and padded, that way your gear is cradled safely in the bag. And when you're ready for a fun weekend away, it simply slides right out to give you a cavernous bag for all your stuff.

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Holdfast really put thought into the design of the exterior of the bag as well.

There's carrier straps that allow you to easily carry your tripod. The shoulder strap is worth noting as well because it's thick, padded, and lined with shearling fleece to give you a super comfortable carrying experience.

You can even attach a small camera to the bag's shoulder strap, that way you don't miss any shots when you're traveling from Point A to Point B.

Learn more about the Holdfast Roamographer Bag.

Holdfast MoneyMaker

Holdfast doesn't just craft some of the best camera bags around...

They are also responsible for the excellent MoneyMaker multi-camera strap seen above.

To say that the MoneyMaker is one of the best purchases I've ever made is an understatement.

Not only is it incredibly comfortable to wear - the leather straps have conformed to my body over the years - but it's also unbelievably convenient to use when shooting.

Imagine not having to dig through your camera bag every time you want to switch cameras or lenses.

Instead, you can have two (or even three) cameras right there at your fingertips, ready and waiting to be used to take awesome shots.

The MoneyMaker does just that, giving you access to two camera bodies right at your hips and with an optional attachment, a third camera on your chest.

You can even carry lens pouches, cell phone pouches, and Holdfast bags with the MoneyMaker as well, making it an ultra convenient way to carry your gear.

And like everything Holdfast makes, the MoneyMaker is beautifully crafted with the finest materials.

That makes the MoneyMaker both durable and super easy on the eyes.

Comfort, convenience, functionality, beautiful design...that's the MoneyMaker in a nutshell!

Learn more about the Holdfast MoneyMaker.

Holdfast Sightseer Backpack

Well, Holdfast is simply so good that I had to include them on my best of 2017 list three times.

In addition to their camera bags and multi-camera straps, Holdfast also makes a camera backpack that's ideal for photographers that are on the go.

Called the Sightseer Backpack, it's specifically designed to carry a ton of gear, but do so in a way that maximizes comfort and functionality - just like Holdfast's other products.

And as you can see in the close-up shot below, the Sightseer Backpack is impeccably crafted, too.

Just look at the stitching detail on the shoulder straps and the quality of the metalwork if you need any convincing that this is a top-notch bag...

The bag is expandable as well.

You can add pockets and pouches to the exterior of the bag to carry everything from a prime or telephoto lens to your cell phone, all within easy reach.

The bag also has an integrated slider for carrying a small camera on the outside of the bag. That makes it nice for taking quick shots without having to take your bag off to grab your camera.

The waxed canvas and leather exterior looks great, and since both materials are weatherproof, you don't have to worry about your gear getting wet.

Inside the bag is Aztec flannel fleece to cradle your gear and keep it safe as you travel around.

You don't have to worry about your lenses or cameras banging around at all - the interior of the bag is soft and padded, and that Aztec fleece looks like a million bucks, too!

In other words, this is another example of how Holdfast brings form and function together in one gorgeous product.

Learn more about the Holdfast Sightseer Backpack.

CanvasHQ Canvas Prints

I've been a big fan of canvas photography prints for many, many years.

I like how the texture of the canvas comes through, giving the image improved depth and dimension.

Of course, not all canvases are made alike. I've tested dozens of canvas companies over the years, and so far, no one comes close to CanvasHQ. That's why they are on this list of the Best of 2017!

What makes CanvasHQ canvas prints so much better than the competition is the materials they use.

Just like using the finest ingredients will get you a better meal, using the best materials will get you a better canvas.

CanvasHQ does just that - they use commercial-grade inks that are water-resistant and UV-resistant. What's more, CanvasHQ backs its inks with a lifetime guarantee against fading.

Add to that archival-grade canvas, and you have the makings of a print that will look like a million bucks for generations to come.

Of course, what's behind the canvas matters too...

CanvasHQ crafts their frames from kiln-dried wood to protect against warping.

Each stretcher bar is made of precision-cut pine. After drying in the kiln, they're used to handmake the frames for the canvases.

The results are, not surprisingly, beautiful and durable.

I have a couple dozen CanvasHQ prints in my home, and I can tell you that the quality is absolutely top-notch.

Head over to CanvasHQ and get your canvas print in the works!

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories Newborn Beanbag Wrap Sets

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As I noted earlier, Sew Trendy is one of the top photography accessory companies around.

But that's not just due to the gorgeous handcrafted gowns they produce...

Sew Trendy also has a complete line of newborn photography props, accessories, and outfits that help you elevate the quality of your newborn photography.

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And just like their gowns, Sew Trendy's newborn products are gorgeously made with love and care.

One of the newborn products that caught my eye is the Newborn Beanbag and Wrap Set.

The set includes an extra soft stretch knit beanbag backdrop, as seen in the photos above and below.

The backdrop is extra soft and made with thick, high-quality fabric that is soft against the baby's skin and gives your photos a luxurious touch.

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And since the fabric is knit, it's got the ideal stretch and drape to cover the beanbag.

The same attention to comfort and softness was paid to the accompanying wrap as well.

