Author: StudioStyle

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers

Published December 28, 2015

As the new year approaches, you may find yourself contemplating the past year, reflecting on your accomplishments as a photographer, and thinking ahead to how you can boost your photography business in the New Year. StudioStyle.com is here to offer up a few New Year’s resolutions for Photographers. Make next year the year you set goals to improve your photography, and distinguish yourself amongst your competition!

1. Define Your Strengths and Weaknesses.

Take a step back and think about the past year. Where did you excel with your photography? Where did you feel you could have done better? Now make a written list of 5 strengths, and 5 weaknesses. Are you great at delivering beautiful photos to clients in a timely fashion, but not so great at pulling in consistent gigs? Maybe you’ve got a knack for marketing yourself, but are struggling with your digital file organization. Writing out a list of a few things you excel at and a few things you could improve upon will help you plan your goals.

2. Networking & Prospecting.

Always think about where you can make connections. If you’re trying to drum up some more business, get in touch with past clients. Referrals are the easiest way to bring in new customers. Stay in touch with them on social media or send greeting cards to remind them of your services.

Many people prefer to hire someone they know for an engagement or family photo shoot. Ask other photographers you know for advice. Find local photography and freelance groups on social media to engage with. Offer your own advice, ask for feedback, or set up an online or in person critique among photography friends.

3. Show your Photography Locally.

Many schools and communities host local art fairs and shows throughout the year to showcase local artists. Consider renting a booth or some gallery space to display or even sell some of your work to the public. This will allow you to make connections within your community and practice your pitch.

Be sure to join your local Facebook community group. There is always someone looking for senior portraits, newborn photos, wedding portraits… you get the idea. It’s an easy way to get your name out in your community.

If you’re a nature photographer, we have some tips on getting your photography seen—within your community and beyond.

4. Attend a Photography Trade Show or Expo.

Try to make it out to at least one convention or trade show this year. It’s beneficial to see what’s hot in the industry, observe new gadgets and trends, and get new ideas for ways to market yourself and your work.

Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new, and get ideas from what other successful photographers are doing. Most expos have a handful of workshops and well-known speakers in attendance, so there is always something to learn.

Top Photography Expos:

5. Branding Refresh.

To best decide if your photography business needs a brand refresh, go through this list of questions:

Have you developed a cohesive brand and marketing strategy for your photography?
How does your logo reflect your style and image?
What about a tagline?
Can you put your brand essence into words—in two sentences or less? Once you have it written out, make sure you practice your elevator pitch.
How would you market yourself to an audience of potential clients?
What does your photography do? What feelings and emotions does it invoke?
What elements do you focus on in the moments that you capture with your photography?

If your head isn’t spinning yet, get some helpful photography branding tips.

6. Update Your Website.

If your photography website is outdated, or if you don’t have one yet, you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. A quality portfolio is a must have for any serious photographer. A website is the best place to showcase your talents and get found by new customers.

Use your website to highlight your work, tell your stories, and tie in your branding elements. You can also use your website to collect leads for customers and host a preview of your clients’ photos. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, portrait photographer, sports, nature, fine art, or abstract photographer, a clean, well optimized website will make all the difference in your business.

7. Take Charge of Your Social Media Presence.

Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great top social media outlets for photographers to engage with their fans and get their work seen. Another great platform for photographers is 500px.com, which allows photographers to “showcase their work, license amazing photos, and stay inspired.”

These platforms are highly visual and allow for great content sharing. Don’t forget about Twitter and Pinterest, they are also great platforms to share your photography and get others to share it too. Make use of relevant hashtags and tagging to help users find your work, and use these platforms to connect with other like-minded photo professionals.

8. Brush up on Your Editing Skills.

You want to put your best photos out into the world, right? Even if you’ve mastered the craft of composing the best shots, you’ll have some that just won’t make the cut. You need to narrow down the top photographs that showcase your talent for you clients and your portfolio. After the shoot, do an initial quick edit and sweep to determine which photos to put the final touches on. Then, take some time away from the photos and revisit them a day or two later for a fresh viewpoint. This will allow your brain to refresh and hone in on the details you may have missed the first time.

9. Plan a Passion Project.

While getting booked for more paid shoots is great, it’s also important to keep your passion for the craft of photography alive.

Plan a project for you—not for money. Is there a story you’ve been dying to tell with your photos? Maybe you usually do portrait photography, but have had an itch to start a nature photography blog for fun. Think about what first got you interested in photography, and why you chose to make it your profession, and make this the year you revive your passion with a photo project that fulfills your creative aspiration.

