Not "that photographer"

I recently had a fellow business owner send me her thanks for helping her with her own product photography... and she commented that she was really happy that I wasn't "that photographer".
It really made me smile.

Your right! I am not.

There are a lot of ways that I am not that photographer... and I thought I would share a my list of 10 things about myself and my business that set me apart!

1. I don't judge your photography skills
2. I don't claim to be the "end all be all" to photography
3. I SHARE my knowlage, I WANT to help
4. I don't believe equipment is everything
5. I believe in client's privacy and I don't share even a 1/3 of the work I do
6. I don't ever want COST to be the reason why someone doesn't have great images! Personally or for their products. Everyone deserves to have amazing images.
7. I am old school and believe "It's not a print until you can hold it in your hand"
8. I do a lot of charity work
9. I support women, local, and small businesses 
10. I focus on being green. Recycling, re-purposing and purchasing from companies with a "green focus". 

 I have spent several days... well weeks really, in the past few months working with other business owners who don't have products that could be shipped or who are choosing at this time not to send products to me for other reasons, mostly because they do mostly custom items. I have been troubleshooting and offering my advice free to them to improve their home studio set up, and camera skills to be able to get the "best" available images, working with what they have.

This month was sort of a toss up for me when I made my plan for the year... so I have decided I will focus on macro and product photography this month since it seems so many people out there REALLY need this help! I hope to share some tips, techniques and camera functions to help you achieve better images on your own.

This does not in any way mean I couldn't use your support, or business! I would LOVE to help you with your imaging needs!  Like I said before - don't let cost be the reason you don't have good images! I have several deals available, I offer trade for services in many cases... and I will do my best to work with YOUR budget without sacrificing your needs!

 In fact, I will offer the first 3 people to email me at VertePhoto at Gmail dot Com a FREE 1 box shoot! What ever you want to send 1 time only.. you only pay the shipping. Everything will get the full treatment... multiple photos of each item, digital preview and watermarking with your logo or website... full photo release and a special surprise item to be returned with your products! My march madness gift to you!

 I don't know anyone else who offers FREE product images! But hey... I am not "that" photographer !

Christmas Mug Swap

Christmas is certainly a time of giving!

 Heather from Heatherly Loves, you might remember from  a past mug swap, hosted her own swap party for the holiday season...and it was a blast!

My mug swap sender really gave me a goodie! She brightened my home and my day with this great snowman mug - which I must say, nestles right into my hand  with its awesome curves!

While not all participants of this swap where bloggers... Heather has hosted a linkup so you can check out some other holiday cheer!

 Thanks again to all who participated and most of all to the woman who sent me this! It fits my snowman cheer decor perfectly!

Ornament Exchange 2012

Well I admit, I am a little behind! However, I am super excited to share the ornaments I received!

This exchange was hosted and put together by Tutus and Tea Parties, a super cute blog btw! I highly recommend you get to know Robin!

I was SUPER lucky and got to double dip my ornaments... meaning I got to have 2 partners! My first, was Colletta from Colletta's Kitchen sink. She does a great job reviewing books and recipes! PLUS she has a super cute shop attached to it!

In fact! I had a great surprise when I opened my package, she had enclosed a newborn hat from her shop, to add to my prop box for babies! SUPER awesome!!!! I LOVE IT!

 For my Ornament she made me this sweetie.... which is now prominently displayed with all my other treasures on our family tree! Yes... I included the hat in this image so you could see how adorably small it is!

My other swap partner is from Eugene, Or. Where I spent a wonderful Christmas with family YEARS ago... I have really warm memories, even though it was bitterly cold when I visited.  Chrissy from Muse in the Mornings describes herself as ". I'm a mama, an artist and a kisser of owies, giver of snuggles and nurturer of art. I live in the heart of Oregon hippie country with The Hubs and my 2 adorable children" She has a great sense of humor and I have really enjoyed reading up on her life, craft projects and ooing and ahhing over her sewing patterns.

While I feel she got the short end of the stick on this exchange... I LOVED what she sent me - It is vibrant and colorful just like her!

I am super excited that I was connected with these ladies! Both offer such great shops and blogs I am certain that I will continue to follow them and I really hope you take some time to visit as well!