The wrap is made of the same stretchy knit fabric in the same color, giving you the ability to put the baby in a soft, warm, and colorful wrap that complements the backdrop beautifully.

In other words, if you're a newborn photographer, Sew Trendy's newborn clothing and accessories are certainly something you need to implement in your images in 2018!

Learn more about Sew Trendy's Newborn Beanbag Wrap Sets.

Wolverine Data F2D Titan 8-in-1 High Definition Film to Digital Converter

Digital photography has been around a long time, but that doesn't mean that we don't all have some old 35mm negatives and slides lurking around in the attic or basement somewhere.

I've used various means of digitizing my old negatives in the past, but for my money, the Wolverine Data F2D Titan is the best option.

Not only does it convert old 35mm/127/126 and 110 negatives, slides, 8mm movies, and Super 8 movies into 20-megapixel digital imagery, but it does so in a few seconds.

That means that with the push of a button, I can set the Titan in motion, unleashing its power to digitize my old images. You don't even need any software or a computer!

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Once scanned, the images are saved on the internal memory in the Titan. You can also choose to save the photos right to a memory card.

From there, you can choose to edit the photos on your computer, or even hook the Titan up to your TV to watch a slideshow of old memories.

Photos and videos are meant to be enjoyed - not collect dust in old boxes and bins.

With the Wolverine Data Titan, you can bring those old memories back to life in a way that you've never been able to do before.

Learn more about the Wolverine Data Titan.

Memorywall

When it comes to innovating the photography industry, Memorywall is definitely a company that comes to mind.

That's because they invented a way for your images to be more interactive - a living wall full of memories that you can easily change and adapt.

Each Memorywall unit is an 8x8 inch frame that fits four 4x4 inch photos. That gives you the ability to display more photos in a smaller area than you normally can.

Even better, each photo can be easily swapped out, so as your children grow, for example, you can feature current photos in the Memorywall unit.

Better still, Memorywall is a modular system, so you can connect various units together to create as big of a photo display as you like.

You can opt to display dozens of photos, create a gorgeous mosaic, and even form specific shapes with the Memorywall units, too.

Each image within the Memorywall unit can be tilted and turned as well, giving you the ability to create three-dimensional photo displays that turn the meaning of "framed photo" on its head.

These things even save you time...

You never have to remove Memorywall from your wall.

Instead, you can swap out photos right then and there to refresh your display to meet your current tastes. That means no extra drilling, no finding the studs again, and no more holes in your wall.

If that's not an innovative way to display your photos, I don't know what is!

Learn more about Memorywall.

Click Props

When it comes to high-quality products for photographers, Click Props is no slouch.

Nor should they be.

After all, they're part of the Sew Trendy family, so you know that the products they put out are the best in the business.

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When you think of portrait backgrounds, you might not think of an area that's ripe for innovation, but Click Props has managed to set themselves apart nonetheless.

Their backdrops are gorgeously handcrafted to give your photos that extra bit of visual appeal that takes them to another level.

Made of high-grade 550gsm vinyl, these backdrops don't just look great, but are also highly durable.

That's helped by reinforced grommets every 12-inches along the top of the backdrop to ensure it hangs smoothly and will stand the test of time.

On top of that, they're easy to clean and store, so you can keep your workspace neat and tidy.

The sheer range of backdrops is impressive as well - there's more than 200 designs (and counting!) from which to choose.

Offered in sizes that range from 5'x5' to 7'x9.5', they've got backdrops that will fit into any sized studio as well as accommodating various types of portraits, from individuals to small groups.

Perhaps best of all, Click Props isn't just committed to manufacturing top-notch photography accessories.

Instead, when you work with Click Props, you get the kind of customer service that seems to be rarer and rarer these days.

They truly put their money with their mouth is, and will help you create more impressive photos!

Learn more about Click Props.

Wolverine Data 8mm and Super 8 Movie Reels to Digital MovieMaker

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As I noted earlier, all of us have old negatives and slides laying around that we can't enjoy without converting to digital.

The same goes for the once-popular 8mm and Super 8 film that our parents and grandparents used to document family events back in the day.

Fortunately, Wolverine Data has you covered again, this time with their 8mm and Super 8 Movie Reels to Digital Moviemaker.

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Preserving your family's memories has really never been so easy.

Wolverine Data has done their thing, building a product that makes it simple to digitize your old films (without sound).

All you have to do is mount the three-inch or five-inch movie reel to the machine, insert a memory card, press a couple of buttons, and the MovieMaker will set about doing its work. See it in action in the video below:

This device scans the film frame-by-frame is it plays, and converts it to a digital MP4 movie that you can upload to YouTube, watch on your computer or burn to a DVD.

You can even edit the digitized film on your computer to make it even special.

And like the aforementioned Wolverine Data Titan, the MovieMaker is a standalone device. Just plug it in, grab your old videos, and you're ready to go!

Not all innovative photography devices look to the future. Instead, Wolverine Data offers us ways to preserve the past, which is just as important.

Learn more about the Wolverine Data 8mm and Super 8 Movie Reels to Digital Moviemaker.

