PhotoBiz is excited to pick our Full Screen Collection and travel to the beautiful city of Pamplona Spain.  This template brings our trip to Spain to a close as it is built off of the same concept structure as Madrid and Barcelona.  Let’s break down the features of our new Pamplona template to see what is carried over and what is unique. 

 

What’s Unique?

The overall layout of Pamplona is very minimalistic.  With clean lines and thin boarders that color shift to coordinate with the image, you will love the way that your images are presented.

Within the gallery, you will notice that the thumbnails are shown at the bottom just below your navigation bar and image.  Arrows to the left and right of the image, coupled with the thumbnails placed directly below the navigation bar, will give the user better control of the image speed and a more pleasant viewing experience.

To round things out; the unique transitions, animation, and loader symbol bring an interesting dynamic to your website.  As you control the other customizable features like backgrounds, colors, music, transition speed, and size of your images; your new Pamplona website will be brought to life! 

 

What’s carried over from Barcelona and Madrid?

You will notice a “banner like” layout that displays your large (re-sizable) image, framed with the unique PhotoBiz color shifting ability.  The incredibly unique “re-sizable” layout allows your layout to always stretch across the viewers monitor and simply add more space to the top and bottom of your website.  This border will be added to only the top and bottom and will allow you to choose any color or background image to be displayed.  This is a very unique feature that is different from all of the other PhotoBiz templates!

The NEW navigation bar is built with the roll-over capabilities so that you do not need to click on it to pull up the drop down navigation bars.  In the image below, you will notice it displays “The Photographer”, “Unique Features”, & “Our Products”.  As you simply hover your mouse over “Information”, this drop down menu appears.  Less clicking = Less confusion!

The logo placement can be anywhere across the top in Madrid.  If you would like it on the left, right, or center; that’s not problem.  You can make these changes with a click of the mouse.  The logo is placed just off of and above your image to emphasize the main focus, your images! 

 

What else is included with the Full Screen Collection?

As this series is a part of the larger “Full Screen” collection, let’s look at some of its other fully customizable attributes:

• Complete Color Customization
• Best SEO in the Industry
• Custom Background Upload
• Re-sizable Image Frames
• 32 Changeable Fonts and Styles
• Unlimited Galleries
• Full List of Features!

The Best SEO in the Industry is of course included for FREE! This includes page specific Meta Tags, deep linking URL’s, Automatic XML site mapping, an HTML Splash Page, an automatic HTML mirror site (One-time $45 fee) and unlimited free access to SEO specialists here on the PhotoBiz team. 

 

All of the images in this template are provided by
Kimberly Kay

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LIVE SAMPLE!!

 

Exhibit Dates:

Monday, March 8 – Wednesday, March 10, 2010

 

 Location:

MGM Conference Center • Las Vegas, NV

 

 Trade Show Hours:

Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

PhotoBiz is going to be located at booth #1212 in the MGM Grand Hotel Conference Center.  With such a large exhibitor hall, we thought that we should make it a little easier for you to find us, so here is a little map to help you out.

 

 

 

 

 

“Door Buster Special”

Due to the enthusiastic response PhotoBiz will once again offer the “Door Buster Special” at the Las Vegas WPPI trade show. This offer is only available to the visitors of booth #1212 between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. or to the first 100 sign-ups. A total website package consisting of a Flash site, HTML mirror site and a Mobile mirror site will be offered for ONLY $95! (Regular $390)

 

 

 

Already a PhotoBiz Customer?

Come make some money!  Not only are we going to have some absolutely incredible specials for your friends, but you can WIN two different ways:

• Bring a friend by the booth that signs up, and you will get a $20 check per sign-up!
• Bring three (3) friends that sign up and you will win a FREE IPOD TOUCH!

*Referrals must remain active clients for 45 days as our terms of use states.

 

 

What’s NEW?

PhotoBiz will be introducing three new templates, a new mobile website, a new chat function and the powerful new Client Viewing feature.

 

New Websites:  From the inception of the company PhotoBiz has been a industry leading developer of website templates for photographers. We will be introducing three new Full Screen Templates:  Pamplona, San Francisco and Charleston. All will be full screen templates with color shifting capability; custom background ability, and all utilize the cloud computing technology in which PhotoBiz is the only Flash Template company offering.

 

Mobile Site:  PhotoBiz has introduced a brand new mobile website that will customize your flash websites to fit the new iPhone.  As iPhone’s are becoming more popular worldwide, PhotoBiz is innovating the industry and accommodating your developing business needs.

• Low set up fees ($25 one-time fee)
• No monthly fees. 
• They build and maintain themselves as you build and maintain your PhotoBiz Flash site.

 

Client Viewing:  This is a powerful new proofing tool that has been developed to complement and expand our online proofing and shopping cart features. This high impact presentation system is extremely customizable with multi lingual, complete color customization, font styles & sizes, transitions styles & speeds, AND MUCH MORE. This has the potential to be one of our customer’s favorite selling tools.

 

Smart Light Box:  Embed just about anything you can imagine into the PhotoBiz websites!  Chat, video, blog, Facebook, Twitter; you name it and we can probably help you get it on your PhotoBiz website with introduction of the PhotoBiz “Smart Light Box”!

