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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Featured Vendor + Giveaway: Creative Motion Design

We are thrilled today to welcome Creative Motion Design to the Rock the Shot Blog! Take a moment to learn more about Creative Motion Design, and the AMAZING website templates they offer for photographers. Also… be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY for a chance to win your choice of any Creative Motion Design Template PLUS one-year of hosting (value up to $400).

About Creative Motion Design
It’s extremely important to have a great website to show off your business, your photography, and you the photographer. Creative Motion Design believes your website should be simple, beautiful and easy to edit. CMD not only provides amazing website templates but also helps you understand and edit your own site.

They also provide a Photo Cart, Website Hosting and much more! CMD is a full service shop that helps you get your HTML or Flash website up and running quickly! If you’re looking for something more custom, they have in-house designers just for you. Mobile and iPad friendly, these sites are sure to impress. 50% off popular designs through the end of February!

Here’s what customers have to say about their CMD experience

“Each one of your websites is a work of art and the website admin is a dream to use! Congratulations on being so good at what you do!” – Robert Lassers

“CMD websites are sleek, sexy and have so much impact!” – J.Wunderlush

”You guys seriously have some of the best customer service out there. I love how quickly you get back to me every single time I need you.” – Lauren Bavaro

Visit Creative Motion Design at their WEBSITE | FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages TODAY!!

Here’s How Enter the Giveaway for a chance to win your choice of CMD Website Template of your choice PLUS one-year of hosting (value up to $400). Please leave ONE comment for each item you complete. You have up to SEVEN chances to win:

1. Follow Rock the Shot on Facebook.

Extra Entries (Optional): Please leave additional comments on the blog for each of the following items you complete.

2. Follow Creative Motion Design on Facebook and if you like, let them know Rock the Shot sent you.
3. Become a member of Rock the Shot Photography Forum
4. Follow Rock The Shot on Twitter
5. Follow Rock the Shot on Pinterest
6. Share about this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. Type the following: “Go check out @rocktheshot at www.rocktheshotforum.com & enter to win a website template + hosting from Creative Motion Design”.
7. Post this giveaway to StumbleUpon using the button at the bottom of this post!

There you have it! 7 chances to win this FABULOUS Giveaway from Rock the Shot and Creative Motion Design!

Hurry! Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 28th at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be announced on Friday, March 2nd, 2012.

LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You will NOT be notified publicly via Facebook if you are a winner. You MUST be 18 to participate. By entering this giveaway, you are providing information to Rock the Shot and NOT to Facebook. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items.

Posted in Featured Vendor

130 comments

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Lindsey Bailey - February 22, 2012 - 9:32 am

I like RTS on FB!

Lindsey Bailey - February 22, 2012 - 9:33 am

I follow RTS on Pinterest!

Lindsey Bailey - February 22, 2012 - 9:33 am

I like CMD on FB!

Lindsey Bailey - February 22, 2012 - 9:33 am

I’m a RTS Forum Member!

Lindsey Bailey - February 22, 2012 - 9:34 am

Following RTS on Twitter!

Chrisy Metcalfe - February 22, 2012 - 9:44 am

follow rts on fb

Chrisy Metcalfe - February 22, 2012 - 9:44 am

follow CMD on fb

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:44 am

Long time RTS fan on FB!

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:45 am

Liked CMD on FB!

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:46 am

Following RTS on Twitter!

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:46 am

Following RTS on Pinterest!

Britneye Ladner - February 22, 2012 - 9:46 am

Following Rock the Shot on FB! Love all the inspiration

Chrisy Metcalfe - February 22, 2012 - 9:47 am

Follow RTS on twitter

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:47 am

Already a member of RTS Forum:)

Chrisy Metcalfe - February 22, 2012 - 9:47 am

follow rts on pinterest

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:48 am

Shared RTS giveaway on FB http://www.facebook.com/jbaxcal

Britneye Ladner - February 22, 2012 - 9:49 am

Following Creative Motion Design on FB and let them know yall sent me. What a great giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity!

Stephanie - February 22, 2012 - 9:50 am

What an awesome giveaway! I follow RTS on Facebook!

