JDLab.com Articles

Charles Austin Poole

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:34:56 GMT

Celebrating a Pioneer in the Photographic Industry: Charlie Poole

Charles Austin Poole of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 surrounded by his family at home on Sunday August 6, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Son of the late Ronald L. and Betty (Wixon) Poole, he was a graduate of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. Charlie spent his formative years delivering newspapers and riding the latest Kawasaki all over his hometown. Charlie was proud of his years spent growing up in Whitman and would share as many stories as you were willing to listen to. He went on to pursue a long and successful career in photography; prior to his retirement, Charlie was the owner/operator of Natural Color Lab for over 30 years. NCL was his livelihood, here he built a community of friends that he loved dearly. He was deeply appreciated by his employees, always going the extra mile to give a chance to somebody down on their luck.

Charlie married in 1983 and gifted his three children, whom he loved unconditionally, a colorful and exciting life. He is survived by his eldest son Tyler Poole and his wife Jaclyn parents of his three grandchildren Addison, Amelia, and Theodore “Teddy” Poole; his daughter Jorden Poole and his youngest son Noah Poole; his long-time companion Angelique Patricelli, his former wife Kimberly Ramsdell, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.

He retired in 2018 and enjoyed working on his Harley and beloved Chevelle, traveling around the country in his RV and spending Friday nights with his neighbors. Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his many friends.

He was a member of the Puritan Masonic Lodge, and many professional and trade organizations. He will be mostly remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, vast intellect, quick wit and sense of humor; Charlie never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh.

His children invite family and friends to join them for a Celebration of Charlie’s Life held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., at The Jones River Trading Post, 42 Elm St. Kingston, MA.

Holiday Card Special: Buy 20, Get 4 free AND a free Snowflake Ornament!

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:06:22 GMT

For family, portrait and wedding photographers the holidays are the perfect time to market Christmas and holiday cards with custom images to their past clients. The challenge is that most clients don't think about the holidays until after Thanksgiving.

We have your solution.

Our 2019 Holiday Card Promotion give you the perfect reason to tell your clients about custom holiday cards. Order a set of holiday cards in JDLab2You and 4 of them will be free AND a free Acrylic Snowflake ornament . All styles of cards apply.

You don't even need a coupon code - your extra cards and ornament will be included automatically in the order.

Here's the fine print : all cards for each client must be the same design, orders must be placed on or before November 29th. Your invoice will show sets of 24 cards ordered with the discount for 4 cards automatically applied.

While this is a great opportunity to market Christmas and holiday cards to your clients, you can use it to order cards for your family or studio too!

How to Market Holiday Cards

While our long-time pro photographers know how to use this offer, we've included the timeline below for some of our new photographers who may not have ever created a holiday card marketing campaign before.

1. Create Your Marketing Copy.

Share our offer with your clients but don't discount your prices! Instead, offer the free holiday ornament in exchange for ordering early. Or offer price breaks on 48 or 96 cards. Make sure you remind them of the quality of the cards they will receive from you (our cards are amazing!).

Consider offering good, better and best options. For example: offer flat cards, 5x7" folded cards, and custom designed cards. Since most people tend to purchase the "middle" option most of your orders will be for the nicest card with the least amount of customization.

Let your clients know how easy it is to order custom holiday cards from you. For example, you could send them to our unbranded MyDigitalProductsOnline.com website, and tell them they can call or email you with a card name - and you'll take care of the rest.

2. Send out your Holiday Campaign.

Once your holiday campaign is ready, it is time to send it out to all your lists. Electronic media (email, Facebook, etc.) should go out November 4th. Print media should be delivered on November 5th. Let clients know they must respond by November 20th for the free ornament so you can get the order in to the lab by November 30.

Create a link to your Holiday Card campaign and link to it in your email signature.

3. Create sample cards for special clients in JDLab2You .

If you have a select list of high-end or special clients, consider creating custom sample cards for them with their images. In JDLab2You, select a card design, add your images/text, save it to the cart, then use the Render button to create a low-res .jpg file you can email directly to your special clients.

5 Tips to Prepare for Holiday Photo Sales Today

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

With the holiday season fast approaching, here are 5 things you can do today to get your marketing ready to generate additional sales.

1. Plan your Holiday Promotions . Planning works backwards. Want to have a Christmas card promotion? Customers will start shopping for their cards after Thanksgiving, so your promotions need to be in their hands by then. You need to plan those promotions today , so you can order advertising space, or get marketing materials to the printer.

2. Turn Products into Gifts. What promotions will you offer? Christmas cards are easy. But how about mini albums as gifts for newlyweds to give their parents? Take a look at our photo gifts , think of ways you can offer them to your past clients, then decide today how you'll promote them.

3. Start Working Your Email Lists & Facebook Fans. An email or a Facebook post December 1st is too late. Plan your holiday special announcements today . Start telling your fans that you are already thinking about the holidays, and ask them what they'd like you to offer. Encourage existing customers to share your Facebook page or to sign their friends and family up for your holiday specials.

4. Plan and Organize Events. Sponsoring a charity is popular during the holiday season. Whether you make your studio available to host a charity event, or offer your services for a charity auction, you need to contact local charities today . They are already making plans - you should too.

5. Partner with Local Businesses. The holidays provide a great time for complementary companies to work together. For example, you could do a cross promotion with a local custom framing company. You could subcontract the mall Santa photography concession. Or you could offer to photograph couples at corporate Christmas parties. There are lots more ideas, but they all need to be planned today .

The holidays can be your most profitable season. Don't wait to plan them - you should get started today.

Any new holiday marketing ideas you'd like to share? Put them in the comments below.

Have You Seen Our Accordion Mini Photo Books?

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:51:57 GMT

Accordion Mini Photo Books are a great way for your clients to show off their images.

Use these high-quality books for:

A purse-sized book with the same square format as bridal albums
A great gift for moms, relatives friends and brides
Samples you can show your clients

All our books include a magnetic cover latch that makes it easy to carry in a pocket or purse. All images are full bleed. Leatherette covers are available in black, red, caramel or indigo blue. Custom photo covers can be ordered with standard or linen paper. In addition, a no-cover option is available. Depending on the book size, up to 10 images and/or panos can be included.

Accordion Mini Photo Books are available as 2.5×3.5” (wallet-sized) vertical books or 4×4” square. Prices start at only $12 for a set of 3.

Order yours today in JDLab2You > Books and Albums > Accordion Mini Books

Christmas Tree Ornaments in JDLab2You

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:32:11 GMT

Get in the holiday spirit with these cute Christmas tree ornaments you can offer your clients!

The fancy-frame Benelux style ornament is a 3×4″ horizontal design made from aluminum, while the 3″ round ornament is made from white glossy fiberglass reinforced plastic. Both can be printed single or double-sided, and include a 6″ red ribbon.

You can create your own ornament design in Photoshop, or we’ve created some holiday templates in JDLab2You to help you get started. Click here to download the ornament .PSD layout guides .

The round ornaments start at $6.50, while Benelux ornaments start at $8.75. Order either of these ornaments today from the Specialty Products catalog in JDLab2You.

Voice Search for Your Studio Website

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:55:15 GMT

Online marketing experts report that today, 20% of searches use voice. By 2020, 50% of all searches will be voice searches, and 30% of all searches will not use a screen. The rise of smart home speakers like the Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomePod makes it more difficult for professional photographers to rank organically for their desired search terms. But with a bit of planning, you can be ready for it.

Historically, searches were typed into Google on a keyboard and a ranked list of a results were displayed. With the advent of smart phones, searches began as a natural language question, but the results were still displayed as ranked lists on a page.

With the advent of smart home speakers the rules have changed. Try this experiment. Type into Google on a desktop PC:

best portrait photographer

Now ask (not type) the same question on your smart phone, your Amazon Alexa, Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod.

Chances are when you spoke, you asked a normal question like (ok Google / hey Alexa) “Who’s the best portrait photographer near me?” That’s the way people talk to their smart devices.

Here’s the challenge: you may not get the same answer. Smart devices assume you’re shopping for a local photographer. Google Home, Android phones and Apple iOS devices by default use the Google search engine, while Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa use Microsoft Bing. If you’re using Amazon’s Alexa, it may not return any answer, since it is focused on sending shoppers to Amazon.

The bottom line is that voice search has made being found by clients more complicated. In the near future, it won’t be enough to rank on Google desktop searches alone.

So here are four steps you can take that will get your studio’s website ready to rank for voice searches in 2019 and beyond.

1. Sign up for Google My Business

The first step is to sign up for Google My Business and start collecting Google reviews if you haven’t already done so. GMB proves to Google you are a trusted business, and Google reviews lots of 4-5 star reviews tells it you are worth paying attention to.

The big difference is that on mobile devices, websites that are both top rated in GMB and “mobile friendly” will rank higher. Mobile friendly refers to your website being fast AND being optimized for mobile screens.

While signing up for GMB won’t guarantee you’ll be listed on the first page of Google, if you don’t, it’s almost guaranteed that you won’t be listed.

2. Sign up for Bing Places

The next step is to sign up for Bing Places . Bing searches account for about 33% of all searches online. Next sign up for Yelp. Bing relies on Yelp for local reviews. While I don’t recommend paying for Yelp ads, you should list your studio and ask clients for Yelp reviews. Like Google reviews, a number of positive Yelp reviews will tell Bing you are worth a front page local listing.

3. Create a List of Conversational Questions

You need to create content on your website that answers questions clients really ask. In SEO-speak, these are called “conversational keyword queries.” For example, if I was looking for a senior photographer for my daughter, I’d type into Google:

Senior photography Grand Blanc

But if I’m talking to my Google home I’d say:

Who’s a good senior photographer near me?

Your keyword strategy should begin to focus not on short 3-4 word phrases, but on natural sounding questions:

“How much does senior portrait photography cost?”
“How much does a wedding photographer cost?”
“How long out should I book a wedding photographer?
“Where are you located?”
“What are your business hours?”

Certain keywords will be used much more often via voice search than traditional. Use keywords built around the following: “when,” “how,” “what,” “who,” etc. If you can’t think of questions, start writing down the questions your clients ask you over the phone.

4. Build an FAQ Page on Your Website

Once you have a list of conversational questions, create a “frequently asked questions” page named yourwebsite.com/frequently-asked-questions. Copy each of the questions on this page, then provide a single sentence answer to the question, followed by 2-3 more sentences that expand on the first sentence. For example:

How long out should I book a wedding photographer?

Most wedding photographers and videographers suggest you book out at least 12 months to guarantee your date. While you may be able to get a photographer on short notice, the most popular dates in summer and fall tend to be booked first.

Notice how the first sentence answers the question succinctly, while the second sentence provide greater detail that Google or Bing would say. On average, these should be 29 words. Keep words simple (9th grade reading level or less) and don’t use jargon so Google can pronounce them. If you have additional information, include it in a 2nd or third paragraph.

What you’ve created is called a “snippet” of information. Snippets of information are not only used to voice answer questions, but to answer them on smart phones or desktops. Here’s a real world example of snippets on a desktop:

The top snippet of text is considered the best answer. It contains all the keywords in the searched question and an image (Google likes images). All the snippets below it are variations on each question.

Over the years, Google found snippets by searching in blog articles or text on your website. Over time, Google’s AI will look for snippets anywhere on your website – including your FAQs. While the snippets shown above are national results, for voice search Google & Bing will look for good, relevant local ones first. Note that since virtually no photographers are doing this yet, the first one in each area will have a definite advantage over the others.

Over time, as you gain increasing Google and Yelp reviews, Google and Bing will find your FAQs. If they match what the client asks, your answer may be selected to be read back to the client. That will get you more exposure, which will lead to more views online and ultimately lead to more clients in 2019.

Change Dates in Pick-a-Pack Champion Calendar

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:52:25 GMT

School and sports photographers told us they liked our Champion press-printed Calendars, but wanted more flexibility on calendar dates. That’s why our newest calendar design lets you specify the month the calendar will start when you place your order.

See the example above. The first month entered is December, 2018. When printed, the calendar will run from December, 2018 through November, 2019. It's that easy!

To order this new calendar, download JD Pick-a-Pack , then select: School Themes > Champion School.

JDLab Prints Dan White Art Exhibit for Flint

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:50:56 GMT

Two years ago, Dan White had a problem. Dan, a Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer, was in his hometown Flint, Michigan to shoot images for an art exhibit titled, “ The Folks of Flint: A Tribute .”

Shooting the images was easy. The project of documenting the “proud, hardworking, humble and giving” people of Flint as he wrote on his website had become a passion. But it would be hard to transport sixty 44×60” unframed prints from his studio in Kansas City to Michigan. White envisioned displaying the pieces on aluminum rods hung from the ceiling to give them a more organic look.

Fortunately, a chance meeting between Dan and one of our staff started a long string of texts and discussions which ended with his decision to have all the files printed locally at JDLab.

According to Tom Hicks at JDLab, what first drew his attention to the images was that some of them evoked the “ story behind the image ” portraiture practiced by his father and the labs founder, J.D. Hicks over 50 years ago.

“Most people don’t like their picture taken,” Tom said. “Yet somehow he was able to make each of his subjects comfortable being photographed just the way they are. It was almost like he was able to get to the soul of each of them.”

Tom added, “The lighting was incredible, even those shot outdoors with a hand-held camera. To do this with 60 people is a daunting task. I can appreciate all the work that went into this project. It was all very well done.”

It’s all in the details

Each of the images in the collection were created on either a Leica S or a Canon 5DS R, then retouched and color corrected by Dan personally before delivering them to the lab. The prints were made on the lab’s Epson 11880 high resolution printer, and printed on 300g LexJet Sunset e Satin paper.

According to Dan, the prints came out exactly as he had envisioned them.

“I didn’t have to pull any corrections in the lab, and I’m picky,” White said.

When asked about working with JDLab Dan said, “Everybody was great. Working with the staff was amazing. I learned a lot about printing from Tom.”

In fact, Dan was so happy that he is talking to JDLab about printing a bound art book for sale across the country.

You can see additional prints at the first showing of the exhibit on our Facebook page album . To view all the images, visit Dan White’s website .

CaptureLife Makes Digital Add-On Orders Easy

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:46:03 GMT

JDLab is excited to announce our new partnership with Capturelife. The addition of CaptureLife to our extensive line of products provides professional photographers with the ability to deliver quality digital content wrapped up in an elegant, single solution package.

Similar to an 8×10″ or sheet of wallets, CaptureLife can be offered to your customers to increase your orders and add-on sales.

However, unlike an 8×10″ or sheet of wallets, CaptureLife is an entire photo experience, delivered conveniently to your customer’s smartphone that works with your current workflow solutions and provides you residual income opportunities!

CaptureLife is a great way to increase undergrad, sports, preschool, and event packages add-on sales. Any shared image can be ordered instantly.

Looking for a solution to offer brides a way to share your images with their wedding guests? How about seniors who want images for Instagram or Facebook? CaptureLife makes that easy too.

How does it work?

Photographers add CaptureLife digital content delivery into print packages or include CaptureLife with every purchase. Including the CaptureLife digital experience on order forms adds value to your photography services and will win you new business.
When a job is sent to JD Lab for processing (either via Roes, Flow or CaptureLife software), images are sent out to customers’ smartphones and/or computers through CaptureLife. Customers are notified by both email and text message that their images are ready.
Customers have the option to share the image with family and friends, or order additional products directly from the CaptureLife print store. Family and friends can send orders from their smartphones or desktop too. These additional products will be fulfilled by JD Lab to ensure consistency and quality, and include “white label” branding so your client doesn’t know the prints came from our lab.
CaptureLife is more than just photo sharing on smartphones and computers. CaptureLife includes powerful messaging tools to keep your customers engaged and increase the likelihood of additional orders.

How to get started

Getting started is easy and creating your CaptureLife partner portal is free.

Add your business to the growing list of JD Lab photographers who are already sending digital content through CaptureLife. You are only charged when you deliver digital images to your customers by purchasing delivery credits. Delivery credits cost less than a print or CD.

Call the lab at (810) 239-8671 or (888) 858-8084 Toll Free to learn more or to get started.

Facebook Business Page Templates

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:23:04 GMT

If you have a Facebook Business page, you may have already received an email explaining that your Page’s template will be changing. According to Facebook, this new design will help you connect with the people who care most about your business on Facebook.

What is a page template?

The original Facebook template (left and right margin buttons, location of images, etc.) was the default for all FB business pages. However, to differentiate FB business pages, you’ve always had the option of either designing your own or purchasing 3rd-party templates. Now, Facebook has decided to create a new series of free templates depending on the kind of businesses your page represents. Since you offer a service, Facebook is recommending you use their new “services” template.

The services template is designed specifically for studio’s like yours and will showcase important information about your business – like hours, services offered and directions – making it easier for people to connect with your studio.

Once you receive this email, you can make the change, or Facebook will automatically update your Page layout about 4 weeks later. You can also continue to use your current template.

What are the changes?

Here’s JDLab’s current Facebook page. Besides the logo and hero image on top, everything in the red boxes can be changed as part of the new template.

Where do you make the changes?

From the business manager page top menu select “Settings” on the top right, then “Edit Page” on the settings left menu. Click “Edit” on the right to change your default template, then turn default tabs either on or off beneath the new template design. Default tabs are the ones a local business like yours will most commonly use.

If you turn default tabs off, you can go through each of the tab’s settings below on the settings page and update where to send a visitor if they click one of the tabs on the left column of your page. You can also drag and drop tabs to rearrange them. For example, you might want to move "Visit our Website" higher up on the list of tabs.

Note that not every tab can be removed. For example, the review tab must always be in the left column. However, you can remove tabs like "Jobs" if you aren’t looking for workers.

Here’s a video that shows how to make the changes .

What if I don’t have a Facebook Business page?

You should. Here’s why:

FB business pages, unlike personal pages, can have "fans" that sign up by clicking "like" and don't require you to approve them individually like you do with FB friends.
It’s an easy way to keep your clients and your friends separate. Different audiences deserve different kinds of posts.
A good FB business page with lots of likes and reviews will rise to the top of Google search separate from your website and improve your SEO.
FB business pages can show you where your visitors are coming from, and what time they visit your page.
Facebook can "delist" businesses that are run from a personal page.
You need a FB business page when you’re ready to advertise on Facebook.

To start a Facebook Business Page navigate to Facebook's "Create a Page" page to get started. There are six different types of Pages that can be created on Facebook, but you need to focus on "Local Business or Place."

Imaging USA Pre-Registration, Scholarships Now Available

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:15:11 GMT

PPA’s Imaging USA will be held January 17-22, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. It is the longest-running photographic conference, tradeshow, and exhibit in the USA, drawing 10,000 working photographers each year. Dating back to 1880, the event is always growing and evolving to help photographers become better artists, grow as entrepreneurs, and be inspired to do and be more.

This event has 3 days of a 70,000 square foot trade show, 80+ sessions to pick from several tracks of photography and business classes, 2 all-inclusive parties, an impactful keynote, and several ceremonies with some of the biggest names in photography. And for those who want an extra dose of learning in a smaller group format you’ll have the option to add up to 3 days of pre-conference classes. If you are a working photographer, Imaging USA is the event you won’t want to miss.

Because it is in Atlanta, GA next year, there will be fewer hotel rooms available. If you plan to attend, you should take advantage of this offer to stay at one of the four hotels they have reserved near the convention center.

These hotels include tons of amenities and allow you to stay close to all the action. If you book now, your room deposit won’t get charged to your card until 30 days before your stay.

Book your room for Imaging USA

Early-bird registration for Imaging USA

View the Imaging USA class schedule

Interested in Attending for Free?

Four PPA photographers will win Imaging USA scholarships. They’ll get full access to every session, all of the after parties and events and the choice of a pre-convention class FOR FREE. It’s quick and easy to enter. A written applications must be submitted by November 6.

Click here to apply .

If you just want to go to the Expo without attending any classes, get your free Expo pass here .

Learn How to Make More Money with Prints

One area many photographers struggle in is selling printed products to their clients, even though selling these products can often greatly increase your business’ profitability.

The PRINT For Success Theater at Imaging USA is where you’ll get valuable sales advice in 30-minute sessions. These classes are FREE, all happening during the trade show and over the course of 3 days.

If you haven’t registered yet, you can always come to the PRINT Theater for FREE! Just grab a FREE Expo Pass and use PROMO CODE PRINT19 when you check out! Come by and get the sales advice you’ve been looking for!

Stunning Digital Photography eBook Available Online

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:13:15 GMT

For over 20 years Tony Northrup has leveraged his work as a tech author & professional photographer into a YouTube photography channel that now has over 1 million subscribers. To mark this achievement, for a limited time he is offering his 240 page book “ How to Create Stunning Digital Photography – Pay What You Can Edition ” on the honor system. At one time the printed edition was the most popular book about photography on Amazon.

So what is the honor system? Basically you download the book, then pay what you think it’s worth to you.

To save you some time, we downloaded the PDF version of the book to check it out. It is neatly divided into chapters like composition, lighting, portraits, weddings, macro photography and more. Each chapter is filled with detailed non-technical examples, as well as a link to YouTube where you can watch a video that covers the chapter material. After all, photographers are visual learners, right?

The Northrup’s have compiled hundreds – or even thousands – of useful tips into this book. It is easy to read, and they know the subject in detail. While a few topics were not covered (product, children and sports photography for example), the fact that they doesn’t shoot these for a living makes me believe they only talk about topics they actually know.