CaptureLife

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I only recently became familiar with CaptureLife, and the fact that I’m including it on my Best of 2017 list after such a short time should tell you a lot about how incredible this product is.

CaptureLife is an amazing app that lets professional photographers share photos with their clients via smartphone. In other words, it completely revolutionizes the manner in which you disseminate your work to your clients - no more flash drives, CDs, or hard-to-navigate online galleries.

Instead, your images can be accessed on any device, where your client gets a personalized text that reflects your unique brand. From there, it’s just a couple of taps of the screen before they can begin looking at their photos.

But if you think that CaptureLife is just a way to share photos with your clients, you’re wrong…

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CaptureLife is a sales platform, too, so your clients can order prints and other products, right from their phone. They also have a growing Digital Marketplace that offers a variety of digital products photographers can offer to customers.

In fact, the app will help drive your digital sales because it’s so easy and streamlined for clients to make purchases. Besides, most people shop and purchase items on their phone anyway, so CaptureLife taps directly into that trend.

On top of all that, when your clients share their photo galleries with friends and family, your sales footprint widens even more. That’s because anyone the client invites to view their photos can order prints and other items as well.

CaptureLife is convenient, easy to use, and packed with features for both you and your clients. If you’re a professional photographer, and you’re looking for a way to improve your business, this is the one platform you need to use!

Learn more about CaptureLife.

nPhoto Acrylic Prestige Collection Album

Artwork by Luke Woodford

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

The process of creating a gorgeous photo doesn't end when you press the shutter button. It doesn't even end once you've finished post-processing!

How you present your images is half the battle in creating something beautiful, and if it's beautiful you're after, then you need to learn about nPhoto.

nPhoto is the largest printing lab in Europe, with 400 experienced artisans working hard to make photo albums and other accessories that make your photos shine and your clients happy with the results.

Though they have a huge line of gorgeous products, for me, the Acrylic Prestige Collection Album has to be one of the most impressive.


Artwork by Luke Woodford 

On the front is a refined acrylic window that gives you a peek at the photo on its cover.

Not only does this allow you to highlight a favorite memory on the cover of the album, but it also gives the album a classic look with a modern twist.

You can even customize the colors of the cover as well as the type of cutout that reveals the cover image for a truly personalized album.

Speaking of the cover, it's handmade with a true feel of luxury in your hands.

Inside, the pages are made of rigid 800g/m2 cardstock, so the pages feel thick, sturdy, and luxurious as well. nPhoto uses metallic and silk papers (which you can mix and match in the same album) and panoramic layflat spreads that give the album an even more impressive look.

In other words, when you see this thing in person, you don't even need to pick it up to know that it's the best photo album you'll ever see.

The quality of craftsmanship is simply that good!

Learn more about the nPhoto Acrylic Prestige Collection Album.

MPB

My list of the best photography companies of 2017 wouldn't be complete without MPB.

When it comes to buying and selling pre-owned gear, no one comes close to these guys.

I've traded in a couple of items to MPB, and was extremely pleased with how smooth the process was to do so.

I just told them what lenses I had, and they gave me a competitive price quote within one working day.

From there, MPB arranged free pickup of my lenses on a day and at a time that worked for me. That was a nice detail!

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After MPB verified that my description of my gear was accurate, they simply transferred my money right into my bank account.

It really was about as easy as it gets...

Although I chose to just sell my gear, I could've traded it in, too. MPB has a marketplace of thousands of items, so it wouldn't have been hard for me to find something I wanted.

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What's more, MPB is a great place to find a good deal on pre-owned gear, so if you're in the market for a new camera, lens, or other photography gadget, it's the place to look.

Not only do they offer you detailed descriptions of each product, but they also have multiple photos that show the condition of the product.

In other words, buying and selling your used camera gear is a breeze with these guys, and since they're as committed to service after the sale as they are during it, you know you're in good hands should something go awry.

Not everyone has an unlimited budget for photography gear, so stretching your dollar is certainly a bonus. You can do that with confidence at MPB.

Learn more about MPB.



We Recommend


The Top 10 Gifts for Photographers Under $250: 2017 Edition

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I know, I know...

At the time of writing, it's just barely September, so what am I doing outlining gifts for the holiday season?

Hey, someone has to get the ball rolling, so it might as well be me!

Besides, photographers can be a fickle bunch, so you might need a little extra time to decide exactly what it is you'll be gifting come December.

Here's a few top ideas for photographers that are priced under $250...

Vanguard Alta Sky 66 Backpack

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Photographers typically have a lot of gear to carry, so a great gift idea is the gift of an awesome camera backpack!

The Vanguard Alta Sky 66 is full of features that photographers will appreciate.

Not only can it hold a ton of gear - a super telephoto lens, a pro DSLR body, a tripod, and a tablet - but it also has tons of dedicated pockets, organizers, and connectors for carrying all the essentials.

The ergonomic Air System back, harness, and waist belt helps keep all that weight evenly distributed for a "never tire" carrying experience that will allow your favorite photographer to shoot all day long.

