Resource Guide for Portrait Photographers

Hanging with Hey Girl

Resource List (Updated September 24, 2009)

I've written about so many different resources that I've used over the past few years with my photography business and I know it can be overwhelming to go back through and get the full list.  So to make it easier for you I created this resource links for some of my favorite things!

Blogs & Websites

Design Aglow
Inspiration for creative packaging, marketing materials, and album designs.

MCP Actions
Tips and tricks on how to make photoshop work for you. 

The Savvy Photographer
The newest of the blogs this one provides inspiration, photographer interviews, and lots of contests.

Consumers Guide to Custom Photography
A guide for consumers that are interested in professional child photography.  A great resource to share with your clients.

Phaunt Actions
Photoshop Tips and Actions

Actions & Templates

Design Aglow
Templates & Actions & Sales Materials
Definitely check out the Inspire Guides & Portrait Contract

MCP Actions
Photoshop actions for post processing/editing pictures

Jamie Schultz Designs
Great holiday card templates, album designs, and check out the ordering essentials.

Totally Rad Actions
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Totally Rad Actions.  They are an essential part of my post processing.
 
Hey Girl Goods - Urban Textures
I released my first product!  Now available 13 high resolution texture files for $27!

Business Information

NextProof
I use the NextProof system now for my online proofing.  The template the site uses is completely customizable.  Enter the code BUBBLEGUM to save 25% off.

Jen Thompson
Logo design, graphic design, collateral design, even studio design consultation!!!  She did my logo for my photography business.

Senior Solutions Guide
A must have if you are thinking about moving into the Senior Portrait market.  The posing guide is fantastic.

Animoto
Creating photo music videos could not be easier.  It is definitely worth the commercial account because then you can create unlimited high res videos which you can burn to DVD and play on a standard DVD player.   My clients go CRAZY for these.  A great way to boost the value of a package, as incentive for timely ordering or to increase revenue as an upsell.

Wordsmith!!!!
Love her what to sell guide

Constant Contact
I use Constant Contact for managing my mailing list.  It is easy to add people myself.  Plus it is easy for other people to add themselves.  I can track who opened my newsletter, what links were clicked on, and how people heard about us so easily.  It is an industry standard service so people have heard of it and aren't nerveous about sharing their email address. Click on the link above to get as free 30 days when you pay for your first month.

Highrise
Client Communication management

Equipment/Hardware

B&H Photo and Video
I buy almost all of my gear from B&H. Good prices, Fast Shipping, Great Customer Service
Love going to read the reviews!

• Canon 5D Mark II
  I love my camera. 
• Canon 50 mm 1.4 Lens
  This is a great lens for portraits.  Very good value for the money.  Part of my associate ki

Shootsac
I love my shootsac and it is great for on-location shoots.  It really does stay put while you are chasing after a 2 year old!

Jill-e Camera Bags:
Beautiful!!! Ask for one for Christmas

JLee Albums
I use albums and cd cases from JLee and my clients have been very happy.  I use the black leather slip in albums.

Associations

National Association of Professional Child Photographers

Professional Photographers of America

Wedding & Portrait Professionals International

National Association of Photoshop Professionals

Labs

White House
I use white house for my luster prints, metallic gallery wraps, press printed cards and albums.

MpixPro
This is a new service.  I love the look of the their aluminum prints & acrylic prints.

Canvas on Demand
SAVE $20 OFF any order $200 or more - Use Code AFF20 at checkout.

Simply Canvas
I recently started using their service and have been happy with my prints.