If you’re a long-time pro photographer, you might only find a few tips in this material. However, if you are a new photographer, you’ll find just about everything you need to know about the basics of the craft in an easy-to-read format. Read it from one end to the other, watch the videos, and you’ll have the equivalent of a year-long photography 101 class. Or you can keep it as a reference book to use the next time you need to quickly get up to speed on a specific topic.

Either way, you might want to subscribe to Tony and his wife Chelsea’s YouTube Channel here . A million photographers can’t be wrong.

Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

Boost Your Marketing with an Email Signature

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:11:28 GMT

An email signature is one of the easiest and least expensive ways you can market your studio, yet it is amazing how few professional photographers use them. Not only can a signature make it easy for email recipients to get back with you, but it can be a mini-marketing opportunity if you design your signature correctly.

What is an email signature?

An email signature is a holdover from the paper letter days. It identifies the sender of the email. The only difference is that your name isn’t physically signed with a pen.

The other benefit of an email signature is time savings. Every email program has the ability to insert a signature automatically at the end of an email, saving you the hassle of repeatedly typing your name and contact information throughout the day.

What should an email signature include?

At the minimum, your signature should include your name, your studio name, and your title if you have more than one person at your studio.

Other items that can be added:

Either your studio phone number or cell phone number, whichever way you prefer to be contacted. If you use a cell phone number, add the word “cell” as it identifies that you can be reached via a text.
If you have a studio, include your address. Make it a hot link to Google maps to make it easy for a potential client to navigate to your studio.
A headshot or a logo. These are a great way to personalize & brand your emails. However, to keep your signature small, pick one or the other.
Social media contacts. If you are active on social media like Facebook or Instagram, provide a link to your content.
A marketing message. This could be as simple as a hot link to your website, or as complicated as a banner ad with a link to an offer or blog page. The only rule is to keep it small, keep it simple, and to test it thoroughly before you send it. A broken link is worse than no link at all.

What NOT to include in your email signature

Anything big. Big images, GIFs or vCards only junk up your signature and make you look less professional.
Anything “cute” or inspirational. You may consider a quote from your favorite book, political cause or a bible verse as part of your brand, but the reader may see it as unprofessional, or may disagree with the thought. Best to leave these off your signature, as they may be an impediment to making a sale.

How to design an email signature

Less is more. Rather than list every way to reach you, list the ways you prefer to be reached. 3-4 lines in a signature (including your name) is best. For example:

The easiest way to design an email signature is to use a free app available online. The best one I’ve found is on HubSpot , but if you Google “free email signature templates” you’ll find many more.

How to Use an Email Signature

It all depends on what software you use to send email. Here is a list of several of the most popular:

For a photographer not to have a signature with full contact details is wasted opportunity.

5 Tips for Improving your Website’s About Page

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:09:38 GMT

I was looking at the “About” page on a photographer’s website the other day. Every website has an About page, and this was like many of the others I’ve read before.

Nothing was wrong with the page – it just felt like I was reading a resume: A list of awards, past accomplishments, and a sentence at the end describing how successful their studio is today.

We’ve all read this same About page. My guess is that the photographer was scheduled to teach a class, and someone said to promote it by proving they were an expert in the subject.

So the photographer wrote a resume. After all, when you want to prove you are qualified to to a job, you write a resume. Months later, when it was time to update the About page for the studio’s website, it made sense to copy and paste the same resume. Right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t what an About page is for. A good About page introduces the reader to the photographer (or team) behind the website. A great About page makes a bond with the reader. It tells them why they should want to hire you. A laundry list of awards or accomplishments doesn’t do either of those things.

So how can you improve your About page?

1. Tell your story

The easiest way to introduce a reader to you or your studio is to tell a story that explains why you became a photographer. For example, on the JDLab About page , we talk about J.D. Hicks, our founder and the man who started our lab. On the problogger.net website , Darren Rowse talks about how he became a professional writer. The goal is not to only tell the facts, but the “why” of the story. Why did you become a professional photographer? What drives you? What motivates you? People love to read a good story. Give them one.

2. Introduce the team

Another way is to introduce a reader to your studio is to tell them about all the people who work there. Make it personal. For example, the About page at Humann not only shows all their employees, but when you hover over their photo you can read about their jobs – and their passions. Wanelo.com not only has great images and a bio of the owner, but if you click on a staff member’s photo, you can read their bio as well. Each page is worded to give the employee’s history in a way that shows how they are all working together as a team toward a common goal. In your case, it should be giving clients a great experience – and great photography.

3. Talk about the benefits of working with you

The About page for Mailchimp.com is equally good at showing the team in a business. But what pushes the Mailchimp.com About page toward greatness is that it talks about the benefits to you for using their service, as well as how they give back to their community. In addition, it uses a playful tone of voice that matches their brand – Mailchimp is easy and fun to use.

What do I mean by benefits? Your About page is an opportunity to show a potential client how hiring you can benefit them. As they read your website, potential clients are constantly thinking, “yeah, but what’s in it for me?” For example, consider these 2 sentences:

Resume: I have been a wedding photographer for over 10 years and won many awards.

Benefit: It has taken me years of dedication and hard work to learn the craft of great wedding photography. I’ll bring all those skills to your wedding – so that you can remember it as a perfect day forever.

4. Show testimonials

Another way to introduce a reader to your studio is sprinkle in testimonials, either at the top, as pull-quotes, or in the right column. The testimonials are proof that the words on the About page are true, not because you said them, but because your past clients said them too.

5. Add a Call to Action

Finally, at the bottom of your About page, you should have a call to action. If a potential client takes the time to read your About page and decides they want to hire you, don’t make them look for your phone number on a different page. Say “Call me now at …”

Do people really read About pages?

Here at JDLab, we had 40 people look at our About Page in the last 30 days. On average, they spent about a minute reading it. Our hope is once they take that long to learn that much about our business, their next step should be signing up or giving us a call. Your About page should work to deliver interested, potential clients to your business too. A good (or great) About page can help.

Looking for more great examples of About pages for photographers? Click here .

How to Get More Online Reviews

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:07:22 GMT

Online reviews can have a big impact on your business. They have the power to boost your brand and drive sales. In fact, 90% of consumers read online reviews. 88% of customers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Studies have shown that for every additional star local businesses gained on Yelp, they saw a 5-9% increase in revenue.

How do you get more online reviews? Here’s a step-by-step guide guaranteed to get more of them, faster.

1. Collect Review Links

The top three places to collect reviews are Google, Facebook and Yelp. You can substitute Facebook or Yelp depending on your style of photography. For example, if you do wedding photography, you’d want reviews on theknot.com. Otherwise, sign up for a Yelp.com free business account and start collecting reviews there too. Yelp reviews show up on Bing.com, which are used when Amazon’s Alexa is asked about photographers in the user’s local area.

Get the Google review link:

On your computer, search for your business on Google.
Find your business listing and click Write a review.
Copy and paste the URL you see in your address bar. Here’s an example of the URL for JDLab:
https://www.google.com/search?q=JD+Photo+Imaging,+3018+Corunna+Rd,+Flint,+MI+48503#lrd=0x882378787b43ce91:0x9e9de79764285cee,1,,,
Save the Google review URL to your studio in a tab on your browser to use later.
If this process doesn’t work for your studio, you may need to search by PlaceID on Google Maps. here’s how to find PlaceID.

Get the Facebook review link:

Go to your Facebook business page.
Copy and paste the URL you see in your address bar. Here’s an example of the URL for JDLab:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/jdphotoimaging/reviews/
Save the Facebook review URL to your studio in a tab on your browser to use later.

Get the Yelp review link:

If you have a Yelp account, log out, then go to Yelp.com
Find your business on Yelp. If you cannot find it, create a free Yelp business account, the go back to step 1.
Click on the review button.
Copy and paste the URL you see in your address bar. Here’s an example of the URL for JDLab:
https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/Mw_i0jtTB4f73lNas0wugg?return_url=%2Fbiz%2FMw_i0jtTB4f73lNas0wugg&source=biz_details_war_button
Save the Yelp review URL to your studio in a tab on your browser to use later.

2. Create a Review Email Template

Use any email program to create a sample email. Keep it simple. Here’s an example:

Dear ——-

It was a pleasure working with you and your family on ——————. I remember shooting your —————–.

I’d like to ask a favor. If you’re satisfied with the work we did for you recently, please consider writing an online review for my studio. This will not only help me, but it will help your friends and family when they search online for a professional photographer.

Rate my studio on Google.
Rate my studio on Facebook.
Rate my studio on Yelp.

It will only take 2-3 minutes of your time, and it will really help me.

Thanks in advance,

Your name and studio

In each of the 3 blue links above, copy and paste the links you’ve saved from Google, Facebook and Yelp. Save the email as a draft.

3. Using the Review Email

Update your draft email with your clients name and personal information. Personalized email will make a world of difference. Mention the product they bought, their name and any personal interaction you had with them, too.

Send it the day your clients receive their prints while they’re still excited.

4. Additional Ideas

Immediately after you get a review, you should send a thank you email. It will make clients feel like you’ve heard them, and will improve your chances for positive word of mouth marketing to other potential clients.

Didn’t get a good review? Click here to learn how to deal with it.

Clients searching for your studio online only find reviews relevant for three months. For reviews to have the most impact, you need to constantly add new reviews. Here’s a trick: if you start getting too much of one review, remove it from the email and add another review link.

Economy Art Wraps

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:04:35 GMT

Looking for a low-cost alternative to our high-end Classic Gallery Wraps? Our Economy Art Wraps may be just what you’re looking for.

Like our Classic Gallery Wraps, the Economy Art Wraps are printed on high-quality canvas with a 1.5″ frame. Both feature hand-wrapped corners for a professional presentation.

However, to keep the cost down, Economy Art Wraps use a hard paper board frame instead of solid wood. And instead of metal mounting hardware, the Economy Art Wraps use a backer board with punch holes for hanging horizontally or vertically. In addition, Economy Art Wraps are not laminated.

How much can you save? A 16×20″ Economy Art Wrap costs $41.40, while the same Classic Gallery Wrap costs $83.60.

Both products can be found in JDLab2You under Canvas and Art Prints.

About Canvas Gallery Wraps

While our Canvas Gallery Wraps are priced the same or lower than other pro labs, we still get asked why they cost more than “budget” gallery wraps found online. The answer is the quality of the canvas.

Factories manufacture long rolls of canvas for photo printing. Each roll is hand-inspected. Canvas rolls that do not pass inspection are re-sold as seconds to discount canvas gallery wrap manufacturers. A quick search online will show rolls of canvas sold for 50c to over $4 per square yard depending on the quality and thickness of the canvas.

At JDLab, we use only the highest quality canvas for both our Classic Gallery Wraps and Economy Art Wraps to insure that your prints are perfect every time!

Fashion Keychains

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:00:09 GMT

Fashion key rings are a beautiful way for parents and grandparents to show off their favorite children. Kids like them too for hanging on backpacks at school.

Each acrylic key ring holds a 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inch image. Sold in packs of 2, the package includes 8 different “frame” inserts to choose from. Price is $4.86 for 2.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Photo Gifts or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

Best Free Software for Photographers

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:59:27 GMT

Everyone likes free, right? If you’ve been around computers for a while, you know there are tens of thousands of free software programs available to download. The problem is, how do you know which are the best?

Fortunately, someone at Reddit.com compiled a list of 75 of the best-rated free software programs .

Instead of showing you all of them, below are the ones that would be of most interest to photographers and visual artists. Bookmark this list, and if you ever need a piece of software, give this list a glance before going out and spending your hard-earned money.

Image Editing Tools

Gimp is a full-featured program that does 90% of what you can do in Adobe Photoshop. Use it for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, converting between different image formats, and more. GIMP is available for macOS, and Microsoft Windows.- https://www.gimp.org/

Krita (means Crayon in Swedish) is a graphics editor designed primarily for digital painting and animation. It features a large, uncluttered canvas, color management support, advanced brush engine, non-destructive layers and masks, group-based layer management, vector artwork support and switchable customization profiles. It runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS – https://krita.org/en/

ImageMagick is a command line image editing program. It’s not as easy to use as desktop programs, but if you need to resize hundreds of images and and convert them to jpeg, it can be done in seconds. IM can read and write images in over 200 formats including PNG, JPEG, GIF, HEIC, TIFF, DPX, EXR, WebP, Postscript, PDF, and SVG. Use ImageMagick to resize, flip, mirror, rotate, adjust image colors, apply special effects, or draw text, lines, polygons, ellipses and Bézier curves. Users claim it’s even faster than creating PhotoShop macros. It runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS- https://www.imagemagick.org/script/index.php

Paint has been around for years. Unlike Adobe Photoshop, Paint’s simplicity is one of its main selling points; it’s a quick, easy to operate free photo editor. Don’t confuse it with the old version of Paint that came with Windows – this is a real photo editor, just one that’s easier to learn and use with support for layers, filters, plugins and more. Paint works in Windows only – https://www.getpaint.net/

Image Viewers/Managers

Darktable is a virtual light table and darkroom for photographers. Similar to Adobe Lightroom, it manages your digital negatives in a database, lets you view them through a zoomable light table and enables you to develop raw images and enhance them. Very powerful with non-destructive editing, full-color management, and support for plugins. It runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS – https://www.darktable.org/

Irfanview is one of my personal favorites. It is a very small program that opens virtually any image format to full-screen instantly. I never have to wait for PhotoShop to load or squint at large thumbnails. In addition to being an image viewer, it has some basic editor, organiser and converter functions. Runs on MS Windows only – http://www.irfanview.com/

Everything is search engine that locates files and folders by filename instantly for Windows (only). Unlike Windows search, Everything initially displays every file and folder on your computer (hence the name “Everything”). You type in a search filter to limit what files and folders are displayed. Great for finding client folders if you are bad at organizing your files – https://www.voidtools.com/

Vectors, Video

DaVinci Resolve is a video editing program that competes with Adobe Premiere Pro. The folks at DaVinci claim more movies have been made using their software than any other. While professional video editing software has a steep learning curve, if you need to make a video take a look at this macOS and Windows-compatible program. – https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/

Blender is a 3D modeling suite. It supports the entire 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. If you’ve ever seen a monster animation in a movie, chances are it was created in Blender. It runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS – https://www.blender.org/

Inkscape is vector art software for illustrators and designers. Vector design is preferred for creation of logos, illustrations and art which require high scalability. It is comparable to Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, and runs in Windows or on macOS – https://inkscape.org/en/

VLC Video Player solves the problem of trying to play a video your operating system doesn’t support. VLC plays files, discs, webcams, devices and streams in MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3 and more file formats. Runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Unix, iOS, Android- https://www.videolan.org/index.html

Utilities

Google’s Document Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc. are the best replacement for MS Office. When combined with your Google drive, you can have all your documents available instantly and anywhere on any PC or smart phone. Compatible with any OS, ) – https://www.google.com/

Malwarebytes protects your Windows or macOS PC from Malware. Malware (malicious software) is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. Even if you’re running an anti-virus program, you need to protect your PCs from Malware. This software is the smallest, fastest, and the best at it – https://www.malwarebytes.com/

Windows Snipping Tool (Windows only) screen capture tool easy to use, and it comes free with Windows – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027213/windows-open-snipping-tool-and-take-a-screenshot

Greenshot is a light-weight screenshot software tool free for Windows ($1.99 for macOS) that lets you grab any portion of the screen and save it to your clipboard, as a jpeg file, or send to email or print. It has a few more features than the Windows Snipping Tool (above) – http://getgreenshot.org/

Click here to see the entire list .

Photo by Matan Segev on Unsplash

Vision Blocks

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:56:14 GMT

Vision Blocks are premium acrylic picture frame blocks, allowing you to produce professional results for the display of prints and photos. They display the print or photograph behind the full depth of the acrylic without a border. These contemporary picture frames boast a unique high gloss hand polish right to the edge and have a brushed finish, stainless steel back. Price for the 4×6″ size is $15.99.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

Removing Negative Reviews on Google

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:55:35 GMT

Google gives business owners the ability to “flag” negative customer reviews for removal. This is good news for local business owners like professional photographers who may have received an unfair review.

Here are the top 3 reasons copied from Google’s help page that explain which negative reviews can be flagged:

In other words, not every negative review will be removed. The negative review must violate Google policies. Google calls this “Prohibited and Restricted Content.” Read the full policy about what Google does not allow in a review .

For example, Google says you can flag a review to be removed from a competitor or a previous employee. You can flag a review that is obscene or contains a threat. But you cannot remove a review that you don’t like. Google doesn’t get involved when merchants and customers disagree about facts, since there’s no reliable way to discern who’s right about a particular customer experience. In those cases, you should post a response to the review.

If you believe a negative review about your business has violated Google’s Prohibited and Restricted Content policy, here’s what you can do:

First, figure out whether the negative review was posted about your business or on Google Maps. If it was posted about your business, you’ll need to have a Google my Business page to find the original review and flag it. If it was in Google Maps, you’ll need to navigate to the actual review and flag it as inappropriate.
Next, follow Google’s instructions for flagging a review. Here’s the link to the page.
When you flag a review, in the notes it help to specifically mention which Google policy the review violates. For example, if the review was from a previous employee or a competitor, say so.
Be patient. Google uses real people to check flagged reviews, so it can take several days for a review to be assessed.

Can I just flag a review I don’t like?

Sure you can, and there is a chance Google might accept it. However, customers are smart. If you only have glowing 5-star reviews, customers won’t trust you. It will look like you’re gaming the system.

What if a review you wrote about another business is flagged?

If a review you wrote has been flagged and removed or never published, you can fix it yourself. Edit your review to follow Google review policies — for example, you might have to remove a phone number or URL (or a threat!) from the review. If you correct the problem that resulted in the flag, your review will automatically be reconsidered.

Note that Google uses automated spam detection measures to remove reviews that are probably spam. Although legitimate reviews are sometimes inappropriately removed, these spam prevention measures help improve people’s experiences on Google by ensuring that the reviews they see are authentic, relevant, and useful. As shoppers, aren’t these the kind of reviews we want to read on Google?

Reboot Your Router

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:53:59 GMT

If you have a home or office Internet router, the FBI has issued an urgent request for consumers to reboot now to help disrupt a massive foreign-based malware attack.

Foreign cybercriminals have compromised hundreds of thousands of home and office routers and other networked devices worldwide with VPNFilter malware, the FBI said in a May 25 announcement.

How to help defend yourself from VPNFilter malware

Turn your router off, then back on. This will temporarily disrupt the malware and potentially help identify already-infected devices.
Secure the device with a strong, unique, new password.
Upgrade firmware to the latest available version.

Interested in the full story? Watch the video below.

Latest Windows 10 Update Hides LabPrints Projects

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:53:09 GMT

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update causes LabPrints projects to be hidden, and then deleted after 10 days if no action is taken. If you are a Windows 10 user, it’s important that you follow the steps below to prevent this from happening to you.

Windows 10 Update

The LabPrints fix below should only be completed after the Windows 10 April 2018 update. This is important as your PC may be set to apply updates automatically, or you may have been postponing the update.

To check and see if the Windows update has been done, click in the search bar (AKA Cortana) and type “About your PC” and press Enter. This will open your System Properties window. Scroll down to see your Windows version. If it says 1803 or higher, the update has been applied and you should follow the instructions regarding the LabPrints fix below as soon as possible.

If however, you see any version lower than 1803, you should apply the Windows update immediately. Otherwise Windows will do it for you, possibly at an inconvenient time. The update can take several hours, so you should start the update when you are done working for the day, let it run over night. Then apply the LabPrints fix.

LabPrints Update

Please watch this video , which covers the following steps:

Download this file: http://www.labprints.com/website/support/file-mover-new.jar
Double click the file to open it. NOTE: If you do not have Java installed you will get a notice that there is not a program to open the file. At this point, please download and install java from: http://java.com/download
It can take several minutes to run. Please make sure to wait for the success message.

Notes

This change does not affect Mac users. If you have any questions, please email support@labprints.com .

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. This change by Microsoft was not announced ahead of time, but does affect Java programs such as LabPrints.

Google Now Using Mobile Search for Desktop

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:50:31 GMT

In May Google announced they now use their mobile search results on desktop PCs. 79% of keywords overall and 47% of keywords in positions 1- 20 rank differently in search on mobile and desktop.

This means that if clients cannot find you on their cell phones, your studio’s website search results will also suffer on desktop PCs.

Why the change?

60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices
74% of smart phone users made a purchase based on a phone search

All this means that if you expect your customers to be able to find you online, you must have a “mobile-friendly” website today.

Not sure if you’re mobile-friendly? Here’s what you need to do:

See if you have a problem

You need to know where you are today. Check out your website on an iPhone and an Android. If you don’t own a smart phone, borrow a friends, or ask them to look you up and show you.

The problem with viewing websites on a small screen (typically 320px wide) is that the text and images are too hard to read. In addition, iphones cannot display Flash-based websites . If you have a flash-based website, you are losing customers.

If you use Google Webmaster Tools, you can get a full list of mobile usability issues across your site by running the Google Webmaster Tools Mobile Usability Report . If you don’t use Google webmaster tools (you should), create a Google Webmaster Account with your Gmail Account .

If you don’t use Google Webmaster Tools, they still offer a basic stand-alone test here .

If you have a problem, fix it

If your pages aren’t optimized for mobile devices, make a commitment to yourself to get a new website. You can:

1. Have your current website redesigned. Tell them you need a “resolution independent” website. If your website designer doesn’t know what this means or if they suggest 2 seperate websites, fire them and find someone who does.

