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Golf Tournament Giveaways & Photo Op IdeasMake it memorable with golf tournament giveaways

Golf Tournament Giveaways & Photo Op Ideas

Published April 29, 2016

Hosting a golf tournament takes a lot of work. But with proper planning, it can be a rewarding fundraiser and promotional opportunity for your charity or organization.

It’s important to keep in mind that the success of a golf outing can impact whether golfers and their guests return again for next year’s event. You’ll want to make sure the are engaged, leave with some great memories, and of course, some great prizes, too.

Studio Style is here to help make your golf event successful and memorable with these ideas for golf tournament giveaways.

Smile! Golf Tournament Photos Make it Memorable.

What better way to help guests remember your event, than with a photo? Hire a local event photographer to take candid and posed pictures at your golf outing. Print the photos on site so that guests can take them home the same day.

Include your branding and golf event logo on souvenir photo holders for a memorable keepsake. Let guests know that you’ll also post the photos online soon after the event, and how they can access the album. This creates a lasting connection between the guests and your organization. It also allows for social media image sharing, resulting in further engagement with your brand beyond the event.

Pro Tip: Free photo hosting platforms like Facebook, Google Photos, Dropbox, Flickr, and SmugMug allow you to easily upload and share event photos with others.

Golf gatefold photo folder with a golf ball dimpled folder

Golf Outing Photo Ops: When, Where, and What Kind of Photos?

Take Golfer Photos at Check-in

Set up a photo station with a backdrop that matches the theme of your outing. Ask guests to strike a pose as soon as they’re checked in. Include some themed props for some extra fun. Taking guests’ photos when they arrive is ideal if you’re expecting hot weather. Golfers may be less inclined to pose for a photo op after they’ve spent several hours golfing in the sun. This also gives you time to get the photos printed before they leave.

Pro Tip: A branded photo backdrop can be a great opportunity to sell sponsors, with logo exposure in all event photos.

Take Action Shots of Golfers

Guests will appreciate seeing some action shots from out on the course, too. Have your photographer (or volunteers) capture photos of foursomes and individual golfers during the tournament. Take a selection of candid and posed shots for good variety.

Action shot of a male golfer teeing off on a golf course

Take Photos With a Celebrity

If you invite a keynote speaker or golf pro, ask them to pose with golfers. Even having the town mayor attend can add prestige to your event and create a lasting impression for your guests. If a celebrity is out of your budget, try a cardboard cut-out! It will give event attendees something to laugh about.

Rent a Photo Booth

In between golfing and dinner, allow guests to entertain themselves with a photo booth. Many photo booth rental packages come with a selection of props for guests to pose with. If you’re on a tight budget, a DIY photo booth might be a better fit. Don’t have a dSLR camera? Check out this DIY photo booth using your phone.

Hand Out Golf Goodie Bags

Custom golf photo folders and frames are affordable, personalized golf tournament giveaways to send home with attendees. These golf-themed photo holders can be printed with your event name, logo, date, and even sponsor info. Include it in the golf goodie bags along with other giveaways like snacks, golf balls, tees, and discount coupons from sponsors. Add a flyer or postcard with info about your charity or organization, a list of upcoming events, and a nice thank you note showing appreciation for their participation. Remember to order your photo holders and golf giveaway items at least one month ahead of your event date!

Pro Tip: Event sponsors can help offset the cost of prizes and promotional materials. Ask if they’d like to provide branded giveaways like water bottles, imprinted golf balls, bag tags, towels, or ball markers that sport their logo.

Prizes & Awards for Golfers

Give out tournament prizes and awards during the lunch or dunner break, or near the end of the event. Trophies, printed award certificates, and giveaways add prestige to your golf event or fundraiser. Golf prizes like a putter, cart bag, or gift card to the local pro shop are great for “closest to the hole” and “longest drive” contests, but also try to think beyond what they players and golf enthusiasts would enjoy.

