I’ve been using Moo for some cool uses of my own for the past year. Because my business name is not my actual name, I need to find ways for people to associate my own name with Fresh Sugar Photography. One of the ways I do it is with a Moo sticker on the bag of each print. I signed my name using my Wacom and made it into a cute little sticker. This way I am letting my clients know that they have purchased one-of-a-kind artwork, and I am also keeping my own name in their minds, as well as my business name.

I use the Moo MiniCards as a way to incorporate new faces into my portfolio. I made “you’ve been spotted” cards to give out anytime I see a child or family that I would love to photograph. They are cute and fun, and a less-creepy way of saying “Are you a model?”.

I also ordered sets of cards for myself and Danna before WPPI. At $19.99 for 100 cute little cards, it was the perfect solution for small run needs. The cards are seriously yummy, so thick and sturdy – you won’t believe them until you see them. Plus, you can have 100 different images on 100 different cards. So cool!

So if all of this hasn’t convinced you to give Moo a try, then how about a discount on your first order? Moo is generously giving our readers 15% off their first Moo order. Use code 2RB2CK at checkout, and anxiously await your order! You’ll love their packaging too, totally cute!

We have a ton of blog posts coming up in the next couple of weeks, tackling things like competition and jealousy, cool ways to use Moo.com and an Inspiration Challenge that I am so personally excited about that I can’t stop thinking about it!

We’re also working on another side project (I know, like we aren’t busy enough), mentoring some amazing women (with more to come next week!), and gearing up for a very busy spring season in our portrait businesses.

Another thing we wanted to let everyone know is that the next round of mentoring is now sold out. We might be doing another in May, so if you are interested, please let us know by emailing me at brandy@twophotogs.com and asking to be put on the waiting list.
Our waiting list gets first dibs on the mentoring spots, which is why they sell out so quickly.

So look forward to the next couple of weeks where we will have a new project announced, a new Inspiration Challenge, new posts about cool things, and even some new partnerships with some awesome companies and blogs!

We’re breaking it down into what to do at the convention, who to see, where to go – and then we’ve got a whole lot of other stuff to do in Vegas while you are down there!

I will admit that I am not really a class-goer when it comes to WPPI. I love Vegas and I get distracted really easily. I’ve actually only ever seen a handful of speakers and what I’ve seen has been hit and miss, to be honest. I’ve seen some speakers that were really inspiring, and some that didn’t seem to share anything that wasn’t common sense. I’ve also tended to be attracted to seeing the “rockstars” of photography, going for the name instead of the topic of the presentation.

This year is going to be really different. For the first time ever, I went through the classes and made myself a schedule. BUT, guess what I did? I covered up the name and photo of the speaker and ONLY looked at the class description. I chose the classes that sounded like something I could use, or that sounded interesting. I’m really excited to see these speakers because I know that I’m going to get a lot out of what I’m hearing instead of just being impressed by the fame of the photographer. And remember that EVERY photographer speaking is a rockstar in their own right or they wouldn’t be asked to speak at WPPI!

Unfortunately, some of the classes are scheduled at the same time. (and at 8am. OUCH!) So I’m going to discuss with some friends and see if maybe we can hit different classes and compare notes after. If any readers are interested too, please let me know!

SATURDAY

I get into town on Friday night, because I am dying to watch the print competition judging. Whether you’ve entered anything or not, I’ve always heard that this is the place where you will absolutely learn the most, hands down. I’ve always brought my husband down for the weekend before WPPI in the past and had fun with him before the convention started. This year though I really want to see the judging, so no husband for me, but still plenty of fun!

SUNDAY

Print competition again and then I’m hoping to see:

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. / RM# 313-316
Doug Gordon — Posing is Back and It’s this Year’s Black

Come with Doug Gordon as he brings you on a complete journey toward taking your photography and business to the next level, in his straight-forward, straight from the heart, inspirational style.
You will be motivated, educated, challenged and entertained in a program that will completely transform the way you shoot. If you love speakers who are motivational and very funny, come to this class. Come because people learn best when they are laughing; because they need a motivational message; and because they need to have fun while they learn. Learn how to take immediate action and create momentum toward becoming the photographer you want to be. What better environment is there to learn than while on the fly working outside-the-box. See unconventional, unique, edgy, glamorous poses right before your eyes.

There’s a natural magic you need to learn to capture and shoot like two photographers, a main and second shooter.