Cynthia - February 22, 2012 - 9:50 am

Already a fan on Facebook.

Stephanie - February 22, 2012 - 9:50 am

Following RTS on Twitter!

Britneye Ladner - February 22, 2012 - 9:50 am

Following Rock the Shot on Pinterest

Stephanie - February 22, 2012 - 9:51 am

Following RTS on Twitter, too!!

Cynthia - February 22, 2012 - 9:51 am

Long time follower on Twitter.

Laura S - February 22, 2012 - 9:52 am

I like Rock the Shot on Facebook.

Britneye Ladner - February 22, 2012 - 9:52 am

Shared the giveaway on my FB page.

Laura S - February 22, 2012 - 9:52 am

I like Creative Motion Design on facebook!

Jen B. - February 22, 2012 - 9:53 am

Posted to StumbleUpon:)

Cynthia - February 22, 2012 - 9:53 am

Long time, life-time member of RTS.

Laura S - February 22, 2012 - 9:53 am

I already follow Rock the shot on twitter!

Cynthia - February 22, 2012 - 9:53 am

Following Rock the Shot on Pinterest

Laura S - February 22, 2012 - 9:57 am

Following RTS on Pinterest!

Cynthia - February 22, 2012 - 9:59 am

Posted on StumbleUpon. (thank you so much for this contest)

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:11 am

I follow Rock the Shot on fb!

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:11 am

Now following Creative Motion Design on fb! (oh and told them who sent me!)

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:12 am

I’m a fairly new member to the RTS forum!

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:12 am

Following RTS on twitter!

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:14 am

following RTS on pinterst! http://www.pinterst.com/momentsbyalli

Allison Dupre - February 22, 2012 - 10:15 am

tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/momentsbyalli

Alissa Audette - February 22, 2012 - 10:17 am

entered to win the fabulous feature!!!!! So excited, I joined FB page, am already subscribed to rock the shot, posted to my facebook and am following on pinterest!
can wait to find out the winner ( me me me please….)

Debbie Smith - February 22, 2012 - 10:20 am

I LIKE RTS on FB

Debbie Smith - February 22, 2012 - 10:20 am

I LIKE CMD on FB

Debbie Smith - February 22, 2012 - 10:21 am

I follow RTS on Twitter

Debbie Smith - February 22, 2012 - 10:21 am

I follow RTS on Pinterest

lisa Ritter - February 22, 2012 - 10:23 am

Like RTS on fb

lisa Ritter - February 22, 2012 - 10:24 am

Follow RTS on Pinterest!

Sayoko Lynn - February 22, 2012 - 10:24 am

I follow RTS on Facebook!

lisa Ritter - February 22, 2012 - 10:25 am

Liked CMD on fb!

Tina Wiebe - February 22, 2012 - 10:25 am

I already follow Rock the shot on facebook!!

Tina Wiebe - February 22, 2012 - 10:27 am

I already creative motion design of facebook!

lisa Ritter - February 22, 2012 - 10:27 am

posted the giveaway on my fb!

Sarah C - February 22, 2012 - 10:28 am

I already like RTS on FB

Sarah C - February 22, 2012 - 10:28 am

Stalking you on Pintrest..

Sarah C - February 22, 2012 - 10:29 am

I already creative motion design on fb, but dropped a note anyway.

lisa Ritter - February 22, 2012 - 10:34 am

posted on Stumble!

Tamera Westhoff - February 22, 2012 - 10:39 am

#1 done!

Tamera Westhoff - February 22, 2012 - 10:39 am

#2 done!
Thanks!

Tamera Westhoff - February 22, 2012 - 10:40 am

And #5 done! I’m excited to look at all of the pins and repin!

Michelle - February 22, 2012 - 10:48 am

I follow RTS on Facebook.

Michelle - February 22, 2012 - 10:49 am

I follow RTS on pinterest.

Kelly Benton - February 22, 2012 - 11:26 am

I follow you on Facebook

Kelly Benton - February 22, 2012 - 11:26 am

I follow you on Twitter

Sarah Crevier with Shots-By-Sarah - February 22, 2012 - 12:27 pm

I follow RTS on Facebook.

