Get the Goods: Last chance to get audio of marketing summit

Sarah Petty assures me that today is the LAST CHANCE to purchase the Master Photographers' Marketing Series Telesummit 16 hour recording and pdf outlines. After midnight tonight (central time October 2nd), this event will be gone.

I just got mine, and I can't wait to listen to all of it!

For just $99 you'll learn:
The dos and don't of social marketing and what not to waste your time on
How to run a successful event from soup to nuts
How to avoid the 4 marketing disconnects that result in business failure
The single relationship builder you can't afford not to do
The one product that will make or break your studio

Buy it now and you'll immediately get a link to a download of an audio mp3 of all 16 hours of the recording.

And don't forget, the telesummit speaker specials also expire after midnight central tonight. So if you're in need of templates, brushes, props, actions, education and more, you can't beat these specials. And you can't buy them at these prices anywhere else!

Could you use $200? Sarah wants to hear what everybody thought about the Telesummit. Just answer this quick survey and you can win a $200 American Express gift card.

Get Connected: Facebook friends and fans only session discount!

This week on my studio's Facebook page, friends and fans are discussing: WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? Share your thoughts here and enter to win a $50 discount on your next photo session with Picture Your World Photography! I will use a random number generator to pick the winner based on how many people comment. Become a fan of Picture Your World Photography today!

An article in an All Things Photography newsletter got me to thinking again about something that's been on my mind: "what makes a good photo?" or even more specifically, "what makes a good photo in the eyes of a client?"

So many times I've been baffled by how subjective this really is. It amazes me how many times a client loves a photo I wouldn't have preferred. Of course, as a professional, I have learned how to view images from a compositional standpoint, evaluating it for symmetry, color balance and exposure and sharpness.

Most clients could care less about that stuff because that's what they've hired you to know! They just know that this image captured their high school's seniors first genuine smile during the photo shoot, or that that image is special because it captured a beloved neice they only get to see once or twice a year.

Get Out There: Senior Portrait Promotion!

Don't freak out if you haven't gotten your senior portrait taken yet for the upcoming school year! Picture Your World Photography has got you covered with a brand new, discounted 1-hour session for seniors still facing a deadline to get their mugs turned into the yearbook staff.



From now until Jan. 1, 2010, pay just $150 for a senior portrait shoot either in studio or on location and receive two 8x10s, four 5x7s, a sheet of eight wallets and of course that all important yearbook shot. Check out highlights from previous senior portrait sessions by viewing this gallery.







If that's not enough for the teen overwhelmed with incessant requests for pics from family and friends, then consider upgradinging your package to a CD that includes all images from your session. A disc with images sized to print up to 4x6s will run you an additional $100 while a DVD filled with high resolution images to print to poster sizes as large and in charge as you want to be is an extra $200.

Every student will receive a private, password protected gallery and url to give to friends and family for checking out your photos and purchasing more. Plus, take advantage of the studio's Referral Program by telling friends to book a session with us. Everyone time someone does, you get $25 off your next session or $25 worth of free photos from your current session.

Get Out There: Special Boudoir Session Discount

In honor of the 2009 Wedding Season, Picture Your World Photography is offering a special discount to promote it's boudoir photography. Until Oct. 1, book a boudoir session with the studio and get the session time free with a minimum print order of $100!



A boudoir is a lady's private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning "to pout"[1]. Historically, the boudoir formed part of the secret suite of rooms of a lady used for bathing and dressing. It's the reason why "boudoir photography" usually features women in various stages of undress -- from come-hither lingerie shots and tempting implied nudity to the artistic beauty and sensuous curves of the naked female form.





Today, boudoir photography has become the perfect gift for wives to give to their new husbands on their wedding night. But I believe the experience can also be an empowering one for anyone who needs a self-esteem boost. Having your own makeup artist or hair stylist doting over you before you step into flattering lights with a photographer trained to make you look great is normally an experience that only movie stars, models or royalty get to savor. For those hours YOU are royalty:



"These are the type of shoots that happen once in a lifetime for the ordinary person. It was my chance to feel beautiful and have it be captured in print..Sheba created a peaceful environment that put me at ease. And the photos were amazing!" says Terilynn E., my first boudoir client.



""The pictures look amazing, and I couldn't be happier. You went above and beyond to accommodate my unique situation, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart (I'm sure the Hubby will too)," says Christine T., who surprised her husband serving in the war with a surprise Valentine's Day gift to remind him of loved ones waiting for him at home.

Make the moment yours with Picture Your World Photography. As one of the few female boudoir photographers in the Denver metro area, I will be sure to create a comfortable environment for you to tap into your sensuous side. Take advantage of additional upgrades including a personal session with a makeup artist and/or hair stylist. Then rely on me to accentuate the best qualities inherent in all of our slim, curvy and bodacious forms.