MONDAY

Ok, so I made a little exception in my rockstar philosophy because I just love Jasmine Star. But I also really want to learn more about Lightroom, so I am torn. There’s another Lightroom class on Tuesday, so I might make it work.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. / RM# 318
Bruce Dorn — The Moving Portrait: HD Video for Still Photographers
The newest hybrid VDSLR cameras offer an unprecedented opportunity. Portrait photographers can now capture both still photographs and HD video in a single session all while using a familiar camera system. This virgin territory is largely unexplored as many still shooters are in the intimidated by the unfamiliar workflow. Join Canon Explorer of Light Bruce Dorn as he shares tips, tools and techniques for exploring this emerging trend. Bruce is a member of the Directors Guild of America and brings 25 years of Hollywood experience to the table. Creative capture techniques will be heavily emphasized in this platform session.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. / RM# 306-307
Blake Discher — Smart Web SEO Means More Bookings
Do you know what good search engine results mean for your business? How do you direct clients to your site? Is your website getting buyers to stop and take notice? Blake Discher combines his Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expertise with his successful photo business savvy in this head-spinning session. Do not miss this chance to learn how to market your business with both on-page and off-page SEO techniques. Blake talks candidly about what your website needs to make it work for you.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. / RM# 319-320
Jasmine Star — Ghetto Fabulous Marketing
Wait, what?! You don’t have $20,000 set aside to market your business this year? Well, then, this class may be of assistance and encourage exponential growth using basic marketing practices. Come learn ways to maximize exposure and market your brand effectively and purposefully with very little money (can you say ghetto fabulous?!) by leveraging your most valuable asset: YOU.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. / RM# 301-302
Art Suwansang — Lightroom 2: Development Module Creative Fast Track
The Lightroom Development Module is at the core of our image-processing engine. This program will build on the fundamentals stating with the basic-adjustments palettes and scale up to the creative use of the various adjustments. Come learn how to create magic within Lightroom and be inspired by how much and how fast you can transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary. Using learned knowledge of effective presets, change an image into a stunning black-and-white, quickly enhance an image in 10 seconds, perform sky enrichment, use the localize editing as a eye enhancer, soften skin, retouch basic blemishes retouching and many more. This is definitely a session not to be missed.

TUESDAY

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. / RM# 318
Jim Divitale — The Perfect Exposure: Mastering The Composite Image
In this fast-paced two-hour program, Jim will share his creative compositing techniques on merging images to create the perfect exposure. Topics include the start- -to-finish formula in creating the fine art composite montage, bracketing exposures for Merge to HDR, exposing and stitching the perfect panoramic, and creating multi-image extended depth of field.

2:30pm – 6:30pm
Victor Sizemore Mentor Session - http://vcsmentorsession.eventbrite.com/
A fabulously styled mentor shoot with wedding photographer Victor Sizemore in a dry lake bed. I’m not a wedding photographer, nor do I have any plans to be one. But I love learning new things, and I love love love taking photographs of beautiful people in fabulous places. I can’t wait for this. Which now means that I cannot attend:

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. / RM# 313-316
Julieanne Kost — Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Discover the power of Adobe’s latest incarnation of Adobe Lightroom as Julieanne Kost reveals the robust new features of the next generation of image management and editing software. This action-packed session will give you the deluxe tour through new tools, powerful updated features, and product enhancements enabling you to quickly get up to speed to take advantage of the most current technology. From the novice to the seasoned expert, everyone has something to learn from this class!

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. / RM# 310
Dane Sanders — Anatomy of a Creative
If you’re serious about professional photography, it’s critical to understand what characteristics all successful creatives share in their pursuit of making their art translate into remarkable business ventures. It turns out it’s simpler and more imitable than most think. Don’t miss this must-see workshop from Fast Track Photographer author Dane Sanders.

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. / RM# 310
Kay Eskridge — And for Dessert. . . A Little Eye Candy
Kay Eskridge is taking advantage of slower economic times and reconnecting with an untapped market—boudoir photography. Creating a separate division of her studio, CelebrateSexy, is providing her a financially rewarding revenue stream and an experience her clients can’t stop talking about. How’d she do it? This program will take you through the process, show you how to market it, how to sell it and how to create a place where sexy is not defined by age, shape or size. If you’re interested in bringing a little ‘sexy’ back into your studio this program is perfect for you.