Plan some prizes that can be appreciated by their spouses and co-workers, too. For instance, offer a catered lunch for the office from a local eatery, or a gift certificate for an evening of entertainment at a comedy club or theater.

Don’t forget about your volunteers! Recognize your tournament planning committee with a special thank you gift. Certificate frames and award folders are a personalized touch for those who worked so hard to help you organize a successful golf event.

Pro Tip: Hold a raffle at your tournament to boost your fundraising efforts, and send more guests home with winnings.

Great Prizes Generate Great Buzz

As you organize your tournament, start promoting your prizes well in advance (2-3 months is ideal). Stir up excitement and list any big ticket items on your website and social media. Ask your followers to share and comment on which prizes they like best (this also helps you gauge interest for planning the next year’s prizes).

If you’ve secures a sponsor who’s contributing a buzz-worthy prize, talk it up in your pre-event advertising. Submit a press release to local media outlets for some bonus coverage on your tournament. Encourage tournament sponsors to cross promote their contribution and involvement with the event for increased exposure.

We can help you with golf photo folders

Have a question about ordering golf gifts and award frames for your tournament or golf fundraiser? We’re here to help! We’ll make sure your receive exactly what you envision for your golf outing. Call us at (800) 346-3063 or visit StudioStyle.com to find your golf tournament giveaways.

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Make Your Own Graduation AnnouncementsMake your own graduation announcements

Make Your Own Graduation Announcements

Published April 21, 2016

DIY Graduation Announcements for High School Seniors & College Grads

You did it! Graduation marks the end of one chapter, and the start of another. Congrats on your accomplishments—now let’s celebrate!

StudioStyle.com can help you create the perfect graduation announcements and grad party invites. The grad cards and and photo holders below can be customized for ALL types of graduations, from kindergarten, Montessori, junior high and middle school, to high school, community college, state university, nursing school, and graduate school.

Printed Graduation Announcements

From modern to classic, we can help you design graduation party invite to suit every grad’s style.

To create your graduation photo announcement or party invite, just tell us your personalized info, and upload your favorite senior picture. In order to customize your own graduation announcement from scratch, just provide us with a little creative direction. We can design you grad party photo announcements in your school colors.

Choose any standard photo card size for your graduation invitations: 3-½” x 5″ notecard, A2, 5″ x 7″, or even a z-fold photo greeting card. Our cards are printed on durable, smooth finish white paper that is thicker than traditional photo paper. All photo graduation announcements come with plain white envelopes, making them perfect for mailing. Design your own graduation photo announcements.

Printed graduation photo cards
Here are a few samples of graduation cards we’ve printed.

Graduation Announcement Photo Insert Cards

Just slide your favorite graduation picture into the pocket opening of our photo insert cards for an easy DIY grad party invite. No glue or tape required!

Hand write a personalized message on the inside of the card, or have us imprint your name, graduation year, and party details for you. These 5″ x 7″ photo insert cards come in various colors with an opening for a 4″ x 6″ photo, so you can choose one that coordinates with your school colors. Browse all photo insert cards here.

Photo insert cards for graduation announcements are really popular. See how others are making their own grad invite photo cards.

Graduation announcement photo insert card with gold foil imprint

Graduation Announcement Photo Folders

These black graduation photo folders feature a gold foil graduation cap imprint on the front cover. You can order them with just the design, or add your personalization: school crest, logo, mascot, or even an inspirational message. Each folder holds one 4″ x 6″ photo, with your choice of a vertical or horizontal layout.

These paper photo holders are a beautiful alternative to traditional graduation cards. They’re an elegant way to protect, store, display, and present graduation photos and senior pictures.

Black photo folder with gold foil graduation cap imprinted on the front cover and a personalized imprint on the window frame border.

Senior Portrait Folders

Want something a but more luxe? Check out our recycled, deckle-edge portrait folders.

