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Tamron_24-70mm_f2.8_610x424.jpgTamron has announced the development of the SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007), the world's first full-size high-speed standard zoom lens equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), with resolution at the top of its class. The lens will be developed for Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts. A release date has not been announced.

Product Features
 
  1. World's first full-size, high-speed standard zoom with built-in VC (Vibration Compensation). Even when shooting in low-light conditions with a slow shutter speed to render sharpness, Tamron's acclaimed VC allows for stable handheld camera work, to more fully enjoy the benefits of this high-speed zoom lens.
  2. Uses specialized high-grade glass in the three LD elements, three Glass Molded Aspherical Lenses, one Hybrid Aspherical Lens and two XR (Extra Refractive Index) glasses, delivering top-of-the-class quality images suited to this high-grade lens. Using a rounded diaphragm, the lens achieves gorgeous blur effects.
  3. Features USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) to power a speedy AF drive together with a continuous manual mechanism.
  4. This high-speed standard zoom lens has a wide-end focal length of 24mm that expands the photographic area.
  5. The lens adopts the new technology including the latest optical design, VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), all in a lighter and more compact package.
  6. Moisture-resistant construction helps prevent water from penetrating the lens.
Remember the day you decided that you needed to get a website? It might have been at a time when photographers thought of their websites solely as a digital version of their printed portfolios, or as a brochure for their studio/event businesses. But today, your website is much more - it's arguably the most important part of your sales and marketing strategy. If you don't already think of your website that way, then it might be time for an upgrade.

Building a successful photography website might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Depending on your clientele and addressable market, your website will need to focus on some features more than others (e-commerce vs. file delivery, for example). But regardless of your specialty, all photographers should bear in mind these 5 pillars of a successful photography website:

1. Separation of Church and State. If you have multiple lines of business, like shooting weddings and politics, create a separate website for each. If a potential new client comes to your website looking for coverage of the latest political debate and sees a galleries full of wedding photography, they're likely to leave and move on to another photographer who's more closely specialized in what they need. Don't lose business by mixing your audiences - instead, maintain separate websites that are focused on one specialty.

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James and Julie Branaman have one website for their photojournalism work at branaman.photoshelter.com.

branaman_2_photoshelter.jpgThe Branamans have another website for their wedding photography at branamanweddingphoto.photoshelter.com.

2. Clean, simple, and uncluttered. Clients are most likely visiting your website because they're interested in your photography, not your web design skills. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a nice logo and site design - just keep it simple. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find what they're looking for. That means focusing on well-organized and aptly named featured galleries and information pages that are easy to navigate to from your homepage.

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Megan and James of Solas Wedding + Portrait Photography have portfolios for both their wedding and portrait photograph, which are both easy to find from the homepage.

3. Search engine optimized. One of the most important factors to think about when building your website is whether it's search engine optimized. Although search engine optimization (SEO) - the way you structure and edit your website's content to maximize your ranking in search results - may seem difficult, a good photo website makes it easy. Rule #1 is no Flash, because search engines read Flash websites as basically a blank page; it's the plain, on-page text and web page meta data that gets your website to rank. Also, make sure that your gallery titles, image captions, and other text is optimized for the keywords that you want to rank for. You can learn more in this free guide, SEO for Photographers.

4. The faster, the better. You might think that a fancy intro with your logo slowly fading in is great, but it's almost certain that your clients don't. Photo buyers, consumers and clients tell us time and time again that if your website doesn't load in under 10 seconds, they're moving on. Make sure that you're working with a company that builds websites that will load and advance your images quickly. And if you absolutely insist on starting with a slideshow, make sure the visitor can control or dismiss it.

5. Easy-to-find contact information. Whether the goal of your website is to land you assignments, book weddings, or sell prints, make sure clients know how to contact you. This sounds simple enough, but clients frequently comment that they fall in love with a photographer's work and then can't figure out how to contact them. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to include your contact information in the footer of your website so it shows up on every page. You can use a "contact" link, but be sure to provide your email and telephone number since some clients don't like using standard contact forms.



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Travel and lifestyle photographer Ken Kaminesky includes his email and telephone number on the contact page.

Tuning up your website is a key marketing tactic for any good photography business. Of course, there are other strategies that should be part of your photography business plan. In PhotoShelter's 2012 Photo Business Plan Workbook, we help you assemble a concrete plan to beef up your marketing and grow your business. Use this step-by-step guide to build your business plan and stick to it!



Photography BlogSites has announced a partnership with internationally acclaimed digital photo sharing hub SmugMug. As the only website option with the ability to instantly synchronize its designs with SmugMug, Photography BlogSites is taking another step in becoming the premiere website service for photographers.

