Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens…. Admit it, when you read the title of this post, you totally heard Julie Andrews in your head. I currently can’t get the song OUT of my head, which prompted the writing of this post.

Each year, I like to share some of my favorite things. For 2012, I decided to make this a “Photographer’s Edition”, with a list of 12 things I really and truly could not live without. These things make my business run so much more smoothly, and keep the FUN in it! Be sure to check them out, especially if you are looking to make your studio’s workflow easier!

The #1 thing that has made my life easier over the past year is my studio management system, Pixifi. Pixifi is a cloud-based system that has streamlined the entire process from inquiries to delivery. I have tried other studio management software and systems, and nothing comes close to Pixifi. But the thing that really makes this company stand out is their customer service. There are no words for how seriously amazing and responsive the team is.  I cannot recommend Pixifi enough. You can even get a free 30-day trial of the system.  (Most of my clients have had a taste of how wonderful their portals are, so you can ask them how much easier it is for them to have everything in one place, too!!) To check it out or sign up, click here. You will not regret it! (And yes, Pixifi will help you manage all your invoices, expenses, contracts, appointments, workshops…EVERYTHING!)

#2 on my list is Adobe’s Lightroom 4. I admit to being a bit of a slowpoke to move to the LR revolution. I was mired in my Photoshop workflow. (I still use CS6, but LR4 has completely changed my workflow!!) It has become so much easier to sort, adjust, and export images with the implementation of Lightroom to my workflow. I know I’m kicking myself for not finding this out sooner. I still take each final edit into Photoshop for sharpening and a final check, but I’m now spending less than half the time I did before, and as you all know….time is money!

Now for something a little fun: #3 on my favorite things is a GOOD camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag. As you all probably know, I have a ton of bags from Kelly Moore. I’m a bit addicted, but they also are a little pricey. I recently discovered bags by Cheeky Lime, and not only are they affordable, but they look good, and have MASSIVE amounts of padding for your gear. I’m seriously in love with my Classic Bag in Teal. Not only is the size perfect to carry a TON of gear without being bulky, but the material is easy to clean. (That’s another bonus, in my book!)

#4 on my list of Favorite Things is good music to jam to while editing. I spend a lot of time in front of the computer, and sometimes I run a little short on inspiration. I’d be lost without my Spotify Premium Subscription. Only $9.99 a month, and not only do I get tons of great music and radio on my computer, I can take it with me on my Droid and iPod.  So my music goes with me wherever I am. I have various playlists I’ve created as well, to help get me in the right mood for different shoots. My Seniors playlist makes me MOVE!

Speaking of inspiration, #5 on the list…Pinterest! I love finding professional and personal inspiration on Pinterest, as well as creating my own boards. And one of these days, I swear I am going to try all those little crafty things I have pinned, and maybe a recipe or two. Have you followed Powell Woulfe Photography on Pinterest yet? Check out what I’m up to when I’m not shooting. (Hint, I’m pinning!!)

I get asked all the time, “What gear do you use?” and while I am a firm believer that it’s not a good camera that makes a great photographer, I know that finding the right gear to suit you and your style is imperative. I first purchased a Canon 5D Mark II when they debuted a few years ago, and this camera is a workhorse! I find the settings and menus extremely intuitive, and the expanded ISO range and reduced noise levels make it perfect for shooting in low light conditions. So, without a doubt, #6 on the list is my camera!!

Now, a camera needs a lens, right? For years, I have tried various lenses…seeking that one perfect fit. As any photography enthusiast knows, lenses can be even more expensive than your camera body. For my Canon loyalists, the L-series lenses with their distinctive red ring and solid construction are the creme de la creme. But not everyone has a few thousand to plunk down on a lens. I recently purchased my #7 favorite thing: the new Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM, which at under $420 was a real bargain. In comparison to the 85mm f/1.2 L, I actually like the 1.8 better. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a bit lighter, tack-sharp throughout the entire range of aperture, and I have absolutely no complaints about it! The bokeh is soft and yummy, and it hasn’t left my camera much for the last few months. Almost all of my recent work has been captured with this lens. Including my senior sessions. If you’re looking to add a prime to your portrait lens lineup….this is the one!!!

The rest of my list has to do with product. Sure, it might seem kind of boring, but I’ve spent the last several years seeking the perfect products to satisfy my client needs and wants. From online gallery to delivery, I think it is important to provide the finest available. Sometimes, that means spending a bit more. I’m OK with that, because the end result speaks for itself.

The first thing many of my clients see is my website. I believe a website is one of the most important investments a photographer can make. It is often the first (and sometimes ONLY) impression a potential client has of you and your brand. I knew I wanted a website that was professional, easy to change, and that provided the finest client experience possible. Enter #8: Showit. If you want a website as unique as your art, you need Showit. ‘Nuff said.

A few weeks back, I posted a few peeks at my new Custom DVD Luxe Wraps. Coming in at #9 on my favorite things list…these are available from Millers Lab, and are a personal way to present DVDs to clients at an affordable price point. Purchase a template to customize, or design your own.  Oh, and are you looking for photographers templates? Try Birdesign. (My #10!!!)

I want my clients to have their images – whether a print, a beautiful piece of wall art on canvas or metal, or in a handbound Italian album. You can’t hang a disc on the wall, or show off a USB drive to your friends when they drop by. Clients commission photographic art to be seen, to remind them of that time.  When capturing a session, I do so with a story to tell. I’ve found the perfect way to tell that story is with an album to complement those favorites that will grace the walls and desks at home and at work. I proudly offer the full range of albums from #11 Graphistudio, and each time an album is delivered, I get ooohs and ahhhs, and yes….even tears. The quality of the entire line is absolutely exquisite, and your clients will love them. These albums are not just for weddings! They make perfect albums for families, engagements,babies, childhood milestones and seniors.  A little birdie told me that studio samples are 50% off regular prices through January, so contact them today to get started!! I truly hope that in the New Year, each of my clients will choose an album from the Graphistudio line to complement their session. (I’ve already included them with every senior collection!)

My final thing on my list…YOU. I seriously could not keep going without all of my clients, photographer community, friends and family.  You are my support, my sounding board, my inspiration, and have helped me grow this business that I am so deeply passionate about. The past year has been the most amazing one yet for me, and despite some bumps in the road, you were all there to help, send words of encouragement, and keep me going. I went through a deployment, two surgeries alone, and all the ups and downs with it, but I kept fighting and striving to make this dream bigger and better. THANK YOU. I love you all, and appreciate you more than you could ever imagine!!

XOXO,

Angela