10. Organize Your files + Backup Your Photos!

This might not be the most fun photography resolution, but it is an important one that will make your new year feel less hectic, and more organized.

Here’s our best advice: set a consistent file naming method that includes the date and name of the client or project, and keep photos organized in separate folders by month and year. Most file import programs allow for bulk file renaming, so you don’t have to waste time doing this manually.

Invest in an external hard drive or cloud service for backups and keeping archived photos to free up space on your main device. Be sure to do backups on a regular basis—don’t want to lose your work!

Best wishes for you and your photography in the new year! We look forward to helping you present your photographs with our full line of personalized photo folders, photo cards, photo frames, and cello bags in the New Year.

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How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards With Photos this Holiday Season

How to make your own holiday photo cards

How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards With Photos this Holiday Season

Published November 5, 2015

Printed photo cards have been on a perpetual rise in popularity, especially for Holiday greeting cards. They are great for sending out as party invitations, thank you cards, and as Christmas cards. Yet photo insert cards also remain a popular choice, and many opt for this classic photo card option year after year. Why?

Because blank photo insert cards are so versatile.

At StudioStyle.com, our photo frame cards are available in a variety of colors and are full-color throughout. Suitable for DIY Christmas and holiday cards, thank you cards, engagement announcements, birth announcements, graduation photos and more, you can buy one color of card and use it for various occasions throughout the year.

Ready to make your own greeting cards? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Personalized Christmas Cards

What do you do when you want to send one photo to your grandma, another to your uncle, and yet another to a friend who lives half a world away? With printed photo cards, you’re stuck with the same photo for everyone. With blank cards for photographs , you can send the color you want to whoever you want.

Just insert your photo of choice in the front for the chosen recipient, write a nice greeting inside, and voilà, instant photo greeting cards!

We also make holiday photo insert cards if you’re looking for something more festive:

Candy cane striped photo insert Christmas card with photo of Santa and kids

Wedding Thank You Cards

A photo card is the perfect way to thank guests for attending your wedding and to thank them for gifts. Just slip your photo in the front, and include a personalized, hand-written message inside. A white photo insert card is a classic option for thank you cards, but you can also choose a card that coordinates with your wedding colors.

Shown: Snow White with hand-written note.

Engagement Announcements & Save the Dates

Most photographers include an engagement photo shoot in their package, or offer it as an add-on. Blank photo frame cards are perfect for engagement photos because the picture window showcases your photo without any distracting design elements. For wedding details, you can hand write the information inside, or we can foil stamp your text for you. Foil imprinted save the date photo cards are a classic, elegant option.

Shown: Desert Storm, Snow White, Black

Photo Birth Announcements

Do yourself a favor and order your blank cards for photos before the baby is born. After your precious bundle of joy arrives, you’ll be spending so much time cooing to your babe and showing him/her off to visitors, that browsing for birth announcement designs might not cross your mind. By having blank birth announcement cards on hand ahead of time, you can just slip in your newborn photos and write out some quick notes to friends and family during nap time.

Shown: Cranberry Ice, Natural Flax, Light Blue

Everyday Photo Cards

Whether you bring home a new puppy, want to send warm wishes from your tropical paradise, or just want to say hello, blank greeting cards for photos are the perfect solution. Just insert your photo in the front, and write a message on the inside. Want to cheer up the grandparents? Slide a recent picture of your kids in the front, and let them doodle on the inside or cover the card with stickers.

Here are some other ways people use photo window cards:

Pet Photography: Adoption centers give these with a photo of your new best friend, and a brief message stamped on the inside.
Art & Craft Fairs: Not just for pictures! Insert small 4″ x 6″ art prints, pressed flowers, paintings, or even slim needlework.
A Long-Distance Hello: Perfect for sending photos to friends and family across the country, overseas, or even just on the other side of town.
Event Favors: Smaller than our standard event photo folders, we see event planners using photo insert cards for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet Sixteens, retirement parties, and more.
Personalized Branded Photo Cards: Professional photographers will add their studio name and website with hot foil stamping on the back of the card. These are a nice add-on to any studio package.

Whatever the occasion, whenever the celebration, stock up on some blank photo greeting cards. You never know when you’ll want to share a memory!