WEDNESDAY

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. / RM# 301-302
Blair Phillips — Break the Mold: Eclectic Elegance
“Eclectic elegance” has been used to describe Blair Phillips’ style. Unusual settings, found in typical places, set Blair’s images apart while mixing eclectic lighting and poses equals trademarked success. Allow him to share effective lighting techniques for blood-pumping results and learn how he creates atypical portraits in less than perfect situations—while still maintaining consistent, salable images that set you apart and re-define the word “different.” Blair has a young team that strives for fresh ideas—be inspired to break the mold for a more fashionable tomorrow.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. / RM# 312 + 317
Arthur Rainville & Jennifer Hudson — A Handmade, Heartfelt Life
AFFAIRS OF THE HEART: Join resident “heartist,” Arthur Levi Rainville, for a tender look into a world of heart stories. Arthur will share how he can translate the love into genuine income in these challenging times. Believing that in this high tech world we all still crave high touch, Arthur will lead us on a natural journey of sensitive portrayals perfect for brides and grooms, families and all women of affection. These two new-age artisans will offer insights into a world craving unique offerings in a never-ending challenge to retain our craftsmanship. Come be inspired and re-energized by these two creative visionaries.

A HANDMADE LIFE: Jennifer Hudson, WPPI’s first-ever International Photographer of the Year, will share her magical creative process—her inspirations, secrets to the successes of her emotional fine art portraits, and the Photoshop techniques that enhance them. She will offer glimpses into her whimsical life, liveliness for your creative soul, and innovative ideas she has invented in a quest to offer her clients artistic, personal handmade products; all a charming, informative, and inspiring culmination of the handmade life.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. / RM# 304-305
Susan Beard, Leah MacDonald, Julia Lehman-McTigue – PARTNERS IN CRIME
Creating great relationships is the key to a successful business. Building upon this business model has allowed us to expand our primary business, Susan Beard Design Photography, in many unusual directions using other companies products and services.

Look at your business… are you creating new and exciting products for your clients each year? Are you expanding your creativity to affect the bottom line? We will show you how to create many companies under one umbrella.

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. / RM# 319-320
Matt Mendelsohn and Greg Gibson — Now It’s Personal: Taking Time Away From Weddings To Pursue Meaningful Projects
Join former USA Today photographer and photo editor Matt Mendelsohn and two-time Pulitzer-prize winner Greg Gibson as they describe the personal work that has given them new perspective on their careers as photojournalists and wedding photographers. For Mendelsohn, it was an offhand remark from a makeup artist at a wedding that led to a yearlong project that has reinvigorated his photographic passion. From Gibson, learn how his exotic travels deep into Brazil have recharged his batteries. You won’t look at wedding photography the same after this platform.

THURSDAY

I’m going to say it. While there is an amazing list of speakers for this, and I love the concept of Ignite – I’m really disappointed that I don’t see many photographers who are not big, huge names in wedding/portrait photography right now. There was an open call for proposals so I will assume that these photogs put in the best ideas (I didn’t submit anything in case you think I’m just being a Bitter Betty) but I was way more excited about this when I thought there was going to be a collection of regular, just-like-me photogs.

9:00am-11:00am
Photographers Ignite - http://photographersignite.com/
What can you learn in just 5 minutes? Photographers Ignite is the closing program of WPPI 2010. Be there Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 9am – 11am and check out the 20 HOT presentations. Come join the fun whether you’re a speaker or just coming to take it all in!
What is Photographers Ignite? I’m glad you asked!
From Wikipedia: Ignite is a style of presentation where participants are given five minutes to speak on a subject accompanied by 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for 15 seconds, and slides are automatically advanced. The first Ignite was held in 2006 in Seattle, Washington, and was sponsored by O’Reilly Media and MAKE magazine.
Photographers Ignite is all about Photography!

So that’s what I’ve scheduled so far, not to mention all the awesome tradeshow speakers that I can see while walking the tradeshow floor. I am SUPER excited for this year’s WPPI and hope to learn a lot – and learn things that will be beneficial to both my business and myself as a photographer. If you decide to check out any of the above classes, please come sit with me, I’d love to meet you!

We’re breaking it down into what to do at the convention, who to see, where to go – and then we’ve got a whole lot of other stuff to do in Vegas while you are down there!