These folders are available in black or white, with optional custom imprinting. We offer these photo folders in vertical and horizontal formats for all standard photo sizes. They’re perfect for high school and college graduations, as well as for portrait photographers looking for a professional way to present prints to clients.

Vertical black portrait folder with ragged edges has a university logo imprinted on the front cover in gold and a university graduate's picture framed inside

Need ideas on what to write in your graduation announcements and invitations?

Check out our post on Graduation Announcement Wording. For help designing the perfection graduation announcements, call the Studio Style team at (800) 346-3063.  Have your own ideas for custom graduation announcements? Share them with us in the comments below.

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Step It Up Events ® Revolutionizes the Photo Booth & Brings Life to Event PhotographyStep it Up Events Photo Booth

Step It Up Events ® Revolutionizes the Photo Booth & Brings Life to Event Photography

Published February 8, 2016

We’re proud to announce Step It Up Events® as this month’s Studio Style Customer Spotlight! Step It Up Events® is a full service event branding company specializing in open photo booths, video photo booths & event photography for corporate and party engagement and entertainment. When you hire Step It Up Events®, you’ll get the benefit of a diverse and experienced team, including a top-rated photographer, creative artist, digital marketing strategist, social media guru, event planner, technology leader, and a customer service specialist. They’ll roll out the red carpet for you and your guests, with elegant custom photo station solutions plus an open, inviting and attractive presence that is branded to your event.

The Step It Up Events® team recognizes there is so much more to your event experience than just the pictures, and currently serves East coast customers in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Howard Schram, Founder of Step It Up Events®, to learn more about what it takes to create a magnificent personalized event experience.

Four custom black paper folder frames with custom event branding foil stamped on the window borderWhat sets you apart from your competition?

Step It Up Events® is NOT your everyday photo booth company. We are not a rental, we are a service.  I founded Step it Up Events® with one idea, “Every celebration is 100% personalized for each and every event!” Having 20 professional award winning years in digital/social/mobile technology & marketing and seeing the industry gaps, I took it upon myself to create something different and build the bridge. The traditional photo booth (that creepy black box in the corner) is not attractive, and film strip pictures are not conducive to creating true memories. On top of that, there is no sharing integrated with the pictures from a traditional photo booth. Most companies use an iPad with multiple apps for photo sharing, which creates a broken experience.

So, I developed a photo booth experience that allows your guests to instantly engage with their photos. They can share them immediately via email, MMS text message, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & get 4X6 prints in 5.9 seconds. We are instant memory makers.

When did you know that this was something you could make a living doing?

Initially,  didn’t know if it was going to take off or work at all. People usually think “Photo Booth” and they’d have a prefabricated thought in their mind. I created our brand, our software, bought $10k in quality equipment and then we finally had our first gig. It was pure chaos & it was a huge hit! We were a DJ killer. Now, we’ve been in business for over 3 years, and are seeing huge growth.

I love to quote the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” I knew that I was on to something, and after crafting a voice and attempting to build my brand, I landed Verizon Wireless within 6 months of business. That was when I saw the tides start to turn.

Where do you want to take your business?Step it Up Events Wedding Photo Booth

We are planning to double the business again in 2016 as we closed out the 2015 year with 77 successful events. We shared over 150,000 pictures though digital and social media, and printed over 56,000 4X6 pictures. We were awarded The Knot Best of Weddings for 2016, we have 2 ® registered trademarks and 2 waiting approval with the US Government. We launched a FREE app in iTunes for the iPhone, iPad & iTouch called THINK Photo Booth Fun. We are the only world-wide photo booth company that offers a completely free photo sharing app designed for pure fun and enjoyment. Read more about our THINK Photo Booth Fun app launch here.

The next BIG THING is franchising Step It Up Events®! We have begun the process, so be on the lookout!

Which Studio Style products are you currently using to for your event photos? 

