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D E S I G N    A G L O W
THE FUSION OF PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN AND INSPIRATION
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: RT : You are going to love this months special! 10% OFF POSTCARDS - all qty's & sizes. More info at link below. ...

newborn posing contest!

Are you a baby whisperer? We are currently seeking submissions for our newest creative posing guide for newborn babies.  If you have a talent for posing teeny subjects alone and/or with their families in a very unique, creative, outside-the-box way, you could be featured in our newest Inspire Me Cards: Newborns and get a lovely Design Aglow shopping spree to boot~

Please make sure your image is:

• a super creative pose that is not ordinary

• not unnatural, overly time consuming or unsafe (such as a baby hanging from anything)

• baby can be awake or asleep, alone of with one or more family members

• please include (2-3 non-technical) sentences explaining how to achieve the pose

• be sure you have a model release for your entry, allowing you to use the images for self promotion

upload up to 5 fabulous entries here by September 10, 2010

* make sure your image is called yourname1.jpg, approx 8×10 at 300 dpi and your subject is “newborn contest”

Winners will be published and credited in our newest Inspire Me Cards: Newborns guide and will win a $50 shop credit for each image we use.

Karen Savignon - what a great opportunity, I send mine =D

Inta G - is there particular link where to upload files for the contest? Inta

Lena - yes, on the link above that says, "upload up to 5 fabulous entries here by September 10, 2010"

newest ornament cards are here: the mod collection

Trim your tree with hipster glee this holiday season with these five retrolicious designs. Unlimited options for greetings greatness means client will rock around the clock; and because we offer a bonus matching set of flat, square 5X5 cards for more traditional options, you’ll appeal to those decorated holiday hearths as well. Get groovy with our Mod Collection and wrap up special session moments for your clients this year.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• 5 distinctive designs (front and back)

• Fully layered PSDs for unlimited customization, including color changes

• Designed as 5×5 round card templates for easy printing/drilling by our preferred lab

• Bonus set of matching 5×5 flat square cards for a traditional square holiday card option

PRINTER DETAILS:

Design Aglow has an exclusive printing relationship with our printer for this product with our own custom, round die on 16 pt matte stock with hole drilling available at amazing prices for 2010.

Click here to get your own mod ornaments with introductory pricing!

* Thanks to Fotographix Studios and Tonhya Kae Photography for the lovely images.

Dana Laymon - oh i love the ornaments! now i have to decide which ones to get!

new charming calendar collection markets your studio all year long!

For a year of delicious dates at a glance, the Charming Calendar Collection delivers five fabulous designs for your clients. Perfect for everything from incentives to planning, because the months and days are fully layered and customizable, options are limitless for creating truly one of a kind keepsakes that will keep the days moving in style. Whether tailored to the event or to your studio, you’ll find this template an indispensable tool for keeping track of those special moments.

PERFECT FOR:
• holiday gifts for top clients
• a gift to vendors and those who refer you
• incentive for orders over $X
• custom order add-on
• baby’s first year
• wedding client planning

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5 distinctive designs (engagement, wedding, family, baby and kids)
• Fully layered PSDs for unlimited design customization, including color changes
• Months and days are fully layered and customizable (great for those outside the U.S., with different holidays and languages!)
• Delivered as adjustable 12.25 x 18.25 @ 300 dpi in size

Click here to check out the Charming Calendar Collection in the shop with introductory pricing!

*Thanks to Wildflowers Photography for the lovely images.

Kelly Ridgell - you guys are killing me!!! My jaw just dropped wide open when I saw this. GORGEOUS!!!

Catherine Amiss - Your designs are exquisite! I love the attention to little details that are in everything you make. It really sets them apart. Question: do you suggest displaying these as mounted boards on some sort of "low" easel (so as not to cover up the dates)?

Leslie - Do you suggest we have these printed through WHCC?

Lena - Yes, we use WHCC but any lab can print and mount these. You don't really need an easel, simply prop them on a wall!

Kirstie - These are beautiful and thoughtful gifts. What size did you have WHCC print these? I don't see 12x18 offered in their mounting options.