While I am taking a shorter trip to Vegas this year I still plan to sit in on a couple of classes. Really, you learn so much if you pick the right speakers. Take time to consider what you want to learn, where you would like to improve most and then take care to choose classes that are going to focus on those things. 2 years ago I sat in on some classes that were really great and I walked away with a fresh new perspective and lots of inspiration, and some other…well not so much…lol. It’s not that they were bad classes they were just not what I needed.

Sunday

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Doug Gordon — Posing is Back and It’s this Year’s Black

Come with Doug Gordon as he brings you on a complete journey toward taking your photography and business to the next level, in his straight-forward, straight from the heart, inspirational style.

You will be motivated, educated, challenged and entertained in a program that will completely transform the way you shoot. If you love speakers who are motivational and very funny, come to this class. Come because people learn best when they are laughing; because they need a motivational message; and because they need to have fun while they learn. Learn how to take immediate action and create momentum toward becoming the photographer you want to be. What better environment is there to learn than while on the fly working outside-the-box. See unconventional, unique, edgy, glamorous poses right before your eyes.

Develop a distinctive wedding style allowing you to direct a client yet capture the emotion and feel of photojournalism.

There’s a natural magic you need to learn to capture and shoot like two photographers, a main and second shooter. Learn from this legendary imagemaker.

Monday:

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Eric Meola — Seeing in Color
This lecture is meant to be inspirational as opposed to technical, personal rather than theoretical. “My focus is on my use of color, how I visualize it, how I think in color and why I use it to tell my story,” says Eric. The talk lasts approximately an hour and a half to two hours, and includes more than 200 images covering many aspects of Eric’s career from advertising through several book projects; as well shows a cross section of personal images made on trips throughout the world, including images made with both digital cameras and film.

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. / RM# 311
Rocco Ancora — Bring Your Vision to Life
Capturing stunning images in-camera is an art in itself but how do you interpret  an image and complete  your vision in the final print? Image capture has always been half of the equation. Bringing the negative to life in the hands of a master printer is the other. The digital age has allowed us to be in full control of the process. Understanding the digital concepts that allow you to bring an image to life is an essential skill for redefining the image creating process. Join three-time Australian wedding photographer of the year Rocco Ancora as he takes you through a process of digital enhancement to give your images a unique and distinct signature look.

OR

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sondra Ayers & Jerry Deck — Great Studio Success Stories
Fast-paced and full of take-home information, this program will showcase a number of studio owners who have started living the Life Of Their Design. Hear and see how each of the featured studios used marketing and branding elements to build their own unique success stories. From the basics of branding to the latest tips on social and Internet marketing, this interactive program will help all who attend find their own unique marketing voice. The audience will be inspired by the photographers featured who are in the trenches just like they are! This class will captivate both beginners and seasoned pros!

Unfortunately I have to leave Tuesday afternoon, but if I were staying I would LOVE to check out these classes as well. So if any of you out there attend any of these feel free to email me with your notes…I would be very grateful :-)

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jay Maisel — Light, Gesture, Color, Perception & New Works
Jay Maisel’s name has become synonymous with light, gesture and color. He started his professional career in 1954 and since then his images have been used for advertising, editorial and corporate communications worldwide. He has exhibited widely and his prints are in private, corporate and museum collections. Among his awards are the ASMP Life Time Achievement award, ASMP Photographer of the Year, International Center of Photography’s Infinity Award and the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, Cooper Union and Yale University, Jay conducts workshops, seminars and lectures around the world.  His most recent books are Jay Maisel’s New York and an homage to the World Trade Center, A Tribute.

Wednesday

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Matt Mendelsohn and Greg Gibson — Now It’s Personal: Taking Time Away From Weddings To Pursue Meaningful Projects
Join former USA Today photographer and photo editor Matt Mendelsohn and two-time Pulitzer-prize winner Greg Gibson as they describe the personal work that has given them new perspective on their careers as photojournalists and wedding photographers. For Mendelsohn, it was an offhand remark from a makeup artist at a wedding that led to a yearlong project that has reinvigorated his photographic passion. From Gibson, learn how his exotic travels deep into Brazil have recharged his batteries. You won’t look at wedding photography the same after this platform.

** I don’t shoot weddings but one goal for me this year is to do more personal projects. I have a book full of ideas and never make the time for them. I love learning about other photographers personal projects and what they have done for them.

We’re breaking it down into what to do at the convention, who to see, where to go – and then we’ve got a whole lot of other stuff to do in Vegas while you are down there!