And when they're out shooting, they'll enjoy the safety of double security buckles, the full rear opening and top access for easily finding gear, and the bright yellow interior that makes it easy to find what you need.

Add to that an integrated tripod carrying system, a rain cover, and water bottle pockets, and you have the makings of the ultimate camera backpack for the adventurous photographer in your life!

Learn more about the Vanguard Alta Sky 66 Backpack.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories Angela Gown

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No matter if you’re looking for a gift for your favorite photographer or you have a special lady in your life that’s expecting, the Angela gown by Sew Trendy is a wonderful gift idea.

The gown is extra long, with a chiffon fabric skirt that cascades from the knee, giving it an elegant look. The sweetheart top and slim fit construction means that the volume on the bottom of the dress is paired beautifully with a form-fitting upper design.

The off-the-shoulder droop sleeves add a bit of sexiness, though other sleeve options are available to suit different tastes. As you can see in the image above, it’s a gorgeous gown for expecting moms (and it’s available as a non-maternity dress, too!). It’s also an ideal gift idea for the photographer in your life that needs to build a wardrobe for portrait shoots!

Learn more about the Sew Trendy Angela Gown.

Sirui T-025X Tripod

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If you have a friend or family member that enjoys photography, a great holiday gift is a top-notch tripod that offers their camera a lot of support, but doesn’t take up a bunch of room in their camera bag, either.

The Sirui T-025X is a great example of an ultra-compact tripod - it’s just 12.2 inches long when folded - that has a ton of features that photographers demand.

The removable center column allows the tripod to be used on a tabletop, and also enables photographers to get in close for low-angle shots and macro photography. What’s more, it’s got automatic leg angle locking mechanisms and three leg angle positions for fast and easy setup, even on uneven terrain.

This tripod is made of ultra lightweight 8-layer carbon fiber, so it’s strong but isn’t bulky. The tripod comes with a C-10S ball head, a quick release plate, a bottom hook for adding a weight bag for improved balance, and more!

And at just $199.99, this tripod represents excellent value!

Learn more about the Sirui T-025X Tripod.

Holdfast MoneyMaker Multi-Camera Strap

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Made with pride in Oklahoma, the Holdfast MoneyMaker is the ultimate gift for photographers that live their life on the go.

The MoneyMaker is crafted from fine materials like Bridle Leather, which is durable, supple, and looks great.

The MoneyMaker system keeps your favorite photographer's cameras right at his or her sides where they can be reached easily and are out of the way.

The anchored stainless steel D-rings and safety straps mean that the MoneyMaker keeps expensive gear safe as well.

It's comfortable to wear, too - the leather materials, in particular, "learn" the contours of your body over time, resulting in a supreme fit that takes the pain out of carrying two or even three cameras.

And aside from all its practical and functional features, the MoneyMaker simply looks like a million bucks!

Learn more about the Holdfast MoneyMaker Bridle Leather Multi-Camera Strap.

Arsenal Intelligent Camera Assistant

If you've got someone to shop for that's into photography and cutting-edge gadgetry, the Arsenal AI Photography Assistant is the perfect gift.

Essentially, Arsenal uses artificial intelligence to figure out what camera settings are ideal for any situation.

It does so by searching thousands and thousands of images in the Arsenal database and developing suggested settings based on 18 crucial factors that have a role in how an image looks.

That means that Arsenal can help you determine everything from exposure settings to dealing with diffraction to focus stacking and so much more.

You can even take on long exposure photography and time-lapse videos, too.

In other words, this is the dream photography gadget for just about any photographer!

Learn more about Arsenal Intelligent Camera Assistant.

MPB - GoPro HERO 4 Silver

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GoPro is synonymous with capturing breathtaking photos and videos of extreme adventures. That makes it the perfect gift idea for the adrenaline junkies on your holiday list.

The HERO4 Silver was made with action and adventure in mind. Not only is it incredibly lightweight - making it highly portable - but it’s also especially designed to record sharp, detailed HD video.

You can attach the HERO4 Silver to just about anything, too, making it one of the most versatile action cameras out there. Better still, you can get incredible deals on pre-owned HERO 4 Silvers and stretch your holiday budget further in the process!

Learn more about the GoPro HERO4 Silver from MPB.

nPhoto Creative 100% Collection DreamBook

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What better way to say Happy Holidays than by offering your special someone a gorgeous, custom-made photo book?

The nPhoto DreamBook features ultra high-resolution 4K images, high-quality binding, and gorgeously vivid colors printed on genuine Canon paper using Canon’s DreamLab 5000 printer. You even get to choose among glossy, lustre, and satin papers to customize the look of the album even further.

With a handmade canvas wrap hardcover, up to 40 layflat spreads to show off your images, availability in four sizes that range from 8x8 to 18x12, and a price tag that starts at less than $250, the nPhoto DreamBook is a highly customizable gift that any fan of photography is sure to love!

Learn more about the nPhoto Creative 100% Collection DreamBook.

nPhoto Exclusive Collection Photo Album

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The photos that your loved ones hold dear deserve to be showcased in an album that suits their specific tastes and preferences. As a result, a highly customizable photo album is a prime gift idea for the upcoming holiday season.

