Are you in need of some fresh new ideas on how to utilize your MpixPro products to market your studio? The fabulous Catherine Clay, Dallas-based on-location and natural light photographer, has been kind enough to share her favorite products and the ways in which she uses them to gain clients and increase sales.

Soft Cover Books – The perfect marketing tool to explain studio pricing and packages to potential clients while featuring images that personify your studio.

“We use this Soft Cover Book to market in doctor’s offices and also have them available in our studio to explain our baby plan to clients,” Catherine says. “The book explains in detail what they will receive throughout the year, how to dress and highlights the type of images they can expect to receive.”

Create separate books for your most popular or extra special packages. For Catherine, those are her beach sessions. Here’s her take: “I travel to the beach every year to shoot clients. I use the Soft Cover Books to help explain the difference of a beach session versus a typical session, highlighting typical session images on and off the beach.”

Business Cards – The last impression you get to leave after meeting someone for the first time, and a great way to brand your studio. Make this important calling card reflect the personality and professionalism of your studio in a way that’s as unique and individual as you. Catherine prints her cards on Pearl.

Posters – A perfect way to highlight your best work, brand your studio and market special sessions and/or promotions. Place in studio windows or on entry way walls for maximum impact. Here’s how Catherine uses them: “We hang our Posters in the studio windows to advertise our limited wildflower sessions available in the spring to the busy shopping center traffic.”

Folded Cards – Use these as a professional, stylish way to send external communications to clients. They make beautiful thank you cards, gift cards, client reminders, studio updates, promotion alerts and more. “I mail these 5×7 Folded Cards to current clients to remind them to book their beach sessions,” Catherine says.

We print a 5×5 Folded Card as a thank you that we send out at the beginning of the year. Inside, we attach a small envelope with 8 rounded corner wallets from their session encouraging people to hand them out to their friends and family recommending Catherine Clay Photography.

Flat Cards – Another way to send pro-quality communications to clients. Catherine uses this 5×5 Flat Card on Linen Paper card to say thank you for an order or to jot a quick note to clients.

Luxe Cards – Send your clients a special message that will make a unique impression and will leave them wanting more. Catherine uses this 5×7 Folded Luxe Card to write more substantial notes to clients.

Mounted Prints – Turn an 8×10 Mounted Print into a sturdy calendar to make the ideal client gift or use for a studio promotion. Start with a calendar template, the design pictured below is from histudio on Etsy, and order as a 8×10 print. Have the print mounted to either matboard or styrene. Catherine adds a magnetic strip to the back of her calendars and mails them as a client gift for the New Year.

Feeling inspired and ready to inject new life into your marketing plan? Visit the MpixPro catalog to begin creating the products that will jumpstart your 2012.

The business card: it’s your calling card, it represents your studio identity and it’s the last impression you get to leave after meeting someone for the first time. Shouldn’t your card reflect the personality and professionalism of your studio in a way that’s as unique and individual as you?

MpixPro has several options for business cards that will leave your prospects wanting to know more about you and your studio.

Rep Cards – sized at 1.375×3.5 with rounded corners, these little cards pack a big punch and are just different enough to get noticed. Rep Cards come in sets of 25 with a complimentary silver tin with your first set.  Pair with Pearl Paper for a classy, eye-catching combination.

Business Cards – The classic way to represent your brand and to leave your contact information but with the quality of a Miller’s Press product. Size is 2×3.5 and is available on Cover Stock, Pearl and Linen papers.

Folded Business Cards – Maximum design space inside and out allows you to feature examples of your best work while getting the essential information about your studio out there. Finished size is 2×3.5 folded and is available on Cover Stock, Pearl and Linen papers.

3×3 Luxe Cards – Not your typical business card, these little cards will make a statement not soon to be forgotten. The 3×3 Luxe Card is the perfect way to set your studio apart and express your creativity like no one else in your market.

Browse now to start create the business card that does more!

Convention season started off with a bang this year in New Orleans. We had a great time at Imaging USA 2012. Did you have a great time too? We want to say thank you if you stopped by our booth. Because of you, our first major convention of the season was a success. We feel lucky to have the chance to meet our valued customers and to get your feedback on products and service.

Luxe Frames, which are coming soon, made their debut in the MpixPro booth. But as fun as the show can be, we also know there is a lot to see and learn. So in case you missed anything, here are the highlights from three day event.