2. Transfer over to a cloud-based website like PhotoShelter.com (one of our favorites) that creates a new website optimized for mobile viewers. This may cost a bit more per month, but typically will give you the most professional solution.

10 Ways to Help Google Find Your Image-Based Website

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:18:50 GMT

The advantage of being a photographer is that it’s easy to put great images on your website. You have a library of thousands of perfectly color corrected images, and you own all the rights. Every other business online envies you.

However, when it comes to Google and Bing searches, your advantage can quickly evaporate. Search engines decide where to rank your page based on text, not on beautiful images.

If you have an image-based website that is light on text, there’s still hope. Here are 10 ways you can make your studio’s image-based website easier to find by the search engines and potential clients.

1. Image Format

Don’t pay attention to all the different image file formats. When it comes to the web, progressive jpeg images are your friend. You’ll use them about 99% of the time, with the other 1% saved for transparent PNG logos or buttons that can be displayed over a background.

Jpeg image files are special because they use a “lossy” file format. This means that as you decrease the file size, image quality is degraded. But don’t be afraid to turn down the quality. Google will give you credit for smaller image files, and potential customers will appreciate the fact that your web page loads faster on their phone.

“Progressive” jpeg images instruct the browser to download it 3 times: first as low-res, then as medium, then the final image. This gives the viewer the ability to scroll through multiple images and start reading text before the full-resolution image is fully downloaded. Google doesn’t care about this, but it’s a nice feature to give to your reader.

Online images are best saved as 8 Bits/Channel, sRGB format. You could save them as something else, but web browsers will convert them to 8 Bits/Channel, sRGB format anyway. Converting beforehand will save your viewer’s browser a bit of work and speed up your page load time.

2. Image Size

When saving to the web, image size in inches and dpi is irrelevant. Images should be saved at the size (height x width in pixels) they will be displayed in the browser. This keeps the files as small as possible without having to be resized by a browser before they are displayed on screen.

Never take the jpegs out of your camera and upload them directly to your website.

For example, Suppose I create a 3×4″ horizontal image @ 300dpi (1200 x 900px) for a print postcard, but the recommended image size for my Squarespace website’s portfolio is 2500x1875px. Starting with the same image, I should save them as two different jpeg files. Don’t assume that because an image is the same height and width it will work for every application. Online, file size is very important.

3. Image Quality

Images files should as small as possible without degrading the quality. The “quality” level of a jpeg refers to the amount of compression applied to the image. More compression (lower quality) reduces the size, but may introduce artifacts.

You can change the image quality by using the jpeg “quality” slider. A good rule of thumb is that you should never upload a file larger than 100Kb.

When saving images for the web using Photoshop, get in the habit of using File > Export As instead of using File > Save as. To make it even easier in Photoshop, go to File > Export > Export Preferences and set up your default preferences as shown above. Then the next time you save an image for the web, you can save time by using File > Export and the image will be exported with your default settings.

For more detailed information on how to maximize file quality and minimize size, refer to the Google Guide for Image Optimization .

4. Image File Names

File names should use the keywords on the page that the image is displayed. Google will read the image file names and use them to determine what the page is about.

For example, say you are using several images in a portfolio of baby photos and your studio is in Detroit. You should use different variations of your keywords to mix them up. For example:

• detroit-baby-photographer.jpg
• detroit-baby-photo.jpg
• baby-photography-detroit.jpg
• child-photographer-detroit.jpg

Use dashes (not underscores) to separate words. Google sees dashes as spaces, while spaces in file names end up as %20.

In general, image file names should only contain letters, numbers, underscores, or dashes. Special characters are often reserved for functions in scripting and programming languages, and using these characters in file names can cause problems.

Today, if you search for “wedding” on Google the top ranked image is “kim-kardashian-kanye-west-wedding.jpg”. See what I mean?

5. Image Alt Text

Many photographers ignore the Alt text field when uploading images, but for SEO it is just as important as the image name. Alt stands for “Alternative.” Alt text tells Google what the image is about. it is the text that is used in case the image cannot be displayed (blocked by the browser or in emails), and is read to blind users with verbal browsers. The Alt text is also used by Pinterest to automatically populate pin descriptions.

If you are using good keywords in your file name, your Alt text should mirror them. For example:

File name: “baby-photography-detroit.jpg”
Alt text: “baby photographed in detroit by John Smith photographer.jpg”

The Alt text should be simple, human readable, and describe what the image is about. Think of it like a caption in a magazine.

6. Image Caption

About 30% of the people searching online use the Image Search instead of text search. Recent studies have concluded that adding a caption to an image is more important than Alt text when using Image Search. If you put a caption underneath your image, it could help with the Image Search rankings.

7. Image Position on Page

If you’ve got a webpage with lots of text, put a hero (large) image on the top of it. Google and Bing know people like to search by looking at pictures, so they will give your page a bit of an edge.

8. Image EXIF Data

While the benefits are small, adding EXIF data to your images can help Google figure out what they are about.

EXIF stands for Ex changeable I mage F ile F ormat. It is standard that specifies the format for information like camera type, copyright, and GPS coordinates stored inside digital images.

The benefits of adding EXIF data is that Google uses it to help people browsing to learn about an image. However, they are a bit cagey about whether they use it for SEO ranking.

The downside of EXIF data is that if you use the PhotoShop File > Export command, in order to shrink your file size PS strips out all the EXIF data (and keywords!) except for your Author name and Copyright notice. In addition, for privacy concerns social media sites like Facebook strip out all EXIF data when they import images.

While there is no best answer, you have to balance the small SEO and copyright benefits of EXIF data against the ability to shrink your image files online. My suggestion is to use Photoshop’s File > Export feature that saves the copyright information only. The smaller file size will decrease page load time which definitely is a Google ranking factor.

9. Matching Webpage Keywords

Keywords are what search engines use to figure out what a page is about before they decide whether to include it in a search. Using the same keywords across a web page increases Google’s confidence in what a page is for. Here’s an example:

File name: “baby-photography-detroit.jpg”
Alt text: “baby photographed in detroit by John Smith”
Image caption: “Tender Moment with Baby, (C)2018, John Smith Photography”
Webpage name: “detroit-baby-photography.html”
Webpage title: “Baby photography by Detroit Photographer John Smith”

No question about what the web page is about, right? Best practices says every page on your website should have a unique set of keywords to describe that page.

Remember that if the text on the page matches the keywords in the image file name, caption and Alt text, it will encourage the search engines to rank your image higher when people use Image Search in their browser.

10. Text Around an Image

Even if you’ve done everything above, text on a webpage around an image still matters.

At the end of the day you have to decide whether you want an image-based website that you think is attractive but Google and Bing search engines ignore, or whether you are willing to compromise on your website design and content and make money by earning a higher page rank?

As you read the sentence above, consider that you only have to duplicate its length 5 more times to have 300 words, about the minimum that Google considers a quality web page.

A Final Thought

Chances are you’ve read everything above and thought, “ I’ve seen studio websites that have no text on their pages rank higher than mine on Google. What did they do? ” The above tips don’t guarantee a top-ranked page, they only guarantee the search engines will be able to figure out what your website pages are about. That’s only the first step. In almost every case you’ll find that top-ranked studio websites have lots clients and other websites that link back to them, a good local business presence, and good reviews.

Grad Banner & Yard Sign Special

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:15:28 GMT

Impress your graduating seniors with this incredible offer that will not only make them look good, but make it easy for both of you to save money.

JD now offers a 3×6′ outdoor banner with grommets plus a 18×24″ double-sided yard sign with metal stand for the special price of $89.99. No code needed.

Graduates and their parents will appreciate you creating these banners and yard signs featuring their graduation photos. Custom banners and yard signs not only make the graduation party look great, but provide a cool way to direct friends and family to the fun!

3 pre-made banner plus yard sign combo templates make it easy for you to get started. Just drop in your images, update the text, and send us your order.

You can find these grad specials in JDLab2You under Marketing -> Graduation Banners and Yard Signs.

If you’re not already using JDLab2You, click here to get started .

Wedding Photography Venue Trends Over the Last 10 Years

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:13:53 GMT

Head over to Google Trends and you can learn quite a bit about what people are searching for. The logic is that Google searches over time correspond with overall interest in a particular subject.

Below are some wedding venue trends over the last decade wedding photographers may find useful for either their marketing or for services they want to offer brides in the future. This data is segmented out for US Google searches only, and does not represent search trends worldwide.

Greenhouse Wedding

Over the last decade, greenhouse weddings have become popular, peaking in July of 1017 and again in January 2017. Brides like the idea of a wedding that feels like it is outdoors without having to worry about bad weather. While there are few greenhouses that are big enough to hold an entire wedding ceremony, it is worth your while to know which ones are available in your area. You might even want to consider shooting inside them, then add a page /greenhouse-wedding-in-your-town to your website to pick up potential clients looking for this new trend.

Barn Wedding

Similar to greenhouse weddings, the trend for barn weddings is rising in the US over the last decade. However, searches tend to be more common in the summer/fall. This probably indicates fall brides are simply looking to get out of the weather, especially here in the midwest. It’s interesting that several companies have caught on to this trend, and now advertise their barns for both weddings and receptions . If any of these in your area have a vendor page, contact them and see if your website can be added.

Rustic Wedding

The idea of a more informal or “rustic” wedding peaked in 2014 and has been strong ever since. Even the folks over at TheKnot.com have a page dedicated to rustic wedding ideas .

Outdoor Wedding

Brides continue to search for outdoor weddings as an alternative to more formal wedding venues. While this trend peaked in the summer of 2012, it continues to be strong.

Bohemian Wedding

While not a venue per se, bohemian weddings exemplify the trends listed above. MarthaStewartWeddings.com says “Boho weddings incorporate a mix of natural, rustic, and vintage details into the design.” They even have a name for it – boho weddings for boho brides! For wedding photographers, you should not only be aware of local venues that cater to these new brides, but you should be using these keywords in your marketing and on your website.

Destination Wedding

The idea of a destination wedding at an exotic location peaked in 2010, and has slowly been losing bride’s interest over time. However, because of the expense of destination weddings, it is possible they will make a comeback in the future.

Church Wedding

Interest in church weddings have seen a steady decline over the last decade. This makes sense, since it corresponds with the rising interest in alternative wedding venues.

Takeaway

If you’re a wedding photographer and your portfolio primarily consists of church wedding venues, you should update them today. You need to show potential clients that you’re experienced in shooting in many different locations, not just for first look or engagement photography.

Glass Mount Picture Frames

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:07:15 GMT

Glass Mounts are the smartest picture frame back yet! Designed with longevity in mind, they feature a durable easel clip stand so the frame can be stood securely and firm. A solid back prevents light from shining through. Glass Mounts are available in 5×7″ and 8×10″ starting at $14.99.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor.

Curved Metal Prints

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:03:32 GMT

Looking for a new way to display your images? Check out these curved metal prints.

With a glossy finish and hard surface, these great looking prints make your high-def images (and regular ones) stand out from the competition. They look amazing with a black and white image. These use the same dye sub print on metal process we’ve offered for years, but now feature concave or convex curves so they can sit on a desk.

Curved metal prints are available in 5×7″ up to 16×20″ sizes, concave or convex, high gloss white or clear print surface, and start at only $17.25.

You can order them in JDLab2you > Metal Prints > Curved Metal Prints .

SEO Marketing Emails: What you need to Know

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:02:00 GMT

Have you received one of these emails yet?
From: “SEOExpertz”
Date: March 20, 2018 4:04:35 AM EST
To: Tom
Subject: Get on the first page of Google Fast – Guaranteed!

Our research staff has identified you and your company as one that may benefit from Google / SEO. Is getting to the top of Google searches important to you? Do you know where your company ranks on Google, Yahoo, and/or Bing?

If search engines matter to your marketing, we can get you on the first page of Google fast – guaranteed. Click here for more info…

I get emails like this every day, and instantly delete them. You should too. Here’s why:

You’re going to end up on a spam list. These blind emails are sent out by the millions in the hopes that you will click through to their page and contact them. Even if you don’t purchase anything, once they have your email you’ll be “on the list” and will get even more spam from similar sites. If you need SEO services, get a referral from a friend.
Low-cost SEO is useless . If someone is offering a great deal on SEO it is usually because they bulk-submit your website to dozens of lists of websites having nothing to do with photography. If they are asking for a monthly fee, they probably own the websites themselves ( here’s an example ). Google knows all these tricks, and ignores them. Even if they get you to the first page of Google, the moment you quit making the payments, you fall off the home page.
Good SEO is hard. Here’s a great free website that describes how to do proper SEO. Moz.com is one of the most trusted brands for learning how to do local SEO. You can learn to do it yourself, or you can pay someone else to do it for you. If you pay someone to do it for you, they will need to follow the steps on this website. Anything else is a waste of time.
SEO is sold as a “get rich quick business.” A quick Google search on “start SEO business” will bring up hundreds of links that show anyone how to cheaply create an online SEO company. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from one of the top searches:

Ok, the first thing that you may be thinking is ‘I don’t know anything about SEO!’; Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), because all you need to do in the end is find someone who does.

Bottom line: Educate yourself on what it takes to rank higher on Google (search for the term “SEO” on this blog) and either do it yourself, or get a recommendation on an SEO expert from someone you trust. Don’t fall for the “cheap and easy SEO” email offers like the one above.

Have you tried our Link-it Frames?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:00:59 GMT

Link timeless memories together with these stylish frames that connect together! These durable, premium acrylic 4×5″ frames each hold a 2.5×3.5″ wallet image. Purchase 3 and set on your desk as an add-on gift to show your clients.

Each Link-It Frame includes 1 frame & 1 clip. They can be linked together with more frames in landscape or portrait orientation. Link-In Frames are $7.98 each.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

Large Pennants

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:00:16 GMT

Looking for a one-of-a-kind product that will wow any sports fan? The new Large Pennant is a 10×30″ laminated photographic print. It includes 2 grommets and is ready to display.

This pennant is a big step up from our older 7×17″ size, but is still a great value at only $7.00 each.

It’s available for all of our Champion Sports designs in JD Pick-a-Pack. For example, you can find the Basketball pennant at Sports Themes > Basketball > Basketball Champion > Basketball-Champion Large Pennant . The image above shows our Champion Football design.

Want to create a custom design? It’s easy. Start by downloading our PSD Template Guide for Photoshop, create your pennant, then go to Sports Themes > Create Your Own > Editable 10×30 Pennant to place your order.

Copyright Protection Bill Needs Your Support

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:59:07 GMT

If you haven’t heard of the Case Act, you should know about it. The H.R. 3945 CASE Act is bipartisan legislation introduced in October 2017 that allows photographers to better protect and defend their copyrights.

Suppose tomorrow you’re browsing the Internet and see one of your photos on another photographer’s website or in an article. In theory, you can go to court to enforce your claim for copyright infringement. In reality, an American Intellectual Property Association’s 2015 survey found that the average cost of litigating a copyright case with less than one million dollars at stake was $278,000. That’s more money than almost any photographer has to spend.

Instead of going to court, the CASE Act would allow an impartial panel of copyright experts to take testimony without a jury and make a speedy decision, similar to small claims court. While the maximum damages are capped at $15,000 per work infringed, and $30,000 in total, the cost to bring a claim is much lower than a traditional trial. This is why the CASE Act is supported by Professional Photographers of America and many other groups representing photographers and artists across the county.

Copyright fact: Photographers and visual artists have copyright protection on paper, but no viable option for enforcing their rights because most common infringements are valued under a few thousand dollars, which makes seeking remedies in Federal Court a useless option.

Today the CASE Act is stuck in the House Judiciary Committee. Unless the leadership votes to bring it out of committee and send it to the floor for a vote, it has no chance of passing. That’s why it is important for photographers to encourage their congressional representatives to co-sponsor this bill. If enough people make a noise, it will get noticed. Regardless of what you hear, public opinion still has an impact on congress.

What can you do?

PPA has a link to easily send a letter to your local representative affirming your value as an artist and standing up to theft of your imagery and intellectual property. Fill out the letter here .

If you want to take a little extra time, contact your house and senate representative directly . Individual emails or letters get more notice and you’ll get a reply back.

Use this link to keep track of the progress of the bill . If you don’t see any progress, write or call your legislator again.

Need Inspiration?

SPAC 2018 Yeti Cooler Winners

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:57:07 GMT

JDLab is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 SPAC YETI Cooler give-away. See the official drawing here:

Modern Presentation Frames for your Photography

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:55:12 GMT

These four presentation frames turn your images into unique and exciting products you can offer as add-on sales. Whether it is for wedding photos, school photography, family portraits, holidays, pets or even that special selfie, your clients will be delighted to display their memories and moments with these awesome displays.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor.

VisionBlox are premium acrylic picture frame blocks, allowing you to produce professional results for the display of prints and photos. They display the print or photograph behind the full depth of the acrylic without a border. These contemporary picture frames boast a unique high gloss hand polish right to the edge and have a brushed finish, stainless steel back. Price for the 4×6″ size is $15.99.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

Link timeless memories together with these stylish frames that connect together! These durable, premium acrylic 4×5″ frames each hold a 2.5×3.5″ wallet image.

Each Link-It Frame includes 1 frame & 1 clip. They can be linked together with more frames in landscape or portrait orientation. Link-In Frames are $7.98 each.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Desk Decor or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

Fashion key rings are a beautiful way for parents and grandparents to show off their favorite children. Kids like them too for hanging on backpacks at school.

Each acrylic key ring holds a 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inch image. Sold in packs of 2, the package includes 8 different “frame” inserts to choose from. Price is $4.86 for 2.

Available in JDLab2You in Specialty Items > Photo Gifts or in Pick-a-Pack under Add On Products > Photo Gifts.

4 Marketing Tips for Millennials

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:42:48 GMT

According to Forbes , millennials (born between 1980 and 2005) buying power will soon surpass that of the generations before them. As a professional photographer, you will have to work harder to meet their demands as they influence trends and redefine buying habits. You can stay up to date by implementing these four trends in your studio and and in your marketing and sales strategies.

1. Customer Convenience

I remember going into work one morning at 6:30am to get some work started. The phone rang. Someone wanted to place an order. After our conversation I asked, “out of curiosity, what make you think we’d be open at 6am?” Her answer was, “why would I think you wouldn’t be?”

It was a wake-up call. I realized the days of answering the phone Monday through Friday from 9-5 pm are over. You have to meet millennial clients on their terms. For example instead of just putting your studio phone on your business card, it should include a cell phone number followed by the words “call or text” as well as links to your website, your Facebook business page and any other social media channels you use.

Here’s an idea: have a younger friend walk through your entire customer experience. At every point in the process ask them, “Is it easy?” If it’s not, fix it. That’s how you’ll win millennials.

2. Personalized Shopping Experience

20 years ago I asked Ralph Romaguera, Sr . the secret to his successful senior photography business. He said that from the moment a senior walks into the studio, he makes them feel like a star. He took the idea of a high-end fashion shoot and transformed it into a high school experience. As a result, Ralph has not only been successful for over 45 years, but both his sons have used his model to build successful careers of their own in photography.

Here’s another example. A friend of mine made an appointment for a head shot for a magazine article. As part of the deluxe package, she had professional hair and makeup stylists available throughout the entire photo shoot. Combined with the winning attitude of the photographer, she felt she received the best pictures ever taken of her.

Sure, everyone wants to be treated special. But millennials expect it.

3. More Technology

Whether it’s showing proofs on a big flat-screen TV, taking orders on a tablet, or emailing an image pre-sized for Facebook, millennials expect you to be at least as comfortable with technology as they are. If you’re fumbling with tech, they may smile at you, but they will chuckle behind your back. Even if they like your work, they’re less likely to recommend you to their friends.

Remember the photographers back in the day who said, “I’ll never shoot digital – film is better!” Yeah, it’s like that.

4. Fun, Unique Experiences

Imaging you were born in 1990. You’re 28 years old with a new family. You may still be renting while you pay off your student loans and look at starter homes in the $200 – $250,000 price range. You feel broke. Yet you’re happy to go out with friends on a weeknight and pay $7-9 for a glass of locally crafted beer!

The growth of brewpubs across the country is perfectly timed to the rise of the millennials who are willing to pay a premium for a purchase tied to a fun, unique experience. To capture this, think of creative points in your photographic process that millennials might want to share with their friends. For example, you could have an assistant use their phone to take a shot of both you shooting and the client posing at the studio that they could post online.

There is nothing new or unique about millennials. They only ask that in exchange for their business you consider their need to make professional photography a fun, convenient and personalized experience. And in the end, don’t all of our clients want the same thing anyway?

Photo by Julián Gentilezza on Unsplash

Join us at PhotoMax February 9-11 in Detroit

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:41:30 GMT

Professional Photographers of Michigan’s PhotoMax, Michigan’s largest educational event, vendor show and print competition for pro photographers, will be held February 9-11 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Detroit, Michigan. JDLab is proud to again be a sponsor of this great event.

PhotoMax will start off Friday, February 9 with competition print drop-offs from 10am-1pm followed by a class called “How to Create Beautiful Art in the Ugly Location.” Michigan’s own Amy Feick will lead the class from 2-4pm. Following will be Judging and the Print Competition followed by a hospitality suite.