On a personal note... Yes.. the background is new,  it's a background mini - small and made just for these little objects! These are the first test shots with this color combo, let me know your thoughts!
You will see more of the mini's for sale in my shop come January, but if your looking to add to your photos, picking up a pre-made mini, or custom ordering one to match your shop colors is a great option!

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Latest Coffee Mug Swap

First a big shout out to Heather from Heatherly Loves who put together this great mug swap that I was lucky enough to get an invitation too. If you don't know Heather, shes super fun, and crafty and I highly recommend you check her out, and get to know her via her blog, pintrest or even twitter. 

I really enjoy doing these swaps... not just because I get a new mug, but because I learn so much about the person I get to send something to. AND I must say it is always interesting to me to see what is selected as a mug that fits my personality and interests.

For this swap I was partnered with Megan from Whimsically Homemade
whimsicallyhomemade.blogspot.com
http://pinterest.com/whimsicallyhome/

Since this was a partner - I sent something to her, and she back to me! Which I LOVE btw!

For her, I was very thoughtless and completely forgot to send her a note with her mug. So Megan, I am sorry for that! I was so proud of myself for getting it shipped early - I ran straight from the store to the USPS store and didn't think of it again until I saw your SUPER cute card!

I had been to the Whimsically Homemade blog before, and it stuck in my mind due to the owl theme. Which I thought super cute to start with... but as I dove in as a stalker, I found there is so much more to the gals on that blog. But when I came across your mug in the Halloween section, I couldn't resist it! If you want to know what I found - check out Megan's post on Whimsically Homemade

For those of you reading so patiently to me ramble on - Megan more then out-did herself on finding just the right mug for me! As I mentioned it came with a super cute card and handwritten note.

Go Green - in French... how adorably perfect! I don't know where you found it - but I cant think of anything that would have been better! Thanks so much for being so thoughtful!

 If you enjoyed this reveal - you should check out the others on the Reveal Link Up!

Something to Talk About!

I must start by saying I wish I had thought of this! 

My good friend Kristina  has created a super great way of not only promoting products and women she loves but a way to introduce you to them AND give you a chance to WIN some fantastic items!  I know and have shopped several of the shops myself - and I promise you will LOVE them! Kristina's A-list members not only kick out great products, but also have GREAT customer service! Below is her posting and information about the giveaway - I really hope you all take advantage and enter to win! (don't forget to click her name and visit the "real" post and follow her as well!)




I talk about how amazing each one of my A-list members are quite frequently, and frankly friends, they are at it again.  In a recent email I made mention about having an exclusive A-List giveaway and was curious about how many would be interested in participating. Oh my goodness, the response was overwhelming! So, here it is - the EXCLUSIVE A-LIST GIVEAWAY, the ONLY Giveaway you will be seeing on the blog for the entire rest of the month!

Here are the beautiful faces you have to thank for this awesome giveaway today!!

ONE WINNER PER PRIZE.

That means there will be LOTS of WINNERS - so get to entering and feel free to spread the word!!

A $25 Gift Certificate from Verte Photography - it can be used toward product photography services, or in her upcoming shop to launch this winter!

**2 Up for Grabs!**

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Your Choice of iPhone 4S Lace Ombre Case from Debonair Bandit

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Your choice of a NON-Custom Print from the After Nine to Five Shop

**2 Are up for Grabs!**

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This Trick or Treat Monster Tote from Lu & Ed

 

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One long 30 inch necklace, featuring a 40mm turquoise donut, laced with leather cord and amber beads from Whispering Sweet Nothings.

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A 7" bracelet with 4 strands of different colored beads from Eloping Designs!

(can be customized to any length)

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A handmade stretch bracelet containing your choice of colors. The bracelet will be made with high quality metal/silver beads, glass beads and Swarovski crystals. This bracelet will include 1 charm from the Bluebird Bijoux Designs Shop.

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This sweet, little, padded phone clutch: Orange typewriter, by Aubrey Plays

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Halloween Fabric Bow Set from The Mollie Shop! 

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 This Vintage Pleated Pouch by Sand and Starfish

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A $25 Gift Certificate Towards a Custom Designed Rhinestone Shirt of your Choice by Sparkle Me

 

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A $10 Gift Certificate to Sweetsies 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for a shop swap?

I have been thinking of a fun way to promote and meet some new bloggers, and shop owners so I thought I would offer a service swap and review!