Sarah Crevier with Shots-By-Sarah - February 22, 2012 - 12:28 pm

I am a fan of Creative Motion Design on Facebook

Sarah Crevier with Shots-By-Sarah - February 22, 2012 - 12:29 pm

I follow RTS on Pinterest.

Sarah Crevier with Shots-By-Sarah - February 22, 2012 - 12:30 pm

I shared the giveaway on my wall.

vicki d - February 22, 2012 - 12:38 pm

I follow Rock The Shot on facebook!

vicki d - February 22, 2012 - 12:39 pm

I follow Rock The Shot on Twitter!

Sarah Crespo - February 22, 2012 - 12:43 pm

I follow RTS on facebook!

Sarah Crespo - February 22, 2012 - 12:47 pm

I follow Creative Motion Design on FB

Jaymi - February 22, 2012 - 1:16 pm

I follow RTS on Facebook!

Jaymi - February 22, 2012 - 1:18 pm

I follow RTS on Pinterest!

Tina Wiebe - February 22, 2012 - 1:21 pm

I am a member of rock the shot forum

Michelle Murphy - February 22, 2012 - 2:13 pm

I follow Rock the Shot on Facebook

Michelle Murphy - February 22, 2012 - 2:14 pm

I like Creative Motion Design on Facebook

Michelle Murphy - February 22, 2012 - 2:15 pm

I follow Rock the Shot on Pinterest

Kimberly Day - February 22, 2012 - 2:21 pm

I follow RTS on Facebook

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:27 pm

AAF of RTS on FB!

Paige - February 22, 2012 - 2:27 pm

I follow RTS on FB.

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:28 pm

AAF of Creative Motion Design on FB too!

Paige - February 22, 2012 - 2:28 pm

I Follow Creative Motion Design on FB.

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:29 pm

I’m a member of RTS Forum.

Paige - February 22, 2012 - 2:29 pm

I Rock the Shot on Pinterest.

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:29 pm

I follow RTS on Twitter too.

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:30 pm

I RTS on Pinterest too!

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:31 pm

Tweet, tweet: https://twitter.com/Sadlmup4me/statuses/172418149512261632

SusanD - February 22, 2012 - 2:33 pm

Posted to SU too!

Kim - February 22, 2012 - 3:25 pm

Liked RTS on FB

Kim - February 22, 2012 - 3:25 pm

Liked CMD and let them know RTS sent me.

Erica Ann - February 22, 2012 - 4:10 pm

I follow RTS on FB!

Erica Ann - February 22, 2012 - 4:11 pm

Already a member of RTS:)

Erica Ann - February 22, 2012 - 4:11 pm

Follow RTS on Twitter:)

Erica Ann - February 22, 2012 - 4:12 pm

Already like Creative Motion Design on fb.

Amy M - February 22, 2012 - 4:41 pm

I like RTS on Facebook! What an awesome giveaway … I need a website!

Amy M - February 22, 2012 - 4:42 pm

I “like” Creative Motion Design on Facebook!

Amy M - February 22, 2012 - 4:43 pm

I follow RTS on Twitter.

Amy M - February 22, 2012 - 4:44 pm

I shared the giveaway on Twitter!

Amy M - February 22, 2012 - 4:44 pm

I follow RTS on Pinterest!

Brittney A - February 22, 2012 - 4:56 pm

I follow RTS on FB!

Brittney Aldous
b_aldous@hotmail.com

Brittney A - February 22, 2012 - 4:57 pm

I follow RTS on Pinterest!

Brittney Aldous
b_aldous@hotmail.com

Brittney A - February 22, 2012 - 4:58 pm

I follow CMD on FB!

Brittney Aldous
b_aldous@hotmail.com

Lea Lawson - February 22, 2012 - 5:04 pm

I already like RTS on Facebook!

Hilary Mercer - February 22, 2012 - 5:05 pm

I follow CMD on fb

Lea Lawson - February 22, 2012 - 5:06 pm

I like CMD on Facebook now, too!!