We use an assortment of 4X6 & 8X10 frames and photo folders. We love the excellent quality, and the amazing pricing.  Using the photo folders and photos frames from Studio Style has helped our business by allowing us to offer upgrades that other vendors do not feature in their packages.  It has made us look extremely polished. Plus, the customer service team is second to none! Kevin helps me brainstorm ideas on how to incorporate and market different Studio Style products into my event services all of the time.

Step it Up Events Photo Booth Folder with Back in Black event branding design on the coverWhat are some of your favorite things about working in the events and photography industry?

I personally love working with my clients and making them feel special. Planning for a special event can be very stressful. When my clients send me testimonials like:

“BEST VENDOR EVER!”, “If we were to describe the Step It Up Events® experience with one phrase, it would be “Game Changer,” and “Your services are top notch, from the planning to the big event! Planning a wedding and working with vendors can be stressful, but you made everything stress free and fun.” — it makes me feel validated, and makes me feel good when I go to sleep at night.

What’s your best advice for success in the events industry?

Be careful. There are a lot of dishonest people in the industry who just want to capitalize on your success, or spin off your ideas and dip their hands into your pocket. Stay right sized, do the right thing today for you, and everything will be OK.

What kind of hobbies keep you busy in your off hours?

I love to spend time with my wife, family & friends, ride my sport bike, mountain bike, kayak, play and hike with my rescue pit bull, and eat good food!

Step It Up Events logo

Connect with Step It Up Events® on the Web:




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How To Have A Successful Easter Bunny EventEaster Photo Backdrop

How To Have A Successful Easter Bunny Event

Published February 3, 2016

Thinking of having a picture with the Easter Bunny Event this year? We have some Easter event planning ideas and tips to help you along.

Events like these are a great way to connect with the community and bring people into your business, raise awareness for a cause, and create goodwill in the community. However, a great event comes from great planning. Read on as we help you plan and organize a successful event this Easter season.

First things first: Book the bunny!

This is a given! Make sure that the Easter Bunny can attend your event and pose for pictures with the kids. The Easter Bunny is very busy this time of year, so make sure to plan ahead!

Many entertainment companies have a bunny that can pose for pictures, walk around and work the crowd, pass out candy, entertain, or even perform magic tricks. Don’t forget you could always buy or rent a bunny costume.

The Easter bunny visits a family at their house, and the Easter bunny stands in front of a black backdrop for taking pictures. Images from Funtime Services in Naperville, Illinois.
Left: the Easter Bunny visits a family at their home for photos. Right: the Easter Bunny waits in front of a backdrop for taking photos with guests at an Easter event. Photos courtesy of Funtime Services in Naperville, IL.

If the “real” bunny is unavailable and a costume is out of your budget, try a jumbo inflatable bunny or giant plush rabbit. Cardboard cutouts can also work!

Where to host your Easter event

There are a lot of other great places to have an event. Here are some ideas:

  • Have the Easter bunny visit your store—whether you’re a small boutique or large chain
  • Breakfast or brunch with the Easter bunny at a restaurant or country club
  • Spring festival, parade, or Easter egg hunt
  • Invite the Easter bunny to a local 5k race or sporting event
  • Take pet pictures with the Easter bunny at a pet store, animal shelter, grooming salon, or adoption center
  • Have the Easter bunny stop by the children’s hospital
  • Set up an Easter bunny photo booth at the zoo

Be sure to check with your local Park District or Chamber of Commerce, as they almost always have annual Easter Bunny events planned. We’ve even seen Easter events on trains and cruise ships!

Use the best Easter photo props

The most basic prop you’ll need is a sturdy place for the Easter Bunny and visitors to sit. Wicker chairs or benches are the most popular type of seating for Easter Bunny photos. White is a classic choice, but natural wood or black are more modern choices that are becoming popular.

For an indoor event (such as a mall or restaurant) a backdrop is needed to block out any distractions like store fronts or people walking by.

Outdoor events (like a community event at the park) don’t need artificial backdrops. Use the outdoors to your advantage and pick a photo location that has trees, shrubs, or flowers in the background. In an urban area (or an area that does not have a lot of greenery this time of year) try setting the scene against the brick wall of a building or other element that will make an interesting background.