Shown: Navy Blue, Snow White, Red, Black, and Desert Storm

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8 Simple Halloween Photo Tips for Great Pictures of Your Kids in Costume

Halloween photo tips for taking pictures of kids

8 Simple Halloween Photo Tips for Great Pictures of Your Kids in Costume

Published October 22, 2015

We love Halloween. And we love photography! We combined these two loves to come up with some simple Halloween photo tips to help you capture creative shots of your kids in their Halloween costumes this year.

1. Don’t wait until October 31st!

Halloween day can be busy with last-minute preparations. Take some time a few weeks before Halloween to let your kids try on their costumes. This is a good idea to make sure all parts of their costumes are in order before they head out for Trick-or-Treating.

Photographing during the mid-late morning hours when the lighting is crisp is ideal, but late afternoon or during the evening golden hour is the perfect time to capture the essence of fall. Whenever you decide to snap your Halloween photos, be sure to take your most important shots first, like the portraits and group photos.

Two kids hold up Halloween pumpkin candy buckets while both are dressed up as mummies

2. Explore different settings

Set up a photo area in the back yard, or take some shots around the neighborhood if you’re pressed for time. Make use of the traditional Halloween décor you already own (cobwebs, pumpkins, hay bales, cornstalks, etc.) as background or props to accent your shoot.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, head out to a local park or nature preserve to capture the colors of changing autumn foliage for a backdrop. If you’re willing to deal with the crowds, you can even take your kids to visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard in their costumes for some ready-made fall scenery.

3. Capture the little details, as well as the big picture

This is especially rewarding if your child is sporting a home-made costume this year. Don’t forget to zoom in on the details of their costume garments, face makeup, and accessories. Ask your child what their favorite part of their costume is, too so you can highlight that in your photos.

4. Use pumpkins as props

Lit or unlit, carved or whole, pumpkins can be used in countless ways to accent your Halloween photos.

This one is for the brave of heart. If your child is an infant, carve a larger pumpkin out completely and cut holes large enough for your baby’s legs to stick through. Place your child inside the pumpkin and capture the moment. Results may vary, and the best one might be a candid shot of (hopefully) everyone laughing!

This one is for everyone! For photos of your glowing Jack-o-lanterns, hit the lights, turn off the flash, and set your camera on a stable surface to avoid blur. Make use of the self timer on your camera for the most stable effect. Substitute a flashlight or LED for your light source inside the pumpkin to achieve a more even glow.

A mother and daughter are outside in witch costumes, sitting next to a smiling carved Jack-O-Lantern for a Halloween photo

5. Try different angles

Elevate yourself and get a bird’s eye view of your kids acting out their characters in costume for a creative Halloween photo. Get down low and get on their level, too. Capture the world from their perspective by lying or squatting on the ground as they approach you in costume.

6. Get some action shots

Ask your child to get in character and strike a pose that fits their costume. Take some photos of the kids interacting with one another if they are trick-or-treating with a group of friends. Make sure to get some shots of them going both up to and from the door. Capture their smiles and excitement as they reach into their candy buckets to measure their loot.

If it comes naturally, take the opportunity to photograph your child as they hold hands with a sibling, or with their parents while walking down the sidewalk. For more ideas of great actions shots, visit our Halloween ideas board on Pinterest.

A girl dressed as a devil seriously points her trident at the camera. The other girls is dressed as a witch and is gleefully pointing her broom at the camera.

7. Set up a DIY photo studio at home

If the weather doesn’t cooperate for your outdoor Halloween photo shoot, you can always set up a simple makeshift photo studio in the garage or a large space inside. You’ll be able to make use of the soft, natural light that floods in from outside. Hang your backdrop of choice from your garage shelving (make sure to get all of the wrinkles out first if you’re using fabric). Use a sheet of black stretch velvet fabric, a heavy weight blanket, or fleece fabric for the ideal backdrop.

Other DIY Halloween photo booth backdrops could be made from:

Balloons and streamers
Cut-out bats, pumpkins, and spiders taped to the wall
Wrapping paper or even orange or black cellophane
Those big skeletons! Perhaps not the 12′ skeleton, but a few smaller ones propped up, or even skeleton cut-outs
Make your own monsters
Bundles of corn (sometimes called “corn shocks”) with stacks of pumpkins
If you have a dark backdrop, make a big spiderweb from white streamers

Have any other DIY photo booth backdrop ideas or Halloween photo tips? Leave your idea in the comments!

8. Frame your prints with Halloween themed photo cards

Jack-o-lantern photo folder with park district imprint frames a picture of a child in a chicken costume at a pumpkin patch.