Lea Lawson - February 22, 2012 - 5:07 pm

Shared on my business FB page!

Stephanie Schonberger - February 22, 2012 - 5:21 pm

I like Rock the Shot on Facebook!

Stephanie Schonberger - February 22, 2012 - 5:23 pm

I liked CMD on Facebook too

Stephanie Schonberger - February 22, 2012 - 5:24 pm

I joined RTS yesterday, woohoo!

Stephanie Schonberger - February 22, 2012 - 5:25 pm

Shared giveaway on my Facebook wall…I hope I win!

Stephanie Schonberger - February 22, 2012 - 5:25 pm

I’m now following Rock The Shot on Twitter!

brooke azevedo - February 22, 2012 - 5:48 pm

I already follow rock the shot on fb.

Mindy - February 22, 2012 - 5:55 pm

Follow RTS on fb already!

Mindy - February 22, 2012 - 5:56 pm

A member on the forum

Mindy - February 22, 2012 - 5:56 pm

Follow RTS on twitter!

Mindy - February 22, 2012 - 5:57 pm

Follow RTS on pinterest

Shannon Bunton - February 22, 2012 - 6:07 pm

I follow RTS on FB
I follow CM on FB
and I’m so greatfull for the 50% off right now

Kimberly Studer - February 22, 2012 - 6:10 pm

I follow rts on fb

Kimberly Studer - February 22, 2012 - 6:11 pm

I follow CMD on fb

Kimberly Studer - February 22, 2012 - 6:11 pm

I follow rts on pinterest

Tonya Risser - February 22, 2012 - 6:35 pm

Following RTS on FB

Tonya Risser - February 22, 2012 - 6:36 pm

Following CMD on FB

Tonya Risser - February 22, 2012 - 6:36 pm

Following RTS on Pinterest

Tonya Risser - February 22, 2012 - 6:36 pm

Following RTS on Twitter & thanks for the cool give away!

meghan - February 22, 2012 - 7:12 pm

following rock the shot on facebook!

meghan - February 22, 2012 - 7:13 pm

following rock the shot on pinterest!

meghan - February 22, 2012 - 7:15 pm

following creative motion design on facebook!

Bethany Giannini - February 22, 2012 - 7:29 pm

I follow RTS on Facebook.

Bethany Giannini - February 22, 2012 - 7:30 pm

I follow CMD on Facebook.

Bethany Giannini - February 22, 2012 - 7:30 pm

I am a member of the RTS forum.

Bethany Giannini - February 22, 2012 - 7:31 pm

I follow RTS on Twitter.

Bethany Giannini - February 22, 2012 - 7:31 pm

I follow RTS on Pinterest.

Monday, February 20, 2012

55 Smart Ideas for Photographers Ebook

Posted in Guest Contributor

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This 60 page ebook from Zach Prez and Wendy Roe helps photographers optimize their website, WordPress blog, and Facebook Page. Learn to drive more qualified clients to your site and prime them for purchase!

55 Smart Ideas for Photographers is perfect for wedding, family, or senior photographers who have a basic understanding of web marketing and want dozens of quick ideas for growth. It is easy to digest and implement with one key idea and takeaway per page.

Effective practices outlined in this book:

Optimize and engage your Facebook Page to WOW potential clients and generate dialogue, loyalty and traffic.
Make your blog a traffic magnet by highlighting vendors, naming posts correctly and encouraging comments.
See a site through Google’s eyes and learn what factors lead to a quality rank.
Create an expanding email list to communicate with subscribers about specials, exciting work, new products, industry trends and helpful resources.
Point all marketing to a web hub where you control the branding, content, and engagement.

Put yourself in your clients’ shoes

Most clients need common questions answered before they purchase. They want to know who recommends you, what experience you have, how much your services cost, and if they’ll be comfortable working with you. A goal of your web marketing is to answer the questions your clients want to ask.

We teach you how to answer the basic marketing questions which leads to more contact requests for your services.