Aside from speakers WPPI is home to the biggest baddest photography trade show anywhere! With over 300 exhibitors you are sure you find many things that will improve your life as a photographer.

***Be sure to stop by the Finao booth (1209) Fiano is a super cool album vendor that loves Brandy’s work so much they asked her to design some sample albums for their booth, so make sure you check them out…and the BEST part?? One of those albums features me, my super big preggo belly and my family from our kick ass session with Brandy when I was only 1 week away from delivering my youngest daughter Etain.

Tradeshow hours are:

Monday March 8th: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

Tuesday March 9th: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 10th: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Check out the HUGE list of exhibitors here.

There are also quite a few really cool and fun events taking place.

PLAY TAG WITH ASUKA BOOK to get in on $11,738 worth of prizes! WOW!! – playing is super easy. You will get a punch card in your WPPI welcome bag and all you have to do is get the card punched at all the partners booths and then return the card to Kubota Image Tools before 1:30 on Wednesday. The draw will be at 2:00. Not attending wppi, no worries you can still get in on some winnings by following on facebook and twitter.

Check out all the details and the Grand Prize list.….the $4000 gift certificate to B&H could buy a lot of really great stuff!

THE FABULOUS LAS VEGAS SCAVENGER HUNT

Sponsored by WPPI & Finao

Three days, twelve clues, ONE CRAZY EVENT!  The ultimate scavenger hunt with $62,000 in prizes, yes, you read that right $62,000 in prizes!!!

You do need a team of 4 and you do have to register.

MORE DETAILS HERE.

PHOTOGRAPHERS IGNITE – is the closing program (Thursday from 9am to 11am) for WPPI this year, this is a style of presentation where participants are given five minutes to speak on a subject accompanied by 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for 15 seconds. Some of the speakers are Kevin Kubota, Sarah Petty, Jessica Claire, Becker and David Jay. Just to name a few. Check out the full list here.

INTO THE DARKROOM – is having a “tweet” contest. Watch for their “tweet shirts’ and tweet the secret code for your chance to win websites, blogs or even a complete brand refresh!

THE BOUDOIR DIVAS – are having a contest giving away gift cards! You can find more details here

psssst…. want to head down just for the tradeshow you can get a free ticket for admission from my lab of choice MPIX PRO! ;-)

Registration is here.

Once you have registered and submitted payment, your account will be set up and it will be activated on March 15th.

Here’s what our current mentorees have been saying about our program:

“I have been very impressed by the structure of the mentor program with Brandy and Danna. They immediately led me on my rebranding journey, that I so desperately needed and with a detailed portfolio/website review, I was well on my way. They are more than generous with their time and information for what they think will work for my business as well as the choices they have made within their own. With one more week left, I know I will walk away from this very special opportunity with new vision, confidence and validation not only as a professional photographer, but also as a successful business owner.”

“I have learned a lot of specific things about the technical side, and love seeing how other photographers work and see the workflow, just to confirm that I’m on the right track and to make sure my clients are getting the best product out of me”

And here is more information about our program:

Who is it for?

Anyone who is wanting to take their business to the next level and develop a style and brand that will get you there. You could be struggling with the business side of things, getting the clients you want and the sales you deserve. Maybe you are a natural light photographer wanting to learn studio lighting or a studio photog wanting to learn natural light. You might be tired of being intimated by light, or you want to do on-location sessions but don’t know what to do once you are in your client’s home. Or maybe you are just a fan of Danna and/or Brandy and want to know “how they do it”. It’s like a tailor-made workshop specifically for YOU!

Topics we will cover:
Style
Creativity
Lighting
Pricing
Marketing
Branding
Maternity & Newborns
Boudoir
Fusion Slideshows
Social Networking
Products and Sales
Workflow

Who isn’t it for?
Anyone within 200km of Calgary. (**Anyone local to us interested in learning from us please see note below)
*** This is NOT a workshop to learn how to use your camera. You must have working knowledge of your DSLR and basic photography skills.

What is the price?
The price is $1250 USD.

What do you get?
You get 3 weeks worth of knowledge and help, from two photographers with over 15 years of combined business experience. Nothing is off limits to ask. You will receive weekly topics, questions and guidance and a personal portfolio/website review. Also included are 6 professional videos that you can view online to see us in action in a maternity, newborn and baby session as well as photoshop videos to see our post-processing.
Plus amazing vendor discounts, a pricing calculator, posing guides, lighting diagrams and more!