The nPhoto Exclusive Collection Photo Album gives you all sorts of customization options. You can choose amongst a number of beautiful covers that give the album a custom look. Opt for a cut-out window to reveal a favorite photo and select a laminate or acrylic finish to show off that image. With 10-80 pages, these albums can accommodate a wide-ranging number of images as well.

The Exclusive Collection Photo Album with layflat panoramic spreads further offers details like laser-etched designs, metal corners, and different options for the cover window cutout, too.

With both Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Paper and Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl papers available, you can rest assured that the photos in the album will be sharp, crisp and full of color, and that those features will last a very, very long time.

Help your loved ones enjoy their photos this holiday by giving the gift of a high-quality photo album. With more than 50 combinations of features and pricing that starts at $175, it’s the perfect holiday gift idea!

Learn more about the nPhoto Exclusive Collection Photo Album.

Artbeat Studios HD Metal Print

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Looking for a gift with a ton of visual appeal without it having a huge impact on your bank account? Look no further than an HD Metal Print from Artbeat Studios!

The great thing about an HD metal print is that it can be put just about anywhere in a home or office and immediately draw the attention of anyone that sees it. That’s due to the high-quality materials that Artbeat Studios uses to craft their prints.

For example, you can choose between a glossy or matte finish, where a glossy treatment adds depth to the image and creates a lot of drama and a matte finish eliminates glare and offers a more subtle viewing experience.

What’s more, you can choose from natural or black wood wall mounts, or if you prefer, silver or black aluminum wall mounts to further customize how the print looks. The mounts can be recessed from the edge of the print to give it the appearance that it’s floating on the wall, or you can opt to have the mount flush with the edges of the print to give it a little more depth and heft.

No matter how you choose to customize the print, it’ll be well worth the money!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios HD Metal Prints.

Syrp Super Dark Variable ND Filter

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As far as variable neutral density filters go, this holiday season, Syrp’s Super Dark Variable ND is the best buy around.

That’s because it has a range of 5-10 stops of exposure so that you can adapt it to your particular shooting needs. Adaptability is further seen in its range of sizes - the small size suits 52, 58, and 67mm lenses and the large suits 72, 77, and 82mm - and the fact that the filter has threads on it for stacking purposes.

The Super Dark is made of high-quality Japanese glass, meaning you get precise, clear, color-neutral results that make your long exposures and time-lapse videos look exceptionally good.

Add in a lens cloth and a genuine leather carrying case, and you’ve got one heck of a filter setup!

Learn more about the Syrp Super Dark Variable ND Filter.



We Recommend


Three People Wedding Photographers Can't Live Without

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If you're trying to build a successful wedding photography business, there's plenty that you need to keep in mind.

Where will you work - out of your home, a studio, or elsewhere?

How much will you charge?

How will you market yourself?

There's lots of other questions, too, but one of the most important is this: who can help you achieve your goals?

In this post, I want to outline three very different, yet vital groups of people that wedding photographers simply cannot live without.

A Good Printer

If you think that you can make a go of being a wedding photographer by offering your clients cheap photo albums that you print at the local drug store, you've got another thing coming.

One of the most important people to have in your life as a wedding photographer is your printer because the products they produce are what you use to showcase the photos you take.

Think about it - you can either show your clients their photos in a cheap, flimsy album that you order from a bargain-basement website, which will make your photos look cheap as well, or you can opt to give your clients a superb album that highlights the quality of your work and presents it in a way that makes it feel like an heirloom.

It's obvious which one will benefit you more in the long run...

When it comes to giving your clients the optimal experience of viewing their wedding photos, there's no better printer to choose than nPhoto.

nPhoto has the largest printing lab in Europe and is staffed with over 400 employees that dedicate their days to presenting your photos and your clients' special memories in a way that you can be proud of and your clients will cherish for the rest of their lives.

You can see their commitment to crafting the finest quality albums on the market by looking at the images above and below.

Not only are these albums the peak of design and quality, but they're also highly customizable.

That's good for you because you can help your clients select the features they most want, resulting in an album that's specific to them and them alone.

In fact, you can have two different clients choose the same photo album from nPhoto, and end up with two vastly different end-products - there's that much to customize!

That includes everything from the cover material to the size of the album, the type of paper used within the album to the font, and even choices to include laser etching, padded covers, and layflat pages. And that's just the beginning.

nPhoto doesn't just provide the best photo albums on the market, though.

Instead, they offer photographers like you the opportunity to upsell clients with gorgeous photo accessories.

That includes special albums for the parents of the happy couple (shown above), triplex displays, image boxes, and USBs loaded with your images that come in gorgeously crafted USB boxes, like the one shown below.

The bottom line here is that the way perceive your work isn't just dependent upon the quality of the images themselves. Instead, it also depends on the quality of the products you use to present those photos.

If you want to achieve the best success in this business, it's critical that you work with a printer that can deliver the highest-quality albums and photo products possible. That company is nPhoto!

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A Second Shooter

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Of course, filling up a great photo album with gorgeous photos is a task that cannot be left solely to you.

You'll need a good second shooter, someone that you trust to help you document the festivities of the day.