Always a show-stopper, this Metal Mural hung on one outside wall of the booth.

One of the best parts of any tradeshow is that customers have the chance to touch our products in person.

Another bonus of attending the show: the chance to win a product of your choice! We had a winner each day of the event.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we continue to release new product and sale information for 2012. And stay tuned for information about WPPI 2012 in Vegas!

Not a current customer? Sign up now.

Because MpixPro is a part of the Miller’s family of labs, Miller’s Design Market is here for you 24/7, 365 to make your job a little easier. Our exclusive designers have been busy little bees, whipping up beautiful Valentine’s creations to make your clients’ February 14th even sweeter.

Whether you’ve got clients with modern or traditional taste, the Design Market has a variety of templates to fit their style and your vision. So help your clients spread a little love with some of these fun new designs.

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New Orleans here we come! This weekend we’ll be heading to the Big Easy and meeting us there is photographer Belinda Reedy to share her experience and knowledge to share her tips for creating a lasting career in photography.

Session Information

Tuesday, January 17 at 12:00 pm – OH! The Places You CAN Go!

Belinda knows what it takes to become a rock star in your field, and she will help you with the art of selling your business and yourself to your clients.

Let’s get better acquainted with Belinda before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been a professional photographer for over 25 years. I am the photo editor for Gig Magazine launching this month. I own Reedy Photographics and photograph over 10,000 children in Central Mississippi every year. I also run music photography and merchandising divisions through my graphics department and have personally shot over 600 weddings.

What’s your favorite Miller’s product?

Currently it is simply the Metallic Paper. It makes images POP.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Knowing that I have the ability to stop time, and long after I am long gone, people will have my photographs to cherish for generations.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

It has to be meeting some of the most wonderful, giving, creative, and like-minded people all in one location. Also, making life-long friendships while expanding my career.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

To stop second guessing my instincts and GO FOR IT!

Learn more about Belinda here. See you in New Orleans!

Imaging is right around the corner. Have you taken a look at our awesome speaker schedule yet? Ed Pedi joins several other talented photographers to make up our speaker team for New Orleans.

Session Information

Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 am – No Cost, 24/7 Marketing with Displays

Ed teaches you everything you need to know on how to get your portraits displayed in businesses in your community. It’s one of our studio’s best marketing strategies, and Ed will teach you the steps necessary to make it work for you!

Now before your big date in New Orleans get to know the man behind the camera a little bit better.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Ed Pedi; I hold the degrees of M.Photog., Cr., CPP. Along with my wife, Linda, own and operate Ed Pedi Photography in North Andover, MA. I specialize in Family & Children portraiture and this is our 20th year in business.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

10 oz. Canvas on Masonite with Lustre Coating. Our signature item and best seller is the large wall portrait, which our clients showcase as a focal point in their home décor. We love the richness and depth of Miller’s canvas finish.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love working with people, to put them at ease and to capture their real personalities and expressions. To portray the warmth and love that families have for one another using classical posing that doesn’t look ‘posed’.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

My most poignant memory is one that has stayed with me and demonstrates the importance of what we do as portrait photographers. I was asked to photograph an extended family group (33 people) at their home on a Sunday. I don’t work Sunday’s as it’s my one day off! I initially declined the job but one of their family members is a good friend and was the best man at my wedding. He was familiar with my work and really wanted me to photograph the family. I decided to make an exception and am glad I did.

I went to the location a week before to see the direction of the sun and to plan the best location for the session. I met the grandfather who was not very happy about having the portrait done; in fact, he was downright grumpy and told me he was doing this for his kids. I did my best to put him at ease and our conversation led to my learning that he and his wife were big fans of the ‘Frank Petty Trio.’ Frank happened to be my uncle. Before returning for the session, I burnt a CD of my Uncle’s music from old 78 albums that my Uncle had given me prior to his passing. When I arrived for the session, the first thing I did was present the grandparents with the CD. They were thrilled and extremely thankful, and the session went great.