This isn’t a workshop or a class. While we will have PLENTY to teach you and assignments for you to complete, our focus is coaching you and your business and making our help as specific to you as possible. We will do everything in our power to help you succeed. Think of us as your personal cheering section – we want only the best for you and when you are done with your mentoring you will be ready to soar! Before starting your mentoring, think about the areas of your business that you would like to work on, and some specific questions/problems you want to discuss. The mentoring can only be successful if you are willing to commit the time to work on your business and your photography. We will be checking in daily with you (except on weekends which is when we hold our client sessions) throughout the program and expect you to try to do the same.

How many spots are there?
There are only 5 spots for each 3 week session. We want to give personalized and specific mentoring to each person.

How will it work?
We have something very new and very cool to use for our online mentoring. It’s a way to communicate privately with each person and give feedback daily. We can’t wait to show you all! We have also developed a small forum where you can chat with others and keep chatting after your 3 weeks mentoring is over.

Why online? Why no workshops?
We are super-busy running successful photography businesses. We get a LOT of emails asking questions about mentoring and workshops, and this was the only way we could fit it into our schedules at this time. It also saves you the hassle of finding childcare, and paying the added expenses of flight and hotel. We’re also going to talk *with* you, not at you.

-Brandy & Danna

http://www.twophotogs.com

Congrats!! I know you will both love this photoshop script.

Thanks again to Malin of Moirai Tools for her generous donation for your amazing readers. IF you did not win, and you have not purchased this awesome script yet head over to the Moirai site and get your own copy now. There are a few other really great things to check out over there like workflow actions and textures too.

For me personally, I back up with Time Machine on my Mac, I backup all client files on another external hard drive, and I also use a company called Backblaze to store my images off-site. You back up online, just by installing the software. It does it all for you, for unlimited files.

I just recently needed to use Backblaze to get a handful of files, and it was very easy. Just login, find your files, and they will send you an emails when the files are all zipped up and ready to download. The whole process took about 10 minutes.
Backblaze has a couple of minor downsides – you can only view file names, so if you are looking to see thumbnails of images, you will be out of luck. Also, the download takes awhile – it took me about 2 hours to download 8GB. They don’t recommend even trying to download anything larger than 20GB at a time, so it could be time consuming to recover a lot of large files. You can also get them to send you a DVD or USB of your data – but it costs more. Although $189 for every 400GB would be a very small price to pay to get back ALL of your info and not have to pay a specialist to recover it for you. Also, don’t freak out if it takes weeks or even months to intially backup all your info. It WILL happen eventually, and then it will be very quick after that. I never noticed any type of slowdown on my internet while backing up which is great.

It costs $5 a month per computer, or if you purchase a whole year they knock it down to $50. That’s extremely reasonable for this type of service and it’s so easy to give yourself the extra peace of mind.

Backblaze has given Two Photogs readers a 10% discount for the month of February – just use code FebTwoPhotogs at purchase. Happy backing up!

If you don’t have a Gmail account, you should get one. You get 7GB of space and that is a TON of emails. I’ve been using Gmail for my business for the past two years and I have only used up 8% of my total space. Which means that I have ALL of my emails from the past two years safely stored. I don’t empty it, ever – just on the off-chance that I delete something in my regular email program (Apple Mail) and I need it back.

The great thing about Gmail is that you can use it to combine your other email accounts. I use it for both my info@freshsugar.ca account and my brandy@twophotogs.com account. Which means that I get my emails not only to my regular computer email program, but to my online Gmail account as well. Added backup, and extra portability – I use Gmail on my iPhone. Now to take it one step cooler – you can also SEND messages from your Gmail account that look like they come from another account (such as your main business email). All you need to do is go to “settings” at the top right of your Gmail screen and click on “Accounts and Import”. Here is where you can add other email accounts for Gmail to check (make sure you check “Leave a copy of retrieved message on the server” so you can still get your emails through your other programs and webmail), and add the email address you want to send messages from Gmail from. Make sense? For example, at home I send emails from my Apple Mail program. On the road, I send them from my iPhone and even though I use Gmail – it appears to the recipient that I sent it directly from my info@freshsugar account. Pretty neat, right?

There are a lot of other really great features to Gmail, email forwarding, themes, chat, etc but I’ll let you discover those on your own!