Book your boudoir session now! And don't forget that if you or your spouse are currently serving in the military, ALL of your photo sessions are free and you only pay for photos, as part of my chosen charitable work this year.

Get the Job Done: FREE Photography Services for Military Spouses

Picture Your World Photography is running a special offer just for MILITARY SPOUSES:

FREE -- 2 hour photo session, and (1) 8X10 (retail value: $150)

Purchase more print sizes and CDs for an additional fee. I am willing to travel to various points throughout the Denver metro for a modest fee.

While this offer will be continued throughout the year, now would be a great time to take advantage of this special just in time for Valentine's Day. Family portraits or maternity shots increase the bond even when loved ones are far away.



An artistic nude or boudoir glamour photo session is the perfect gift and sensual yet classy reminder of what's waiting for your military spouse when they return home!



During leaves, contact me for a quick impromptu family session to capture memories to help sustain you during times apart.



In order to qualify for special, spouses must show a valid Military Order of Deployment.

Get the Goods: Black Friday Discounts on Photography Classes!

This weekend one of my favorite local photography schools is having a special "Black Friday" discount on Gift Certificates and classes. Shop early and save.

I'm telling all of my friends to buy me gift certificates for classes. It's the perfect gift for the photographer in your life who already seems to have everything. Besides, the things photogs need are too expensive anyways....like new lens and stuff. Education is much better, and your friends will know they are contributing something useful.

Before going to the malls, you can do some of your shopping online. Buy someone a Gift Certificate for a class in photography. You could also buy them a class on his or her favorite topic: Lighting, Photoshop, Wedding, Architecture and more. Hey, if you are looking for gifts to give to your favorite photography blogger (that would be me of course! ;) I would LOVE to be able to take Armando Martinez's Photoshop 3 class as well as Andrew Clark's wedding class! HINT HINT!

Now through Sunday, enjoy big savings on classes and gift certificates. The sooner you buy, the more you can save.

Starting Friday, save 25% on classes and Gift Certificates. Beat-the-Clock and save more.

Gift Certificates can be applied toward classes and workshops. Gift Certificates can be mailed or emailed. Please provide your mailing address with the Google Checkout, your Gift Certificate will be mailed immediately.

If you prefer to pay over the phone call: (720) 324-0111 or email: info@illuminateworkshops.com

Get the Goods: Free Holiday Photo Cards

Picture Your World Photography is running a holiday photo blowout!

Book a one hour portrait session for $75 with the studio between now and Dec. 28, and get a FREE BOX of 20 4x8 glossy holiday cards featuring your portrait.

Choose from more than 40 unique and beautiful card designs.













Don't forget to buy extra prints. Get 8x10s for just $10 with this holiday special. Book your session now! Contact me at shebawheeler@picture-yourworld.com.

Growing Pains: Get a Selling Edge

This week's "Growing Pains" tip comes from Printroom, a digital services website for professional photographers that prints photos and stores online photo albums.

To get a selling edge, Printroom suggests offering different packages and promotions for your clients to make their shopping experience more personalized and rewarding. Use these strategies from Printroom to drive more business to your site:

1) Offer promotions or volume discounts such as "Get a 20% discount when purchasing $100 or more".

2) Bundle different print sizes and/or gifts into packages. Combine up to 6 different print sizes/products and make available up to 20 different packages.

3) Offer free print redemption to customers or pre-sell photos at an event for online redemption.




Another technique that worked for me during my last batch of senior portraits was offering one free 8x10 photo to Gloria's sister, Jessica to thank her for serving as my assistant during the shoot. Jessica held reflectors for me and was instrumental in producing real smiles and laughter from Gloria, who was somewhat camera shy when we started. During the shoot, I took photos of the sisters together and gave Jessica the above image.

Get the Goods: Discount for Wedding Photography Blueprint

There are only FIVE DAYS left to get a 33 percent discount on the newly released,"Wedding Photography Blueprint," dubbed as the most in-depth digital wedding photography foundation course on the web. The course, created by "All Things Photography" is designed to give anyone the chance to become a successful wedding photographer, regardless of experience or knowledge. These extensive and easy to understand DVD's and eBook make your learning curve as easy as "painting by numbers".

Written, filmed and edited by professional wedding photographers with over 25 years experience, these tutorials have been designed as a type of home study course. You can study at your own pace and learn how to shoot, edit and present award winning images for your portfolio or to your clients.

The cost is £147 ($295). However, if you grab a copy in the first week of release, you will get this entire set for £97! ($195).