Saturday kicks off with print critiques, lunch and then from 2-5pm Pete Rezac will lead a class called “Black & White Children’s Character Portraits.” Pete has had a lot of success with this new product, and he will share all the tips and tricks you need to bring it into your studio. From 7-10pm James Smeltzer will lead the “Saturday Night Shootout” followed by a second hospitality suite.

Sunday morning kicks off with Michael Timmons teaching “Introduction to Drone Photography” from 9am-11am followed by a program titled “Creative Lighting” by Wilson Sarkis. In the afternoon Barbi Barnum will teach “Playful Posing.” The day will end with a President’s reception and awards.

To learn more about PhotoMax or to register online click here .

For instructions to enter the print competition click here .

10 Pros Share How They Got the Shot

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:40:40 GMT

If you want to learn a new style or technique, check out the “ How I got the Shot ” guide from Photoshelter and Tethertools. They partnered to create this 27 page PDF from ten different professional photographers including Clay Cook, Gabriel Biderman, Linday Adler and more. The photographer’s work includes fashion, commercial, product, portrait, fine art and conceptual photography.

Each photographer in the guide shows a different image, a behind-the-scenes video, and a breakdown of how the shot was made. What all the photographers have in common is that they used a laptop tethered to a notebook (hence, the sponsor!) running Adobe Lightroom to set up the shot in stages before the final image was made. If you use this kind of setup, you’ll like the guide. Some of the work was more conceptual than you might use on a day-to-day basis, but there were some cool ideas – like setting a backdrop on fire behind the subject – you might never have thought of. Even if you only get a single idea to try in the future, it would still be worth your time.

The guide is free in exchange for your email, which will sign you up for both companies’ newsletters.

Click here to register and download .

1 Billion Posts Were Analyzed on Facebook. The Results are Amazing.

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:39:32 GMT

You’ve probably never heard of Neil Patel, but you should. He’s a NYTimes author, serial entrepreneur, and helps companies like Amazon grow their revenue. The Wall Street Journal and Forbes Magazine both call him one of the top influencers on the web.

Neil was given access to the data from over 1 billion Facebook posts compiled by BuzzSumo.com , a company that mines the whole Internet looking for the best content on any given topic. Clients pay thousands of dollars a year for their service. From the data they gathered, Neil and BuzzSumo learned some very interesting facts about posting on Facebook that seem to go against the common wisdom (including my own) about how you can maximize your presence on Facebook.

For example, while it intuitively makes sense to post during the day when most people are online, the data shows that you’ll get the most engagement (clicks, likes, shares) between 9 pm and 11 pm in your area. In addition, Saturday and Sunday have higher levels of engagement than Monday through Friday.

The data also shows that business posts with questions in them combined with images or videos get 4 times more interactions than all other kinds of posts.

But the questions shouldn’t be long ones. Questions in posts should be no more than about 10 words. If the user wants to learn more, the post should link to a longer blog article on a website.

However, some of the data confirms other "rules" you should follow on Facebook. For example, a video uploaded directly to Facebook will get 8 times more interaction than a link to a YouTube video. If you have a great video, you should upload it to Facebook for shares and upload it to YouTube for Google SEO.

Altogether, Neil makes 8 specific recommendations that came from BuzzSumo’s research. Click here to read all of them . While a few of these recommendations are counter-intuitive, it’s hard to argue with the research. You should give these ideas a try and see if they turbocharge your Facebook marketing.

8 Steps to a Great Marketing Email

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:38:41 GMT

Here at JD, we like to keep up on ideas to help professional photographers grow their business. That’s why I was excited to receive a link for an online article titled, “ The Anatomy of an Art Sales Email ” on the ArtStorefronts blog. The author breaks down the 8 basic components of a sales email, then shows you how to use them to create a brilliant email you can send to your clients.

While we’ve discussed these steps in many articles at JD , it’s great to be reminded of them again as you’re getting ready (hopefully) to send out your holiday marketing emails to clients. Just remember, don’t cut prices – add value .

Create an Online Photography Marketing Campaign

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:38:06 GMT

Building a successful online marketing campaign for your studio isn’t difficult, but it does take time and planning. Whether you’re marketing to brides, seniors, for a specific holiday, or if you just want to collect fans or email addresses, if you follow the steps below you can maximize your marketing efforts with the least amount of effort.

Create a Landing Page

Creating a good landing page is the most important step in the process. A landing page is a unique page on your website where you’ll send visitors to see your offer and complete a call to action. If you can add pages to your website – and it is mobile friendly – you should create a landing page there. If you have a blog, you can turn an article into a landing page. Otherwise, you can purchase a 3rd party landing page creator like shortstack.com or pagemodo.com.

Share the Landing Page

Once you’ve created a landing page, your online marketing begins. Start by using images on your landing page to create Facebook posts. By putting several images on your landing page, you can use each of them to create a unique post every 3-5 days that all link back to the same landing page. Studies have shown that using several images (for example, a series of 3 seniors or brides) around the same theme will increase clicks by 70%. If one of them does extremely well, boost it.

In addition to Facebook, you should also promote your landing page on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or any other social media tools you use. If you have a client newsletter or do email marketing, you can reuse the content on the landing page to create your email, then make sure all the links in the email point to the landing page. If you do postcard marketing, you can even print a link to your landing page for clients who want more information.

Landing Page Benefits

The benefit of building a marketing campaign around a landing page is that you can build it during your slow time, then start the campaign weeks or even months later. No one will see the landing page until you start promoting it. In 6-12 months, you can refresh the images, update the text, and reuse the landing page to run the marketing campaign again.

3 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a New Employee

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:36:33 GMT

You have two resumes to choose from for a second shooter or a front desk job at your studio. Both candidates have some skills. While big corporations use complicated personality tests to finally decide who to hire, if you’re like most bosses, you don’t have that time. Instead, you interview them, trust your “gut” and hope you’ve made the right decision.

The good news is that, according to research done at Wake Forest University , learning how a potential candidate will get along with you, your staff and your clients doesn’t require long, drawn-out personality testing. Instead, you can learn how a potential employee will behave by simply asking them how they feel about other people.

“Your perceptions of others reveal so much about your own personality,” says Dustin Wood, assistant professor of psychology at Wake Forest and lead author of the study. By asking study participants to each rate positive and negative characteristics of others, the researchers were able to find out important information about the rater’s well-being, mental health, social attitudes and how they were judged by others.

“Seeing others positively reveals our own positive traits,” Wood says. In contrast, negative perceptions of others are linked to higher levels of narcissism and antisocial behavior.

How can this work for you? Here are some sample questions you could ask.

“Tell me about the people you worked with in your last job.”
“Tell me about the bosses you’ve had.”
“Tell me about the clients you worked with.”

This research suggests that when you ask someone to rate the personality of coworkers, you may learn as much about them as the people they are describing. The level of negativity the rater uses in describing other people may be a tip off that the rater is unhappy, disagreeable, neurotic – or has other negative personality traits.

Bottom line: if a candidate says “my last boss/coworkers/customers were idiots,” don’t hire them. In a few months they will be thinking the same thing about you.

Facebook’s New Panorama Photo App

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:28:11 GMT

You can now easily share 360 photos on Facebook. 360 photos are Facebook’s name for panoramas – from wide angle shots all the way up to full circles.

360 photos and are easy to identify in News Feed: just look for the compass icon on the right-hand side of the photo. Explore a 360 photo on mobile by tapping and dragging the photo or by moving your phone, and on the web by clicking and dragging. Your clients can experience the moments you share in 360 as if they were actually there with you. You could use this for:

• Showing a local event
• Weddings or receptions
• Sporting events
• A “backstage” look during a photo shoot

To get started, take a panorama with your phone or capture a 360-degree photo using a 360 photo app or 360 camera , and then post it on Facebook as you would a normal photo. Facebook will convert it to an immersive 360 photo that people can explore, similar to how people experience 360 videos on Facebook.

Learn more or watch a sample video here .

Pro tip: If you’re not using a tri-pod, pick up a hand-held stabilizer. I purchased one on sale on Amazon. It was cheap, but any of them will do better than nothing at all. It will take you about an hour to learn how to use it, but a stabilizer will make a huge difference in the quality of your final panorama or video. If you don’t have a stabilizer, you can get pretty close by holding your elbows against your chest and turning at the waist to stabilize your shot.

Nik Collection Photo Editing Software Now Free

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:23:11 GMT

Google’s high-end, seven-piece Nik Collection of photo editing software is now free for all. The company announced in a statement Thursday that it is no longer charging for the collection — comprised of seven desktop plug-ins that allow users to add filters to images, retouch them and more. It previously sold for $149. Nik’s applications are compatible with Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture.

The Nik Collection includes seven desktop plug-ins: Analog Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro, Viveza, HDR Efex Pro, Sharpener Pro and Dfine. The collection is available online for download .

“We’re excited to bring the powerful photo editing tools once only used by professionals to even more people now,” Google said. “As we continue to focus our long-term investments in building incredible photo editing tools for mobile… we’ve decided to make the Nik Collection desktop suite available for free, so that now anyone can use it.”

Anyone who bought the software this year can expect to see a refund in the coming days, according to Google.

Nik was purchased by Google in 2012, and prior to that each program cost around $100 for a total of up to $500 for the software suite. After the purchase, Google offered the whole bundle for $150, and made it available for all of its supported applications via a single installer.

Want to learn about Nik? Google has a great collection of videos on YouTube to get you started .

Social Media Checklist for Photographers – 2017

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:20:17 GMT

When you’re working on social media – newsletters, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn – there are several best practices you should know. We’ve scoured the Internet and listed them all here for your convenience. Bookmark this article and you can refer back to it the next time you’re posting on social media.

The good news is that while the “best practices” for email, newsletters, and social media like Facebook rarely changes, it seems like the recommended image sizes change every few months. Fortunately I found a new image size “cheat sheet” online . The link is at the bottom of this page. The good thing about this cheat sheet is that it was just updated so you can refer to it until the next batch of image size changes comes along.

Email/Newsletters

Ideal length of an email or article headline – 6 words, or under 50 characters
Best day to send: Friday to businesses, Sunday to consumers
Best time of day to send: 11am to business, 8pm to consumers
Best schedule: Monthly

Blog

Best length of an article headline: 6 words, or under 50 characters
Minimum article/blog post for SEO: 300 words
Ideal length for SEO: 1,600 words
Keywords: include in title, first sentence and 1-2 times more in text
Best practice: include image in every post, keyword in image name and alt text

Facebook

Best post length: 40 characters or less
Best practice: every post should have an image
Best subject mix: 70% brand-building, 20% sharing, 10% sales-oriented posts
Best Facebook “question” post length: 100-120 characters
Best time to post to consumers: 8pm (test with analytics)
How often to post: once a day, 7 days a week

Google+

Maximum size headline – 60 characters
Best post length: 440 characters
Best practice: every post should have an image
Note: Google seems to be giving up on Google+ but you should still create and update your G+ page as part of your Google My Business (GMB) account to help with SEO.

LinkedIn

Best Practices: Create both a personal page and a company page for your studio. Include a showcase page on your studio’s page for every type of photography you offer.

Twitter

Ideal length of a tweet – 70-100 characters

YouTube

Best length for a video: 3-3.5 minutes
Ideal length of a talk or presentation: 18 minutes
Best file format: 16×9 ratio (1080p: 1920×1080 or 720p: 1280×720) mpeg4 or wmv, 30 FPS, mp3 sound

Website

Best domain name – 8 characters or less with a .com
Best hosting solutions: PhotoShelter.com , Aphotofolio.com , PhotoDeck.com , Zenfolio.com

Image Size Cheat Sheet Updated July 2017

Learn more at LouiseM.com

5 Things Clients Want to Read on your Website

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:17:12 GMT

If you’re looking for page content or blog articles to put on your website, why not answer the most common questions potential clients have about your photography?

This is the logic behind a marketing video by Kevin Phillips titled, “ The Big 5: Blog Article Topics Guaranteed to Drive Traffic, Leads, & Sales. ” In this short video, Kevin basically makes the argument that we will attract more clients if we answer their most common questions online.

It makes sense. If you were shopping for a small SUV, you might Google something like “best small SUV”. You’d search for ratings, comparisons, and prices. Clients who need professional photography are searching for the same thing. Why not give it to them?

Here are the 5 things people want to read on your website:

Cost . There are 2 opinions on this subject, but Kevin recommends addressing cost on your website.
Problems . No one likes to talk about problems, but we all have them. If your studio is in your basement, don’t hide the fact. Instead write a page about it. Show images of your studio, and explain why it is better for them. If you shoot portraits/seniors, show examples of good and bad clothing to wear.
Comparisons (“X vs. Y”) . Don’t be afraid of naming names. If someone in your town offers cut-rate photography with deceptive pricing, name them. Just be honest in your comparison.
Reviews of other small businesse s. If you’ve shot a wedding at St. Thomas Church, why not write an article about it? Title the article: “Review: Wedding photography at St. Thomas Church in Wixom, MI.” Show some photographs, and write about the pros and cons. Your clients will find it and appreciate it.
What is the best ____ ? People search for “the best” all the time. We tend to like things other people do, so include reviews. Anything that shows the popularity of your photography can trigger a phone call.

The benefit of answering any or all of these questions on your website is that your competition isn’t doing it.

Use Irrational Logic to Raise Prices

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:16:22 GMT

In the book, “ Predictably Irrational, the Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, ” author Dan Ariely argues that as consumers, we make decisions based on irrelevant information. Knowing this about our behavior can help you build packages of products that will increase add-on sales.

For example, Dan points out that we don’t make decisions based on price, but on price relative to something else – even when it shouldn’t be. For example, do you remember the old TV ad, “ For about 70 cents you can buy a cup of coffee, or feed a child in Guatemala? ” The other way consumers can be motivated is to offer items compared to less attractive products. We’ve seen this marketing principle used for years as “good, better, best.” It works. Give clients 3 options, and the majority will select the middle one.

Here’s how you could combine these 2 “irrational” consumer purchasing behaviors to build more profitable packages.

Let’s say you are a school photographer, and you offer your clients 3 packages.

• Package A: (1) 8×10, (2) 5x7s, 16 wallets. $20.
• Package B: (2) 8x10s, (4) 5x7s, 16 wallets. $25.
• Package C: (3) 8x10s, (4) 5x7s, 16 wallets. $30.

After many sales, if your packages are priced correctly, you should expect an average $25 sale. The challenge is, in the consumer’s mind, they compare packages A and B to decide if the additional 8×10” and (2) 5×7” prints is worth the additional $5 increase in price.

However, what if you could shift the comparison to packages B and C? Your packages might look something like this:

• Package A: (1) 8×10, (2) 5x7s, 16 wallets. $20.
• Package B: (2) 8x10s, (4) 5x7s, 16 wallets. $30. Our most popular package!
• Package C: (4) 8x10s, (4) 5x7s. $30

Now the question in a client’s mind isn’t only about price, but about the relative value. “Would I rather have 2 more 8×10” prints or 16 wallets at the same price?” Your units per package didn’t change, but because you reframed the question in the consumer’s mind, your average order price has gone up $5! In addition, by bolding the “middle” option and telling people it is popular, it will subconsciously motivate clients to select it.

There are more examples Dan gives in his book. If you don’t have time to read it, here’s a short video that recaps his main points.

Learning how customers (and all of us!) make irrational purchase decisions can help raise your bottom line.

Use Repetition to Turbocharge Your Marketing

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:15:15 GMT

If you find that your marketing – email blasts, post cards, holiday specials – isn’t generating the kind of traffic you want, try using repetition to cut through the marketing clutter.

The rule of thumb is that a person needs to see your ad or marketing piece 7 times before they remember it. This means that to maximize any marketing project, you’ll need to combine emails, postcards, flyers, Facebook, and many other platforms at the same time to get your message out.

But equally important is that you repeat the same message with the same medium.

For example, I was reading an article about Cathy Benton, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Portsmouth, Va. in the June Edition of Professional Photographer . Kathy talked about her success creating a glamour photo program for women over 40. While shooting 10 existing clients to create a foundation for her program, she hired a professional videographer to record the transformation of each client individually. Then she featured 1 video per week for 10 weeks on Facebook, and on her website.

The same idea works with postcards. Suppose you’ve created a great post card design for an event. Why not print double the number you’ll need and send the same card out to the same list 2 weeks later? If the idea of sending the same card twice worries you, add a gold sticker in the corner of the second card to remind them the final date is approaching.

At JD, we do the same thing. For example, our June special is 50% off all large standard sized prints. Here’s where we’ll show this special over the next 4 weeks:

Website
Blog article
Weekly Facebook posts
Lead article in 1st weekly newsletter
Reminder article in 3 newsletters
Mid-week email blast
Paper stuffers included with shipped prints
Front counter rack card

Even with all this, sometime in July, at least one of our clients will say, “I didn’t know you had a sale.”

So the next time you’re marketing a new product, a service, or an event, think about repetition. People have a million things on their mind, and repetition can help you break through the clutter.

Color Space Converter in Google Chrome

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:17:12 GMT

If you’ve ever had an RGB color you need to convert into HEX or RGB values, did you know a color converter is built into the Google Chrome browser?

Simply open google, type the color value into the search bar, and Google will return the color code along with all the conversion values: HEX, RGB, HSV, HSL and CYMK.

Sure, this option is already in Photoshop. But why waste your time when the conversion you need is only 1 click away?

Vintage Wedding Videos

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:16:21 GMT

Recently I developed an online addiction: vintage wedding videos. The best are created by the British Film Institute. BFI has digitized 1,000s of films, beautifully preserved, unseen until now. Many of them can be seen on Youtube.

What makes these videos so fascinating to me is that even though they were taken 100 years ago, the videos show many of the wedding traditions they followed were ones we still have today.

1913 Wedding – (3 min.) After a quick street scene, you are shown the bride and bridesmaids exiting the house and heading for the church. Everyone is in white, and the bride has a veil. Of course, there is the customary posing of the bridal party with the older ladies lurking in the background to insure everything is correct. Cars are waiting for the bridal party outside the church for the bride and groom, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen in tuxedos. Finally, the parents come out, only to be sped away to the reception.

1920 – 3 Wedding Shorts – (5 min) The first scene is several people fighting with the bride’s dress trail as she exits the house. Next comes the father walking his daughter into the church. After the wedding, the bridal party poses for the photographers: bride with parents, groom with parents, and the full bridal party. The remaining two short films show the couples smiling and laughing between photographs, something you don’t normally think when looking at still photography from 100 years ago.

Weddings from 1890-1950 – (5 min) This collection of wedding portraits spanning 60 years were taken in Australia. The video is composed of several dozen images made by local wedding photographers. Even on the other side of the globe, it seems traditional wedding attire and customs are the same. See if you can pick out the “photojournalist” style that begins in the 1950s era.

148 Photo Editing Tools and Apps

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:14:21 GMT

Did you ever wonder if there was a piece of photo editing software or an application you could use to simplify the process of working with images? Or perhaps you wondered what the alternatives were to a program you were using or thinking about purchasing?

Here’s the ultimate list.

Nazar Begen is on the team at photolemur.com , and he decided as part of their marketing to make the definitive list of every photo editing application on the market. The list is being updated continuously, but as of today it has 148 programs with descriptions, links to each, and prices. The list includes photo enhancers, free and paid desktop editors, HDR Photo Editors, cross-platform image editors, photo filters, RAW processors and more.

You can view his most recent list here .

You may never need this list, but if you’re like me, you’ll bookmark it. Someday you’ll have a challenge or want to do something special with an image and think, “I wonder if there’s an app for that?” It'll probably turn out that there is.

300ppi Important for Cards and Templates

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:07:04 GMT

If you are creating cards or composites in Photoshop or any other image editing software, make sure your file resolution is set to 300 pixels/inch (ppi).

Click for full size image

Why is this important? PPI is tied to the height and width an image will be best printed at. All 3 numbers are important. For example, if you are making a 5×7″ open house invitation, the goal is to create a 5 inch tall by 7 inch wide print at a resolution of 300ppi.

How can you check your work? In Photoshop, select Image->Image Size. If the Document Size shows

Width: 7 inches
Height: 5 inches
Resolution: 72 pixels/inch

The file will not have enough resolution to create a perfect 5×7″ invitation. the solution would be to change your dimensions to 300ppi (click the example on right), then delete and recreate any text or fine artwork that you created in the image. You should also delete and re-insert any images to insure they will display at the correct ppi.

These rules do not apply to photographic images. If you open a camera image for retouching, do not change the resolution of your image, even if it is not 300ppi. It is best to leave your photographs at the original resolution set in your camera.

When to use 300ppi

If you use any of our PSD templates , the resolution is set to 300 pixels/inch automatically. However, if you create a new card or composite from scratch, you much verify your images resolution is set to 300ppi before starting your layout. In some cases, Photoshop File->New may default to 72ppi, which is not a good enough resolution – especially for text.

When to use 150ppi

150 pixels/inch should only be used if you are creating very large items like banners.

When to use 72ppi

72 pixels/inch should only be used for images that will only be viewed online. This not only insures the smallest file size for quick page loading, but will make your images less likely to be copied and printed.

What’s the difference between DPI (dots/inch) and PPI (pixels/inch)?

While there is a technical difference , in digital printing the terms are often used interchangeably. As long as you follow the rules above and use 300, 150 and 72ppi correctly, you won’t have any problems.

Photography Sales vs. Marketing: What’s the Difference?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:00:35 GMT

Recently we had a training session at the lab. During the break, one of the photographers said she wanted to hire a sales and marketing person. I told her they are completely different people. The best sales person doesn’t really know anything about marketing and the best marketing person may have no idea how to close a sale.