 

About Tessa:  I am a self-taught portrait artist specializing in capturing real-life, of the moment images of  children, families and your ever-after.

Just a little bit about me.  First and foremost, I am a mother.  My son is my life, and he was my inspiration to try my hand at photography.  He inspires me daily, and keeps me on my toes and and inspires me to try new things and see the little moments in real life.   I strive to connect with my subjects and capture emotion and connections that get lost in everyday life.  I specialize in natural light, modern, custom portraiture.  I love what I do, and It shows in every image that I capture for my clients.

My ultimate goal in my photography is to provide you with more than just a portrait, but a timeless creation of your family’s personality, style and love for one another, of your newborn’s sweetness and of the ultimate anticipation of welcoming new life.  I love to take photographs, and have a great time doing it!

 

 

 

Facebook: Making it your gold mine!

So, you have set up your Facebook fan page, and are probably wondering “what do I do now, besides suggest it to my friends?” I have over 1,500 unique fans, and in this article, I am going to tell you:

• How I got so many fans
• How it has positively impacted my business
• How to make Facebook work for YOUR business

So, let’s get started!

When I originally got my fan page, I was somewhat clueless as to how to use it in a beneficial way. The most important thing to consider about Facebook is that you have an unlimited audience (many of whom are most definitely in your target market) and it is FREE! The days of print advertisements and phone books are just about long gone. Which is fine by me, as I try to keep my studio as green as possible, and I hate the thought of a beautiful marketing piece, that cost me good money to design, print and mail, just being tossed in the trash.

 

Step 1: Before you even attempt to work some Facebook magic, it is VERY IMPORTANT to know your target market. Really, it should be built into your business plan. Don’t have a business plan? Get one! There are lots of awesome online resources to help you get started. I have included a few below that I have found helpful.

http://www.bplans.com/photography_studio_business_plan/executive_summary_fc.cfm

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/138

When thinking about your target market, think to yourself, “If I were my customer, what would I want?” Be sure to include things like:

- Product Offering: Keep it easy, yet unique
- Prices: Have you researched your area, included your COGS (costs of goods sold), insurance, time invested and general overhead? Are you priced appropriately (and charging enough?)
- Services: What do your competitors offer, and what are clients in your area looking for?

Once you have pondered awhile, done your market research and figured out more about your market and target clientele, it is time for…

 

Step 2: Create an offer to draw people to your page. The key here is to give people a reason to visit your page, fan you, and keep coming back.

For example, on my fan page, I ran a month-long “cutest kid” contest where I solicited everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) to enter their kids. This is not for the faint of heart. I canvassed everyone I knew, by word of mouth, by my personal Facebook page, etc. I had about 20 people enter, and during the month, I went from around 250 fans to over 1,500.

For me, there were two keys to this contest.

1. Getting people interested enough to sign up, and telling their friends to become my fan.
2. Taking advantage of my new audience, and posting posting posting! I posted new images, old images, etc. in order to keep the content fresh.

During my contest, the competition was FIERCE! I had some determined mommas wanting a discounted session with me!!

After the votes were counted, and the contest winner was announced, my fan pool has continually grown. I post fresh and fun content just about daily. I think that with Facebook, things move very quickly, so you must stay in people’s mind. If they see your awesome images and stories on a daily basis, chances are, they will visit your website and book you when they have photography needs.

 

Step 3- Continue to use your new audience to promote your business! I post images and information about my photography, specials, etc. constantly. I estimate that about 85% of my current bookings are Facebook referrals.

 

Connect w/ Tessa:  Website  ::  Facebook  ::  Blog

March 2010 Featured Photographer of the Month

 

 

 

 

What equipment do you use?

I am of the philosophy if the equipment gets me the shot I want, than it is the right equipment.  I use high end Canon gear along with Profoto strobes when needed.  But if I had to, I could use any brand and love my results.  I love the “less is more” when packing my bag, but I also like having “back ups for my back ups” even when shooting locally.   I like breaking out the 400mm f/2.8 for sports and some of the looks I get from guests when I use it during weddings are crack ups.  But really, it is so useful when I need close ups and I want to stay way out of the way during the ceremony.  It’s not common to use but some venues just call for it because of distance and darkness.  I also really love using Radio Poppers. They are the most reliable remote sync I have used with my DSLR flashes. I hate carrying bags!  All the gear is carefully packet in ThinkTank roller bags.  Though I am not a “vest guy” I use my own creation, the Adventure Vest on assignments and when shooting sports. It totally saves my back and shoulders over a 10 hour day, not feeling the effects of carrying a ton of equipment.

 

 

 

How long have you been shooting?

I have been a professional ever since I got out of the University of Washington. This will be my 16th year as a full time photographer in June. Started in JP at the defunct Seattle Post-Intelligencer then on to another internship at the St. Louis Post Dispatch. From there I got in with Associated Press and Reuters News service witch led to other agencies like Sigma, Gamma and Liaison.  When Getty purchased them and I ended up getting a contract with Corbis.  During that time I was traveling back and forth to New York testing my artistic college degree as and editorial fashion photographer.  Settling back down in Seattle, senior portraits and stylish documentary weddings have taken me to a new level of photography.