Through Photography BlogSites' instant sync ability with SmugMug, the design of the photographer's website will carry directly over to SmugMug - allowing photographers to retain their branding when customers make purchases. In addition, this service is available to all SmugMug Pro and Power users.

Read more here.
Wild Sorbet Frame & Design, the highly respected makers of large, handcrafted, custom wall frames, sold exclusively to professional photographers, has merged with Willowfly Designs, manufacturers of small, unique frames, designed primarily for tabletops and wall groupings. The official announcement took place at this year's Imaging USA in New Orleans.

Tana LeMay, owner of Wild Sorbet Frame & Design, is extremely excited about the line extension. "Since we started Wild Sorbet seven years ago, our customers - professional photographers all over the world - have been asking us if we have any smaller frames, ready for table-top display, in our line. Our answer was always the same. We focus on larger, custom frames, perfect for wall display. At long last, we now have the affirmative answer they've been hoping to hear."

This directional change did not come easily for LeMay. While demand was high for smaller frames that coordinated with the beautiful, handcrafted styles and wide array of colors - now 150-plus - of Wild Sorbet, until recently LeMay had steadfastly refused to stretch beyond the boundaries of her company's mission to only sell custom-made, wall display frames exclusively to photographers.

However, when colleague Kerry DeLay McCane approached her with a fresh line of tabletop and ready-to-hang frames that clearly complement her own frames, she recognized the possibilities. "Photographers have been asking for this for so long," says LeMay, "and finally, we've found a line of quality, less expensive, smaller frames that integrate beautifully with Wild Sorbet."

Willowfly's signature frame and ledge collections will soon be available alongside Wild Sorbet frames through professional photographers' studios and a very limited number of carefully selected, boutique retailers. "You won't find Willowfly frames at Target, K-mart or even Dillard's," says Kerry DeLay McCane, LeMay's new partner.

"The unusual colors and shapes of our Willowfly frames," she continues, "are designed to coordinate with the imaginative displays and awe-inspiring response that Wild Sorbet frames already generate in photographer's galleries around the world. It's a perfect fit."
Used Camera Buyer (booth 201) will be attending Imaging USA on Jan. 15-17th 2012 with checkbook in hand to pay you instantly for your gear. So bring your used or unwanted camera equipment and they will make you an offer that you can't refuse! If you would like to avoid carrying that heavy gear through the show call 1-866-735-5444 x 218 to make an appointment to meet before or after the show.

Used Camera Buyer will purchase all format film cameras, digital cameras, lenses, flash equipment and more. In addition, they will still buy Hasselblad, Mamiya, Bronica and other film gear. There's no need to bring backdrops, props, long roll cameras and darkroom equipment, regrettably we cannot purchase these. Be sure to ask about their 5% show bonus!

Questions? Call 1-866-735-5444 x 218 or email Richard@UsedCameraBuyer.com. If you are not able to visit Used Camera Buyer at the show remember they make firm offers and as always offer free inbound shipping and insurance on your quote.
XP PhotoGear will release two new products at Imaging USA: AirBox and Z Pro Bracket. Both products will be displayed at Arlington Camera, Booth 453. The AirBox is the first wind-resistant softbox, utilizing wind tunnel technology with light dispersion technology, giving the photographic industry the first wind resistant light modifier on the market.

The internal air flow system guides the air through the box - the open holes in the front allowxp_airbox_blog.jpg air to flow through the softbox. Users can regulate air flow by opening and closing the air vents on the side of the softbox as needed. As you open the vents, you are also regulating the light value of the softbox. The inner air flow baffle helps provide light dispersion throughout the box. Remove the inner baffle and create a hot spot with a vignette.

The AirBox is a standard 24x32 studio softbox that can easily and quickly be converted to a wind resistant softbox for outdoor or location photographers/videographers.

The Z Pro Bracket system will utilize current studio light modifiers for location photography. With custom designed adaptor plates, lighting accessories from Profoto, Photogenic, Norman, Aurora, Westcott, Bowen, Interfit, and Cheetah can easily be attached to the Z Pro Bracket. The Z Pro Bracket is compatible with all flash systems such as Nikon, Canon, Quantum, Olympus and is fully functional, adaptable and specifically designed to work with most wireless receivers, such as Pocket Wizard TT5, and many others.

There is virtually no limit to off camera flash modifiers that can be used with the Z Pro Bracket system. It will allow photographers and videographers to easily take their studio lighting equipment on location.

xp_zpro_blog.jpgThe Z Pro Bracket works with all major brand studio accessories.

The AirBox and Z Pro Bracket systems will be among the products showcased at Arlington Camera Booth 453 during Imaging USA, January 15-17 in New Orleans.

