Change is good!

Change is good.  Change is key.  Change is growth and that’s just what we did.

The past few months have not only been busy shooting/editing, etc.  but also super busy behind the scenes.  I’ve examined a few things and made changes for the better.  So I wanted to share these changes with you.

Pixifi – Oh if I could marry a software program, this would be it.  (Sorry, Doug!)  This has completely changed my life.  Back in the day I would mail hard copies of contracts, have clients fill out model releases, have to give invoices, etc.  And while I still need all of those things – they’re now completely digital.  This is my studio management system.  I put my leads in there, convert them to clients, schedule my session (which syncs to iCal and then to my iPhone), I send questionnaires, contracts, invoices, accept session payments, etc.  BUT (and there is always a but) there is SO MUCH MORE.  This not only keeps track of my accounts receivables, but also my accounts payable.  So my expenses are recorded (and organized via pie chart), taxes, mileage, membership fees, etc.  Seriously BEST.SOFTWARE.EVER.

Just recently they launched a booking module.  Meaning you can now book me (or request a date with me) online.  I rolled out my portrait page last week, but you can check it out here if you’d like.  http://melaniamphotography.studio-booking.com/pricing/portraits/   You’ll notice two different packages.  One includes digital negatives and one does not.  You have options, my friends!  I’m working on my wedding page as we speak, so that should be released in the upcoming weeks.

If you’re a photographer – PLEASE go here  and get your life back!

PASS – I’ve killed CD’s.  That’s right – their dead.  No worries, you can still receive your digital negatives (if that’s the package you chose) but they’ll get to you MUCH faster than before.  I want to introduce you to PASS.  PASS is how I will deliver your digital images to you.  I upload your event make you a VIP (via your e-mail address or facebook) and BOOM you’ve got access to your high resolution images.  Once you’ve logged into your account you’ll see a little downward arrow on the grey bar next to your session name.  Click it.  Your images are now stored in a folder on your desktop.  (You’ll have a year to download them too!) You can also mark your images as  favorites and share them directly to Facebook via an album OR you can share your entire gallery for all of your friends to see.   For weddings, this is even cooler.  Once you’ve received your gallery and post them on FB, your guests can go through them and find the ones that they’re in and either download them or post THOSE on Facebook.  (Pretty cool, right?)  Added BONUS:  If you’re like me and are an apple fanatic – there’s an APP for that.  You can download the PASS app from the App Store and have access to all of your images on your iPod, iPhone, and iPad.  If you’re still unsure how this greatness works, here’s their website.  Check it out.  http://gallery.passpremier.com/  (PS. If you don’t have a computer or a way to access your digital negatives  – no worries, we’ll make other arrangements!)

Proofing Gallery –   I’ve changed my proofing gallery drastically.  You can now access your images by going to http://www.imagesbymelaniamphotography.com/   You’ll see multiple galleries listed there. Don’t worry – they’re all password protected.  I’ll send you that password once it’s time for you to access your images. 

You’ll also notice a change in pricing AND in the quality of prints.  That’s right – we’ve stepped up the game.  When I saw that my proofing gallery company paired up with my FAVORITE lab this decision was a no brainer.  The prints you’ll be ordering are coming from the same lab where I get ALL (and I mean ALL) of our images, Christmas Cards, Canvas Prints and my marketing material.  As you can see, I trust them with EVERYTHING.  And you should too.  You have access to three types of finishes for prints: Lustre (my favorite), matte and metallic (which is super cool too).  Metallic is slightly more expensive but depending on the image it really works well.  (I have a lot in that finish as well.)

Pricing for prints is as follows:

4×6: $6.00 – $7.00
5×7: $12.00 – $13.00
8×10: $18.00 – $20.00
11×14: $30.00 – $35.00
8 wallets: $18.00 – $20.00

*Please note: other sizes (and products) are available, but these are the most popular.  You have access to much, much more. *

So there you have it … lot of changes.  If you have ANY questions, please e-mail me.  I can’t wait to share all of this with you!