As many of the family members were from out-of-state, I agreed to edit their images and schedule their viewing and ordering session the following day. Everyone was thrilled with the photographs and they ordered a number of wall portraits. Two days later, I received a call from one of their family members informing me their father had passed away last night and would it be possible to have any of the images printed for display at the wake on Friday. I contacted Millers the following morning, informed them what had happened and inquired if there was any way I could have two images printed and delivered by the next day. I can honestly say that Millers has never let me down whenever I’ve had a special request and by the next afternoon had delivered to me a 24×30 canvas of the extended family group and an 11×14 of the grandparents which I framed and presented at the wake on Friday. Needless to say, Millers is not just my lab they are an important partner in my business.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

To be a better listener!

Check out Ed’s work and a little more about him here. See you in New Orleans!

We feel honored to have some of the brightest and most talented photographers in the industry on our speaker team for Imaging USA. Joining us to share his expert knowledge and experience is JP Elario, New York based wedding photographer.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 3:15 pm – In Demand

JP shares core principles that have helped his studio become the most in-demand in his market and how he continuously attracts new clients without ad dollars. Learn how he gets the most out of Miller’s Lab from start to finish with all of his clients.

Now how about getting better acquainted with JP before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a fun, enthusiastic and crazy wedding photographer. I’ve been shooting weddings since I was 11 years old. How you might wonder? Well, my father started the business a long, long time ago. I can’t even count the number of weddings I’ve been to!

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

Gosh my favorite Millers product? That’s always changing with me. Right now I’m crazy about the Luxe Frames, 4×8″ Accordion Books and Print Wraps. Anything “Luxe” from Millers I love. The new Premium Cotton and Premium Bamboo press papers are awesome too! I always love Gallery Wraps and Metallic Prints, though – can’t go wrong with them!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

What I love most about being a photographer are the opportunities photography has given me. In my career, I’ve met and photographed Former President Clinton, which was so cool. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph the Dave Matthews Band as well. The reason I mention them is because I’m actually a full-time wedding photographer, but it’s not just brides and grooms. There is always something new and interesting. I guess I love how unpredictable my job can be!

Do you have a favorite Imaging memory?

This will be my second Imaging ever so I only have the memories from last year. The best one was Dale Benfield singing “I Will Survive” at a piano bar in San Antonio.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

My New Year’s resolution is to blog more often but with less images. Sometimes my posts tend to run on and I spend way too many hours working on them. I think keeping it simple is the key for 2012!

Get a peek into JP’s world here. To learn more about the man behind the camera and to see his work, visit his blog. See you soon!

Tomorrow we’ll be rolling into the Big Easy for Imaging USA. Who’s meeting us there? Mr. Chuck Arlund, that’s who! Chuck joins many other talented photographers on our speaker team who are meeting us in New Orleans to share their expertise during talks throughout the event.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 11:15 am – The Wedding Family Formal

Yes, wedding family formals are the most important images you can capture during the wedding, yet many photographers rush through them and have a general distaste for them. Chuck explains how to make the wedding family formal fun, including how to get relaxed, light poses and how to light a large group in a church with an on-camera flash.

Now how about we get to know a little more about what makes Chuck tick before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Chuck Arlund is a photographer.

Chuck Arlund is a rock guitar player – Gibson/Marshal baby.

Chuck Arlund loves his family.

Chuck Arlund loves Enchiladas and Margaritas.

Chuck Arlund is intrigued by fashion.

Chuck Arlund likes to show images in galleries.

Chuck Arlund loves MAC – both make-up and computers.

Chuck Arlund is a D&D nerd.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

I have two favorite products. Luxe Cards – I use them for my marketing and they are just WOW pieces. For clients, I love the Accordion Books. I don’t sell them but give them away as special surprise gifts. Just a great way to say thank you to great clients.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Finally being able to achieve what vision I have as an artist. See, I can draw and paint but not to my own liking, so I really failed myself and that’s when I discovered photography. I could do all the things as an artist – composition, color theory, the basic elements of design – and not have to worry about the actual “how much paint do I need to put on the canvas.” I was never good at that. Photography as a medium of art always fascinated me and I am trying my best to embrace it.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

My Imaging memory comes from Nashville a few years ago. First, it was in my hometown at the time – I’m back in Kansas City now. It was cool just being able to show my friends around to all the non-tourists places. Second, I had completely lost my voice. I sounded like a mouse. Many, many a video of me speaking, teaching and just being a goofball are out there somewhere. That was a lot of fun trying to get through that week.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

Seriously, get a photo agent or something to help me get bigger commercial and fashion jobs. All I really ever wanted to do was grow up to be like Bailey, Ritts, Avedon –  you know, make images that are commercial but are also art; and of course, lose 80lbs by next year. P90x here I come.