Not only does a second shooter mean that you have two cameras in two different locations to cover more of the goings-on, but it also means that you get photos from two different points of view and perspectives.

That's important from a storytelling perspective. For example, as the primary shooter, you can document the moment the bride sees her soon-to-be groom for the first time while the second shooter can train their lens on the groom to capture his reaction at that moment as well.

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There's something to be said for the different types of photos that a second shooter can capture, too.

While you focus on the more serious or intimate moments of the day, the second shooter can capture the fun, funny, and candid moments.

Together, these images provide a more detailed account of the day that captures a range of emotions from a greater variety of people.

In other words, weddings are far too large and far too important for you to handle all the photo-taking duties by yourself.

Get a second shooter, increase the number of photos you get of the day, and have a better story to tell with your images.

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An Insurance Agent

No one likes to talk about insurance. Even fewer people like paying for it.

But having the proper coverage for you and your business is vital to your long-term success.

You can be as careful as possible, but accidents might still occur.

Think about it...

If you set up a light stand and it falls over onto a member of the wedding party, you need to have liability insurance to cover any related costs for medical bills or a lawsuit.

Likewise, if you're on your way to the venue and you're in a car accident that damages your gear, you need to have an equipment policy so you can replace the gear quickly and get back to work.

There's also calamities that might occur right in your own studio - a pipe might burst, a fire might break out, or someone might break in and steal your gear.

Without the proper insurance from an insurance agent that specializes in offering policies to professional photographers, you put your business at great risk for failure.

That's why having a good insurance agent - along with a top-notch printer and a great second shooter - is one of the most critical people to have on your side.

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Three Ways to Build a More Successful Photography Business in the New Year

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Not all of us use our skills as photographers as our primary means of income.

But if you do, there's always room for improvement to make your photography business more successful.

As 2017 winds down and we look forward to all the possibilities that 2018 brings, it's a good time to think about what you can do to improve your bottom line in the coming months.

With that in mind, I've put together this short list of easy, yet highly impactful ways to breathe new life into your business in the new year.

Dazzle Clients With Gorgeous Products

Artwork by Luke Woodford

Obviously, what will get clients to contact you for your services will be the quality of the work you do.

Your images are like your storefront sign - it's what people will use to determine whether or not you're the man or woman for the job.

But the quality of your work isn't the only factor at play here.

How you present that work is also an important factor in how many clients you get and how much you can charge them.

As a result, you need to be sure that the products you offer your clients are second-to-none, pieces that dazzle them and make their friends and family say, "Who was your photographer?"


Artwork by Luke Woodford

When you think of photography products, I imagine the first place your mind goes to is photo albums.

I've seen some really bad photo albums over the years - books with flimsy pages, washed out colors, and covers that not only look and feel cheap, but don't stand up to the test of time, either.

On the other hand, I've seen some absolutely incredible photo albums, too.

Obviously, if you want to build a more successful business (who doesn't?!), the choice between the two is clear.

When your clients see your images in an album, you want it to be a total experience.

That means having a product that has a beautiful, custom-made cover that offers a wow factor right off the bat and invites your clients to open the book to be dazzled some more.

That also means having albums for your clients that have strong, heavy-weight paper that not only makes your photos look good, but feels expensive in your clients' fingers as they flip from one page to the next.

Additionally, you don't want your clients to fight with pages that want to curl upward as they're looking at their photos. Giving them an album with layflat pages only enhances their viewing experience.

You can get all that - and plenty more - if you partner with nPhoto.

As you can see in the images above and below, their photo albums are the height of quality and beauty - products that you can use to blow your clients away.


Artwork by Luke Woodford

But beyond that, these albums are so impressive that when your clients show them off to friends and family, you're more likely to get referrals.

By that I mean this - nPhoto's albums are like your very own marketing team, promoting your work to anyone that sees it and compelling people to contact you to do work for them as well.

When it comes to getting more clients, word of mouth is one of the best tools to do so. Help your clients help you by giving them the best photo album to show off your work.

For my money, that means working with nPhoto. Their products speak for themselves!

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Don't Stop Learning

Owning your own business means lots of long days and hard work.

And even if all that hard work results in a nice payday, it's important not to get complacent.

By carving time out of each week to dedicate to learning new photography techniques and honing your Photoshop skills, the images you deliver to clients will only be that much better.

But don't think that learning more about photography is the only type of learning you need to do.

Continuing your business education as your business grows and changes will certainly prove beneficial as you seek to continue your business's growth.

In fact, learning how to operate your business more effectively, developing sound marketing strategies that bring in more clients, and addressing other business needs is perhaps even more important than working on acquiring more photography skills.

That's because most photographers are already skilled in their craft when they decide to jump into business for themselves. What a lot of photographers lack, though, is the business acumen necessary to build something sustainable for the long-term.

Whether you take a business class at a local college, watch a YouTube video about marketing or read articles like this one, spending a few minutes each week learning something new is a great investment in your future.

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Adjust to the Times

The world in which we live and work is rapidly changing, and if your business is going to continue to grow, you need to adjust to the changing times.