I will provide reviews on my blog, and promotion on multiple social media outlets, AND free product images with a full release for your use, for up to 5 items. As part of the swap, I would love a review, and similar promotion on social media and your blog or website of my services. Products will be returned to you unless you specifically tell me otherwise. Unfortunately, I do need to limit the amount of people that I offer this too... so I have placed a limit right now of the first 10 NEW CLIENTS.

If you need a few new images of holiday items or new items you are working on this is a great opportunity. Not only do you get great images for FREE - but you get promotion as well! In case you don't know about my services you can check out my website here.

I offer multiple  images of each product. Plus, your items are typically photographed and posted for your preview/approval on a secure site 1-2 days after I receive your items! This phototrade is a $50 value for each person, with nothing but shipping and a bit of space on your blog! Plus, if you would like to add additional items to your package, we can discuss a discounted rate, or trade for extra items! Just send me an email or message to discuss the details!

vertephoto@gmail.com

I can't wait to see some new products! I will update this post with a ***closed promotion*** tag when it is no longer available!

Something to cheer you!

So I don't often click blog links that I don't know from twitter... mostly due to time. Not that I have extra of that today... but I did on a whim click this link... and I am so glad I did!

http://debonairbandit.blogspot.com/2012/09/such-special-way-to-cheer-you-up-yes-you.html#comment-form

Such a special way to cheer you!
So I am playing along... even if I am not selected to receive a gift, I'm super excited to do this for someone else! Here are the details!

The rules:

+The first three people to comment on this post will receive

a little gift - something personal from me to you.

+Within a year (I'll do it in two months) I'll create something

unique to share with the first three people to

comment on this post.

+But in order to receive your present you have to play along.

Spread the love on your own blog promising to send a

little special something to the first three people

who comment on your post.

+You get 72 hours to re-post, or I'll have to move on to

the next person.

+Please only comment if you're willing to pay it forward.

If you want to receive something unique and self-made from me in the mail and if you are willing to do the same for others, leave a comment below! Please leave your email address so that I can contact you directly! And blog URL so that I and others can visit your blog!

My Mug!

I am super excited to show off my mug! It was a fantastic reveal!

First, I am going to say I let it sit on my product desk and stare at me for several days while I was not shooting... yes I showed some restraint as I WAS going to wait until today... so it would be a super big surprise... but knowing how busy I am Monday mornings... I went ahead and did the unveiling a day early so I could spend my time writing about it this morning!

I am also going to send a quick disclaimer with my photographs today... I have decided that setting up my studio, and watermarking every image every time I do a quick shot for this blog... will indeed be the death of me! To that end, I have made the executive decision to always use the same custom background, and natural / available light for these images instead. So... if you see a shadow, or no watermark... that's why... I'm just trying to get it done quickly so I can get back to sharing with you!

Here is the box.... as it stared at me for days....

Once I busted out the scissors I made short work of the tape and box... but WOW there was a LOT of tape!!!! I opened to find first thing the cutest little note inside... hand made... and ADORABLE!

Inside it said...

"So glad we could be partnered for the mug swap. I chose it because you seem to enjoy nature photography and animals. I also shose it because "verte" is french for green (but I'm sure you know that :) ) I hope you enjoy it! Nice to meet you, Jen

AWWW can I tell you I was busting to get this package unwrapped now! So sweet of Jen to dig around and learn a few things about me! and yes... I do know Verte is french for green! That is so the reason I choose the name! Exotic right! 

So... right up my alley I find it wrapped in re-cycled bags  LOVE THAT...

And Finally.... MY MUG!

A Green Elephant! Super adorable! and I LOVE the legs!!!

But not as much as a LOVE the....

 TAIL!

So a big shout out and THANK YOU to my lovely mug sender!

Jen
http://freckleonthenose.blogspot.com/

Follow her on Pinterest
and Twitter Jen ‏ @jencess

Also thanks to the hosts of this great swap!
and for the linkups!

http://www.dalaynadillon.blogspot.com
http://yellowumbrelladesign.blogspot.com
  
I also wanted to send a big hug to the woman that I got to know and I hope she is enjoying her new mug, even though I took some liberty and a big chance with my idea of a mug for hers! I have very much enjoyed learning more about Heather and I really hope you take this time to do the same!


Blog: www.heatherlyloves.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMKJ
Instagram: http://followgram.me/heatherkaluf/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/HeatherKaluf/


When your drinking your coffee this morning... enjoy ladies!