When you’re all finished and have selected your favorite Halloween shots, you can use Halloween themed photo folders or photo insert cards from Studio Style to display and share your Halloween memories. Available in several spook-tacular stock designs, our photo cards and frames also come with optional personalization and custom imprinting.

Happy Hauntings!

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Studio Style Customer Spotlight: Edward C. Robison III

Customer spotlight on photographer Edward C Robison

Studio Style Customer Spotlight: Edward C. Robison III

Published October 15, 2015

We are excited to announce our new monthly customer spotlight! If you are a Studio Style customer and would like to apply for a feature on our blog and social media, please complete the form at the bottom of this post.

Edward C. Robison III

This month, we are excited to introduce Edward C. Robison III, a nature photographer based out of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Edward began his artistic quest as painter. When he found himself drawn towards photography, he brought a painterly vision for color, composition, and scope to his photographic palette. From stark boulder fields to lush waterfalls, Edward’s photographs reflect his deep love of nature and his keen eye, as well as an underlying theme of conservation of natural resources.

Edward C. Robison III Nature Photography of clouds drifting over a forested hillside

The places he photographs are the quiet, the remote, the mystical, the majestic… the sacred places of earth. View his breathtaking landscape photography collection here. Edward’s work can be found in many corporate and private collections including Bass Pro Shops, BKD, Capital One, Prairie Fire – American Museum of Natural History, and the National Arbor Day Foundation, just to name a few. His work is also featured in the Sierra Club Calendars and ten books about the Midwest landscape.

Studio Style Portfolio Sample image of Edward's photos

Pictured: Edward uses the 8 x 10 size Black Print Holders from Studio Style as eco-friendly display folios for his prints. He also uses the 11 x 14 folios for his limited edition Augmented Reality prints on rag paper.

What are black print holders?

These durable photo folios were designed with professional photographers in mind. An inexpensive alternative to photo books and albums, these archival proof folders are made out of recycled black 20pt cardstock and have a linen weave finish. They are available for 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″ or 11″ x 14″ photographs or prints, and can be ordered blank or with your studio name and logo foil stamped on the front cover.

Edward C. Robison III photo of a twisted old tree, clinging on the rocky side of a large hill or mountain on a foggy autumn day.

When Edward is not in the field focusing on his personal work, he contracts with Bass Pro Shops creating one of a kind photos for Johnny Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge, Dogwood Canyon, and Top of the Rock golf course.

He also specializes in photographing world famous artworks for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Edward lives in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and owns the Sacred Earth Gallery, which exclusively features his large-format landscape photographs. You can view his entire photography collection at EdwardCRobisoniii.com

Tall, straight tree trunks in an open snowy forest with sunlight hitting behind the trees

Edward recently published a book of his Augmented Reality Photography, titled “Ozark Landscapes – An Augmented Reality Project” which is available for purchase on Amazon. Do you love Edward’s work as much as we do? Connect with him on social media:

Follow Edward on Instagram: @sacredearthgallery
Follow him on Facebook
Check out his website: EdwardCRobisoniii.com

About Studio Style

We’re proud to be a leading source for personalized photo products, since 1994.

We are a family-owned company, and we design and manufacture paper photo folders, cardboard picture frames, and custom photo cards for photographers and event planners looking for photo packaging solutions. We manufacture our products here in the United States, which allows us to guarantee the integrity and quality of our products to our customers.

Need personalized photo packaging or gifts? No problem. We can print or foil stamp your logo and event date to create a one-of-a-kind, branded marketing piece for your studio, party, or event. Choose from a variety of styles and sizes to find the perfect folio, frame, photo folder, or photo card for your giveaway or event.

We offer low minimums for personalization, and also offer full-service custom work. By combining custom print runs with our own product runs, we control each step in the manufacturing process from design development through the printing and assembly process.

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Make Your Own Birth Announcements with Photo Insert Cards

Published September 18, 2015

Looking for a creative yet simple way to share the news of your baby’s arrival with friends and family? We have the perfect solution for you.

It’s easy to make personalized photo birth announcements with our blank photo insert cards.

Just print out your 4″ x 6″ picture and slide it into the card. You can order these photo frame cards blank and write a personal note, or we can foil stamp or print your custom message for you.

Why use photo insert cards for birth announcements?

