Sunlight.

Welcome to week 2 of our Photographer Collaboration, our new photo series where we are working with some super talented photographers to bring you their best interpretation of our weekly "theme"!  This week's theme:

Sunlight.

Little Elise Photography

Lyndsey's Photo Co

Nicole Arbaiza Photography

KLA Photography

Louise Lacante Photography

Cobi Grace Photography

SVM Photography

Please take a moment to click on each photographer's link and show them some love, they deserve it!  And be sure to join us next Monday for "Independence"!

Feature Review and Giveaway: Prairie Sweet Boutique

We are so excited to be featuring Prairie Sweet Boutique on the blog this week!  We absolutely love these ladies, their work is just amazing!  We thought everyone should know about this wonderful company and all they do, so without further adieu let's get this party started (and there will be an awesome giveaway at the end so read on!)

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Please tell us a little about yourself and your business:

Hello!  Thank you for having us on the Beautiful Photo Props blog today!  Prairie Sweet Boutique is a high-end template boutique featuring templates, tools and designer digital papers for the professional photographer!  Prairie Sweet Boutique was created by two sisters from the Midwest, one a photographer, Lori, and one a designer, Heidi.  We are both artists at heart and enjoy the process of creating beautiful & useful templates, digital papers and art prints.  If you want to read more about how we got our name, read HERE in the “About Us” section of our blog.  We launched our store back in August of 2012 and have been thrilled with the wonderful photographers and vendors we have met along the way.  

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What is your favorite product?

That is a tough one!  We both have our own style.  Heidi does the majority of the designing while I (Lori) do a lot of the marketing & customer service.  I have started to do some designing lately and have enjoyed creating the Soft Linen Newborn Collection, although I also really love the Christmas Whimsy Card Collection (our #1 best seller) which Heidi created. I really like the Sweet Essential Digital Paper Line and concept too…plus a bunch of other stuff!  Heidi’s favorite products are probably our digital papers.  She especially likes our new Hand drawn Triangles Digital Paper Collection as well as our Happy Digital Papers.

What do you do for fun?

Lori:  Although I am very busy with 3 young children at home, I do enjoy being creative in other ways – like sewing, painting and decorating my home.  My kids and I love to drive a few miles outside of town to explore.  They are always so thrilled to see cows or horses or farm dogs on our drives.  We are lucky to live in a part of the country where we are so close to the countryside when we need a little breathing room.

Heidi:  I enjoy singing in a Community Choir that I helped found and I love to teach myself how to do web-savvy stuff like Java Script and HTML.  Most of my time is spent with my family: going to the park or having dance parties with my two daughters or going on dates with my hubby.  We love to play with our giant dog named Lady.  I also love to organize whenever I have the opportunity (especially if it means buying new office supplies from Target!).

What's the best thing you've ever done for your business?
This is easy – forming a partnership with my sister. I would also add that one of the best things anyone can do for a business is start with the end in mind.  This means that you plan for grown (and expect it – positive thinking).  For example, create your UVP:  unique value proposition.  What sets you apart from the rest of your competitors and keep this at the forefront.  Our UVP is two-part – to help photographers boost sales (through the products and information that we offer) and well as to help photographer pamper their clients (through our client gifts templates and ideas).  We are still fine tuning our UVP and have exciting plans for the future but it definitely helps us stay focused.

Please share with us your TOP TIPS for how to BOOST YOUR SALES/BUSINESS:

1. Sell high quality products!  There are many photographers who sell all digital files and love it.  I’m not in that camp.  I really enjoy customizing products (like albums, storyboard collages, wall displays, cards, etc.) that will create a wonderful keepsake or display for my client.  One of the most exciting parts of being a photographer/designer is to walk into a client’s home and see your work hanging on their wall.  Prairie Sweet Boutique sells many wonderful templates to help photographers boost their sales.
2. SAMPLES.  Clients buy what they see.  No matter how great you are at describing a product, nothing compares to touching and feeling one in hand.  Invest in samples.
3. COLLECTIONS:  It’s great to have a la carte pricing – but really it should be a tool to show clients what a great deal your Product Collections are!  Using albums, Framed Storyboard Collages and other keepsake items is a great way to keep the collections exciting.
   