Lena - WHCC does print and mount 12x18....give them a call.

Dana Laymon - I love the calendars and so do my clients! I'm so glad there are new designs. can't wait to show them off!

our complete baby portrait plan has arrived!

The Design Aglow Complete Baby Plan

Combining professional wording with your artistic talent, the Design Aglow Baby Plan is a comprehensive studio package designed to make your baby business a huge success. Combining easily customizable text (including emails, website and brochure information), and all the beautiful templates you need to get your plan up and running immediately, you’re sure to increase your studio’s bottom line (and clientele) easily and effectively.

No detail is overlooked. Our package includes: a 16 page comprehensive Baby Plan Guide; simple steps for sales and marketing; 20 sure sell poses for beautiful maternity, newborn, and baby sessions; an 8 page marketing brochure template for print, email, or web; 3 beautifully designed art collage canvases to present to clients; coordinating, customizable items to offer at every stage; baby announcements; 11×14 image box template; baby’s first year 8×8 – 20 page press printed book template; baby plan client contract; pre-written emails to send at each stage; and a folded business/appointment reminder card.

You already photograph babies and families; why not offer an exclusive package to clients that documents important milestones and delivers for your business at the same time? Put this extensive, exclusive Design Aglow offering to work for you!

*sample images by Carrie Sandoval, mini posing guide by Marla Carter, business info by Laura Novak

The Complete Baby Plan is here. Get yours today right here!

Elizabeth Beattie - This is AMAZING! Exactly what I needed! Thanks so much!

Jamie - GORJ! I love it.

Wiff - Kazowie! That's some serious organization going on. Way to go with the full package here!

MJPhoto - Beautiful!

WendyE - Beautifully put together. Of course I want it! :D

Meghan - Oh gosh! These are just perfect. Exactly what I have been looking for!!!

Kelly Ridgell - I don't photograph babies and I even want to buy it! It's gorgeous.

dawn sela - love it all! so much more than a baby portrait plan! can't wait to dive in!

Kelly Vasami - This has literally been on my to-do list for two years. Thank you so much for getting this done for me!

marta - I was just discussing a collection of items for my "belly to one" clients with my Studio Manager last night. I think you guys just solved our dilemas! Thanks!

Melissa Deakin - This is just incredible! Can't wait to purchase it. Thanks for always creating the most amazing products that are exactly what we photographers need!

Jennifer - This is Magnificent! Thank You!

Wendie DeLano - This is so GREAT! I will need to be getting this soon- it has everything. Perfect.

Michelle - Hi all... where do you suggest to print the 8 page brochure? thanks!

Lena - Printer info is in the download. We use CopyCraft but any local printer can do this, just a simple half page fold.

Autumn Thomes - These are stunning!

Catie Stephens - STUNNING!

Brandy - Gorgeous, gorgeous!

Kim - I'm drooling!

julia hope - I have been a photographer for 19 years and over time feel a special bond with clients requiring maternity newborn milestones portraits and have been looking for something just like this! Amazing! I'm based in UK.

Amber O - I just bought it and cannot wait to play with it. I am wondering if it comes with all the verbage? Thanks

Lena - Yes, it comes will all professionally written verbiage. It's ready to go!

jen howell - o.m.g. this is perfect! Thank you!!

Shannon Grant - In LOVE! This is perfect! A comparable product for weddings would be a godsend... *winkwink*

Megan - in <3. just what I needed!! :) Thanks again Design A Glow for blowing us away!

Jessica - I absolutely love this! I just went full time with my business and this is exactly what I need to produce results! Thank you so much! now, off to download ;)

Marcia Villarreal - How long is the intro pricing available? I need this...:)

Liz - This is such a great idea - are you thinking about one for weddings too??

Dana L - i love these, now i just need some babies to shoot

Kelly Decoteau - This is an amazing set of tools, and they are so PRETTY. It should pay for itself in one session!! I want to snag one this weekend with the awesome intro pricing. Thank you so much. Keep this great stuff coming.