Easter Backdrop
Photo Credit: Vanessa Brown Photography
Backdrop created by OneStopBackdrop on Etsy

While a chair and background are the two primary elements of an Easter photo shoot, there are lots of other props you can use. Try one or several of the following:

  • Oversized Easter Basket Filled With Eggs
  • Gazebo or Garden Arch (you can find them at a local wedding rental company)
  • Artificial or Real Floral Garland
  • Easter Banners or Flags
  • Inflatable Easter Eggs or Carrots
  • Potted Tulips, Daffodils or Other Spring Bulbs
  • Forsythia or Pussywillow Branches
  • Chalkboard With The Words “Happy Easter!” or “Easter Greetings!”
  • White Picket Fence

Make a trip to your local craft and party stores and see what is available. Check out Etsy.com for creative handmade props like this white fence backdrop. Look to nature and visit a local garden center or florist, or even your own backyard for branches and flowers to use at your event. Party rental supply companies and even the home improvement store have options for larger props, tables, and seating. With a little creativity you can even make your own unique spring and Easter themed accessories.

The Photographer

Book a photographer in advance to ensure that you’ll have someone taking pictures on the day of your event. Take in consideration the photographer’s background. A photographer that specializes in event photography or kids and families is going to be more qualified than someone who shoots wildlife photography.

 

 

Easter CardsThe Giveaways

Give your guests something to remember their visit by. The most obvious giveaway would be a photo. Due to the nature of these events, the ability to print photos on site is necessary. If you do not have access to a on site printer, then using an instant camera is an old fashioned alternative that is still used quite often. Your budget and equipment will dictate this decision.

You’ll want to have a cheap paper picture frame to transport the photo home in. An Easter photo folder or cardboard photo frame will protect the photo from becoming bent or damaged.

Most paper frames can be custom printed with your logo, event name or other information specifically for you. This turns a simple photo souvenir frame into a promotional marketing piece! It’s a great way to have people remember your company or event.

Sometimes the event photographer will supply the frames at an additional cost. Other times the event coordinator or staff will order them. Communicate and see who will be ordering the photo holders and make sure you’ll have enough for your event, in the correct size you’ll need. Easter picture holders are most commonly available for 4″ x 6″ pictures, but custom sizes are available.

free easter treat bag toppers

Some other great souvenir ideas would be coloring pages with crayons, fuzzy bunny ears, candy, snacks or stickers. Including a coupon for your business, or a related business, is a great incentive for repeat business. If you’re handing out treat bags, you can use our Free Printable Easter Treat Bag Toppers!

The Promotion

Advertise! Make sure the public knows about your event. Flyers, blog posts, Facebook updates & Twitter are all great ways to get your message out about your event.

Try tying a promotion in with your event. If you are a restaurant, offer a special dining offer (like a unique Easter theme menu). If you are a store, offer a discount for that day only. Adding an extra incentive will get more people in your door and excited about the event.

Another option would be to donate proceeds from your event to a charity. Give people a REASON to participate in your event that they will feel good about. This also provides an option for cross-promotion with the charity, which can boost your event exposure and your audience, as well as opening other advertising channels and media coverage.

With the right planning, a Visit with the Easter Bunny event can become a fun yearly tradition that will build awareness, bring profit and be a positive spring activity for your community.

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Valentine’s Day Event Photo Ideas You’ll LOVEHow to frame your Valentine's Day photos

Valentine’s Day Event Photo Ideas You’ll LOVE

Published January 29, 2016

Are you hosting a Valentine’s Day Event or sweetheart party this year?

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Studio Style has a few ideas to help you put on a Valentine’s Day event everyone will love.  Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, a school party, a daddy daughter dance, or corporate event, our Valentine’s Day photo folders make perfectly lovable mementos to send home with your guests.