Web marketing is working when the phone rings

A number one Google rank and thousands of Facebook followers don’t translate to booming business. Those starting points for traffic still need to convert potential clients into customers who make contact and book a session. It’s about getting more traffic across your entire web presence and driving those visitors to contact you for a potential sale opportunity.

Our marketing ideas help drive traffic to your websites, and turn that traffic into phone calls. Click here to view more about this amazing ebook!

Photography leaders who contributed

We included tips from some of the top photographers and marketers in the industry.

Kevin Kubota: Send out a customer service survey
Andrew Funderburg: Using YouTube to Help SEO
Jules Bianchi: Showcase Vendors to get others talking about you
Jared Bauman: Blog writing tips for the non-writer
Khara Plicanic: Nontraditional posts attract comments and connection
Seshu: Generate traffic with Twitter
Michael Corsentino: Use a blog series for repeat visitors
Mike Rheaume: Stumble your way to the top
Marty Thornley: Own your content
Leah Remillet: Leave a trail with watermarks

Co-author Wendy Roe spent the last 10 years ingrained in all things web marketing—from design and development to search and social media—often being the interpreter between geek speak and client strategy. She now focuses her time on business development and as a second shooter for Byron Roe Photography while speaking, mentoring photographers build the most of web marketing. Join her at an upcoming PUG event, at WPPI for her 2012 workshop or at Image Explorations in Vancouver, BC.

Posted in Guest Contributor

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Friday, February 17, 2012

Photographer Spotlight: Amanda K Photography

Posted in Photographer Spotlight

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What do you love most about being a photographer?
Oh let me count the ways!!! The ability to capture open and honest emotions. between a couple in love. Revealing to my young high school clients how authentically beautiful they are. The friendships and connections I establish with amazing people.

How would you describe your photography style?
I have always been a soulful and moody shooter…it comes from deep inside me. The camera became a source of healing and expression from the beginning of my photography journey. I experienced a deep and traumatic loss in my life, and my images reflected that. As I have grown and healed, my imagery has evolved into a lighter and ethereal feel. My goal is to evoke an emotion in my clients and viewers when looking at my work.

If you could shoot on location at any location in the world, where would it be?
Italy and Africa…Hands Down.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I am 100% self taught. I honestly didn’t think I would EVER wrap my head around that scary digital SLR. I read SO many books, studied the Masters, and photographed everything and anyone who would let me. I did take some on-line Photoshop courses through the Academy of Art Institute in San Francisco, Ca. Those were invaluable!How do you use light to your advantage? Do you have a favorite time to have sessions?
It’s ALL about the light. When I photograph high school seniors and engagements, I schedule the sessions about 1.5 hours before sunset if it’s a clear skies day. When shooting, I am always looking for “pockets of magic light”. When I am forced to shoot indoors, I always shoot next to a large window. Window light is amazing.

What camera do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II. My favorite lenses are the Canon 85mm 1.2L and the 35mm 1.4 L.

What is the best marketing tool that has worked for you?In regards to Wedding Clients, word of mouth is my best “marketing tool.” Connecting with my clients and building a relationship with them is vital. Having my work featured on well known wedding blogs is also very important to getting my name out there. Facebook has been my best marketing tool for High School Senior clients. FREE ADVERTISING!! They LOVE to show off their images!!

How important is it to believe in the product you are selling? And how do you convey that value to your clients?
Ultimately, the product I am selling is myself. I have to be confident in my work, and stay true to myself and what I am passionate about. It’s about that connection, and following through on my promises. I want my clients to remember the experience, not just have pretty pictures.

If you have learned one thing in the past year, what was it?Shoot for myself more!! It’s vital for me to stay inspired and fresh, and shooting personal projects provides that fuel I need.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?I have NO idea. I would LIKE to see myself shooting wedding exclusively with film by that point. That is my personal goal.

I am a wife. I am a mother to 3 amazing human beings. I am a believer in God, and worshipper of Christ. I am an artist. I am a widow. I am a lover of warmth. I am insecure. I am hopeful. I am driven. I am passionate. I am blessed. I am ordinary. I am Amanda K, and it’s not about ME. Visit my website here and my facebook page here.