One of the ways that this is most important for business owners is the manner in which you reach out to clients and potential clients.

A few years ago, I would have recommended that you focus on building a long and illustrious email list, that way you have an easy means of contacting clients and notifying them of sales and promotions, or even directly contacting them to follow up on work you've done or the possibility of booking future work.

But email has lost some of its luster in recent years...

Don't get me wrong - you still need an email list. But there's an easier, more personal, and more effective way of communicating with clients and potential clients: messenger.

Just hear me out on this...

Email is great, but for many people, it's also a huge burden to sort through the endless chain of emails from friends, family, colleagues, and businesses.

Furthermore, email providers are getting stingier and stingier with what emails even show up in someone's inbox. That means that if you send out a promotional email touting an upcoming sale to everyone on your email list, many of them might never see it because it's shipped to the "Promotions" folder, or worse, the Spam folder.

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But with messenger services like the one on Facebook, you have a much more direct route to your client or potential client.

Where emails might only get opened at a rate of about 20% or 30% - if you're lucky - messenger can get you open rates in the 90% range.

You can even automate the process with a messenger bot that streamlines the messages you send and automates your responses to inquiries.

Obviously, that means you can reach many more people in less time. What's not to like about that?

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Wedding Photography Secrets Revealed By the Pros

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Let's face it - wedding photography is about as stressful a photography gig as you'll find.

That means that when you're just starting out as a wedding photographer, your nerves can run high and doubts about whether you can make it can creep up.

But I'm here to tell you that if you go about it the right way, you'll find success now and in the future. All it takes is a commitment to improving yourself and time to get some practice.

With that in mind, here's a few tips from the pros that will help you get started on the right foot in wedding photography.

Editor’s Tip: If you want to give your clients the ultimate pro experience, do what the pros do and order your photo albums and other photography products from nPhoto. Their products are handcrafted and gorgeously designed, and will leave your clients breathless. Explore nPhoto’s product line here.

Work as a Second Shooter First

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If you've never shot a wedding before, one of the best ways to get your feet wet without all the pressure is to work as a second shooter.

Granted, professional photographers aren't going to hire just anyone to help them photograph a wedding, so you'll need some experience before you even apply for second shooting gigs.

But once you have a portfolio of your work put together and some time behind the lens, there are plenty of second shooter jobs out there.

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The advantage of being a second shooter is that you work quasi-independently.

That means you have a pro photographer right there leading the way, but there's also opportunities for you to venture out on your own a little bit and be responsible for certain types of photos, like candids at the reception.

Working so closely with a pro will also give you a chance to learn the ins and outs of the industry, get tips from someone that's got a lot of experience, and get feedback on the quality of your images, all at the same time.

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Put Emotions Center Stage

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Remember that the photos you take of someone's wedding day will be cherished for generations. That means you need to bring your "A game" when taking each photo.

One way to make each image more impactful is to ensure that you're effectively conveying the emotions of the moment.

The question is, how do you do that?

Believe it or not, you can capture much more emotionality in your photos if you do two things - slow down and relax.

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Think about it - the wedding day is stressful and hectic, and your clients will certainly feel rushed, crazy, nervous, and so forth.

But you don't want those feelings and emotions to come through in your photos. Instead, you want something that evokes, love, caring, kindness, and so on.

You can help bring those types of emotions out by slowing things down.

That means slowing down your pace of speech, encouraging your clients to take a deep breath, and focusing their attention on what matters - each other.

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And as you do that, ask your clients to relax, to release the tension in their shoulders, to let their face muscles rest, and to just be with one another in the moment.

If you find that your clients are having a tough time relaxing, crack a joke or ask them to say a silly word or recall their favorite memory of one another.

It's an exercise that takes just a few moments, but the result can be images that have much more emotion and meaning.

Editor's Tip: Taking photos with tons of emotion is just the start. If you want to give your clients a way to access the emotions of the day each time they look at their photos, be sure to give them a photo album that's worthy of this most important day. nPhoto is the largest printing lab in Europe and has a worldwide reputation for creating some of the highest-quality photo albums on the market today. Their albums are customizable to suit your clients' individual needs, too. See what nPhoto has to offer.

Framing Can Make or Break the Shot

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As noted above, one of the keys to getting a better wedding photo is to help your clients slow down a bit.

But you can benefit from taking a breath and spending a few extra seconds zeroing in on composition and framing, too.

Framing is a skill that takes time to develop, but it's something that's among the most important wedding photography skills to master.

You need to be able to scan the scene, identify any distractions, and work to eliminate those distractions in short order.

Beyond making sure that there aren't any tree branches sticking out of the bride's head or a horizon line cutting the wedding party's torsos in half, you also need to think about framing from a cropping point of view.

For example, you might like how a closely-framed portrait of the bride and groom looks, but when it comes time to print, you might find that there's simply not enough negative space around them to print the photo in the desired size.

What's more, think about how you might need to crop your images for inclusion into a photo album, such that the happy couple remain the focus, but that the image isn't too closely framed (or too loosely framed, for that matter).