You can send someone a 4″ x 6″ photo of your baby
The 5″ x 7″ card can be used as a photo mat in a 5″ x 7″ frame
Or recipients can slip the photo out of the card
No glue or tape needed—photo just slides in
Lots of room to write a personalized note!
Don’t want to stick with one color? No problem! Order blank cards in different colors for family and friends.

Read on for some tips on choosing the right birth announcement photo insert card for your precious bundle of joy.

Oh, and congrats!

Baby Boy Birth Announcement Card – Light Blue

Pastel blue photo card with newborn baby boy photo Color: Light Blue
Personalization: Foil stamped window frame (Navy Blue Foil); hand-written note inside (blank ink looks best)

Baby Girl Birth Announcement Card – Light Pink

Pastel pink photo insert card with picture of a newborn baby girl Color: Cranberry Ice (It’s a pastel pink color)
Personalization: Foil stamped (Metallic Purple Foil)

Gender Neutral Birth Announcement Card – Green

Mint green birth announcement card with handwritten note Color: Willow Green (discontinued).
Personalization: Hand-written note (blank ink)

Gender Neutral Birth Announcement Card – Cream

insertcard_babyneutral2 Color: Natural Flax
Personalization: Foil stamped (Metallic Gold Foil)

Best Photo Insert Cards for Black and White Baby Photos

If you opt to send black and white photos of your baby, and don’t want the color of the card to overwhelm your photo, you’ll want to look at our Snow White or Black photo window cards for your birth announcements.

White photo card with personalized birth announcement imprint Color: Snow White
Personalization: Foil stamped (Black Foil) and hand-written

Black photo card with newborn's name stamped on the frame Color: Black
Personalization: Foil stamped (Metallic Silver Foil)

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How to Add Vintage Flair to Your Event Photo Booth

How to Add Vintage Flair to Your Event Photo Booth

Published August 25, 2015

How to Add Vintage Flair to your Photo Booth

Ah, the photo booth.

Invented in the early twentieth century by an ambitious Russian immigrant, the photo booth quickly won over the American public with it’s quick printing capabilities and intimate booth atmosphere.

Enclosed photo booths started appearing in cities across the U.S. wherever crowds gathered. They grew in popularity over the next several decades, and saw such famous visitors as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Truman Capote.

But in the later decades of the 20th century, Americans’ fascination with the photo booth declined. The once-popular photo booths were relegated to dusty corners at malls and shopping centers.

But all that changed about 10 years ago.

As the saying goes, “what’s old is new again,” and this couldn’t be more true for the humble event photo booth. Now they are at weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, retail grand openings, first birthday parties, and graduation parties. Photographers across the U.S. are adding them as a package option for their event photography, and DIY photo booth tutorials abound.

But the fun part for you, the party planner, is all the glamorous details, and what’s more fun than a vintage 1920s photo booth theme? Whether you’re throwing a gala reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, hosting a small art deco-inspired soirée, or just want a 1920s-themed photo booth, we’ve searched high and low to bring you some of the best 1920s vintage photo booth ideas and inspiration.

Vintage Photo Booth Backdrop Ideas

Strips of wrapping paper. Sound silly? It’s not! Put one strip black, another of a subtle black and gold geometric pattern. Just be careful not to clash patterns or create something too loud.
Black table cloth. This is perhaps the easiest and thriftiest option, which is why it’s usually the most popular. A simple black table cloth from your local party supply store is a simple but great background.
Streamers. Choose two or three colors, and tape streamers to the wall, keeping them all straight, twirling all of them, or keeping some straight while twirling others.
Velvet. We’re thinking a red or black velvet curtain reminiscent of the theater. While an actual theater curtain might not fit your budget, check your local fabric store, especially the bargain bins. Or, hang a simple black backdrop, and put on red velvet curtain on each side, pulled back with a gold rope tie. Where to buy: Jo-Ann
Clear balloons filled with gold glitter. Easy and fun glitter balloons! Just add a spoonful of glitter to a clear balloon, blow it up (with helium), tie on a gold ribbon, and tape the ribbon to the floor. Fill up enough balloons to cover a wide enough area, and tie on varying lengths of ribbon. You can either buy these pre-made, or make your own glitter balloons.
Patterns to look for. Whether it’s a piece of fabric, a table cloth, wrapping paper, or wallpaper, look for big, regal patterns like damask or brocade, or for true art deco style, be on the lookout for bold geometric patterns.