Get a look at Chuck’s work and learn more about him here. See you in New Orleans!

We are excited to bring a talented speaker team to Imaging USA in 2012. Veteran commercial advertising photographer Joel Grimes joins us in the Big Easy to share his expert knowledge.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 2:15 pm – Marketing Your Vision

Developing skills to be a great photographer is only the beginning to surviving in today’s marketplace. It is also just as imperative to become a great marketer. Joel Grimes has been pounding the streets pitching the advertising and corporate markets for over thirty years. Joel shares his wealth of knowledge from learning to overcome the fear of rejection to creating an effective mailing campaign.

Now take a few minutes to learn a little more about Joel before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been working as a commercial advertising photographer for over 30 years and am currently living in Pasadena CA. I love photographing people and have dedicated my life to creating dramatic larger than life portraits. For me, how light strikes a face is paramount. I believe we are in the greatest age of photography since its introduction due to the fact that we have more options to create than ever before. I hope to be creating images until they put me in the ground.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

I am a big fan of the Indigo Press for all my printed portfolios. A lot of attention has been directed toward using digital devises like the iPad to show your work, but I still believe nothing is greater than a printed portfolio.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love the ability to have an outlet to create. And it doesn’t hurt that I have been able to make a living at it for over 30 years.

Do you have a favorite Imaging memory?

Last year was the first time I attended an Imaging USA event and did so as a speaker. Since I was a rookie, I was given the 7:00 AM time slot on the very first morning. I was nervous about syncing up my laptop to the projector and did a dry run the night before and again at 6:15 AM that morning with perfect success. Of course, the minute I got up to speak in front of about 800 people my remote stop working. The typical technology gremlins showed up right on cue.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

I think it is time I started acting my age. At least that is what my kids keep telling me.

Learn more about Joel and his work on his website. See you soon!

We’re headed to New Orleans this weekend for Imaging and we’re excited to host Cris and Deanna Duncan on our speaker team. They will be there, along with some of the best photographers in the industry, to share their expert knowledge and experience with you.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 1:15 pm – Lighting for Sales

We all want more sales. We all want to be better photographers. Cris and Deanna empower you with valuable lighting techniques to help you make every subject look their best along with sales tips to help everyone win. You will be able to deliver the look you want and that your clients will love (and buy).

Now how about getting to know the Duncans a little better before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

We are a husband/wife team in Lubbock, Texas, offering high-end family, senior, wedding and commercial photography. We both work full-time in the business, with Cris as the lead photographer and Deanna as the backbone of CjDuncan Photography, doing the sales sessions and the majority of the design work. We operate out of a 1700 square foot studio on a 1 1/2 acre property.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

It is hard to narrow down a favorite Miller’s product. Obviously, the portraits are awesome but we love the press products, the Luxe Cards and now the Luxe Frames. We are constantly including these for holiday cards, senior invitations, birth announcements and even as general portrait cards for our clients – they love them. With so many options on size and shape, along with Deanna’s wonderful design skills, our clients always have a product unique to our studio, and that is what I feel makes Miller’s such a great partner in this business.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Our favorite thing? Our mission statement is “To create something of value by serving another person.” I think that sums it up pretty well. We truly love it when our clients, our friends, cherish what we have created for them. While we get to do what we love every day, and it is fun, there is something about presenting a product to someone that you know will be with them for years, if not generations. To us, that is pretty cool.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

Our favorite Imaging memory would have to be the first one we attended. We learned so much, attended every function we could, met some great people, with whom we still are friends, and found some great vendors. Basically, we were overwhelmed. But when a freak ice storm hit San Antonio that year we were forced to evaluate all the information we had gathered and develop a plan, which was a definitive turning point for our business. We now make it a point after every Imaging to stay two extra days to evaluate and plan the upcoming year. For us, that storm was a blessing.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

I think our resolution would be to simplify. In the world today, there are so many things competing for our attention, our time and our money. The sad thing is that most of them aren’t worth any of it. I believe that what you focus on expands, so we wish to continue to focus on growing our family and business together. Once we have this, all the other things will fall into place.

Take a look at the Duncan’s work and find out more about them here. See you in New Orleans!