My Vendor List

People want to know the vendors I use…. Here you go.

1. Studio Scent Management

Keeping your studio space smelling great is VERY important to your clients experience.

I use Scentsy. I have a full size warmer in the middle of my studio with either a vanilla or cinnamon smell. The warmer melts the wax with a LIGHT bulb – you can’t burn down your place! Any studio larger than 1500 square feet might want two warmers.

Research at a clothing store in the Seattle area revealed something interesting.  A week with NO scent in the store. A weeks with different scents. Guess the results. The week they had Vanilla scent in the store yielded a 30% increase in sales over the 2nd place scent! SMELL is SO powerful! Its said to be the most powerful. Did you know that a SCENT can be branding? When you walk into an Abercrombie store, you KNOW you are in an Abercrombie store b/c of the scent. Every time you smell that scent, you will think of Abercrombie. Scent management is a huge topic for high end boutiques and hotels. Don’t overlook nor neglect the scent in your studio.

I recommend NOT using candles. They are NOT good for your wall portraits over the long term. The burning flame will leave residue on your portraits and walls.

Here is what you need: Full size warmer and scent bars.

TIP I: Place two squares in the warmer. Once the scent starts to get weak, drain the wax and place two more squares in it. They last a LONG time. They also have holiday flavors.

TIP II: Use a timer. This works great if you keep regular hours. Have it turn on one hour before you arrive.

2. Prints & Press Printed Products

I currently use WHCC for all my prints and press printed products.  I love their quality. They also do very nice canvases.

3. Canvas

I have used Simply canvas for all my canvases since day one. I am thinking of using WHCC b/c their turn around time is so much quicker. WHCC also has a fantastic metallic canvas (get the high gloss).

4. DVD Cases

I currently use J Lee Albums for my DVD cases. They are the nicest I have seen at a reasonable price.

5. Custom Albums

I currently use Vision Art Albums for my custom albums. VERY VERY nice. Worth every penny!

6. Metallic Business Cards

I currently use Bay Photo for my metallic business cards. I make a unique set of cards for EVERY client. Make sure you request for them to cut the business cards in half b/c they come TWO to a sheet.

7. Website

I currently use Show Me Sites. Very customizable. Very easy to use. I highly recommend it BUT its NOT cheap.

8. Framed Prints

I currently use Simply Color for my framed prints on fine art paper. No the cheapest but very nice. They arrive completely put together. Top notch quality!

9. Custom Packaging Boxes

I currently use Rice Studio Supply. Have them make you a molding to have your logo put on the front. I use their craft paper too.

10. Cheap 10X20 Frames

I not longer use this frame but many people ask me about it. Frame for Portraits. For my 10X20s, I now use the framing options at WHCC. VERY nice. Worth the upgrade in price in my opinion.

11. Education Materials

I currently subscribe to Photovision. Its the cheapest education in the country. Subscribe today.

12. Photography Newsletter

I  mail my clients a monthly newsletter. You can also email it. I recommend PhotographyNewsletter.com of course.

13. Forums

I am a member of Beyond Just Images, Pro4um, Digital Photo Pros, & Photo Talk. I certainly do not have time to devote the attention I could to the forums but I am a one man studio with a family of three girls. Time is precious.

14. Templates

I  love Charmaine at CheckArtStudio.com . Also JensFabulousstuff.com

15. Paintings

I LOVE the work of  LaVonne at www.elegantly-painted.com. Its worth every penny.

16. Texas School

I highly recommend attending Texas School. Its probably the best deal in education in the country! Plus, we can catch lunch together!

17. Seminars I Recommend

JB Sallee, Jerry Ghionis, SMS Workshop from PPA, One Light Workshop, Jeff & Julia Woods, Jen Hillenga, Tricoast, anything Gary Box, Kirk Voclain, Fuzzy Duenkel, Lori Nordstorm, Audrey Woulard, Rob Heyman, Joe Buissink, Denis Reggie, AfterDark

18. Studio Management Software

Not one software is made perfectly. I use Successware. I DO lease it. I recommend leasing it b/c you get continual support & upgrades.

19. Sales Software

I use Proselect from TimeExposure.com. Its a NO brainer.

20. Camera & Lens

Canon. In all honesty, its the camera that felt best in my hands. The Nikon was just too bulky or something. You can’t go wrong with either.

21. Backgrounds

Shooting Gallery, Denny Manufacturing. Bought my first Maheu (gorgeous!) I would recommend NOT using a background company with “LA” in its name (VERY rude owner!)

22. Studio Lights & Softboxes

Photogenic 1250Drs. Larson Softboxes (not the best with speed – buy used if you can. Keep your eyes on craigslist.com)

21. Photography Bag

Think Tank. Period. End of story. Just buy it! Airport Security is the one I use.

22. Online Proofing Software

I rarely use online proofing but when I do, I want it to be the best. So, I bought PickPic. Its worth every penny. I have a special website I use for this. You can’t get to it from my main website and clients don’t even know it exists unless I NEED it.

23. Off Camera Flash Lights

I use my 580s for ettl with Radio Popper. And a Quantum 4Td for manual flash with pocket wizards when I want to light up a big bridal party or override the sun. I also use Nikon Sb-26s with pocket wizards for OCF work.

24. Light Stands

I use the Studio Titan in my studio. I use a Savage stand when outside. I DO recommend getting air cushioned if possible. I also use the Cheetah stand (retractable legs) for OCF work.

25. Triggers

I use Pocket Wizards in my studio and Radio Poppers for ettl OCF work.