 

 

Where are you located?

I am currently based out of Seattle.  I do love the Northwest, but I love a good plane ride. Traveling is somwthing I do very easily and very well.  I can’t wait for my next destination or adventure!

 

 

 

What type of photography do you like to create?

I love fashion photography and I try to implement concepts as an integral part of the documentary feel of the wedding day.  My high school seniors always have a ton of ideas or are open to my creative twists.  This collaboration produces images far beyond their expectations.   I do love traveling so doing destination weddings or locations shoots are my favorite.  I love shooting sports!!!!  Peak moments are so awesome! I totally respect the guys that can capture them in just a couple of shots rather than holding the button down and praying.

 

 

Price Range of Events?

• Weddings $4500 to $15,000
• Parties $2000 to $3000
• Portrait session $750 - $2000
• Commercial, Advertising, editorial $3500 – $15,000 Creative Fee

 

 

 

When did you notice you had a passion for Photography?

When my Dad gave me Canon F1 and a few rolls of film at age 8 while we were vacationing in Italy.  I was hooked.  I always was creating something on paper or on the classroom floor.  I loved being in the dark room watching those images appear slowly under water.  It is like magic.

 

 

What is unique to what you do?

I do believe it is my communication with clients along with stunning energetic images is what allows me to keep a step ahead.  I always am looking to better my work through photography, art or just learning something new, most of all to take complete care of my clients needs.

 

 

 

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened during a shoot?

One word, Groomsmen! Complete crack up every time! I ask groomsmen to play pranks on the groom through out the wedding party portrait session.  It never fails to erupt in tucked over abdominal crunching laughter!

 

 

Most Awkward moment during a wedding?

Mostly if and when groomsmen say something stupid.  I just look at the bride and raise an eyebrow to agree with her and it usually relaxes her.  Another one is the bride “popping” out of her strapless dress while she was being dipped by the groom and capturing the image. Oops…

 

 

 

What is the scariest thing that ever happened during a shoot?

Bride and Groom were being introduced to the guests at the reception.  She had her bouquet in her left hand and did a twirl on the dance floor, reached out to her groom with her right hand and before he could grab her she dislocated her LEFT shoulder. Fire trucks and ambulances were all around.  They wanted to take her for over night observation in the hospital.  There was no way she was going to the hospital.  Luckily one of her dear friends is a physical therapists that put her shoulder back in place because the fire crew would not do it.  She was a trooper and had a blast!

 

 

Best moment of your photography career?

Being published all over the world is a feat in itself.  Non the less I loved that the National Native American Museum Smithsonian ask for one of my images for their 10 year exhibit.  Every time one of my clients comes in to see their images and the looks of happiness or astonishment of just how amazing their images look is better than any award I have received throughout the years.

 

 

 

How many Shoots do you do each year?

• 25 to 40 weddings with engagement sessions
• 50 Portraits sessions including senior.
• 10 commercial  / advertising

 

 

Have you changed anything to adjust in the current economic times?

I have increased my advertising presence in many ways.  I mostly count on customer care so referrals come back to us fast and often. Social media has helped to get the word out too.  Photobiz’s flexibility and openness to new ideas and suggestions has been the greatest switch for us since starting with them 11 months ago.

 

 

 

Describe your shooting style:

My style is very energetic and sexy.  I love connecting with clients to find out just who they are and allow that big or shy personality to shine in my images.

 

 Click Here to Check out Alante Photography

 

 

Past Featured Photographers:

2009

February : March : April : May : June : July : August : September : October : November : December

2010

January : February

*Are you interested in becoming a featured photographer of the month with PhotoBiz?

Send an email to: Blogger [at] photobiz [dot] com. Include a paragraph stating why you think that you should be considered for this feature and a link to your website. (You must be willing to submit an interview and video testimonial if chosen)

This article will walk you through creating a badge for your Twitter account.

 

Login to yourTwitter account.Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the screen and click on Goodies.

 

 

 

Next, click on Widgets.

 

 

On the Left side of the screen, click on My Website.

 

 

Now click on Profile Widget.

 

 

In the box, type in your Username.  The Username is what appears after www.twitter.com/username. Then click on Test Settings.

 

 

On the left side, click on Preferences to edit your settings.

 

 

Next, on the left side, click on Appearance to edit the colors of the badge.  Click on the color box to open a color picker.

 

 

Last, click on Dimensions.  You will want to leave the default settings for this section.

 

 

To retreive the embed code, click on Finish & Grab Code.  Highlight and copy the code.

 

 

In your PhotoBiz control panel, click on the External Link. 

Under the Page Settings you can change the name of the link as it shows in the navigation. 

Under the URL settings, choose Embedded Link beside Link Type. 

Paste the code from Twitter into the Embedded Content area. 

You can enter in a Link Caption.

To ensure the badge fits properly, set the Width as 250 and the Height to 387.

 

 

*Last, click on Update.  We recommend previewing the site before Publishing so you can view the changes.