Prop Ideas for your 1920s-Themed Photo Booth

Hats, hats, hats. Find period-style hats for the guys and the dames. For guys, look for bowler, derby, fedora, top hat, panama, gambler, or homburg. For dames, look for cloche, beret, toque, turbans, and of course, the flapper headband. Where to buy: Candy Apple Costumes
Mustache on a stick. Make your own, find some at the party store, or download some vintage-style photo booth printables.
Bow ties for the guys. You can either find a few clip-on bow ties (skip the over-sized ones for the vintage theme), or use a printable. Where to buy: Tie Bar (feeling crafty? Learn how to make your own clip-on bow tie.)
Lace gloves for the ladies. So that you’re fit for your elegant affair. Where to buy: Historical Emporium
Lace parasol. Look at pictures of people picnicking in the 1920s and you might see some women with lacy parasols, meant to shelter the sun. While a full-size parasol won’t work to well in a confined space, a child-sized or petite parasol would be perfect.
Feather boas and playful fans. Time to hit the party store again! Think glitz and glam.
Rotary Phone. Why not? Look on eBay or ask around; you might be surprised at who has one of those sitting in their attic.
Colorful silk flowers. Not your ordinary prop, but why should the bride and bridesmaids be the only ones with bouquets?

DIY Vintage Photo Booth Signs

Pointing to the photo booth. Free photo booth sign printables abound online. Check out some at Elegance and Enchantment. Creating your own? Look up some 1920s slang to make it even more authentic.
How to use the photo booth. Avoid the risk of losing pictures, having damaged equipment, or just confusing your guests. Kelly from A Side of Sweet provided a simple list of instructions for guests at her wedding.
How to pose and use props. Yes, this might sound silly, but it could be another way to add some vintage flair. Find some old photo booth pictures (old family photos from the 1920s will work, too), put them in a gold frame, and place them on the props table.

Protect Your Prints! Personalized Photo Booth Favors

Photo Booth Strip Folders. Help your guests protect their 2″ x 6″ photo booth prints. Personalize with your event details. Where to buy: Studio Style
Photo Holder for 4″ x 6″ Photo Booth Collage. Perfect for the larger prints! Choose a vintage design, or create one of your own. Where to buy: Studio Style (Psssst… the Vintage Props is our most popular design for events like this.)
An envelope. Get envelopes to coordinate with your color or design theme. Leave them blank, add a label, or personalize with some fancy calligraphy. Find these at any stationery supply store. For 4″ x 6″ photos, look for the A6 envelope size.

DIY Photo Booth Tutorial List

If you’re one of the brave individuals looking to set up your own photo booth, check out this list of tutorials from experts and beginners alike.

Offbeat Wed. No expensive camera needed, just your computer and a web cam. The ultimate budget-friendly option.
Simple Booth. Have an iPad? Here’s a really easy one for you. Buy the app, and set your iPad up on a tri-pod.
Photography Concentrate. Photographers Lauren and Rob Lim share their photo booth setup. This one is perfect if you have a dSLR and a separate flash unit.
dslrBooth. Photo booth software (Mac or PC) for those with Nikon, Canon or Sony dSLR cameras. Also works with webcams.
Viget. For a more professional setup with dSLR, lights, and live photo slideshow, see how the staff at Viget set up their photo booth.

If You’re Hiring a Photographer…

Sometimes it’s more fun to let someone else handle the technical side of setting up a photo booth, and that’s ok! You can still choose props, backdrops, and other photo booth decor. We’ve found that photo booth owners love working their clients’ ideas into their booth to help personalize the experience, so if you are hiring a professional, ask them if you can use your own props and backdrop.

Ready, Set, Go!

Whether it’s for your wedding or your kid’s birthday party, your photo booth will bring out the goofiness in your guests, and there’s nothing like a vintage theme to really get them to open up.

Are you doing a vintage photo booth theme? Let us know what your set up looks like—we’d love to see it!

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Personalized Event Folders – Print Your Own Custom Labels

Published July 16, 2014

In a rush? No time for custom imprinting? Print your own custom labels for instant folder personalization.

Photo event folders personalized with custom labels

Did your event sneak up on you? No time for custom photo event folders? What’s an event planner to do?!?!

We have the answer: custom labels.

While our professional foil imprinting services are by far the best complement to our folders, we understand that sometimes you need folders in a hurry.

When photographers and event planners come to us with a last-minute project, foil imprinting is usually no longer an option. In these cases, we suggest ordering our blank portrait folders or standard event photo folders. Then print off some labels at home or at the office, stick them on the cover, et voilá! Personalized photo folder frames, just in time for your event.