What do I mean?

While there are lots of great examples online explaining the difference between sales and marketing , it comes down to this: marketing gets people to pick up the phone. Sales gets them to write a check. A marketing person thinks about how to write a great ad for people they will never meet. A sales person thinks about how to handle an objection like, “I can get it cheaper somewhere else.”

I’ve met great marketing people. They tend to work alone, and don’t have to be “good with people.” In fact, I have a standing rule not to let my marketing guy talk to our clients. On the other hand, our customer service department has great sales people. They work with clients every day, love the interaction, and help solve problems one client at a time.

Where the two come together is in customer feedback. Since marketing isn’t talking to my clients one-on-one, they depend on our sales people to provide insight into what marketing is working, what is not, and what is most important to the client.

So here’s what I suggested to the photographer. Figure out whether you are more of a marketing or a sales person, and hire someone to do the other job. If you’re great at one-on-one closing, hire a marketing person. If you’re better at branding, writing emails and designing ads, hire a sales person.

You need both to be successful in your studio.

What To Do When a Client Says "It costs too much."

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:52:04 GMT

Recently we had a meeting at the lab. We set up a table with some of our popular products including gallery wraps. One of the attendees said she was going to stop selling them because she gets too many “I can get those at Cost Mart” objections when she tries to sell them.

My initial response was “Ok”. We do not sell the least expensive wraps. I have customers say the same thing to me. I didn’t argue. Instead, I tried to help her to understand the value of my gallery wraps over the cheaper ones at a big box store so she could explain that value to her clients.

This isn’t really a problem of cost – it is a sales objection that we all potentially face every time we talk to a client.

Answering the “It costs too much” Objection

The first step in answering the objection is to build value into your products. You should mention the quality of your products and service on your website, in newsletters, marketing materials and Facebook posts. You have to tell them in writing. This will prepare a client’s impression of you that you offer higher value, not lower prices.

The second step is to answer the objection before they give it, and before you start talking about price. This means during a presentation, you should explain to your client that your quality, service and warranty are superior.

But even after you’ve built your value, you may still hear the “It costs too much”, “That’s more than I wanted to spend” or even the “I can get it cheaper” objection. This is a classic sales problem. It helps to understand your client’s real problem isn’t price, but fear. They fear that they’re making a bad decision. They fear that they will spend too much money for what they’re getting in value. Either way, your job is to calm those emotional fears and help them to rationalize the decision.

The classic sales solution when you hear the price objection is to say this:

“I understand your concern Molly. After all, in today’s economy, we all want the most for our money. But a truth that I have learned over the years is that the cheapest price is not always what we really want. Most people look for three things when making an investment in photography.

The finest quality – (explain again why yours is superior)
The best service – (tell them your guarantee)
The lowest price – (know what your competition is offering)

I have never yet found a photographer who could provide all three–the finest quality and the best service at the lowest price. I’m curious, Molly, for your long-term happiness, which of those three would you be most willing to give up? Quality? Service? Or low price?”

Rarely will clients want to skimp on quality or service. What you’ve done with these words is to remind them–in a kind and gentle way–that you get what you pay for.

Yes, this is a sales technique you should practice, but it is not a trick. If you are being truthful to your client, you are only helping them to realize that price alone shouldn’t be a consideration when investing in great photography.

Looking for more solutions to the “cost’s too much” objection? Click here .

How do you answer this objection to your clients? Leave your answer in the comments below.

What is your Studio’s Lagniappe?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:50:57 GMT

A lagniappe (pronounced lan-yap) is a creole word from Louisiana. It means “the gift.” It refers to the small token or unexpected service a store owner gives to a customer. The idea of a lagniappe has been embraced by the natives in Louisiana, but there’s no reason you can’t use it too.

Let me give you an example.

Recently a realtor friend of mine needed to attend a final closing on a residential property. After several weeks of hard negotiations, the buyer and the seller were angry at each other, the other realtor felt cheated, and the mortgage company where the closing was held wasn’t happy with anyone. On her way to the closing, she stopped at Panera Bread, picked up four hot loaves, wrapped them with some red Christmas ribbon, and walked into the closing with gifts for everyone.

All four of them are now her customers – even the other realtor recommends her to clients.

So what’s the recipe for creating a marketing lagniappe? It needs to be

Unexpected – a surprise
A benefit to the recipient – not just a generic gift
Unique – not something they could get anywhere else
Authentic – it comes from your heart

As a photographer, nothing could be easier than turning images into lagniappes. Here are some ideas:

Baby/child photography – order a wallet of mom’s favorite pose and put it in a key chain, or pick up a cute little frame at the discount store.
Senior photography – give a fridge magnet to mom, or give the senior a box of business cards that can be used when they apply for a job.
Wedding photography – make a 4×5 album for the bride to carry in her purse. Give a single box of thank you or Christmas cards (will encourage them to call back later and order more).

The idea is not to spend a lot, but to wrap it and give it as a unique gift that they could not get anywhere else, and one that says that you’ve connected with them as a client.

Here’s another example: When we were designing the packaging for our photo books, the team wanted each book to be a gift that you could present to your clients. That’s why our books are wrapped in tissue, placed in a custom gift box, and tied with a golden band. It would look perfectly in place under a Christmas tree. Our goal was to make each photo book a lagniappe, from us to you, and more importantly, from you to your clients.

We hope you like it.

Removable Graphics Make Advertising Easy

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:48:45 GMT

When it’s time to advertise your (or your client’s) business, make a statement with custom photography on removable graphics. They are great for promotional uses like:

Windows, doors, walls
Sign boards
Vehicles
Floors or carpet
Any flat surfaces

We have two kinds of removable graphics available:

Print-N-Stick is a printable poly fabric with a removable adhesive back. It delivers superior detail and photo realistic images. The opaque material is water resistant – no lamination is necessary. Easy to trim for unique shapes. Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications on clean flat surfaces like windows, doors, walls, sign boards, vehicles, or anything you can imagine.

Walk & Wall is a more substantial printable fabric that is great for long-term indoor or short-term outdoor applications. It has a matte finish that you can apply to your walls or flooring, carpeting, metal, painted surfaces, wood, PVC or even smooth concrete. It’s great for commercial use for advertising in your studio or to creating an accent wall in your home.

All our removable graphics are easy to apply and leave little to no adhesive residue behind. The fabric can be applied and removed multiple times and can be cut to virtually any shape you desire.

Need a sample? Send an email to info@JDLab.com with your Studio name and address and we’ll send you a sample in the mail or with your next order.

Custom DVD Case

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:43:27 GMT

Looking for a beautiful presentation package for wedding or event DVDs? Check out our Custom DVD cases. Built like our custom album covers, they feature a laminated print wrapped around hard board front and back covers with one or two CD/DVD trays inside.

These custom DVD cases are especially useful for photographers who offer wedding videography. The DVD case can be ordered with your artwork on both the case and the DVD surface ready for you to burn the wedding video to the disk. Match the case artwork to an album cover for an exquisite bridal package. We can also burn color-corrected images or a slideshow from your lab order to the disk. “Shoot and burn” photographers can add studio contact and branding artwork to make it easy for a client to order prints.

The Customer DVD case comes in three versions:

Custom DVD Case 1-Disc with a single disk tray on the right. $24/ea.
Custom DVD Case 2-Discs with a disk tray on the left and right. $24/ea.
Custom DVD Case with folio style image on the inside left and disk tray on the right. $33/ea.

You can find Custom DVD cases in JDLab2you under Proofs > DVDs .

JDLab2You Get Started Video

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:37:45 GMT

Here’s a short video that shows how easy it is to send your first order.

Stainless Steel Travel Mug

dwhite@jrydergroup.com (Dominick White) — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:35:17 GMT

Put your favorite image on one of these 14oz. Silvertone Stainless Steel Travel Mugs.

The image size is 6.636 x 3.125 inches. Simply drag your favorite image into the horizontal template and order it. Although the ragged edge effect is used by default, you can change this to any other kind of edge in the image tools right-menu.

Each mug comes with a removable plastic insert so you can wash the inside separately.

Dishwasher safe, but for maximum life of the image we recommend hand washing.

Price is $14.95.

Facebook Negative Reviews: Can You Fix Them?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:33:57 GMT

A client recently sent me this question about Facebook reviews.

If you search for me in the Facebook search box, it brings up our studio with places being at top. If you click “see all” you see a negative review by an irate customer that happened a while back. Is there a way to push that review down because we have had so many 5-star reviews since then? I do not want that one bad review to be the first one everyone sees.

I appreciate your frustration. With so many positive reviews to choose from, it has to be annoying when Facebook highlights your single 1-star review first. It appears from comments from other Facebook users that highlighting the lowest rated review on a business page is a common complaint.

So the simple answer from Facebook is no, you cannot manually move, delete or change it. The order of Facebook reviews is decided by a computer, not a person. However, after a little research, the common denominator seems to be that Facebook does this to businesses who has too many positive reviews.

Sounds crazy, right? Who can be too good?

Since you have all 5-star reviews and a single 1-star review, FB is actually trying to help your business by showing you’re not perfect. No business has 100% happy customers. In fact, potential customers who see too many positive reviews will think your business is cheating .

The next time you’re searching for a product on Amazon, notice that on the product page they show the highest rated positive review and negative review side-by-side (on a desktop monitor). Facebook is trying to do the same thing. They put your big 4.7 blue star rating on the left next to your studio’s business page, then show the first negative review beneath it.

So what can you do?

Ironically, you may be able to “hide” the 1-star review by getting a more recent 2, 3 or 4-star review. For example, if you had ten 5-star reviews and a 1-star review your average would be 4.6. If you added a 3-star review. Although your average would drop to 4.5, as long as your average is between 4.5 and 4.8 you’re fine, and it will look more natural to Facebook that you have mixed reviews.

Another thing to try is when you get 2, 3 or 4-star reviews to post more lengthy replies to the customer’s review. Facebook promotes reviews that have lots of posts and likes. If your 1-star review is the one you posted the longest reply to or it received the most likes, you’ll need to do even more for a different review you’d want to show up on top.

I’m not saying to ask customers to give you lower reviews, I’m only saying that over time, as you get more reviews, you should get more 2, 3 and 4 star reviews. These should eventually push the older, 1-star review off the top of the Facebook search page.

Finally, make sure you answer the 1 and 2-star reviews. Here are the best-practices:

Answer immediately . About 1/3 of clients will change their review if they like your response and solution to their problem.
Apologize and take responsibility . It’s your business, it’s your responsibility. Don’t blame the customer, the weather or your staff.
Explain what went wrong and how you plan to fix it . Most negative reviews reveal larger business problems you may not even realize you had.
Thank the customer for bringing it to your attention. This makes them think you’ve listened to them.

Even if it is on top of the search page, if you’ve taken time to answer the complaint properly, other potential customers will read this and will appreciate your superior customer service.

Layout Guides Make it Easy to Create Specialty Products, Album and Photo Book Covers

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:13:23 GMT

Layout guides are collections of layered PhotoShop PSD files that make it easy to lay out a product, save as a JPG image, and drop into our JDLab2You or Pick-a-Pack software. Because each layout guide comes with safe, wrap and cut guide lines, you can be assured your finished products will look great.

Watch this short video to see how easy it is to use our guides.

Available Layout Guides

Each collection of guides are in a ZIP file. You should download the ZIP file and open it to access the PSD files.

Books and Albums

Diamond Albums – our Diamond Album cover guides in leather and acrylic available in 5×5″ through 12×24″ album sizes.
Emerald Albums – Cover layout guides for Emerald Albums in 5×5″, 6×6″, 8×8″ and 10×10″ sizes.
Photo Book Hard Covers – Layout guides for 5×5″ through 8.5×11″ portrait and landscape covers for our Sapphire albums and hard cover photo books . Note these guides are for custom hard covers only. Lay-flat hard covers are 1/8″ wider left and right.
Photo Book Soft Covers – Layout guides for 5×5 through 8.5×11″ portrait covers for soft cover photo books .

Canvas Wraps

Gallery Canvas Wraps – These guides let you lay out 8×8″ through 16×20″ canvas gallery wraps so you can see where the 4 edges of the bars and the hidden wrap will fall on your image.

Cards

Press Printed Cards – This collection of .PSD files helps you lay out a 2×3″ accordion book, business cards and trader cards.
Designer Cards – These are the layout guides for the 5×7″ designer cards for holidays, weddings and graduations.
Business Cards – several designer templates

Photo Gifts

Fancy Frame Statuettes – These are the layout guides for white acrylic fancy frames and statuettes.
Gifts, Metal Prints, iPhone Cases, Designer Shapes – In this collection you’ll find .PSD guides many products including phone cases, Christmas ornaments, metal license plates and more!

Neoprene Yeti & Cup Coffee Sleeves

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:07:58 GMT

Beverage insulators and sleeves a great gift for a friend or a client. They are designed to fit on a tumbler, a paper or Styrofoam cup, or a pint of ice cream. Each is double-sided, so you can use the same image twice or 2 different images. The white outer surface is adhered to an inner sublimation Neoprene™ rubber beverage insulator.

JDLab has 2 sizes of beverage insulators: the large size (3.75” x 4.75”) fits Yeti 20 oz. Rambler Tumbler™ or ice cream pint containers. The smaller size (3.125″ x 4.25″) fits 10, 12, 16, 20 oz cups.

Yeti tumbler, ice cream pint and coffee cup insulated sleeves are $5.95 each, and are available in JDLab2You under Specialty Items > Photo Gifts. While you’re there, check out our insulated wine bottle totes and wine bottle sleeves too!

Order Custom Size Prints in JDLab2You

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:05:32 GMT

In a world full of 8×10’s, 5×7’s and wallets, sometimes you just need a print size that isn’t available in JDLab2You software.

For example, say you need a 10×14″ print. In JDLab2You, the next size up is 10×15″. The easiest solution is to make a new empty white 10×15″ @ 300 dpi file in Photoshop, drag your image into the file, then add the text “trim” to the top and bottom 1/2 inch. Order the file as a 10×15″ print, and a 10×14″ print will arrive at your door.

What if you don’t use Photoshop? We’ve still got you covered.

Start by looking in JDLab2You for the next larger print size. Open the product, but instead of dragging the image in, use the “Draw” pager tool to create a new image node.

In this example, start with the 10×15″ product, then draw a 10×14″ image node on top of it. Change to the text tool, create 2 1/2″ text boxes, and put the word “trim” in both of them. Drag and drop the image into the image node.

Using either Photoshop or JDLab2You’s built-in tools, you can create virtually any size print. Since our photo printers go up to 30×132 inches, you have lots of options to offer unique print sizes to your clients.

Graduation Banners and Yard Signs

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:00:34 GMT

Graduates and their parents will appreciate you offering them banners and yard signs featuring their graduation photos. Custom banners and yard signs not only make the graduation party look great, but provide a cool way to direct friends and family to the party!

3 pre-made banner templates and 4 pre-made yard sign templates make it easy for you to get started. Just drop in your images, update the text, and send us your order. Blank banner and yard sign templates are also available so you can get creative and design something from scratch.

All banners are 3×6 feet, full color, and can be printed on either indoor material or weather-resistant material. Grommets are placed around the edges and on all 4 corners for easy mounting and display. Prices start at $89 each.

Yard signs are 18×24 inches, made of weather-resistant Core-Plas, full-color printed single or double sided, and include metal “H” stands. Prices start at $19.95 each.

You can find Banners and Yard Signs under the Marketing tab in JDLab2You. Start your order here .

Banner and Yard Sign Image Resolution

If you are using a pre-made template, do not resize or change the resolution of your images from your camera. Simply drag and drop your original image(s) into the image nodes like you would any other product.

If you are creating a new banner or yard sign from scratch, use the following dimensions:

• Banner: 72 in. wide, 36 in. tall, 100 Pixels/Inch (7200 x 3600 px)
• Yard Sign: 24 in. wide, 18 in. tall, 150 Pixels/Inch (3600 x 2700 px)

Note that 100-150 Pixels/Inch can be used for very large items like banners. 300 pixels/inch will work, but it will create unnecessarily large files that will take 4 times as long to upload your order to the lab.

Capturing Images for Banners and Yard Signs

Because banners and yard signs tend to be horizontal, you’ll need some extra room on the right and left side of the subject to be able to adjust the head right or left. It also helps if you have a neutral background so you can include text around the subject.

Take a minute to drag a banner template into JDLab2You and drop in several different images so you can see how much room you’ll need before the shoot. If you pre-plan to shoot an image that will be used on a banner or a yard sign, they are easy to order. Otherwise, you may be forced to cut out your subject so you can place it exactly where you want it on the final image.

Build Reusable Packages in Pick-a-Pack, JDLab2You

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:55:05 GMT

Our JDLab2You and Pick-a-Pack ordering software allows you to create packages and save them to make ordering packages faster and with fewer errors.

We’ve created this useful 4 minute video that shows you how to use this feature step by step so you can create your own packages.

Watch the video on YouTube here .

See a list of all our training videos .

Create Albums using Book Builder in JDLab2You

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:54:08 GMT

JDLab2You’s Book Builder is used by many of our clients to order both photo books and albums from the lab. However, because not everyone is familiar with the many features and options available in this free software, we’ve created this 5 minute video that walks you through all the steps to create a book or album and send your order to the lab.

Watch the video here .

Get started with JDLab2You here .

Different kinds of photography on the same website

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:52:39 GMT

It’s common for professional photographers to offer more than one kind of photography. For example, wedding photographers will also offer family or senior portraits.

The challenge is, how do you show more than one kind of photography on the same website home page? Potential brides don’t want to see photos of kids any more than high school seniors want to see images of old people.

Here are 4 examples of website home pages that attempt to solve this problem. Think about where your website is on the list, and what you could do to improve it.

The problem with 2 websites

In most cases, the wrong way to solve the problem of marketing more than one type of photography is to create multiple websites. While it might seem like a good idea, the SEO value of all the visitors to your website will be split in two. Instead of having 100 people look at your portfolio, you’ll have 50 people looking at 2 portfolios. To Google, this looks like both websites are half as interesting to viewers, so both of them will be lower rated in the search engine results.

The other problem with 2 different websites is that you’re less likely to keep them both updated. Google gives websites credit for fresh content (posts, blogs, new pages, etc.) and penalizes websites that have duplicate content. You could solve this by creating twice as much new content, but you’d still be farther ahead if it were all on the same website!

The same rules apply for photographers who have more than one studio. While it might be tempting to have 2 websites so that each can rank locally for your type of photography, a better solution would be to have 2 pages off the same website.

Think about it this way: Domino’s, the most successful pizza chain in the world, has over 10,000 stores – but only 1 website. They must know what they are doing.

The Original Solution : a splash page with 2 buttons

Some photographers who wanted to use a single website decided a better way to send different potential clients to different pages would be to have them choose a button. This was called a “splash page.” There would be a button for each style of photography on the home/splash page. Clients would click the button that matched the kind of photography they were interested in.

The advantage of this solution is that you could make it easy: 2-4 buttons on the home page, and nothing else to distract the user.

The disadvantage is that potential clients can’t see examples of your work. No matter how big or attractive a button is, it’s not the same as a photograph.

The other problem with this solution is that you have to assume people will actually read the buttons. The reality is that people are lazy: you have 3-5 seconds to get their attention on a web page before they click the back button and leave your site. This means making them read will lose you potential clients.

If you think this is strange or old-fashioned, trust me. I still see all kinds of variations on splash page as home page every day. One button might go to a website, while the other goes to client portfolios. One might go to a text page, while the other goes to a flash website. If your website uses any variation of this 2-button solution, it’s time to redesign your website.

The Next Solution : image sliders and carousels

To solve the problem of getting clients attention, over the last few years photographers have added image sliders or rotating image carousels to their home page. Their logic was that each image in the carousel would represent a different kind of photography. Do you offer weddings, family and senior portraits? Put 3 sliding images on the carousel and let the client click on the one they are interested in.

The advantage of image sliders is that they look amazing. They make it easy for photographers to put their best work “front and center” on their website. If you only offer one kind of photography, sliders and carousels offer a great way to showcase your best work.

However, the problem with image sliders and carousels is that they aren’t the best solution for photographers who offer different kinds of work. Sliders and carousels make you wait. People are impatient. If someone goes to your website to see senior portraits but the first thing they see is a bride and groom, they may not wait to see a senior portrait come around. In fact, testing has shown image sliders and carousels can actually reduce the number of people who stay on your website. The changing images distract visitors, who then don’t notice the tabs and menu options for your other kinds of photography.

The Best Solution : clickable button images

To solve the distraction of sliders, a new style of photographer website combines the best parts of buttons with real images into a new design that shows all the kinds of photography offered at the same time. Each image on the website draws clients into the kind of photography that interests them. The advantages of this design are:

Each kind of photography is represented by a clickable button that includes both text and an image. Note that in the example on the right, 3 kinds of photography offered are seen on the top of the home page without forcing the user to wait, read or scroll. The 3 images link to 3 different pages, one for each kind of photography. If a photographer offers more kinds of photography, they can add more (but smaller) buttons.
The size of the button relates to the importance of the kind of photography. People read from top to bottom and left to right. In this example, the photographer is highlighting his or her wedding business over the product photography business.
In addition to the clickable image buttons, the user can also select different types of photography from the top of the left menu. Since the top left corner is the first place users look on a website, it makes it much more likely they will find what they’re looking for. No hiding the different styles of photography under a menu option called “portfolio” and trying to get a potential client to click twice. Everything is front and center.
The large amount of white space around each image and the left menu reduce visual distraction and makes the page load much faster than full-size images or carousels. Google gives extra credit to websites that load more quickly, and users are more likely to stay on a fast-loading website on a smart phone.
Website pages made of smaller images with a simple menu are easy to make resolution independent. This means they will look great and load quickly on a smart phone, tablet or desktop.