The course includes four DVDs and loads of bonus material including:
99 Page eBook on the entire Wedding Photography Blueprint - Includes information not covered in the DVD's
Free Copy of 97 Page PDF eBook on Getting Started in Property Photography
Free Copy of 111 Page PDF eBook on Advanced Photography Tips
Free Copy of 19 Page PDF eBook on an Introduction to the DSLR
45 Minute Interview with a Successful International Wedding Photographer
30 Minute Interview with a Successful Wedding, Portrait and Commercial Photographer
Short Interview with Wedding Couple Discussing Their Needs When Looking for a Wedding Photographer
MP4 iPod Files of DVD's 1, 2 and 3
3 Extra Photoshop Tutorials
Plays on Computer Only

SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL SENIOR PORTRAIT DISCOUNT

School is back in session, and to celebrate the new year, Picture Your World Photography is offering a special discount throughout the month of August!



If you refer one person who books a photo session with me, I will give you a $25 package discount or free additional prints. I shoot in studio or on location. Book me today, as most senior portraits are due to the school by mid September and available dates are filling up fast! Contact me at shebawheeler@picture-yourworld.com.

Get the Job Done: First Senior Portrait Commission

I had a consultation last night with the first teenager who has commissioned me to shoot a senior portrait. The young lady, Jordan, is the lovely daughter of her equally lovely mother, Teri, whom graces the banner of my blog and has been pictured in previous blog entries and featured photos. I can't believe how much (and how fast) Jordan has matured into this hip, driven individual, and I definitely want to add as much of those characteristics into our planned session.

I first photographed Jordan during my first portrait session with Teri and her family last year. What I remember most about that set of photos is this wonderfully captured moment between Teri and Jordan when Mom realized that Dad had given Jordan permission to have a piercing (of course without Mom's consent!). You can see how Jordan got found out as you read through this post.



I think this moment let's the viewer see not only the relationship between mother and daughter, but gives us an idea of the mischievous and ultra-urban nature of Jordan. I remembered this set of pics when I spoke to her last night to get her ideas of what she wanted done. And I also implemented some new business practices I've developed since the wedding.



Jordan and I looked over her yearbook to get an idea of the kinds of images she liked or didn't much care for. We also checked out the school's rules for submitting senior high school portraits, including the need for vertical and color shots, but no distracting backgrounds or props. We both agreed we wanted to try something edgy and nontraditional (meaning no green plants surrounding the subject or waterscapes). Jordan said no to vignetting and no to pictures where she's not looking at the camera, but yes to removing her piercings (to please her mother).




The one thing we noticed that no one else had (which we all know is extremely important to teenagers) is a night portrait. Since my free workshop with Illuminate Photography, I've become addicted to night photography. The school doesn't have any rules against it, but we think that's because it's never been done before! So we will try some urban shots with city lights behind her. We also want to play with center focused, nearly panning type shots where Jordan is focused but everything else around her is blurred and moving. I already have a couple of places in mind, but I will be scouting out more locales this weekend.

And just in case the school nixes our unorthodox ideas, we will do a few traditional poses too!

Jordan accepted several upgrades to her portrait package (which includes 2 8x10s or 4 5x7s). She will buy a CD with all of the edited images only printable as 4X6s, and she will get her makeup done from one of my makeup artists. To help grow my business, Jordan has agreed to refer her friends to me. For her efforts, any referrals who book sessions with me will result in either package discounts or extra prints. Looks as if she's going to want extra prints. And her yearbook gave me the idea of buying a full page ad sometime in the future!

Get the Goods: Buy One Print/Get One Half Off at Wolf Camera

My buddies over at the Aurora Wolf Camera store tipped me off about a great deal they are offering this month: buy one 11x14 (retail price $12.95) and get half off a second one. This is definitely an opportunity to stock up on images because an 11x14 is a great size for gallery and personal prints.

I have to give props to the Wolf Camera in Aurora where the manager there, Jeff, helped me print the fabulous artistic nude shot that was purchased at the exhibit Friday night. I do all of my personal printing with Wolf Camera. Two years ago, all the stores started printing with Epson's Pro 7800, and the results are fantastic! Everytime someone asks me where I get my things printed, they seem shocked when I tell them "at Wolf Camera." They guarantee same day prints (and usually within the hour as long as they aren't backed up already).

The personal service I received the day my exhibit prints were due was phenomenal. Not only did the staff check out my pics and give me encouraging remarks, but they reprinted all of them (that's four 20x30 size prints that cost $29.95 each) immediately without a contrary word when it was brought to their attention that a printer error was leaving some strange lines on my images. Some basic maintenance fixed the problem, and I got some outstanding prints. I bought frames there as well, and staff helped me frame my prints. Jeff was also very instrumental in helping me nail down a working knowledge of "aspect ratio" so I could get the best print available.

So thanks Jeff, and his staff at the Aurora Wolf Camera store on Havana, for the personal treatment. You guys helped me secure my first gallery sale, so the honor is just as much yours as mine! If you are nearby, check 'em out:

Wolf Camera & Video
1802 S Havana St
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 696-9700