Although we do not sell self-adhesive labels, they can be purchased at any store that sells office supplies. Print your logo, artwork, or event name onto the labels according to package instructions, then just peel and stick your custom labels to our portrait folders. While it might not have the same classy look as a foil stamped portrait folder, it gets the job done. In the end, a custom photo folder is about event or company branding.

Custom labels work with any of our blank photo folders, including our portrait folders and foil imprinting services. Not sure what you want? Browse all photo folders. While printing your own custom labels is no substitute for the beauty of foil hot-stamped imprinting, it is an easy personalization solution when faced with a tight event deadline.

But hey, there’s always next year! Our standard production time on custom imprinted photo presentation folders is generally 7-10 business days. Please allow a few days for proofing your artwork or design, plus time for shipping. We see many customers begin the ordering process a month before their event. We usually start making custom Christmas foil stamped photo folders before Halloween!

With a little creativity (and a lot of peeling and sticking), custom labels really can turn a blank photo folder into a one-of-a-kind branded photo souvenir.

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Green Photo Cards—Green in Color AND Recycled Materials!

Green Photo Cards—Green in Color AND Recycled Materials!

Published February 28, 2014

So you’re looking for green photo cards. Good news—Studio Style can help!

But first, when we say “green photo cards” that could mean one of two things:

Photo cards that are the color green

Recycled photo insert cards

Let’s look at the differences (and similarities) between those two options.

Photo insert cards that are the color green

These cards are made of sturdy green cardstock, meaning they are full-color throughout.
Available in Forest Green
Forest Green is popular for Christmas photo frame cards or St. Patrick’s day cards.
Mint Green is great for gender-neutral birth announcements, Easter photo cards, or spring-themed photo souvenirs.
Green photo frame cards can be ordered blank or personalized.
Our photo insert cards hold a vertical or horizontal 4″ x 6″ photograph or art print.
Just slide your photo in—no glue or tape needed!
Card size is 5″ x 7″. Many people enjoy using these cards as inexpensive photo frame mats for their 4″ x 6″ photos.

Now onto the other meaning of “green.”

Recycled photo insert cards

Recycled black photo insert card frames a picture of a monkey in a tree

While the post-consumer waste content varies within our line of Simplicity photo insert cards, we have nine eco-friendly blank photo cards that are crafted entirely out of recycled materials:

Flint White – 50% post-consumer waste content
Natural Flax – 30% post-consumer waste content – Best seller!
Light Blue – 30% post-consumer waste content
Cranberry Ice – 30% post-consumer waste content
Black – 30% post-consumer waste content – Best seller!
Navy Blue – 30% post-consumer waste content
Forest Green – 30% post-consumer waste content – A truly green photo card!
Red – 30% post-consumer waste content
Desert Storm – 100% post-consumer waste content – Similar to kraft paper greeting cards

Because we manufacture these cards, we are able to modify our manufacturing process on-the-fly to reduce waste. This is just another reason why our photo insert cards are an excellent eco-friendly addition to your stationery collection.

Additionally, these photo cards are 100% recyclable, even when foil stamped.

Navy blue Christmas photo insert card with a let it snow design — Many of our Christmas photo insert cards are also made out of recycled paper stock.

Why buy photo insert cards from Studio Style?

We make them in our St. Charles, IL facility. Since we manufacture them (we also add your foil stamped personalization), we oversee your order from start to finish, from flat sheet of paper to finished product. We’re a little bias when we say this, but we think made in the USA photo cards are fantastic.

Buy blank photo frame cards—or add your personalization. Buy green photo holder cards with no minimum when you order them blank. This is a popular option for those who want to send just a few photo greeting cards to friends and family. Or add an imprint! Whether it’s a Christmas card sentiment to go with your family photo, or your photography studio logo, foil stamped personalized photo cards are timeless, and will stand out amongst the sea of digitally printed cards.

Great customer service. We’re not just tooting our horn here. See what our customers have to say about our products and customer service.

We have a wholesale program. Are you a photographer who sells photo cards? Sign up for our wholesale program and start earning money with slip in photo cards. If you’re a nature photographer, be sure to read this tips on how to sell your nature photography. And don’t forget to read up on our wholesale photo insert card selling tips to help you earn more money from your photography or art.

Recycled photo holder cards frames a picture of a fox — Recycled photo cards are great giveaways for nature preservation groups like forest preserve districts, non-profits, and even environmental NGOs.

