paper free booking

In an effort to be both more environmentally-friendly and more efficient, I have implemented a studio management software program called ShootQ. Developed by our friends from LaCour in Atlanta, ShootQ allows clients to view packages, securely sign a contract and pay for photography coverage (via PayPal), all online! It will eliminate a lot of paper and lost time sending snail mail.

Clients will also receive email notifications when it's time to pay your balance and for other timely necessities, such updating you on the status of your album design or when a product has shipped! And instead of submitting paper timelines and wedding day notes, clients will be able to submit all of that pertinent information online! Pretty sweet, right?!

(If you are a previously booked '08 client, this doesn't affect your contract but I'll upload your information so you can benefit from this great program, too!)

The only change involved is to the client access section of emilieinc.com. This space was previously used to post pricing and contracts and will now shift to a resource area for prospective and current clients.

Any questions? Let me know! And if you come across any hiccups while using the program, please let me know that, too! Also worth noting, ShootQ is also a generous sponsor of Roots Workshop! Thanks, ShootQ!

holiday e-newsletter

The emilie inc. holiday e-newsletter was sent on Friday evening. If you have already subscribed, be sure to check your inbox or spam folder for some holiday specials. And if you have not yet subscribed, you're missing out! Simply click on the newsletter sign-up link in the column at left!

holiday cards!

I am pleased to present 11 holiday card designs for 2007! Each 5x7 flat card is printed on matte card stock, perfect for adding a hand-written note on the back, and includes a white envelope (it is also possible to have a folded 5x7 card with a personal greeting printed inside for just $10 more per set). The designs below are customized with your favorite photo(s) as well as your names and the year. Cards are sold in sets of 25 for $60. Please place your order before December 7th to ensure delivery before Christmas. Email me the design number you would like, the image number(s) from your Pictage gallery, the quantity of cards to order and your shipping address. I will email you an invoice which you may pay via PayPal or personal check.

The people featured in the cards below are not models, but clients from portrait sessions in the last few weeks. The names are not real.

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

Design 6

Design 7

Design 8

Design 9

Design 10

Design 11

When sending your holiday cards this year, be sure to add this one to your list:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D. C. 20307-5001

UPDATE:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

Instead of sending an “Any Wounded Soldier” letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website, www.americasupportsyou.mil

Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops or assist wounded servicemembers and their families include:

http://www.usocares.org/
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
http://www.redcross.org

If you still want to send a card, The Red Cross suggests bundling a number of cards in a manilla envelope and mailing them to their office. They will distribute the cards.

Red Cross
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Heaton Pavillion
3EO5
Washington, DC 20307

ShootQ

Our dear friends from LaCour in Atlanta have designed an amazing web-based studio management software program for photographers called ShootQ. They have been on the road to educate photographers about their product since June, and will be making a stop at the new studio in Portland on November 14th. Be sure to take a peek at the informative ShootQ website here, and if it looks like something that might benefit you and your business, sign up for the set-up party here (attendance required to purchase the software). I love it, and I'm sure your business will benefit from it, too! ShootQ is also a sponsor of Roots Workshop.

web slideshows on DVD!

I am thrilled to announce that the web slideshows you have seen from my weddings can now be purchased on a disc for viewing on your television's DVD player or downloaded to your video iPod.*

Looking for a great gift? The DVD has a black leather case and is packaged in a black gift box with tissue paper. I just received my first order and the image quality is fantastic on my tv!


To purchase, click on the controls in the lower right side while viewing your slideshow online. Then click on the disc icon (left, next to the shopping cart). It will take you to the order page interface.
DVD: $200 + shipping & handling (additional DVDs: $70 + s&h)
MPEG-4 iPod video download: $200

*This is only available for slideshows created after 6/16/07.

home sweet home

I had a great week in Vegas catching up with friends, making new ones, and learning about some new products in the market. A quick preview:

• I will be offering Queensberry now instead of Leather Craftsmen for matted albums. It is a bit more high end than LC and they have a few more options to choose from including a gorgeous cream color double mat with a chocolate brown liner that sold me. Oh, and a very sophisticated title page on translucent paper.
• I found a neat new softcover gift book for engagement sessions and family portraits.

• I fell in love with these canvas prints. They instantly make your photographs look like gallery artwork!
• I am excited to announce that I will be designing holiday cards this year! Remember to plan ahead when scheduling those family and child portraits outdoors before winter arrives (I don't want to think about that already!). I will be ordering samples of all of these items to feature my own photography in the upcoming weeks. Please inquire for more specific pricing information if you see something here that peeks your interest.

And stay tuned for some VERY big website information and new perfect pricing™, too...