   
   

   

   
   

Please share with us your TOP TIPS for how to PAMPER YOUR CLIENTS:

1. Treat them to a wonderful photography experience.  Photographers do much more than “take pictures”.  Give them your time and attention, listen to what they want and give them an EXPERIENCE they will remember for a lifetime – or until their next session with you.  Give them the guidance that they need without being pushy.  You are their advisor.
2. Say thank you.  Let them know how important they are to you. Thank them for their business with an unexpected gift.  We love to give mini accordion albums, or mini storyboards, or calendars as special little client gifts.  Often if you pay attention during a client’s ordering session you will be able to tell what that one item is that they didn’t order but that you knew they wanted.  Making this item a gift (within reason of course) is a great way to show your client how much you care.

What is your next photography/business/personal related goal?

We have many business goals that were are currently working towards.  Our 2013 Christmas Card Collection is in the works.  We are also making improvements to our shop and have some really great interviews and reviews from top photographers and vendors in our industry in the pipeline for our Make it Sweet Blog.  We recently interviewed and featured WHCC on our blog.  You can see the feature here :)

Thank you again for featuring us on Beautiful Photo Props!

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You can find out more about these wonderful ladies and Prairie Sweet Boutique by clicking on any of the links below :)

View their Newborn items here:  http://www.prairiesweetboutique.com/baby

website: 

http://www.prairiesweet.com/

facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/prairiesweet

pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/prairiesweet

instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/prairiesweet

twitter:

prairie_sweet

newsletter:

http://mad.ly/signups/56743/join

blog:

http://www.prairiesweet.com/blog/

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  The sweet ladies over at Prairie Sweet Boutique are graciously giving away a $150 gift certificate to their shop!  How awesome is that?  All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter widget below, entering is easy!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature Post and Giveaway: Little Once Boutique

We're so happy to be partnering with Leeann from Little Once Boutique this week for a feature review and giveaway!  Leeann was so incredibly patient while we worked through a complete blog re-design, I can't thank her enough!  Here's a little about Leeann and her wonderful business:

I’m a wife, and a stay-at-home mother to one spoiled baby girl. I have a flair for creating unique and personalized apparel, accessories, and gifts, for those special times in life where only something perfect, will do. 

I get how a mom feels when she wants that birthday party to be exactly how she envisioned it, or the need for something adorable for capturing a memorable picture. 

I personally make each item you will find at my shop, Little Once Boutique. In each item, I invest hours of my time, and a lot of love to make a product that’s perfect for someone special. I know how important these precious and fleeting life moments are with your loved ones. So go ahead and spoil your child, because they're only "LITTLE ONCE! 

Please visit me on my blog at www.littleonceboutique.blogspot.com, where you can find DIY tutorials, recepies, tips, and more.

And speaking of Blog, if you've got a second you should pop on over to check out some of her DIY's cause she's one crafty lady...my favorite DIY she's done is the Upcycled Khaki Wreath!  What a great idea!!  You can find Leeann and Little Once Boutique at the following locations:

http://www.facebook.com/littleonceboutique

http://LittleOnceBoutique.Blogspot.com

http://www.Pinterest.com/LittleOnce

http://www.LittleOnceBoutique.etsy.com

And guess what?  Leeann is giving away this beautiful bonnet (first photo) from her collection (second photo), it's so vintage and sweet and would be just perfect for a newborn photo shoot or as a baby shower gift for that special someone!

To enter simply following the steps using the Rafflecopter widget, it's as easy as that!  The giveaway will end at midnight on the 18th, good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twirly Dresses and Sparkly Accessories...

Today we are so excited to be partnering with Lolly Kate for a sponsored post!  Lolly Kate is owned and operated by Kara and is based in Memphis Tennessee.  She has THE most adorable little dresses, skirts, jackets, shoes, swimsuits...it really makes me want to be a little girl again!  Here's a little info about Kara and her amazing business!