If you’re considering updating your website in 2017 and you offer different kinds of photography, think about implementing this new website design. If you’re using an online website builder like Smug Mug or Zenfolio, look for templates that use this new design. You’ll get more viewers to pick up the phone as a result.

A Business Card and Good Conversation

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:27:22 GMT

It’s an old axiom in photography that the best camera you own is the one you always have with you. The same holds true for marketing your photographic business. The best marketing tools you have are the ones you always have with you: a business card, and good conversation.

Business cards are the least expensive, most powerful marketing tools you can use. You should have a professionally designed card you are proud to give to anyone. But just as importantly, you should have them in your pocket or bag 24/7.

Never leave home without your business cards.

A real estate agent recently told me a story. This summer, she was with a friend on a ski boat trying to tie up to a dock.

“We’re both fifty-something ladies, it was windy, and we were having problems,” she said.

Fortunately, a party boat filled with men happened by. Within a few minutes, her boat was secure and everyone introduced themselves. She made sure all her new friends got a business card. Most of them were stuffed into bathing suits and forgotten, but the next day, one of them called. She listed his home for sale.

“I didn’t ask for the sale,” she said. “We just started talking about where everyone was from, and the conversation sort of drifted to real estate.”

A business card, and good conversation.

Was it a happy coincidence? Perhaps. But then I remembered an article in Forbes about Gavin Escolar, a jewelry designer who made over $250,000 dollars last year selling his custom jewelry during his day job as an Uber driver.

“My passengers surprised me,” Gavin says, remembering his early days. “I thought they would be silent or on the phone. But most people wanted to talk. When I mentioned my jewelry, they asked for business cards, but I didn’t have any,” Gavin told Forbes Magazine. Now he keeps business cards, brochures, and wears examples of his custom jewelry.

Here’s the quote from the article that impressed me the most:

“For most rides, he barely says a word, respecting passengers who are on the phone or disinterested. Even when he speaks, it’s not a monologue. It’s more about the consumer, asking them questions and understanding their needs.”

Again, a business card, and good conversation.

How could this work for you? Suppose you just met someone, you ask them about their family, and they start bragging about their children.

“Do you have any pictures of them?” you ask.

I don’t have to tell you the rest of the conversation. Just make sure you have a business card.

Photo Dog Tags

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:26:07 GMT

You’ll be a winner when you offer your clients these handsome photo dog tags! Students of all ages love them. They are great to wear, or to decorate school back packs.

Know a group of friends or employees who just finished a major event or project together? They can memorialize it with group photo dog tags.

Our aluminum photo dog tags have a hard black protective trim and a 20″ beaded chain. They hold a duplicate 1.3 x 2.75″ photo on both sides.

Each dog tag comes assembled, with chain, ready to present to your client. $4.50 ea.

If you want to include a custom message, we also offer 2-sided dog tags with text for only $6.75 for a set of 2.

You can order these in JDLab2You in Specialty Items -> Dog Tags, or in JD Pick-a-Pack in Add-on Products -> Dog Tags.

Professional Photography and Change

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:17:17 GMT

"The only thing that is constant is change." This quote from the ancient Greek Heraclitus is just as relevant to your photographic business as it was when he wrote it 2,000 years ago. While the change from film to digital impacted many professional photographers, the more important change has been the consumer’s relationship to photography. Everyone has become a “photographer.” With cheap cameras and easy online printing, it has become increasingly difficult for some professional photographers to make a profit.

So what are successful big businesses doing to react to change?

Walmart plans to close 154 stores across the U.S. They are closing less-profitable (but still money making) stores to increase profitability,
Amazon has opened its first of 400 planned brick-and-mortar retail locations in Seattle. It is using online sales data to justify opening stores that will stock their most popular books.
McDonald’s now offers an all-day breakfast menu.

Each of these are examples of hugely successful businesses that could have just kept going along, yet decided to try something different. They are pro-actively making changes instead of resting on their past success.

They are trying something new.

Yet how many of have the attitude, “That will never work for me”?

The easy part of change is that you probably already know what needs to be done. Outdated website, lack of daily social media marketing, old samples, or investing in a redecorated client reception area may be on the list. What about that class you took that explained step-by-step how to increase your sales?

The hard part about change isn’t just the change itself. It is the fact that even after all the effort, the change may not give the results you’re hoping for.

So the critical question is, are you willing to make the changes you know you need in order to potentially grow your business? If the change doesn’t work, are you ready to try something else? Successful businesses change all the time. You should too.

Tip: Rename Images on your Website

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:16:09 GMT

One of the ways Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines figure out what kind of business you run is to scan your web pages looking for keywords. Basically, keywords are 1-3 word phrases on a page that help the search engines determine what that page is about. While keywords are important in a page’s title, meta-description, and body text, most photographers forget the easiest place to use them: in image file names.

Take this image on the right, for example. If you shot this kind of photography and wanted to put it on your website’s portfolio, you’d be tempted to drag and drop it from the sitting’s project folder on your hard drive. The file would probably be named DSC_1234.jpg or SMITH-0012.JPG.

A quick search shows there are 122,00 images on Google named DSC_1234.jpg!

Instead of having your image lost in all those thousands of other images, you should rename the image using your web page’s keywords. For example, if I was a Detroit photographer that shot babies, I’d name this image “detroit-baby-photographer.jpg”. Here are some rules:

Don’t use the subject’s name
Don’t worry about capitalization
Don’t use punctuation or spaces
Google sees dashes as spaces and will ignore them

Using several images in a portfolio? Simply use different variations of your keywords to mix them up. For example:

detroit-baby-photographer.jpg
detroit-baby-photo.jpg
baby-photography-detroit.jpg
child-photographer-detroit.jpg

Additional Tips:

If your website allows it, add the keywords in the file name in the image’s ALT description without the dashes. This is the text that is displayed when you hover a mouse over the image. Make sure you use a different keyword in every ALT description.

Adding the same keywords to your image names and ALT descriptions that you use on a page’s title and in the body text will help convince Google your page is more relevant to potential clients when they search for it online. And more relevant pages show up on page 1.

Worried about someone stealing your images? Watermark them, and make sure your studio info is in the EXIF data. You can use the “File Info” option in Photoshop to add EXIF data to individual images. You can use Adobe Bridge to create a Metadata Template then use the Append Metadata command to add the EXIF data to each selected file. You can do the same with a metadata preset in Lightroom.

Personalized Photo Calendars

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:09:39 GMT

Personalized Photo Calendars are a cool add-on product you can offer your clients, and we’ve made them easy to order in JDLab2You.

This spiral bound calendar lets you drop in a new image for each month, as well as an image on the front and back of the calendar. The beautiful, personalized images will be a great reminder to your clients about your work all year long.

Each page is 8.5×11″ horizontal, for a total size of 11×17″ when open. The calendar comes pre-drilled, ready to hang on the wall. All of the major holidays are included.

Printed on high-quality paper, these calendars are a great add-on or gift for you or your clients.

Calendars are $19.95 each, and are available in Photo Gifts in JDLab2You .

New Product: Silver Keychain

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:06:09 GMT

We’re always talking about small gifts you can give clients as your studio’s Lagniappe . Basically, a lagniappe is a small, unexpected gift you give a customer as a “thank you” for their business.

As you can see here, we think we’ve found another great one at a very low cost.

Our new silver keychain is a great add-on gift or lagniappe for you to give to your clients. It would be popular with mom, dad or grandparents. You could even give a bride and groom keychains for each other to share.

The keychain is all-steel, with a highly polished, chrome-like finish. It has a nice, quality feel in your hand. A single link holds a 1.5″ round photo frame. The image has a scratch-resistant cover. It comes pre-assembled, ready to present to your client.

The silver keychain costs $5.98, and is available in JDLab2You and Pick-a-Pack under Photo Gifts.

Photo Necklace Gift for Photography Clients

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:01:55 GMT

This photo necklace is a fun and stylish piece of jewelry that shows off a favorite photo. These are especially popular with moms and pet owners.

Made from faux mother-of-pearl with a leather and silver steel necklace, this modern update of the classic photo locket is sure to please. The image is printed on an approximately 1 1/2″ square pearlescent pendant with a irregular edge to simulate natural material. The dark necklace is 16 inches, adjustable to 17 inches with a lobster claw clasp.

The mother of pearl necklace is available for $9.10 each in JDLab2You. You can order it in JDLab2You from the Specialty Items -> Photo Gifts section of our catalog.

JDLabYou Book Builder Page Navigation

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:00:25 GMT

JDLab2You gives you 3 ways to view a book in the Book Builder tool while you are editing pages. We call them “views.” The old version of JDLab2You changed the view by clicking these icons at the top:

Views are now changed by clicking these icons in the lower right corner of the page when using the Book Builder tool.

Changing the Views:

The first icon is the 2-Page View . This is the default view you’ll see when building your book. Your page templates are along the top.

The second icon is Grid View. This allows you to see all of your pages in a single screen, making it easy to drag and drop pages to change their order in your book.

The third icon is Strip View. This allows you to scroll through your book horizontally by dragging the scroll bar. This is a faster way to look for a page in a longer book.

Notice that in both grid view and strip view, the templates are not shown. You can view the templates again by changing back to the default 2-page view.

Designer Tools Video Tutorial

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:41:55 GMT

This video will show you how to create and modify image and text nodes in JDLab2You or Pick-a-Pack.

Click here to see an article that also explains the features .

How to Order Calibration Prints

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:40:36 GMT

JD Lab offers first-time clients or current clients who have implemented in-studio proofing the opportunity to get a set of calibration prints to test their studio color workflow before they begin sending orders.

To get started, install JDLab2You . Start the program, click Standard Size Prints, then scroll to the bottom on the left and select the “Calibration Prints” product. You can order up to 5 prints. Drag in each image, click the “Add to Order” button, and when you have selected your 5 prints click “View Cart” and complete your order. Do not change any other options.

For best results, your test order should contain prints that vary as much as possible in color and density.

When you receive your calibrated print order, it will contain up to 10 8×10″ prints: one set of 5 prints professionally hand-corrected for color and density, and a duplicate set printed as they were sent to the lab. The prints will be marked to tell you the difference. After receiving the prints, you may use them to soft-calibrate a color corrected monitor, or you may decide to let the lab continue to make all color and density changes. Depending on your workflow, we can also make global corrections in your color preferences here at the lab that will be applied to every print and product ordered in the future. Contact customer service for details.

The benefit of lab corrected prints is that you can be assured that every print will show the best color and density possible from an image. The benefit “as-is” non-corrected prints is that they offer you the ability to fine-tune each individual image. In addition, printing “as-is” will reduce your lab bill.

By default, all our prints are professionally hand-corrected for color and density. To change this, you must check the “Print as-is” box in Order Options before completing your order.

Using the Cropping Tools in JDLab2You

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:29:27 GMT

Cropping an image can sometimes be a challenge, but JDlab2you gives you a great set of tools to work with. Here’s a quick guide to help you through them and hopefully provide some productivity tips as well.

First, remember WYSIWYG: “What You See IS What You Get.” For example, if your original image has plenty of space above the subject’s head, yet when you drop it on to an 8×10″ print format the head is cut off, don’t assume that the print will look fine. JDlab2you will show you exactly the crop that will be applied to your image on the print.

1. Cropping Toolbar

Cropping options are seen on the Image toolbar that appears when you click on an image:

The options are Lock image, Crop/Fit, Zoom Slider, and Rotate.

Lock Image is only active on multi-node products like a 9-up proof book page. When Lock Image is clicked the image in that node will stay “locked” in place even when you drop new images in. For example, if you wanted to put your logo or a graphic in the center node of a 9-up proof book page, lock it first. Then you can build all of your pages with a single drag and drop , while your graphic stays on the center of every page.

Crop or Fit changes between “crop” and “fit” image mode. In Crop mode you may crop off part of your image, unless you are ordering a print that is the same size as your image. In Fit mode your image is automatically adjusted to fit completely inside your print, even though this will result in empty white space outside your image, and visible on the print. For standard prints, crop mode is default and fit is disallowed. For proof book pages, the default is fit mode. White space isn’t seen since the page has a background that is filled with a color, image, or graphic. Unless you are creating proof books, you will probably never use this option.

Zoom Slider lets you zoom in on your image. Slide it to the right and your image zooms in with more of the image is cropped off. You can see the part of the image that will not be printed as an opaque layer outside the image node or print size as you position the image by dragging it with the mouse.

Rotate Left or Right rotates your image 90 clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Fine Rotate opens a new toolbar that allows you to adjust image rotation.

2. Fine Rotation Toolbar

Fine rotation can be used to compensate for camera tilt, or to add a tilt effect to an image node. A trick is to turn on the grid, then use the rotation tools below to verify any straight lines in the image are exactly vertical or horizontal.

Fine Rotate Left/Right. The curved arrows let you step your rotation in small increments with each click of the mouse.

Fine Rotation Slider lets you add any degree of rotation that you like by dragging with the mouse.

Fine Rotation Text Box lets you type in a specific rotation in degrees. You can also remove rotation by entering zero in the text box.

3. Basic Cropping

Basic cropping is accomplished by clicking anywhere within an image and dragging the image in the direction you want it to go:

• If you click on an image and it will not drag in any direction, you are either in Fit mode, or your image is the same shape as the print you are requesting. Still want to crop it? Zoom in first. Then you will have something to crop off.

• If you click in an image and it only moves up/down (or left/right) but not the other direction, that means your image has reached the edge of the print in that one direction, but has extra image to be cropped off in the other direction. Still want to crop it more than it is letting you? Only choices here are to zoom in, then crop, or choose a different print size. Specifically, one with a different shape.

• When cropping, tiny white lines appear in the cropping area to give you an idea of where the horizontal and vertical centers are. This is called the reticle, [ret-i-kuh]and it will not appear on your print.

4. Additional Cropping Options

There are additional cropping options available when you click the options button next to the View Cart icon:

Hold Crop works best when you have many images shot the same way. For example, suppose you’re shooting a daycare or a soccer team. The camera is on a tripod, and all the faces are in the same area in each image. You will also be ordering the same size print for each image, and you want to crop off a little extra head room on every child. Set the crop in the first image, turn on Hold Crop, then drag all of images on the 5×7″ print product at once, and your order is complete.

Hold Crop is not recommended when you are ordering from images that are shot with different settings or poses, like a senior portrait session or a wedding. It is also not recommended for orders that combine 5×7″ and 8×10″ ratio prints.

If you want to use Hold Crop effectively across print sizes with different ratios (shapes) then we suggest doing so in the order of increasing crop ratios, i.e. 4×5/8×10 first (crop ratio 1.25:1), then 5×7/wallets (crop ratio 1.4:1) then 4×6 (crop ratio 1.5:1). Going in the opposite direction will result in “crop creep” where your crop will get a little tighter with each print.

Hold Images. This allows you to keep the same image on the product window while moving from one print size to another. This lets you easily see the crop difference between a 5×7″ print and an 4×6″ print, for example. You can turn this on or off as needed.

Auto Rotate. When clicked, your image will be automatically rotated to match the aspect ratio of the print selected. For example, if you’re ordering dozens of loose 4×6″ prints from both vertical and horizontal shots, this option can be a great time saver.

We’ve found that the best default settings are to set Auto Rotate on, and Hold Image and Hold Crop off. Only turn on the latter two as needed, and turn them off when your order is complete.

Quickly Search JDLab2you and Pick-A-Pack

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 14:58:12 GMT

JDLab2you and Pick-A-Pack now have a search option to make it easier to find a specific product.

To use search, simply click the magnifying glass icon to the right of Step 1 in the software. The search text box will open.

Use the text field to type what you are looking for.

The search option is very specific – it even matches spaces – so it is best if you keep your searches short.

For example, we have several styles of tree ornaments. If you are looking for the “4" Benelux Ornament Style 4” you can type just “Benelux” or “ornament” and choose the item from the results. If you type “ornament Benelux” you will see no results, because it’s not an exact match.

When you click on an item in the search results, the product will appear in the product window. Clicking the Search Icon again will return you to the normal Product palette so you can see what product tab you are in, and you can see other products within that tab.

Search results may also include group names. These will be in bold or colored fonts that are easy to spot:

When you click on a group name, then click the Search icon again, you will find yourself within that tab on the Product palette. Then you can quickly choose a product from that tab.

Not only will this make it easier to find you favorite items, but you will almost certainly find products that you didn’t know we made.

Moving your Studio Online

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 14:53:36 GMT

Moving a studio online is hard. Moving to a new location, changing the studio name, or even changing your website URL are all considered “moving your studio” according to Google.

The problem is that there are hundreds of places your old studio name is listed online: Google, Google Maps, Bing, Yahoo, Yelp, and MapQuest just to name a few. When your listings don’t match in these places, 2 things happen. First, potential clients may see your old location and get confused, and second, Google ranks your page higher when your name, address and phone (NAP) are consistent across the Internet.

If you change your studio name, address, or phone number, you need to make a plan to update your information online. I recently helped a friend move their business, and here is the plan I followed:

1. Get started immediately . It takes weeks or sometimes even months before some of your changes will show up online. If you’re changing your address, start changing it online the week before you move.

2. Choose exactly how you want your name, address and phone to look . Google is dumb. “Smith Photography” and “Jan Smith Photography” are 2 different businesses according to Google. I used the address as it was listed on USPS mailing website .

3. Make a spreadsheet . Add columns for the website name, URL to your listing, login ID, password, date, and status. Over the course of several weeks, you’ll be updating dozens of listings online, and it will get confusing. With a spreadsheet, you can keep track of your work. Here’s an example:

4. Start with the most important changes first . Google+ Local, Google Maps, Bing, Mapquest and Yahoo are the most important. Also make sure you change your address on Facebook and on your website. If you can, put your studio name, address and phone on the bottom of every page of your website in the footer. This is more important than the (c) Copyright symbol and year.

5. Figure out where you are listed today . Use the free Moz Local service to check out your current listings and see which ones need to be updated.

6. Update the remaining online listing services . Each of the online business listing services have different rules. For example, Manta.com will allow you to claim your business listing, then create an account so you can update it for free. Other online listing services like CitySearch.com ask you to sign up for a paid service (Yext.com) to make changes. For local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, you may have to send them an email or make a phone call. As you update each online listing service, make a note of it in your spreadsheet so you can check back later and verify your changes were made.

7. Avoid creating duplicate listings . As you check online listing services, you’ll find your studio already listed. Always try to “claim” or fix old listings rather than create new ones. This is especially important for Google+ Local business, which will actually penalize you if it finds a duplicate listing.

8. Google your studio name to see your changes . Every 2 weeks, Google your studio name and new address to see if the changes you made are complete. Then Google your studio name and old address to see which changes still need to be made. Then go to Bing.com and Yahoo.com and do the same thing. Notice any online directories (like theknot.com ) that you are listed in but weren’t on Moz local list. Add them to your spreadsheet too. Google+ Local business will change quickly. Others will take weeks or even months. Keep track of the updates on the spreadsheet.

9. If all of this sounds like too much work, you can pay for online listing service updates . The 2 most popular services to do this are Yext.com and Moz Local . Each service works a bit differently. For $199 to $499 a year, Yext will automatically send your studio address update out to dozens of online listing services for you. For $89 a year Moz Local updates your online listing with “data aggregators,” the large online listing companies many of the smaller companies get their information from. While both services will save you hours, once you quit paying, your listings will revert back to the old, outdated information.

5 Print Ad Tips for Photographers

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 14:41:02 GMT

Print ad specifications can be confusing for photographers used to creating a 8×10″ JPG image at 300dpi in RGB colorspace. To many publications like newspapers or magazines, this makes no sense at all. It is especially confusing for print ad sales people, who only think in terms of filling column inches or quarter page ads.

To cut through some of the confusion, here are 5 tips that can help you create – and get the best print ad price – for your marketing dollar.

