We’re hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. Thanks to everyone who participated in our hugely successful Black Wednesday Sale! We’re thrilled with the addition of so many new and wonderful clients, and we look forward to working along side you. If you’re a new client (or an old one), be sure to subscribe to the blog so you’re in the know of upcoming BIG Folio news!

We’ve been busy tackling branding projects from those of you who have come to us for your custom design projects. It’s been a really great way for us to not only get to know our clients from a different angle but to hear the pretty consistent needs and concerns in standing out from the masses. 2010 seems to be the year for reinvention. So many of you have expressed the desire to freshen up your brand for the new year.  What an awesome way to get 2010 off to a screaming start! If you’re interested in commissioning the design team at BIG Folio for branding services, hop over to our Logo Design page for information! This week, keep an eye out for features on a few of our latest projects.

If you haven’t heard, today is Cyber Monday… online retail deals galore! If you’ve heard of any smokin’ deals, be sure to post a comment and share it with our readers.

Looks like Lightroom2 is on sale at Amazon today. If you’re in need, you’ll save $130!

Ok people, here it is… your chance to score a new premium site before the end of the year, for half off.

The BIG Folio Black Wednesday Sale.

isn’t it pretty? We think so.

Take a look at Nakoma Road.

We’re loving what our client, Coffee Ambassadors is doing with BIG Folio’s Aurora Way design. Another example of using BIG Folio for your non-photography related business.

Builder?

Real Estate Broker?

Spa Owner?

Seamstress?

Designer?

Pastor?

Barista?

Masseuse?

Heck yes!

________________

Coffee  Ambassadors

… yup it’s coming. Are you mentally prepared? Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll sporatically find and post unique and creative gifts to inspire you and empty your pocketbook. Whether doting on a loved one or just pampering yourself, take a peek at some pieces that would make anyone grin.

mimosa laptop sleeve bag by mareri, $40

one line a day, journal, by modcloth, $17

Crumpler, The Sinking Barge, Laptop/Camera backpack, $215

Logitech, diNovo Edge Keyboard, $110.

custom necklaces, by lisa leonard, $56-65

Who inspires you as an artist/photographer?

Although I’m inspired by many photographers too numerous name, a few deserve special mention. In terms of wedding photography, I’m heavily influenced by the work of Jerry Ghionis. I also greatly respect the work of Anne Ruthman, Steve & Jenn Bebb, Marcus Bell, and Jeff Ascough.

What a typical work day like for you?

I don’t think I ever have a “typical” day. Since I do weddings, portraits, events, and product photography, every day is usually different. And I like it that way!

What’s one thing you will always splurge on?
I always buy the best possible gear. If you buy the best, you’re never going to wonder if you need to upgrade. In other words, I always splurge on everything–especially good sushi.

If not a photographer, you would have considered being?

Before I found photography, my hobby was collecting rare books (mostly signed first editions). If I had never bought a camera, I’d still be dreaming about owning a used book store.

What the strongest and weakest part of your business?

The strongest part of my business is in my ability to connect with clients. As for the weakest, I could improve
on my business if I had more time in the day. If I was like Hiro (and could stop time), then maybe I could get everything done that needs doing!

What’s in your camera bag?

For weddings, I carry two Nikon D3 cameras. One camera is mated to a 70-200mm f/2.8 G while the other is connected to a 24-70mm f/2.8G. In my bag, I have a 50mm f/1.8D, 17-35mm f/2.8D, 85mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.8G macro lens, and four SB800 flash units.

What your best advice for an up & coming photographer?

Join the Digital Wedding Forum (DWF). If you invest a significant amount of time participating in discussions there, you’ll learn more useful photography-related information than in all of the workshops you’ve ever attended.

What’s your most successful marketing concept?

I worked with BIG Folio to create several custom web sites -one for each of my specialties!

List 3 blogs you frequent and are inspired by?

My blog reader indicates that I’m subscribed to over a 100 blogs. I don’t think that’s a fair question and I’m not going to answer it!

What’s your most favorite product in the industry?

Nikon D3

What’s playing on your iPod currently?

Metallica – Enter Sandman

Five goals for 2010?

1) Work less — play more.
2) Get involved with my local Junior Achievement chapter.
3) Spend two weeks on vacation photographing Yosemite.
4) Facilitate world peace.
5) Increase my photography revenue by 50%.