I am a stay at home mom to three crazy, wonderful kiddos. I decided that I am a little bit a children's clothing fanatic, so had to feed my obsession and open up my very own shop:) Having two girls of my own, twirly dresses and sparkly accessories fill my days with a beautiful view of childhood. 

I love to read a good book and play outside with my kids. I enjoy foot rubs and baskin robbins ice cream a little too much and know I am a very lucky person to have such a blessed little life!

You can visit her Facebook page by clicking here (don't forget to "Like" her page to stay up to date with what's happening) or do a little shopping at her website here :)  

Been A Photographer Since My Youth....

We're so excited to partner with The LA Shop to bring you today's sponsored post!

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I am a passionate person, and I am passionate about photography. I have been ever since I got my first SLR as a child – my father bought it for me I think for a sixth grade graduation, really just an excuse to share a gift with a son. He knew I was into photography then, and I’m truly thankful that he supported me at the time instead of pushing me to become an accountant like he is or a lawyer like my mom is. He would encourage me to take family photos, and I started to get really creative with them, and thank goodness, they are some of the best documentation of my childhood! As an adult and a professional photographer, I care about my equipment and about how my shoots turn out. I always use proper photography lighting and set up shots based on the best available angles in any given situation. I employ a photography backdrop when needed, and I always make sure that the lighting is not only full and good but also creative in some way. I have an eye for it that I’ve developed simply from doing it for so many years. You can’t necessarily learn that type of eye in school. Teachers can help you of course, but trial and error and pushing the limits is truly the best way to do it. And that isn’t something that you can read in a book or just learn over night. I tell people who ask me about getting into photography to just go ahead and do it, you’ll never know until you try. And if you have an eye for it, you’ll soon figure that out. I also tell them that there’s a great site, http://www.thelashop.com/, that has all the equipment they’ll likely need, even if they’re just a beginner.

Product Review and Giveaway: Sweet Pea Boutique

It's time for another fun review and giveaway and this week it's courtesy of Sweet Pea Boutique.  Trista is the amazing designer behind Sweet Pea and she specializes in Mommy-made items for little boys and girls.  Children's clothing, bow ties, headbands, blankets…the list goes on and on!

Here's a little more about Trista's adorable boutique:  Sweet Pea Boutique was inspired by and is named after my own little sweet pea, my daughter Kinsey. When Kinsey was born, I gave up my career in public relations to be a stay-at-home mom. Let's be honest, I was bored and needed something to keep myself busy. So I resurected the sewing skills my own mother taught me as a young girl and started making things for my own daughter. This blossomed into creating all kinds of adorable items for little ones. 

My creations are inspired by the concept of dressing little boys and girls like miniature versions of adults. I dress Kinsey "to the 9s" every day (my husband says I think she is a dress-up doll)! There's no need for little girls to wear babyish prints when they look adorable in bold fabrics and what little boy doesn't look dashing in a bow tie? 

I also make a couple of items for children with special needs. Kinsey is my inspiration for these items as well. Kinsey has Trisomy 18, or simply put, too much of chromosome 18. It's a miracle that she is here and growing and learning and doing new things every day! 

And guess what?  She's going to be giving one of our lucky readers their very own Sweet Pea Boutique Newborn Dress and Little Boy Bow tie (shown below)!!  

Awesome right?  Okay, so here is how you can enter to win…just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget…that's all there is to it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review and Giveaway: I DO Invitations By Michelle

It's time for another fun review and giveaway and this week it's courtesy of I DO Invitations By Michelle.  Michelle specializes in invitations for all of life's proudest moments.  Wedding Invitations including Save the Dates, Birth Announcements, Birthday Party Invites, DIY Party Printables, Bridal + Baby Shower Invitations, 

Holiday Photo Cards, Graduation Announcements, Thank You Notes, Sweets + Dessert Table Styling…the list goes on and on!

With the help from her supportive family, friends and devoted husband, I DO invitations by michelle began in July 2008. 