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Be Unseen

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When you land a wedding photography gig, you're being hired not because the couple wants to see you and hear you throughout their wedding day, but because they want to see the photos you take for many years to come.

That means that on the wedding day, you need to be as unseen as possible.

In fact, the saying goes that the best wedding photographers are the ones that no one remembers being at the wedding.

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So, do your best to get the shots you need and do so in a way that's under the radar. This is particularly important during the wedding ceremony itself.

Turn off any audible noises that come from your camera. Turn on silent shutter mode if you've got it. Avoid using card holders or camera bags that have loud zippers, or worse, velcro. Find a position from which you can shoot the wedding while minimizing how much you block people's view.

In other words, just be smart about how you go about your business!

Editor's Tip: Building a photography business takes a lot of time, effort, and patience. What you can do to build a successful business is to foster relationships with vendors that help you create a brand experience that's irresistible to clients. That means offering the best photo albums and photography products on the market, like those from nPhoto. The quality of their photo albums is second-to-none, giving you a gorgeous platform to present your images to your clients. Learn more by visiting nPhoto.com.



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Why We Need Photo Albums, Even in the Digital Age

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One look at the title of this article, and you already know where I'm headed with this...

Sure, digital photography has brought countless advantages to photographers, not the least of which is making it more accessible to more people. That's a good thing.

But the digitization of photography has some significant drawbacks, too, and if you ask me, one of them is the propensity for many photographers to let their photos sit on their hard drives or flash drives, never to see the light of day.

That's a shame, and that's a great reason why we still need photo albums.

Here's a few other reasons...

Photo Albums Never Go Out of Date

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I have a desk drawer full of photo CDs from the 1990s. I currently have two giant external hard drives full of photos as well. There's an untold number of USB drives floating around, a couple of cloud accounts, and cell phones with loads of photos.

All of those mediums are - or at some point will be - outdated. For example, try finding a new laptop with a built-in CD drive!

What's more, I can't tell you how many flash drives I've misplaced over the years and how many external hard drives have gone bad. It's just the nature of the beast.

But when we're talking about having images printed in an album, that's a whole other story.

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Not only are photo albums like those from nPhoto guaranteed for life, but they're also the ideal way to easily access your images.

Rather than sifting through my drawer of photo CDs, I can just pick up my album and reminisce with friends and family as we share memories together all over again.

Additionally, a photo album is like a photo story - you can bring your favorite memories and moments to life right there in the album as you flip from one page to the next.

If you ask me, actually being able to see and touch a photo is a much better way to experience it than just flicking through images on a computer screen.

That brings me to my next point...

Photo Albums Give You Something Tangible

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There's just something about being able to hold a photo album in your hands and flip through pages that makes the experience of looking at your photos that much better.

It adds real value to special photos because, in print, they're more capable of triggering emotions and helping you recall memories as you interact with each image on each page.

There's more value in them too - a photo album is warm and inviting where looking at photos on a computer or smartphone can be a cold, unemotional experience.

And when you have your images printed in a high-quality album, you have a gorgeous platform from which to share your images.

Your most precious memories deserve that kind of platform, not cheap inkjet prints from a big box store!

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Photo Albums are Beneficial For Business, Too

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There's value in photo albums for professional photographers as well.

It's hard to sell something that exists virtually, is it not?! With a photo album, there's an actual physical product that brings real value to photography clients.

What's more, professional photographers can use photo albums to bring in more business.

For example, every single client that goes home with a photo album is essentially a walking, talking billboard for your business.

As they share their album with friends and family, people will ask where the album came from, and that means more business for you.

There's something prestigious about a top-quality photo album like those from nPhoto as well.

That means professionals can use them as a single sale or an upsell item to increase profits.

The Question is, Where Can You Get the Best-Quality Photo Albums?

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Fortunately, this is an easy question to answer: nPhoto.

I came across these guys recently, and I have to say, the quality of their products is second-to-none.

For starters, they specialize in crafting the finest quality photo albums. There's no cheap or dull materials here. Just the best bindings, covers, inks, and papers you'll find.

That's because they've been in the business for over a decade and have a small army of 400 employees whose sole mission is to create photo albums and other products that bring your photos to life. It also helps that they have the largest printing lab in Europe to do it!

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nPhoto's albums aren't just beautiful and well-made, they're also well thought out.

For example, they have layflat pages so you can enjoy each image on each page to its fullest without having to constantly battle pages that want to flip up.

You can choose from a variety of sizes, too, as well as different colors and cover materials that run the gamut from leatherette to textile.

And if that's not enough to impress you, consider this: nPhoto's albums are handmade with materials that have been carefully chosen by their skilled team of artisans.

That means that their photo albums are impeccably crafted, highly durable, and, of course, gorgeous as well.

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Add in options like laser etching, rounded album corners, silk and metallic paper, and more, and you have a recipe for creating a stunning collection of images that is sure to become a family heirloom. 

You can even order a photo album as part of a set that comes with a matching album box and a USB drive!

In other words, we all need to stop simply keeping all our images in digital form.

Instead, visit nPhoto to explore their incredible line of photo albums and other photography products. Your images deserve more. They deserve nPhoto!

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