Let’s add some green photo cards to your eco-friendly stationery collection.

Browse our entire Simplicity photo insert card line, or give us a call at (800) 346-3063. We’re here to help!

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Spin Art Card Frames: Kids Art Party

Published March 27, 2012

Looking for a fun activity and party favor rolled into one for your next kids art party? Have the kids make their own spin art!

But don’t send kids and party goers home with nothing to hold their art; send them home with a party favor that complements their creation.

Frame the spin art with inexpensive 5×7 photo frames from Studio Style, allow to dry, and send kids home with a fun and funky craft they’ll love to show off.

What is spin art and how does it work?

Spin art is a popular activity at carnivals, birthday parties, school fun fairs, summer camp, festivals, and park district events. Also called twirl art, spin art machines can be rented at carnival and party rental supply companies.

Paint (and sometimes glitter) is squeezed or dripped onto a paper card that is attached to a spinning platform creating an abstract piece of art. For decades, spin art has been a carnival staple because it is a fun and interactive arts and crafts activity that results in an instant novelty souvenir that can be taken home. It is also a proven money maker at fundraising events.

Why paper frames work perfectly for holding spin art

Most spin art cards measure 5″ x 7″, which fit nicely into one of our 5″ x 7″ paper photo frames. You can order these paper picture frames blank (with no order minimum!), or you can personalize these art card holders and frames with your event name or logo.

If kids aren’t sure which way they want to display their art, don’t worry; these paper frames come with pop-out easels so they can display them horizontally or vertically.

And while these cardstock frames are made of thick, recycled paper, they are light enough for mom or dad to hang up with a few pushpins or heavy magnets at work or home.

Looking for other frame options? Check out our entire line of 5×7 photo holders for spin art prints—we have more than 30 5×7 photo folders and frames to choose from, including many themed designs.

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DIY Free Photo Booth Strip Template Download

DIY Photo Booth Template for Photoshop | Courtesy of StudioStyle.com

DIY Free Photo Booth Strip Template Download

Published March 15, 2012

Say cheese! Download our free template to create DIY photo booth strips.

We love photo booths. Old is new again, and photo booths have seen a resurgence at wedding receptions, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, bars, restaurants, parties, and events everywhere. It’s instant photo fun—what’s not to love?

While nothing can replace that old school fun of jumping into a photo booth and hamming it up with your friends, sometimes you just want the old fashioned photo strip look without renting a booth.

We know the feeling, and that is why we created this freebie just for you. Below are step-by-step instructions to create your own Photo Booth Strip Template in Photoshop.

Editing the photo booth picture strip template in Photoshop — This is what the template looks like when you open it. Add your photos underneath the top layer titled “Photo Booth Template”.

Free photo booth 2x6 template for Photoshop

Download Free Photo Booth Strip Template

This download is a layered PSD (Photoshop) file, just open and place your photos behind the template layer. Who knew it could be so easy to make your own 2″ x 6″ photo booth picture strip?

To save your finished design for printing, you can flatten the layers and save it as a JPG. You can also save it as a PNG or TIFF, but JPG is a widely-used and widely-accepted image format.

Try making your pictures black and white or sepia tone for a vintage look by applying your favorite Image Adjustment or Photoshop Action.

This photo booth template is for more than just photo booth pictures

Be creative! Print and cut them out to make your own DIY save the dates or wedding thank you cards, birthday party favors, or simply combine your favorite photos to post to Facebook and share with friends.

If you enjoy nature photography, add some of your favorites and print your own 2″ x 6″ nature-themed bookmarks (an inexpensive Christmas present!).

Or add photos of your kids a recent vacation, your dog at the park, or even a night out on the town. While you can frame these, 2″ x 6″ photo booth strips also look great hung on a fridge or cabinet with a magnet.

How to frame your 2″ x 6″ picture strips

If you’re printing a large volume of photo booth pictures, be sure to check out our inexpensive paper photo booth frames, available in more than 60 themed designs, including red carpet, sports, Christmas, and vintage.

Picture strip folders are perfect for photo favors, handing out as photo souvenirs to event attendees, wedding guests, or using as a thank you card. Customize a printed photo booth picture holder for any event or occasion.

2x6 Photo Booth Frames to Hold Picture Strip Templates — Design and print your own 2″ x 6″ photo booth picture strips. Shown here in our photo booth folders.

PS – Not sure if your event needs a photo booth? Here are 10 reasons why photo booths can boost an event’s success.

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