Here's a little more about Michelle and her awesome business:  "With my attention to detail, originality, and passion for the wedding business, I will help make your dreams become a reality. Helping people has always been my number one passion - the best part is I get to do that on a daily basis. My true love for creating invitations and other stationery began after my June 2006 wedding. I planned my wedding right down to the very last detail and I took it upon myself to be the "invitation creator" for many of my friends then on. I was always told "You should start your own business - you really have a special knack for creating invitations." As they say, the rest is history.

My love for party planning started immediately after my daughter, Camryn, was born {hence my etsy shop name "CAMRYNJOLEE"} and now have a new passion for styling dessert tables and planning fabulous parties. You can also catch me over on the A to Zebra Celebrations blog as a Party Features Blog Contributor.

My hubby, Ryan, is the amazing creator of the fabulous signs we sell. After Miss Cami is in bed at 8pm, he heads to the garage and I head to my computer and we work. It's not the most ideal situation but we love what we do and we do it all for her. "

How awesome are they?  I really admire Michelle and her amazing work.  She has been featured on such sites as Martha Stewart, Hostess with the Mostess, Style Me Pretty, iVillage, Cool Mom Picks, Kara's Party Ideas, Living Locurto, Tip Junkie, Pizzazzerie, Celebrations at Home, Project Nursery, Catch My Party, A to Zebra Celebrations, The Party Dress Magazine, Baby Lifestyles Magazine, LaunchHer, The Celebration Shoppe + Circle of Moms.  She can be found on her Website, Facebook and Etsy.  She recently sent me a customized Street sign and it's absolutely adorable!  Here are a few shots of the one she made for me……. 

And guess what?  She's going to be giving one of our lucky readers their very own choice of Street sign!!  How cool is that?  Customized in your choice of color and name!  Awesome right?  Okay, so here is how you can enter to win…just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget…that's all there is to it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday's Favorite Things!

Happy Friday, my favorite day of the week!  I'm so excited to share some of the things I've stumbled on throughout the week that have become favorites of mine ;) 

1.  This Autumn collage found here.  Autumn is my absolute FAVORITE season of the year!

2.  10 Healthy Quinoa Recipes.  I love quinoa, it's such a versatile grain and I am definitely going to try some of these recipes :)

3.  What screams Autumn more than this adorable owl mug?  Love love!!

4.  Ohmagosh, these yummy Cinnamon Roll Waffles need to be made immediately!  Sunday brunch anyone?

5.  Country kitchens are so fun and cute, I die!

6.  These Vanilla ice cubes are a great way to keep your drink cold AND flavor it at the same time ❤

7.  String light wedding backdrops are so romantical....

8.  Can you imagine how fun it would be to have this as your bedroom?  A little girl's princess dream!


This is going to be a rainy rainy weekend as Hurricane Isaac has made it to Springfield and is dropping lots of rain as we speak :)  Which makes me super happy cause I love rainstorms ❤  So I think I'll stay at home and work on some new goodies for the shop :)  What are your weekend plans?

Who Needs a Little Extra Bling in Their Lives?

This week's shop review and giveaway is of one of my favorite "Lens Bling" shops,  

Happy Acres Farm  :)

Happy Acres is owned by Jessi, a Navy wife and mother of 4 wonderful children.  She lives on a small farm in Gloucester, VA. and runs her business from her home so that she can be there for her family.  She has been knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, and other crafts since she was little.   She says "sometimes I think I just can't sit still.   Friends are always telling me I should sell the things I make but until now I have always just given everything away as gifts.  A dear friend of mine has been suggesting for a long time that I start selling on ETSY so now I guess I will give it a try and see where it takes me." 

Happy Acres Farm specializes in camera bling...you know, the adorable little animal faces that you've seen on camera's to capture the attention of little babies and bring that special smile to their faces :)  These are so adorable, just take a look at some of her creations:

Stinkin' adorable right?  I've got three (including the new cupcake that plays music!) and LOVE them, they really work great!  And guess what?  Jessi would like to give one of my readers a FREE lens bling of their choice!  How cool is that?  Here are the details on how to enter, good luck!

HOW TO ENTER:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This giveaway is neither endorsed by or run by Facebook or any of it's affiliates and follows all rules and regulations.