Britta Rivera - WOW! This is amazing!!!! Thank you. There is no detail left untouched:) Perfect! Britta

Trish - Saw it! Loved it! Wanted it! Needed it! Bought it!

Jen - Beautiful! Now I need to go find some babies...

mia d - My good friend and confidant told me to look here...now I'm sooo tempted to buy this - it's dreamy and the photographs of what you have to offer are tempting me today... I love the whole package!

Holly - Awesome!! I have been putting off a baby plan b/c I had no idea where to start. THANK YOU!!

trend alert: new multipurpose cards are here!

Hot off the presses, these multipurpose cards will have clients and vendors singing the news. Regardless the reason or the season, bare the bling and add even more productivity to your business with these six newsworthy two-sided designs. And because you have unlimited customization, you can change everything, including the color, for all kinds of press pretty. Get the scoop on the latest fashion for your passion and see sales soar!

Perfect for birth announcements, event invitations, marketing materials, thank you notes, holiday cards, save the date cards and more!

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 6 distinctive 5×7 flat card designs (front and back)
• Fully layered PSDs for unlimited customization, including color changes

Click here to check out the Trend Alert: Multipurpose Cards in the shop with introductory pricing and get yours today.

*Thanks to Wildflowers Photography, Photobolic, Lisa Lucky Photography and Sarah D Harper for the lovely images.

Kelly Ridgell - I'm totally drooling at each and every one of them. How fun!!!

KELLI TRONTELL - L O V E these!

Leesia - LOVE these!

Tami - These are so fun!

Elizabeth Priddy - adorable!

Hallie Westcott - Love, love, love these!

jodie - OMG!!! These are awesome!

Haylee Bean - SO SO SO in Loooooove with these!

Liz - So cute

Courtney - Just when I think I have enough Design Aglow... seriously, this is absolutely the cutest thing ever.

Mary - Amazing!!!

Dana L - oh my gosh I'm running out of money but i need these!!!

shani - wow!! I might have to break the little piggy bank and get me some newtemplates - these are too cool to pass!

Michelle Johnson - Love,Love, Love these!

Kelly D. - These cards are so fun! Great designs.

WendyE - another *need to have* love 'em!:D

photo design project: all year round templates

Design Aglow is thrilled to bring you more fabulous and fun projects from Ashley Campbell.  Bring out your crafting supplies and prepare to be inspired!

From Ashley:

Well I am back with another tutorial on how to take your Design Aglow products to another level. This month I will focus on using the new Simple Gifts Collection and Tree Art Collection round holiday ornament cards with full sheet label paper. Hopefully these ideas will spark your creativity a bit and show you new ways to wow your clients.

The main component (other than the Design Aglow products) is Full Sheet Label paper. This type of paper can be purchased at most office supply stores.

The first project I’m going to share is super basic. The circle nature of the Simple Gift & Tree Art Collections just screamed “STICKERS” to me…did it you? I’ll call them “labels” because it sounds better, but we all now they are stickers. You can customize the templates however you’d like and save them the dimensions you want for the the final labels (I recommend 1 1/2 inch diameter).  Next create an 8.5×11 document full of your design and print. Finally, use a circle punch (can be found at craft stores, Target, Walmart) to cut each sticker. For an extra touch on envelopes you won’t be mailing, add a bit of baker’s twine.

For your business you could use the stickers on gifts for clients or even make some that match the Christmas cards they order and surprise your clients with unique labels to seal their holiday card envelopes.

The next option is to create the same size labels, but use them on customized notebooks. These could also be a gift for clients…maybe marketed as a special notebook to record who is getting Christmas cards this year.

Step 1: Supplies include Mod Podge, scrapbooking paper, your custom label, small composition notebook (and I included a paper doily)
Step 2: Cut scrapbooking paper to fit cover. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge, then the scrapbooking paper.
Step 3: Decide the placement of your label and paper doily if you choose.

Step 4: Use spray adhesive to adhere the paper doily. Trim excess.
Step 5: Add your sticker then apply a light coat of Mod Podge over the entire cover for protection.
Step 6: Hot glue a ribbon to the inside cover as a little bookmark.