Before you place a print ad, go to the publication’s website . Find the email address for the advertising department on the contact page. Send them a very short email that says, “Please email your rate card and file specifications to” and your email address. In a few hours, you should receive either a PDF file or links to pages on their website. A “rate card” is print industry jargon for the list of all the ad sizes they accept with prices. The file specifications document explains precisely how ad files should be submitted. Make sure you understand the file specifications and can create a file that meets them. If you don’t understand them, ask. Otherwise, you may end up with an ad that doesn’t look right (RGB to CMYK color changes, for example), or worse yet, an hourly charge if they have to convert your ad file to meet their specifications.
If you get an unsolicited phone call from someone offering to sell you an ad , ask them to email you the rate card and file specs first. If they cannot, this should be a huge “red flag” warning! There are dozens of sham publications around the country that sell ads from a boiler room operations and never go to print. Before you agree to place an ad from a phone call, take their number, and tell them you’ll call back. Then Google the publication’s name with the words “scam” or “ripoff” added. You should also beware of receiving any emails that are different from the company website. No reputable magazine would let an employee use a gmail or yahoo email account for company business. In addition, never pre-pay for an ad before you see a final proof.
Every print ad price is negotiable. Think of the rate card as the “suggested retail price.” Print ad sales people have wide latitude to change prices, especially for upgrading to a larger ad size or for full color. Ad prices go down if you place 2 or more ads. There are also special promotions constantly being run by publications. For example, most local newspapers will give you a discount rate if you bundle a print ad with an online banner ad. The secret to getting a better price: you have to ask for it. Once you’ve decided to place an ad, talk to a salesperson.
Should you design your own ad? Some publications offer free design service. While this can save you time up front, you’ll spend more time submitting requests for changes before you’re happy with the final result. I suggest you keep a folder of all your previous print ads as Photoshop PSD files or similar with names like “Holiday ad color 5x7V.psd.” Also keep any final PDF proofs from ads you’ve previously used. Then, when you are ready to place an ad, you have 3 options:
- If the ad sizes are similar, update your old ad and submit it ready to print. Make sure you ask for a discount for this.
- If the ad sizes are different, send them full-res artwork (logo, images, etc.) with your text and let them design the ad.
- If you’re upgrading to a much larger ad size, make some quick changes to your old ad and send them a screen-res .jpg file as a proof along with the full-res artwork. Tell them to use the proof as a starting point to design your final ad.
Print ads are best used if you run them along with ads on your website, blog and social media like Facebook . Make the titles, text, and graphics match on all your print and online ads to create a total marketing campaign.

Personalized Photo Cuff Bracelets Make a Great Gift

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 14:33:12 GMT

Personalized photo cuff bracelets are a fun and stylish piece of jewelry that incorporates your favorite photos. These are especially popular with “tweens.”

Made from aluminum with a soft gloss finish, these will not stain or fade over time.There are 2 sizes of bracelet: one about 3/4 inch wide, and the other 1 1/2 inches wide. On both bracelets, the aluminum is flexible enough to change the opening for different size wrists. Different templates are available to drop in your images, or you can create a unique design that wraps around the bracelet.

All our photo cuff bracelets are $7.95 each in JDLab2You .

Add Custom Text to Wallets in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:32:36 GMT

You can add custom text using any font or color to wallets in JDLab2You.

When you select Wallets in JDLab2You, you have 3 options: 1. Standard, 2. Custom Text, and 3. Foil Stamped. Each of these options are slightly different.

1. Standard – This is the custom way to add text to wallets. Using the text box tool , you can draw a text box, add or edit text, and change the text font and color. The available fonts are the same ones installed on your PC. You can create a custom font color using the RGB sliders, or use the eyedropper to pick a color from the image (see right). Text can have drop shadows, or a box around it. If you select the 8-image wallets, you can even create unique text boxes for each image.

2. Custom Text – This is the easiest way to add text to wallets. JDLab2You has 4 default fonts with 8 pre-selected designer colors that can be used to add text to pre-positioned text nodes on each wallet. Not only is this easy, but you never need to worry about a text node being die cut or trimmed too close to the edge of the print.

3. Foil Stamped – This is the only way to get real metallic gold or silver stamped images. You can select from one of 4 different corner positions and the 2 font faces we have dies for in the lab. Each wallet is stamped with individual metal letters set the same way entire books were published 100 years ago.

Marketing with Emotions

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:30:57 GMT

I recently watched a video by Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing at NYU-Stern, who made a humorous point: big brands know that the lower down the body you’re ads appeal to a prospective customer, the more of a premium price you can charge. Marketing based on price and service only is marketing to the customer’s brain. Marketing based on love, family, and relationships, is marketing to their heart. And marketing “below the belt…” Well, you know what he’s talking about.

His argument goes like this:

Logical marketing -> low margins
Emotional marketing -> high margins

In fact, an analysis of 1,400 case studies of successful advertising campaigns found that campaigns with purely emotional content performed about twice as well (31% vs. 16%) as those with only rational content.

If you’re a social/portrait photographer, this intuitively makes sense. You could talk all day about how your prints have superior color or sharpness, and never make a sale. More effective marketing appeals to the heart. It talks about capturing your client’s moments with family and friends at important events in their lives.

So what are the emotions you should appeal to? Marketing science has created a list: amusement, interest, surprise, happiness, delight, pleasure, joy, hope, love, affection, excitement.

As a photographer, how can you use this to your advantage?

Browse through your online portfolios and take a moment to reflect on each image. Does it elicit an emotional response? For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, do your images show couples touching or smiling? If your portfolio is cluttered with artistic shots of the ceremony or close-ups of rings and shoes, delete them. They are perfect for a wedding album, but they don’t elicit the kind of emotions that make a bride pick up the phone and call.
If you’re a portrait photographer, are you showing images of families in loving embraces? The shot where they are all hugging may not be the one they choose for a wall portrait, but it may be the best one for your portfolio.
When you are editing a photo shoot and you see an image that elicits an emotion, that should be the one you post to Facebook or Pinterest. A common theme among nearly every viral photo is that it elicits a strong emotion. Make yours good ones.
If you use your Facebook personal page to promote your studio, get creative. Images of a great steak dinner or vacation snaps may get a few “likes” from friends, but they aren’t helping you to build your business.
If you shoot children, you’re in luck. They always make great marketing images.

Use Render Feature in JDLab2You to Sell Custom Gifts

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:29:49 GMT

Have you ever had a client ready to place an order, but hesitant because they couldn’t see what it would look like first?

With the Render feature in JDLab2You, you can quickly and easily show your client what any product in our catalog will look like with their custom image(s). The Render feature allows you to create thumbnails of every item in your cart with a watermark – show clients what they will get before you order it.

Click to see full-size image

Here’s how it works. Start by creating a product in JDLab2You. Add it to your Cart, then select “View Cart.”

Step 1: Click the Render button in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Click Continue.

Step 3: Create a new, empty folder. Select the empty folder and click Open.

All the products in your cart will be rendered as low-res JPG images into the folder you’ve selected. You can then attach any of the images to an email or a text message to show to your client.

Note that each time you render an order, the images are named 001.jpg, 002.jpg, etc. If you render the images into a folder that already has files with the same name, they will be overwritten.

Mural Mounting a Modern Alternative to Framed Prints

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:27:44 GMT

Mural mounted photos are a frameless alternative to traditional mounting. Images are affixed to 1.5″ black foam board, which gives them a clean, modern look popular with a new generation of clients.

Because they are light-weight, large mural mount prints are easy to move and hang on walls. Several mural mounted prints can make a wall grouping. Smaller mural mounted prints can stand on their own edge, or look great on a desk easel.

Want even more “pop?” Add mural mounting to a metallic paper print to transform any image into a contemporary work of art. Use mural mounting to offer a premium product to your clients without the hassle of selling frames.

Our 1.5 inch classic black foam mural-mount board is available in 4×5, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 10×20, 16×20, 20×24, 20×30, 24×30, 30×40 inch sizes. Prices start at $10.50 each.

Note that mural mounting requires 1/4 inch be trimmed on all four sides of the print, so you should crop your image appropriately when ordering.

You can order mural mounted prints from on the finishing page while ordering prints in JDLab2You . See all our print mounting options here .

Insulated Wine Bottle Tote

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:26:03 GMT

These insulated wine bottle totes are a great gift idea for you or for your clients.

Made of 1/8″ thick neoprene, they will keep your wine chilled while carrying it to your next back yard Bar-B-Que.

The easy-to-carry loop handle is molded into the fabric.

Best of all, the tote can be customized with your favorite image or layout.

Insulated wine bottle totes are only $18.95. Find them in the Specialty Items | Photo Gifts.

The Secret to Managing Employees

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:24:47 GMT

If you’re in business long enough, eventually your studio will need to hire employees. An extra set of hands has many advantages, but chief among them is that they free you up as the business owner to spend your time building your business instead of working in your business .

However, managing employees can also be one of the biggest challenges you face as a studio owner. None of your training as a photographer prepares you to manage people.

When I get frustrated thinking about an “employee” problem, I always return to a few simple rules I’ve learned over the years.

1. Managing = skills training + motivation

When I think about an employee, I visualize them in one of the 4 quadrants in the graphic on the right. Every new employee starts out in the upper-left corner: they don’t have many skills, but they are highly motivated. Tell them how you want the phone answered and they will do it. Tell them what to wear, and they will wear it. As their new boss, they want to make you happy.

After a few weeks or months, employees should be in the 2nd quadrant: high skills, and high motivation. These are the best employees: they know what you want done, and are motivated to do it correctly. If properly motivated, they can help you build your business for years to come.

Unfortunately, many good employees don’t stay motivated, but instead drift to the 3rd quadrant: high skills and low motivation. As managers, we watch this happen, but don’t address the issue. “They should be happy they have a job,” I’ve heard many photographers argue. Yet ignoring the “motivation” side of managing always results in employees who either a.) leave for another job, or b.) get sloppy in their work and stay.

Why does all this matter? When evaluating an employee, it helps to think abut what quadrant they are in today, and adjust your management style accordingly. New employees don’t need motivation – they need specific skills training. Skilled employees don’t need micro-managing, they need motivation. Employees that have no skills or motivation may ultimately need to be fired.

2. Skills training = specific tasks + positive re-enforcement

How do you get a baby to walk? They stand up. You give them praise. They take a first step. You give them more praise. If you yelled at a baby every time it didn’t walk perfectly, it would never learn to walk. I’m not saying employees are babies – I’m saying that as humans, we all learn the same way, regardless of age.

Here’s an example. Ask 2 employees to create a newsletter. For the first employee, break the task into steps: write the articles, resize the images, create the layout, prepare the email list, and send out the mailing. As they complete each task, you give them an “attaboy.” If they cannot complete a task, break it down further into sub-tasks (to resize an image, you open it in Photoshop, select image – resize from the menu, etc.). By the end of the day, you’ll have a newsletter and an employee trained – and motivated – to create one again. For the second employee, give them general instructions, then come back later and say “that’s not the way I wanted it – do it over with these changes.” By the end of the day, not only will you NOT have a newsletter, but you’ll have a de-motivated employee too.

Sound too obvious? Yet how many times have we told an employee, “do your best,” or “ask someone else to show you how,” and then later been unhappy with their work? You bite your tongue (too busy to deal with it now) and complain later.

If you don’t like explaining things twice, during training, ask your employee to take notes. This gives them a checklist to follow so they’ll do the task correctly the next time. As an added benefit, have them type up the notes, and you’ll have a written procedure that can be used to train new employees in the future.

3. Motivation = big goals + personalized rewards

How did the US Army motivate thousands of soldiers to rush onto the beach at Normandy in WWII? They started with a big goal: protect your family at home. Employees – like all of us – want to be part of something bigger. If your goal is to be the best portrait studio in the area, you need to communicate this with your employees. If your only goal is to make money, your employees will know it.

Personalized rewards is a fancy way of saying, “what motivates you?” Some employees are motivated by money, others by recognition or awards. Some (the best) are motivated by the feeling of a job well done. So how do you learn what motivates an employee? You have to ask them. Each employee is motivated differently. Don’t assume a pay raise is the only motivator. As a manager, it is your job to learn what their motivation is, and to make sure they get it.

Managing employees by providing the right combination of training and motivation is the mark of an effective leader. Being the boss isn’t enough.

Want to learn more? Check out Leadership and the One Minute Manager . Highly recommended.

New Hardboard Photo Panels

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:23:23 GMT

Our new tabletop hardboard photo panels are a great way to display your images. The curved top creates a unique look that does not require a frame.

Each panel is 5×7″, dye-sub printed on a long-lasting 1/8″ black Lexan material that will not bend or crack. An easel stand is permanently attached to the back for instant tabletop display.

These tabletop photo panels are available in JDLab2You in the Specialty Items | Photo Gifts catalog.

New Photo Slates

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:21:34 GMT

Our new photo slates are a visually appealing way to showcase a “special” image. Each piece of slate is unique, with chiseled edges to give it a style unlike any other medium.

Photo slates are 5×11″ (shown) or 7.5×7.5″ square and approximately 3/8″ thick. 2 black plastic display feet are included.

Prices are $24.95 for the horizontal version, and $16.95 for the square.

You can find photo slates in JDLab2You in the Specialty Products section.

New Product: Image Folios

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:20:09 GMT

Image folios were one of the hot new products at ImagingUSA, so we’re bringing them to you.

Image folios are custom hard covers with 2 featured images separately wrapped around hardboard panels inside. This gives them an attractive 3-dimensional look and feel.

Image folios are a great way to show off your very best portrait images in an album format. This makes image folios an alternative to wall-hanging prints, an inexpensive parent of the bride album, or a keepsake memento as a gift.

Image folios are available in 4×6″, 5×5″, 5×7″, 8×8″ and 8×10″ formats. Prices start at $38 each. You can order them in JDLab2You from the Books & Albums catalog.

JDLab2You & JD Pick-a-Pack Package Builder Explained

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:33:50 GMT

JDLab2You and JD Pick-a-Pack make it easy to build packages. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the software.

A drop down list is available when Packages are enabled by clicking the Packages button. You can select any of the print sizes in a package and change the quantity. When you hover with your mouse over a template or the package in Favorites, a pop-up window will show the items in the package and the quantity of each. This makes it easy to create and order custom packages for your clients.

When you update any package, a new “update button located to the right of the Add Favorite button will pulse red to remind you to save your changes.

A video explaining how to create custom packages in JDLab2You is available here .

Fast Proof Book Design Makes Proofing Easy

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:31:25 GMT

If you need to add hundreds of proof images to a book, we make it easy with our automated proofbook tools.

Here’s what you need to do.

Start JDLab2You, and select Proofs | Bound Proof Prints | 8.5×11 Proof Books
Open one (or more!) folders of images you want added to your proof book. JDLab2You lets you add multiple folders of images to the bottom horizontal pane. Just keep clicking the “step 2” icon to add additional folders at the end. If you select the wrong folder, click the (X) to the left of the first thumbnail for each folder and it will be removed.
Drag the bottom scroll bar to the right to visually check the image order. You can drag and drop to re-arrange images. Note that if you drag an image into a different folder, it will make a copy. Therefore, you should right click on the original image and select “hide selected.”
Select any finish or page embossing options on the right.
If you set any non-default page options above, make sure to check the box “Hold Options”.
Select any one of the multi-image proof book page templates on the left. If you are adding hundreds of proofs to a book, we recommend the 2-up, 4-up, 6-up, 9-up, 12-up, or 15-up pages. These are all designed to best fit both horizontal and vertical images full frame with image names on the same page.
Click on an image in the lower window, then right-click and select “select all” (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A on Mac).
Drag and drop the images on the proof book page. You should see the pages being built automatically and added to the cart. If they do not, select a proof book page template and try again.
Select one of the 8.5×11 proof book cover templates, or select the blank proof book page and add in your own pre-designed cover. Build your cover, and click “Add to Order.”
Click “View Cart.” If you want, you can click the “Render” button in the upper right to create your pages as PDFs (proof your proof).
Submit your order.

That’s it. In a couple of days you’ll have an 8.5×11″ spiral-bound proof book delivered to your door. Note that when placing your order, you can select “Burn Corrected Images to DVD” for an additional $9.95. We’ll not only color correct every image in the proof book, but will send them to you full-size on a DVD to order prints from later.

JDLab2You Designer Tools Enhance Text and Images

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:29:41 GMT

If you’ve been using JDLab2You, you may have noticed a group of icons on the upper left corner of the product window. These are the Designer tools.

Designer Tools let you enhance prints by adding text, images, borders, backgrounds, drop shadows, and other effects. In fact, if you’ve ever used a pre-made template product in JDLab2You, that template was created by a graphic designer at the lab using these same Designer Tools.

Here are the basic rules you need to know about Designer Tools:

Designer tools let you add, edit and delete "nodes"
Nodes are boxes that contain either an image, a graphic or text
The tools can only be used on most print sizes and some books
One you’ve set up your nodes, you can save the design as a Favorite and reuse it

Now that you know the rules, here are the tools:

To use any tool, click it with your mouse. The tools will have a light blue box around it. As you select each tool, a Tools tab will come up on the right sie of the screen and different options will become available as described below. If you cannot select the tool, it means you are in a pre-made template, and the tools are not available.

Image Tool

The image tools is a little hand, which is meant to remind you that it can be used to grab images inside an image node. By default, the Image Tool is always selected when you first select a product, and it is always selected if you are using a pre-made template that cannot be edited.

When the Image tool is selected, you can lock, crop, zoom or rotate an image. This is all done by clicking on an image, and using the Image Toolbar that appears below it:

The most common use of the Image Toolbar is the “zoom slider.” You can zoom the image in by pulling the slider, then use the Image Tool to reposition the image in the node. Also, note that the little “Fine Rotation” triangle on the right changes the bottom menu so you can access the arbitrary rotation tool.

The Crop/Fit icon changes how images are positioned when they are dropped into an image node. If Crop is selected (default), JDLab2You lets you drag the image around inside the node. If Fit is selected, it will attempt to automatically best “fit” the image to the node. This is most useful if you are dragging images into template products and want to show the entire image, not just fill the node.

The Lock Image button locks an image in place in mult-node products – useful when you are working with several images and don’t want to accidentally move the wrong one.

Image Tools Pane

When an image is selected, an Image Tools tab appears on the right.

These tools allow you to add masks, tints, fills, strokes and shadows to an image, or to change its opacity. When selecting fill and stroke colors, a full-featured color wheel lets you pick an exact color, type in an RGB value, or sample a color from the image.

The sample color check box works like this: check the box, click on any color inside the image to record the color, then uncheck sample again. Click Add Recent to save. Once you’ve saved the sample color, you can easily select it again for fills or strokes on other images, for example.

Edit Node Tools

With the Edit tool selected you move, resize or rotate any image or text node that you have created. Click the Edit Tool, then hover your cursor over an image or text node. If the dots and line in the node is blue, you can click and drag the lower dot to reposition the node, or the upper dot to rotate the node. If the dots and lines are orange, you cannot change them.

While hovering your mouse over a node, you can also right-click (Ctrl-click on Mac) to bring up this menu.

This menu lets you choose from a range of additional options such as setting specific node bounds for exact positioning, copying nodes, and flipping or removing them.

Draw Image Node Tool

The Draw Tool is used for one purpose – to click and drag a rectangle that will become a new image node. Note that once you let go of the mouse, the image node is created, and the Edit Tool is automatically selected so that you can add an image or reposition the node. If you make a mistake drawing an image node, right-click (Ctrl+Click on Mac) on the image, and select “Remove” from the menu as shown above.

Draw Text Node Tool

The Draw Text Tool works just like the Draw Image Node Tool, except that it is used to draw text nodes. Click and drag with your mouse to form a rectangular text node. When you let go of the mouse, the text node is created and the Edit tool is automatically selected so that you can add text or reposition the node. If you make a mistake drawing the text node, right-click (Ctrl+Click on Mac) on the node, and select “Remove” from the menu.

When you click on a text node, an entry box appears on the Tools tab as you start typing. There is no need to click in the text entry box, unless you need to move your cursor to edit your text. On the Tools tab you will see controls for changing the text font, style and color.

Change your mind about a node? No problem. Any empty node can be left empty, any text nodes that say “Type Text Here” can be ignored. That will not come through to us. Or you can remove them by switching to the Edit tool, right-clicking and choosing Remove.

Draw Checkbox Tool

The Draw Checkbox Tool is only used when working with Events, and will be the feature of a future Blog article.

Background

This button allows you to change the background image.

Layer Down/Up

These buttons make it easy to rearrange images and text in a complicated layout. Click any image or text node, then click the up or down buttons to move the node behind or in front of other nodes on a template.

JDLab2You Designer Tools – Image Align

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:22:38 GMT

JDLab2You has 4 image alignment tools beneath the designer tools that make it easy to align 2 or more image nodes in a custom template. The tools let you quickly align the images top, bottom, right or left sides.

To use the alignment tools, click on the first image, press the [Shift] button on the keyboard, then click on any other images you want to align. Once the images are selected, click the desired alignment tool icon.

Note that the image alignment tools assume you are working with a vertical image. If you are working with a horizontal image, the left and right edge alignment tool affects top and bottom alignment, while the top and bottom alignment tools change the left and right alignment. You can verify this by looking at the image node sizes. In the example below, the selected image node is 7 inches wide by 4 inches tall.

A trick to make it easier to use the alignment tool is to use the rotate buttons to temporarily rotate a horizontal template counter-clockwise 90 degrees, align any image nodes, then rotate the template back to horizontal.

Remember, once you have a template designed, you can lock the nodes, then save the template in your favorites to use in different orders with different images.

Starting a 2nd Order in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:17:08 GMT

If you’re in the middle of uploading an order to the lab, use the “Start” tab to begin a new order instead of opening a second copy of the software.

Here’s a problem we see from time to time: you finish an order, start uploading it to the lab, and want to start a 2nd order. You double-click the JDLab2you or JD Pick-A-Pack icon on your desktop to start a new order. Then you see this message: “You have orders waiting to be sent.” Must be a problem, you think. So you click the “Go to Uploads” button, and click the “Send” button.

Makes sense, right? Unfortunately, clicking “Send” when an order is already being uploaded will break the order. The software will try and upload it twice at the same time with the same order number. We cannot print it, and it will need to be re-sent to the lab.

So how do you start a new order while the old one is still uploading?

Never open 2 copies of JDLab2You at the same time . If you accidentally open a 2nd copy, close it immediately.

Instead, watch for this message when you upload an order: "Completing Your Order…"

From here, click the “Go to Uploads” button, then click the “Start” tab in the upper right corner. This starts a new order. You don’t have to wait for the first order to finish uploading, and you don’t have to restart the program.