Send guests home with a souvenir photo folder for a sweet memory

These foil stamped Valentine’s Photo Folders are versatile for any Valentine’s themed event, fundraiser, dance, or party. If you’re able to print your event photos on site, that’s a bonus, but it’s okay to mail these photo folders after the event too. These photo folders hold a 4×6 picture or photo booth print.

Black photo folder with red foil stamped heart design
  • Lightweight smooth finish recycled paper
  • Foil hot-stamped design on front cover
  • Holds one photo on the inside
  • Available for vertical or horizontal prints

These Happy Valentines Day photo folders feature a bright red Valentine’s Day Heart design foil stamped in the middle. These make great Valentine’s Day cards, and hold a 4×6 vertical or horizontal prints. Great for commemorating a Valentine’s Cruise or special outing with your loved one.

White photo folder with red foil heart design and fundraiser imprint on the front cover

Your Valentine’s Day event wouldn’t be complete without some personalization your Valentine’s photo folders with the event date, location, names or even a line from your favorite love song or poem.

Envelopes: Are you mailing your folders/frames? Portrait folder envelopes are available here.

This red heart photo folder makes a beautiful themed frame for a sweetheart dance, Valentine’s fundraiser, or school party. Simply slide your 5×7 or 4×6 photo in the top and

Red photo folder with a polka dot heart design has a theatre logo on the front cover.

This red and pink Valentine’s photo folder combines modern polka dots with hearts. Although perfect for Valentine’s Day parties and events, this design is also suitable for weddings, anniversaries, dances, cruises and other special occasions. The heart theme also works well for National Heart Health Month, and for hospital and healthcare promos.

Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Party Invites or Thank You Notes

If DIY is your thing, we have a cool solution for you: photo insert cards. Just take your 4″ x 6″ print and slide it in the window frame border. You can get either blank cards and decorate it entirely yourself or we can foil stamp a message for you. Be sure to check out our other DIY Valentine’s Day card ideas.

White photo insert card holds an image of an adult woman giving peace signs while flashing a silly smile. The card reads XOXO, the Millers.

Valentine’s Day Goodie Bags

Valentine’s treat bags are great for classroom parties! These printed red and gold hearts cellophane treat bag are popular for DIY gift bags at all kinds of February events. Whether you give candy, nuts, cookies, or party favors, we offer plenty of sizes to fit any treat. Perfect for handing out at school or company Valentine’s Day parties, bake sales or any special occasion.

Someone is taking candy out of a clear goodie bag with a red heart pattern

Food-safe polypropylene (sometimes called poly) bags have many uses. Cello bags make great candy bags, favor bags, party gift bags, treat goodie bags, bake sales, and more. Unlike flat cello, our cello bags have gusseted sides for added room.

Let’s personalize your Valentine’s Day Event

You take the pictures, we’ll provide a practical—but cute!—way for party guests to get those photos home. Shop our entire collection at StudioStyle.com or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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10 New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers10 new year's resolutions for photographers

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 SeasonHow 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.
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.

engagement announcement DIY

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.

Birth Announcement Cards

Shown: Cranberry Ice (discontinued), 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!

make your own photo cards

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 CostumeHalloween 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 IIICustomer 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

Edward C. Robison III stands in front of a lake at sunset with his camera on a tripod

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:

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 CardsMake your own birth announcements

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 custom 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 custom 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 photoColor: 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 girlColor: Cranberry Ice (shown – discontinued). Check out our NEW Pink Photo Insert Card
Personalization: Foil stamped (Metallic Purple Foil)

Gender Neutral Birth Announcement Card – Green

Mint green custom birth announcement card with handwritten noteColor: Willow Green (discontinued)
Personalization: Hand-written note (black ink)

Gender Neutral Custom Birth Announcement Card – Cream

insertcard_babyneutral2Color: 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 custom birth announcement imprintColor: Snow White
Personalization: Foil stamped (Black Foil) and hand-written

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

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