The next project is a customized tin. This type of tin can be purchased at craft stores for about $1.99. You could create a label that matches a client holiday ornament card and fill the tin with goodies as a gift given when they pick up their cards. You could also use this as a vendor gift to help build relationships inside and outside the industry.

Step 1: Measure the diameter of the tin’s lid. Create your label with a diameter just a bit smaller.
Step 2: Print your label (with the full sheet label paper you can do several projects on one sheet)
Step 3: Cut your label out. If you are doing a mass production of these you might want to find a circle punch for ease and accuracy.

Step 4: Adhere your label to the top of the tin.
Step 5: Embellish the sides of your tin. I opted for scrap fabric and baker’s twine (can you tell I love that stuff?)
Step 6: Fill the tin with treats!

And I’ll end with a something a little sweet…cupcake toppers!
Step 1: Using the same steps as the previous projects make your circle labels.
Step 2: Cut coordinating scrapbooking paper into matching circles. Place a toothpick in the middle and adhere your labels.
Step 3: Fast and easy…and you have a bunch of toppers.

If you are planning a studio open house or similar party these would be a cute addition to a display table highlighting your Holiday Ornament Collections. I used mine on National Cupcake Day to welcome back the teachers at my son’s school…you can never go wrong giving something sweet to a teacher!

So there you go…a few ideas to get your imagination sparked with new ways to take any of the versatile Design Aglow products to create something unique and personal!

ashleyminton@me.com - I am LOVING this series!

Liz - Such great ideas! I actually had no idea you could buy a circle punch - awesome!! I was looking for a way to add a sticker to my print orders that are in cello bags (for when a client only orders 1 or 2 prints) and this is a perfect idea!

Jaz Ampaw-Farr - Wow - I am really excited about your ideas Ashley! Design Aglow stuff is excellent but your ideas really take it to the next level! Thank you so much for this - of to make some gorgeous tins for my Business Presentation! Thanks again - you have a massive UK fan!

Sarah - Such great ideas!! Thanks for sharing :)

aimee - I absolutely ADORE your blog! It is beautiful and the photos are just perfect! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring me! Love Aimee x

Mod Podge Amy - LOVE these ideas - they are great! This is an awesome blog.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, the composition notebook is calling my name! I think I see my Saturday project!

Stephanie - Seriously, your ideas are AMAZING! I am loving everything you've shared. The best part is that these ideas are not difficult to pull off and completely fun! Can't wait until your next share!

Sarah - Super great idea for the tin labels. Just ordered new tins and found perfect sized labels that are precut then bought the design aglow cards. Can't wait to create a new package for customers. Thx!!

Jodi - I agree, this series is fantastic! What a great find you found in Ashley Ann! I already want to purchase so many things based on this!

Amy - very inspirational!! this post makes me want to go home and break out the mod podge ;-D

Brandi Lee - Great idea! I will be doing this for both my kids birthdays!

rani - wow! that was the best post on how to ever!~!!!!!

new inspiration boards for your blog: the simple life

As we all know, a beautiful blog is something no professional studio can be without. It is becoming more important every day to stand out from the crowd and really put on a show for potential clients. Your blog is one of the first things your client will see when choosing a photographer, so extra care should be put into every post to let your personality and unique style shine through.

Because most blog softwares don’t offer the level of layout creativity the average photographer needs, we have designed 15 stunning templates to make each blog post a little work of art.

The Simple Life collection is the perfect fusion of striking layout and a clean, simple look, suitable for any type of shoot. These boards will harmonize your blog design, keeping all your posts beautiful and consistent.

Create these simple beauties in Photoshop by using the included action to add images to the PSD template.  A bonus InDesign file is included.

Thanks to Tinywater Photography and Claire Alyse Photography for the lovely imagery.

Click here to check out the Blog Inspiration Boards: The Simple Life in the shop!

Audra Bayette - Once again you have created a nifty tool that is going to make presenting my images so much easier:) Thank you Design a Glow!