New Coffee Sleeves are a Fun Gift

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:12:25 GMT

Coffee Sleeves are a great gift for a friend or a client. They are designed to fit on a paper or styrofoam to-go coffee cup or a pint of ice cream. Each is double-sided, so you can use the same image twice or 2 different images.

Coffee Sleeves are $5.95 each, and are available in JDLab2You under Specialty Items – Photo Gifts. While you’re there, check out our insulated wine bottle totes and wine bottle sleeves too.

Best Sizes for Your Studio Logo

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:07:09 GMT

Recently we showed you how to create a full color transparent PNG logo in Photoshop , and how to easily add your studio logo to your prints in JDLab2You.

However, many of you asked us what size to make the logo in order to match the sizes we used to put on prints when you ordered the “studio logo” option. These sizes were developed after testing many different ratios of logo size to print size in order to make your logo attractive and noticeable without overwhelming the print.

Here’s what you need to know:

Once you have your logo ready, on your image, draw an image node, right click in it, choose node bounds and set your height and width to the dimensions below. Then set the node to fit. This works best if you trim all of the blank space from your logo file before using it on a print. Here are the sizes we suggest.

Wallets to 5×5″: 0.56×0.56
5×7″ to 8×10″: 0.76×0.76
10×13″ to 12×16″ (including 10×20″): 1.06×1.06
16×20″ to 16×24: 1.29×1.29
20×24″ and up: 1.5×1.5

These are for square logos. If your studio logo is extremely tall or wide, use these numbers for the longest side, then adjust the other size accordingly.

Heart Shaped Coasters Perfect for Valentine’s Day

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:00:43 GMT

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these heart-shaped coasters are a cute way to say “I love you.”

Each coaster is full-bleed printed on 3/8″ thick hard laminate with a cork backing to provide years of service.

Order them in groups of 2 – either use the same image on both, or use 2 different images. Available in JDLab2You under Specialty Items > Coasters.

Price is $17 per set of 2.

Create a Transparent PNG Logo In PhotoShop

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:56:21 GMT

With the new ability to add a transparent PNG file in JDLab2You , some of you may not know how to create one in Photoshop. This series of steps shows you how.

If you haven’t worked with a transparent PNG file before, click the JD logo on the right, and save it to your hard drive. Open it in Photoshop. You can see how easy it is to add to your images as a new layer.

Steps:

1. Open your logo file in Photoshop. Go to Image -> Mode and verify it is RGB, 8-bits per channel.

2. If your logo has a background that is not a layer, you’re going to have to remove it. Start with Layer -> New -> Layer via Copy to make a copy of your logo layer (you don’t want to work on the original). Otherwise, skip to step #7.

3. Create a new blank layer with Layer -> New. This will be the transparency layer when you save your final logo.

4. In the Layers Palette, drag the new blank layer (the one with the black and white checkerboard) to the bottom of the layers. Hide the original background layer. Your Layers palette should look like this. Now is a great time to save your work as a .PSD file with a new name so you don’t accidentally change your original logo file.

5. To manually remove the background, start by clicking the logo copy layer in the Layers Palette. Use the Magic Wand Tool to select a portion of the background (you’ll see the marching ants!), then hit the Delete key to remove the selected portion of the background. Hold down the “+” plus key to select several areas at the same time. As you remove the background, it will be replaced with the black and white checkerboard pattern beneath it. By changing the “Tolerance” value in the upper right corner, you can make the Magic Wand select more or less of the background with a single click of the Magic Wand. If your logo has letters like an “O”, make sure you delete the background inside the letters too. If you select too much background and accidentally delete part of your logo, use Ctrl+Z (PC) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo your last step.

If you can hide your background layer in Photoshop, you’re all set. If you are using a sports team or school logo that you received as a JPG, consider asking them if they can send you the original artwork. It may save you a lot of time.

6. Once you think you have all your background is removed, you’ll want to test it. Use the color picker to set the foreground color to black if your original background was white or white if your original background was black. Select your transparency layer, then use the Paint Bucket tool to temporarily fill it with white or black. Zoom into your image, and you can see any places where the background wasn’t completely removed. Use Ctrl+Z (PC) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo the Paint Bucket fill, then continue to remove any remaining artifacts with the Magic Wand or the Eraser Tool.

Make sure to remove any color or hide your transparency layer when you are done testing.

7. Resize your file. Go to Image -> Image Size, set the resolution to 300 pixels/inch. Then set the size of your logo so that either the width or height is no more than 600 pixels. This will give you a logo that is 2 inches on the longest side, which will be enough resolution for virtually any print you use it on in the future.

8. Go to File -> Save for Web or Device. Set the output file type to PNG-24, and click the Transparency checkbox. Click the preview button, and your finished logo will display in a browser window, so you can verify your work one last time before you save it.

9. Use these instructions to add a logo to JDLab2You . Note that once you’ve placed your logo, you can use the Opacity slider (in yellow on image below) to make your logo less pronounced on the image.

10. If you don’t have a image logo, you can start with a 2×2″ square at 300 dpi, create your logo from text, then skip to Step #8. The advantage of this method is that you can create both light and dark versions of your logo, then select which version you want to use depending on your print image’s background color.

Easily Add Your Full-Color Studio Logo to Prints

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:43:17 GMT

JDLab2You supports the PNG file format with a transparency layer. This makes it easy for you to drop a full color logo on any size print. Use it for:

• Studio logos
• School logos
• Team emblems or mascots

Because of the transparency layer, many logos look more professional without a rectangular box around it.

Here’s how it works:

In Photoshop, create your logo with a fully transparent background. Click here for step-by-step instructions .
Save the logo as a .PNG file to your desktop
Start JDLab2You, select a print size, and insert your image
Click the Designer Tool to the left of the image
Drag a rectangle to create an image node in the corner of your image
Drag and drop your logo in the image node
Use the blue handles shown to resize or rotate the logo

Because the image node remains as a separate layer until we print it, any color adjustments made to the image will not change the appearance of your logo.

Here’s a short video that shows how to add a logo in JDLab2You . Note that once the logo is placed on a print size, it can be saved as a favorite and reused again.

Diamond Albums with Metallic Paper Are One of a Kind

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:37:37 GMT

If you’ve been looking for a premium product to offer your wedding clients, why not try a Diamond album with metallic paper?

JD’s Diamond albums are the finest albums available. Each is hand-made from genuine Kodak prints mounted on heavy backing, then finished with rounded edges in a lay-flat design.

When combined with metallic paper, the Diamond album is amazing. It has a look that your clients will not see anywhere else.

To order your Diamond album with metallic paper, simply click the “Page Finish” option after your album is completed in JDLab2You.

Learn more about Diamond albums.

Get started with JDLab2You .

Order Any Size Print in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:32:12 GMT

It is easy to order a non-standard size print in JDLab2You if you know how to do it.

For example, say you need a 10×14″ print. The next size up is 10×15″. The easiest solution is to make a new empty white 10×15″ @ 300 dpi file in Photoshop, drag your image into the file, then add the text “trim” to the bottom 1 inch. Order a 10×15″ print, and a 10×14″ print will arrive at your door.

What if you don’t use Photoshop? You can accomplish the same thing in JDLab2You.

In JDLab2You, select the next larger print size than the one you need.
Instead of dragging the image into the product, use the “Draw” pager tool to create a new image node on top of it.
Right click inside the empty node and choose “Node Bounds” from the menu. Set the height and width to 10×14″, and X and Y offset to 0.
Drag and drop the image into the node.
Add a text text node with the word “Trim” in the remaining white space and order the print.

Here is a short video showing both options above.

Since our photo printers go up to 30×132 inches, there is virtually no print size you cannot offer your clients. For prints larger than 30×40, simply use the File Upload feature in JDLab2you.

Add a Custom Watermark to Proofs

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:28:40 GMT

By default, JDLab2You and Pick-a-Pack makes it easy to add a text watermark to proof books. During checkout, simply check the “Watermark” box and type your text. The text will be printed opaquely across the lower third of each image in the book or the cover. It is easy, and included at no charge.

However, some of our clients asked for additional watermark options like:

Custom watermark font, color, opacity or position
Watermark any proof product
Studio logos as watermark

Fortunately, JDLab2You and Pick-a-Pack makes it easy to create a custom watermark in Photoshop, save it with any proof product as a favorite, and use the new custom proof product when ordering proof prints or proof books.

This short video below will show you how easy it is to create your own custom watermarks that you can use over and over again.

Print an Order Report before Sending an Order

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:27:10 GMT

Have you ever wanted to print out a worksheet showing everything you’ve ordered in JDLab2You or Pick-a-Pack before you send an order to the lab? Unfortunately, the View/Print Order Report is only available after your order is uploaded.

To solve this, there is a simple workaround you can use to print a worksheet showing all the images and products that you’ve ordered before uploading the order. You can use the worksheet to check against the client order to avoid missing any prints.

Go to the Checkout page.
Choose “Save for sending later.” Your order will not be sent yet.
Click “Place Order.” You will see the View/Print Order Report button, which allows you to open the report, without sending your order.
Review the report.
If everything is OK, click the Send button next to the order that is still in your queue.
If you need to make changes to the order, press the ALT key on your keyboard. The options “Reopen as new order” and “Remove” will become enabled. Click “Reopen as new order.” This takes you back to the shopping cart page where you can edit the order as needed.

Creating Book & Album Templates is Easy in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:20:09 GMT

Would you like to save the next book or album that you order as a template? It’s easy if you know how.

Let’s say you’ve spent a fair amount of time creating the perfect photo book: dragging down just the right templates, choosing the backgrounds, strokes, and shadows, and adding text nodes with fonts and colors. Once you’ve ordered it from the lab, you can save it as a template in JDLab2You with everything but the images, then reuse whenever you like.

Here how:

Click for full-size view.

1. If you’ve already sent a photo book or album order to us that you would like to save as a template, go to the Uploads tab in JDLab2You. By default, JDLa2you saves your sent orders for 2 weeks (you can change this – I recommend 1 month).

Under Your Uploads, find the order containing the book you want to save. You can either identify it from the order date, or click “View/Print Order Report.”

Once you found the correct order, click “Reopen as new order.”

2. This brings you to the “My Cart” tab. Click the Edit button – it looks like the pencil in the center of the screen.

3. Click the “Add to Favorites” button on lower left – it looks like a heart with a green “+” beside it.

Give your new template a name like “10×10 Sapphire Wedding” to identify it. Click the enter key.

At this point you are still technically editing the original order in JDLab2you. Click the “My Cart” tab again (step 2), then clear all the images out of it by pressing the “Clear Cart” button twice to make sure you don’t send a duplicate of the original order.

Note that you can save any product or book you order regularly as a template by finishing the design, editing all your pages, then clicking the “Add to Favorites” button and giving it a name.

The next time you open JDLab2you, simply click the Favorites icon (it looks like a heart), click on your saved template, and your book will load, ready for you to drop in your images.

Drag and Drop to Re-Arrange Pages in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:07:56 GMT

Have you ever built an album or a photo book, only to realize you left an image out, or just want to re-sequence the pages. JDLab2You makes it easy if you know the trick.

Click on the book icon. You will see a strip of page thumbnail images representing your book.
Use the slider under the thumbnail strip to find the page you want to move.
Drag the thumbnail page between any 2 other thumbnails to insert it.
Use the left or right arrows to go to the page you’ve moved. This will also refresh the pages on top so you can verify they are in the correct sequence.

This trick is especially useful if you have forgotten a page. Simply add the new page at the end, drop in an image, and move it wherever you need it. Note because every page has 2 sides, when you add one image, you’ll have to either add a second image or leave a blank page at the end of the book.

Queued and Previously Saved Orders in JDLab2You

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:05:48 GMT

This article explains how JDLab2You handles queued and previously saved orders.

1. “Are You Sure You Want to Exit?”

In JDLab2You, if you exit the program before you send the order, you will see this message:

Clicking “Exit” automatically saves your work, so you can open the program later and complete the order.

2. “We’ve saved the last order you were working on”

When you start JDlab2you, if you exited last time without completing your order, you will see this message:

This message is telling you that you closed JDLab2You WITHOUT completing the last order.

[Delete Auto Save] – your order will be deleted. If you’ve make a mistake, you will have to start over. There is no way to retrieve it.

[Load Auto Save] – your last UNCOMPLETED order will be loaded again. You can continue to add items to it until you are ready to complete the order and send it to the lab.

If you are ever in doubt, choose “Load Auto Save”. You can quickly see what’s in the order and if you don’t need it, you can click the “Clear Cart” button in the cart tab and quickly start a new order.

3. Show Queued Orders

Let’s say you’ve just completed an order and sent it to the lab. You see the Uploads windows and you order is sending or has just finished. You may see something like this:

See the order with the green “Send” button lit up? This is telling you that the order has not been sent to the lab. You should hit send. If for any reason you doubt that you need to, you can click the “View/Print Order Report,” which shows you your order summary. If you are confident you don’t need the order, you can ignore it and it will be automatically removed from this window, just like any sent orders, when the expiration time has been reached. (Hint: See where it says “Remove old orders after two weeks” over on the right? Two weeks is the default, I like one month better).

Here’s another tip: click the Uploads tab each time you start JDLab2you. If no green “Send” buttons are lit, this means that all your orders were sent successfully.

How can you be sure that you have successfully sent your order to the lab?

a. JDLab2You would not have popped open the “We’ve saved the last order you were working on” window
b. If you have successfully sent the order, you will have an email confirmation from us
c. You can log into order tracking on the home page at JDLab.com and confirm your order’s status

4. Naming Orders Before Saving

JDLab2You lets you name orders so you can easily recognize them in a list of orders like the one above. This is different from the reference order name you send to the lab.

When you are in the cart, notice the lower right corner of the program:

[Check Out] – finish and send your order.

[Save for Later] – Lets you give your order a name you’ll remember without exiting the program. When you click the Uploads tab, instead of a hard-to-remember numeric order name, JDLab2You will show you the order name you’ve saved in the “Show Queued Orders” windows above.

The “Save for Later” button doesn’t save your order and exit the program – it just remembers the name you’ve typed in. You can still “Continue Shopping”, “Check Out” or Exit the program (orders not sent to the lab are automatically saved).

Tip: before you check out, click “Save for Later” and give the order a name. A month from now it will help you remember the order you sent.

Wedding DJ Gives Tips for Professional Photographers

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:54:02 GMT

I’m a professional wedding DJ; I’ve been in the business for 7 years and have somewhere around 50 weddings under my belt.

I see it as part of my job to set the scene for you take the best shots you possibly can. I create the moments, you capture them. Whether or not you realize it, we’re a team. There’s no reset switch, we only have one chance to get it right. The better we can work together, the better the outcome is for everyone.

To help us work better together, here’s some things I think you should know:

The best thing I can mention is communication. We need to have good, constant, open communication. When you arrive on location, find me, introduce yourself and lets hash out a game plan. I always have a printed agenda of my plans to give to the photographer.
This is also an excellent time to give me a few business cards. Aside from creeping on your your portfolio during the reception, I like to know who you are and know how to refer work to you. Trust me, I’d rather work with photographers that do great work and work well with me.
Give me a list of things you need shots of and I’ll make sure you’re not in the bathroom before doing them. If you need a extra minute to prepare, let me know and I can delay.
If it looks like my lighting rig is going to throw you off, let me know before I turn them on. If time permits, I’d be happy to turn them on so you can get some test shots.
My schedule is largely determined by what time you’re contracted until. I understand you’ve been shooting since before noon and want to go, but please, let me know how much flexibility you have. As you know, sometimes things happen that are out of our control and cause events to get out of sync. Just knowing that you’re willing to stay an extra 15-30 minutes if necessary is a big help.
I’d really appreciate a 5 minute phone call or an email a week or a few days in prior to a wedding, just to make sure we’re on the same page. If we need to discuss anything in depth, having the conversation an hour before the ceremony or reception starts isn’t going to do either of us any good.
Ask me how you prefer to communicate: We use Google Apps for email and document storage. In order to ensure that we stay in sync with the bride/groom/minister/other vendors, we create and share the Google Doc with everyone involved. This way, there’s only one constantly up-to-date agenda floating around. Everyone is on the same page, all the time.
I love getting recommendations for things to do during a reception (fun games, activities, etc), it helps me keep things fresh.
If you hear guests complaining about the volume or song selection while you’re out shooting, let me know. If my voice sounds too loud or quiet when making announcements, let me know.
I always have a small toolkit and spare batteries, just ask.
Yes, it’s okay if you store your gear bag behind my booth.

Questions about Color Correction from a New Client

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:40:35 GMT

We had a new client send us several questions in an email, and Heidi in customer service took the time to answer in writing. She did such a good job, we thought we would share her answers here:

Dear JD,

I’m just starting out and am new to this, so I have a few questions. How do I know if I need Color Correction service or not? I’m using Photoshop to edit my photos. Will that bother printing in anyway? Also, can I change the tones myself like B&W/Sepia instead of color, or do I need to use your system?

And lastly – pricing on wallets – how exactly does it work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kari D.

Dear Kari,

The way that JDLab2You works is that you need to choose between color corrected or non-color corrected prints prior to ordering. Photoshop in itself has nothing to do with your color unless you are using Photoshop to change your colors such as : curves, adjustments, levels and so on.

The choice for color correction or not is more whether or not you calibrate your monitor. This is a step that you take to make sure your monitor is giving you the same color appearance as your prints with NO correction. There are many programs out there for this purpose, although some photographers find it easier to do this visually. You many order 5 8×10″ econo (no correction) prints from JD as a test, then hold them up to your monitor and adjust your monitor until they match the images you sent us. Whether you can adjust the prints to match your images will depend on your room lighting and settings that are available on your monitor.

If you use lab-corrected color, we suggest you choose to make your images in b/w in the JDLab2You program vs manually. Our lab software will produce a true looking b/w image, whereas doing this in Photoshop will sometimes result in color shifting. If you want to do it in Photoshop for a test print, use the desaturate button instead of converting to b/w. This will result in a better-looking b/w from Photoshop.

Sepia tone is more of a personal preference for color. You may use the tool in JDLab2You if you are using lab-corrected color, or do it yourself in Photoshop. I would recommend calibrating your monitor before using Photoshop to do this or they will not match your prints.

Wallet pricing is based on a tiered system (all of our standard prints are). The first price is the base price for a single wallet unit with discounts depending on how many sheets of the same wallet you order. The price goes back for every new pose. It is the same for all prints. 10 5×7″ prints from the same image cost less than 10 5×7″ prints from 10 different images.

Please let us know if you have any more questions.

Have a great day!

The Secret to Using JDLab2You With PhotoShop

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:38:17 GMT

Have you ever submitted a JDLab2You order to JD, and the images didn’t come back cropped or rotated correctly?

We see this problem once or twice a month, so we know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, we can recreate the problem at the lab, so we can tell you how to avoid it. Here’s what happens:

Problem:

While viewing an image in JDLab2You, rotate and crop as needed. Then click “Add to Order”.
Minimize JDLab2You, or close it and save the order.
Open the image, and rotate or crop it in Photoshop. Save your changes. OR
Open the image in the default photo viewer (called Preview on Mac, Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer or Windows Picture and Fax Viewer in XP) on your computer. Click the “Rotate” button. Depending on your default settings, the image may be automatically saved as rotated.
Return to JDLab2You and submit the order to the lab.

Unfortunately, JDLab2You does not have any way of detecting or preventing you from changing an image outside of JDLab2You between the time you place the order and the time you send it.

Solution:

Don’t rotate or crop images after you’ve ordered from them in JDLab2You.
If you have to edit an image in Photoshop after you’ve started an order, delete the image from the order and reorder it again.
Check your computer’s default image viewer options so that it does not automatically save changes without warning you.
Replace the default image viewer with a “non-destructive” viewer like Irfanview for PC or any of the Adobe products.

Cancel JDLab2You Orders

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:35:08 GMT

Have you ever sent an order to the lab, then changed your mind?

JDLab2You and JD Pick-a-Pack users can now cancel orders that have not been printed.

In your order confirmation email you will see a new link to cancel your order. Click the link, enter your customer ID, and click the “Cancel Order” button. The lab print system will check the order status. If the order has not yet been printed, it will be canceled. If it has already been printed, it will say that the order cancellation has failed, and you should contact the lab as soon as possible. The error message will have the phone number listed.

Depending on time of day and order volumes, some orders are printed minutes after they are received at the lab. However, the cancel option will always work if you send in an order after hours and cancel it before the next business day.

Photo Book Minimum Page Numbers Explained

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:37:21 GMT

Customers ask why we have minimum page requirements for albums and photo books. We require an even number of pages, and most books require at least 10 pages (20 sides). Here’s why:

Book pages have two sides. If you don’t submit an image for both sides, we can’t be sure whether you ran out of images, or if you forgot to finish the order before you sent it in. Either way, you’ll get a call from customer service that may hold up your order.
Bound books with less pages than the minimum aren’t aesthetically pleasing. They just look wrong. Instead of building a book you might not be proud to show, we’d rather give you a minimum page number.

Note that if you run out of pages to finish a book, you have a couple of options:

Re-design your photo book so that you meet both the minimum number of pages and have an even number of pages.
Submit blank, ruled, light-colored or white jpg images as pages at the end of the book. For example, on a student photo book you could put a text node at the top of the final page that said “Memories” or “Autographs” .