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ROB GREER | photographer | robgreerweddings.com

Take a peek at his amazing live-in studio below. (gasp)

… need to score an extra few minutes in your day? Who doesn’t?

I thought this was really cool.

Slydial

A voice messaging service that allows you to connect your call directly to someones voicemail. Skip the chit chat, leave a warm, snuggly message and get on with your day.

Your Aunt June sent you a sweater for your birthday. You need to call her to thank her but you don’t want to listen to her go on and on about her recent hip replacement. Instead just leave her an appreciative voicemail that she can share with her bridge club.

Maybe a more applicable and practical use would be in contacting clients about orders, sessions, appointments without commiting to an entire conversation, making personal contact without necessarily devoting yourself to a 15 minute chat. Brilliant!

Even cooler… it’s FREE and offers Apps for your mobile device.

There is so much pressure attached to being a full-time photographer.  The weight of owning your own business is enough to drive you crazy.  You are constantly faced with challenges to create unique memories that your clients will cherish forever.  Not to mention the need to invest your money  into equipment, education, and marketing materials.  Many of you are pursuing your dreams as a wedding photographer.  Others are pursuing your dreams as a portrait photographer.  Either way, you are constantly trying to create images that are not only different from your last photo shoot, but also different from any other photographer around. Let’s face it, it’s getting hard to stay creative and happy with all of the pressure you are faced with on a day-to-day basis.  Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and find new inspiration.

If any of the above scenarios apply to you, then you should read on.  If not, then this workshop most likely isn’t what you need. 

“For the Love” is not like any other workshop.  It’s actually designed as a spiritual retreat where you will also be able to learn from successful photographers who rely on God for creative inspiration.  At “For the Love”, you will encounter God in a deep way.  You will have a chance to get away from the constant demand of your career and seek God over your business in a quiet, secluded location.  You will not only draw inspiration from fellow photographers, believers, and friends, but also draw inspiration from the creator of creativity….God. 

Each morning, you will begin your day with worship followed by a guest speaker who speaks on matters of the heart.  After that, you will go on your own personal journey with your camera, bible, and journal.  You will have a chance to clear your mind, and ask God to show you new ways of seeing things.  This is your own personal time…you make the calls as to how you will spend your morning.

After you have spent one-on-one time with the Lord,  you will begin regular classes with amazing guest speakers, such as: Lauren Clark and Erik Clausen.  You will learn about lighting techniques, basic camera settings, managing photos, Photoshop techniques, off-camera lighting, relaxed posing, manual shooting, using natural light, setting business goals, managing finances, creating relationships with clients, and much more. 

“For the Love” is designed as an All-Inclusive retreat with the benefits of photography workshop. 

If you are longing for a break from the stress and a place for inspiration, then you should consider coming to “For the Love“.  This workshop will renew your mind, refresh your spirit, rejuvenate creativity, and open your eyes to new ways of seeing things.  You will remember why you signed up for this amazing career.  You will remember that it was all for the love…the love of God…the love of life…the love of creativity…the love of photography.  

It’s all for the love.

To find out more, please visit For the Love.

… to those who keep our businesses going. You know who they are… the vendors who keep us looking great. Who are your favorites? We all know that positive word of mouth is the best form of marketing and we’d love to high-five those in the industry who deserve a love pat for working hard at maintaining stellar products and unmatchable customer service?

Got some faves? Let’s hear ‘em!

Here are just a few of ours:

Pro Dpi
A fantastic west coast lab with innovative and unique products. I’m in love with their press printed products. Their square cards and accordians keep me smiling.

Kubota Image Tools
If you know Kevin, you know he’s brilliant at creating Photoshop plug-ins and Lightroom presets for enhancing images. Have you seen his Dashboard? Freaking sweet.

Design Aglow
A smorgasbord of beautifully designed templates, photoshop actions, marketing sets, contributor interviews, articles and blog ideas. An endless collection of inspirational tidbits to apply to your own business.

Strategy Avenue
Laura Novak impresses me with her savy business mind every single time I’m around her. Have you heard her speak? The girl can literally make your head hurt within 5 minutes. Strategy Avenue is an all-inclusive business planning guide. Need a business plan? Start here.

The Dream Album Co.
Gorgeous top quality flush mount albums and image boxes. Super clean, classic and fresh… nothing over done or cluttery. Absolutely customizable. I love them.