XP PhotoGear is a photographic distribution company based in Fort Worth, TX. It serves all photographers seeking 21st century innovation and inspiration. Products include: AirBox, Z Pro Bracket, Spike Extensions, Focus X Band, and all LiteShaper products. For more information contact the company at 817-726-4781 or visit them online at www.xpphotogear.com
Triple Scoop Music is the leading music licensing service for Professional Photographers worldwide, as well as a PPA Affinity partner. This week TSM is launching their new music licensing site with some big upgrades. The new site, http://www.TripleScoopMusic.com, features a powerful music search engine, enhanced music player and more than 10,000 songs hand-picked for Photo and Video themes such as Weddings, Portraits, Children, High School Seniors, Boudoir and more. To complement the new website, Triple Scoop Music is launching a new featured video featuring gorgeous images and award-winning music. See (and hear) what TSM is all about at Imaging USA, booth 222.


Westcott will be exhibiting at the upcoming Imaging USA Photographic Convention and Expo January 15-17, 2012. Individuals attending the show can find Westcott in Booth 1410.

Exclusive to the Imaging USA Expo, the Ice Light™ will be making its first appearance. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Ice Light™ in action at the booth as well as gain education on photography from Top Pro Photographers like Joel Grimes, Lou Freeman, James Schmelzer and many more!

The Ice Light™ will also be available for pre-order at the show for a discounted price. Purchases can be made at the following dealers attending the show: Adorama, Arlington Camera, Dury's Photo, Midwest Photo Exchange, Showcase and Southeastern Camera.

About The F.J. Westcott Company

The F.J. Westcott Company is an industry-leading producer of photography and video lighting products. Founded in 1899, F.J. Westcott pioneered the photography light control industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of lighting equipment, light modifiers, backgrounds and accessories to professionals, enthusiasts and consumers. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, F.J. Westcott consists of brands including Westcott® professional lighting equipment, Photo Basics® enthusiast and educational lighting products, and a background rental service RentScenicBackgrounds.com.

Black River Imaging, known for their beautiful lineup of wedding albums and books, leads the photography industry with a revolutionary new ordering software called Cascade. As photographers build their album, they preview a real-time virtual version which reduces order errors and saves design time. And now, a 3-D preview of the completed album can be easily shared via Facebook, blog or website. Hands-on demos of Cascade's 3-D "Publish Preview" will be shown at Imaging USA in booth #307 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from January 15-17, 2012.

At its core, Cascade's virtual interface allows the photographer to build and flip through an album or book in 3-D. The user can visualize the cover colors, textures and inside pages of a book as it is designed. Photographers can drag and drop album layouts they have created on their own, or have the ability to create on the fly with a large library of select layouts for the perfect fit.
 
Upon completing an album, the photographer selects Cascade's Publish Preview option. With one click, a 3-D preview downloads to the photographer's desktop as a standalone version or for use on her website. Alternatively, photographers who promote themselves via a blog or Facebook, click embeddable code for their blog site or click a Facebook "share" button. In each instance, a 3-D album preview with optional royalty-free Triple Scoop Music appears on their website, blog or Facebook wall. 
 
"Second only to holding an album in your hands, Publish Preview allows photographers to wow potential clients with a virtual version," said Brandon Hedgpeth, Marketing Director of Black River Imaging. "One wedding photographer raved that Publish Preview is so effective, his clients immediately go quiet and then ask which package will get them the album."

Simply put, Cascade from Black River Imaging is a high powered tool, created to help photographers differentiate themselves with easy album ordering and online marketing options.
 
Black River Imaging has been serving professional photographers for over 40 years, offering photo albums and wall prints, as well as novelty and sports products. Live chat and friendly customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00am-10:00pm CST on its website, www.blackriverimaging.com, or by phone at 1-888-321-4665.
Gina Alexander Photo Handbags (Booth #1134) has announced a show special during Imaging USA. During the Imaging Expo, join the VIP Membership Group and get a personalized Photo Luggage Carry-On as a bonus! Photo Luggage is a new product from Ginaginaalexander_photoluggage.png Alexander (see image on right) personalized with the image of your choice. Photo Luggage meets carry-on requirements of all airlines, is heavy-duty and scratch proof and meets TSA padlock requisites.

  • Normal Package price = $1399 (includes $1563 in product samples alone!)
  • Photo Luggage Retail Value = $425
  • TOTAL VALUE = $1824
  • IMAGING USA SPECIAL PRICE = $999 - That's a 45% SAVINGS!

Or, join Gina Alexander's Executive Membership Group for $399 - 20% savings.

Pre-Imaging USA Special

Prior to Imaging USA, Gina Alexander will offer an additional $100 off the VIP package price, making the total $899 - a full 50% savings.

The company will also offer an additional $50 off the Executive package price, making the total $349 - 30% in total savings. These additional offers expire January 6th at 8PM PST, so act quickly! 
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