Kathryn Bradley - Oh my goodness, I've been hunting for blog inspiration boards like these! DA to the rescue!

Elizabeth Beattie - Well, I just had to snatch this up now didn't I? I just can't thank you guys enough for making my life so much easier. It's amazing tools like this that allow me to be a mom to my children as well as a photographer. xoxoxo

Brandy Anderson - LOOOOOOVE these!

Janet - Wow!!! I have been looking for something like this for a long time! Just love it!

Melissa Madden - simply beautiful. will make life so much easier! thank you!

Stephanie Wiley - I LOVE these! I just used it for the first time on my blog today & it turned out great. Thanks so much for giving me so much inspiration!

Jaz Ampaw-Farr - Gorgeous! AM downloading them now!

renee - i love the look and feel of these photos! What filters were used on these photos? Im trying to find some great filters like this!

Liz - I feel like these would be great storyboards - or even book layouts

Courtney - This is a must-have. Seriously. MUST.

Bobbi Jo - I have be dreaming of these and finally found the ones I want and oh so need! Thank you!

studio newsletter marketing inspiration

Our fabulous share today comes from Angela Burke of One Thousand Words Photography.  She writes, “Wanted to drop you a note to say – LOVE the Studio Newsletter template!  Between wedding season and two toddlers – there is not a spare moment in the day and this newsletter took me less than an hour to create!  I used a few elements from the Fun and Flirty collection to fit the feel of our studio a little better and sent it to the printer!  So far the response from our clients has been fantastic and I can’t wait to send out fall.  It’s so nice to have such an easy yet fabulous way to keep our studio in front of our clients in a way that feels almost more like a valentine and less like a newsletter.”

Thanks for the great share, Angela….you’re $75 gift certificate is on the way!

Bobbi Beal - Beautiful- can you please tell me where you had these printed?

Lena - WHCC press printed accordion fold card

Melissa Madden - Not only is your fabulous share great, I love the name of your business! Adorable!

holiday marketing with flair

Steph Massey writes to us today with a fabulous share of the Holiday Ornament Cards: Tree Art Collection.  She says, “I changed the colors to reflect my branding since this is the holiday card that will be sent to clients.  Of course this was easy since Design Aglow products are the most flexible templates I own.  I also used a photo of my new pup Gracie.  What a wonderful way to introduce her as the new face of Woof Pet Photography and I knew my little clients would love to see her on the card!  I am using a narrow silk ribbon I purchased from May Arts for hanging which is the icing on the cake!  The end product exceeded my expectations.  The guys at CopyCraft were terrific and the card stock is a great weight for the cards.  I know my clients will love this creative option for their cards this holiday season!”

Thanks for the great share, Steph!  Your $75 gift certificate is on the way.

See our lovely Tree Art Cards in the shop and show us what you create with them!

creating an elegant sign-in book for weddings to get you noticed

Julie Butler sent us these images of her new Design Aglow inspired sign-in book.  She says, “I had so much fun creating this engagement guest signing album.  I used the Le Petit Jardin borders for the cover and some of the Le Petit Jardin Image Preview Box layers for my spine and the back of the album.  The result = STUNNING!!!!  I LOVE the borders!  They are sooo versatile…and so are the Image Preview Box layers.  My client LOVED it …. over and over again!!!!  THANKS again DesignAglow for always being there with everything I need to keep my studio products fresh and unique!!”

Thanks for the great share Julie!  Your $75 gift certificate is on the way!

Stephanie Reinish Photography - This book is amazing! Where is it printed?

Liz - Great job Julie!

julie c butler - Thanks Stephanie and Liz .. Stephanie .. this is a book printed with http://www.visionart.com/ their books are AMAZING .. and so it there CS .. TOP NOTCH!!!

Stephanie - Thanks Julie! I have an account with them, but just haven't ordered one yet... I was using the one from WHCC, but this looks so much nicer! Thanks again!

julie c butler - AND YOU KNOW WHAT??? They have FREE S&H Starting August 14-September 15 ...

Christine - Love Vision Art! The book looks gorgeous, Julie! Love those Design Aglow products!