Photography Tips Sandy Evans Photography Tips Sandy Evans

Street Photography Guide with Colorado Photographer

When I was asked to lead a mini session on street photography at the 2018 Dear Photographer Elevate + Grow Workshop in Portland, Oregon, I was humbled and honestly beside myself. The group of photographers that frequent the Dear Photographer community are inspiring, uplifting, and downright amazing (just take a look around their Facebook Page and you will see what I mean). I am blessed to be able to take part in such a lovely group. The Elevate + Grow 2019 Workshop that will take place in Austin, Texas is already sold out and I am excited to say that I will be there. This will be my fourth year running with these girls and can I just say how thankful I am to hang my hat in their group.

Guide to Street Photography

“If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff” -Jim Richardson

When I was asked to lead a mini session on street photography at the 2018 Dear Photographer Elevate + Grow Workshop in Portland, Oregon, I was humbled and honestly beside myself. The group of photographers that frequent the Dear Photographer community are inspiring, uplifting, and downright amazing (just take a look around their Facebook Page and you will see what I mean). I am blessed to be able to take part in such a lovely group. The Elevate + Grow 2019 Workshop that will take place in Austin, Texas is already sold out and I am excited to say that I will be there. This will be my fourth year running with these girls and can I just say how thankful I am to hang my hat in their group.

Recently, Adri De La Cruz, founder of Dear Photographer, asked me to provide a video on street photography for their Dear Photographer Instagram TV channel (a new offering from IG that is totally amazing by the way). With this video I felt that I needed to release this guide to everyone who wanted to dip their toes into street photography but was a little unsure of how to do it too. This guide has information for every level of photographer and is approached as more of a confidence boost for those feeling unsure or nervous about stepping out on the streets.

You can download the FREE 7 page Street Photography PDF guide I created specifically for the workshop by clicking the button below and filling out a few details. The guide will be delivered straight to your inbox and you can either download it to your computer or view it straight from your phone. Thank you for stopping by to check out what this guide is all about and I look forward to seeing your street photography images!

Read More
Photography Tips Sandy Evans Photography Tips Sandy Evans

The Top Five Reasons You Should Use Dubsado For Your Photography Business

Whew! I have been wanting to write this list for so long and finally, (one year later) I am getting it down! So hang tight, here are my Top Five Reasons Why, as a photographer, you NEED the client resource management software Dubsado in your life…like yesterday (I took the leap three years ago and never looked back)

A Colorado Photographer’s List:

Why I Love Dubsado!

Whew! Dubsado is celebrating its 7th year in business! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRIENDS!

So, naturally, I wanted to pull this blog post up to the top of my list and talk to you again about why I LOVE Dubsado and what it has done for my business.

So, hang tight, here are my Top Five Reasons Why, as a photographer, you NEED the client resource management software Dubsado in your life…like yesterday (I took the leap four years ago and never looked back).

Dubsado is on sale for their 7th birthday! Plus, you’ll save an EXTRA 20% off with my referral code!

Yes, the discounts are stackable!!


 

1. Have you ever had to type the same email over and over again when responding to client inquiries or sending an invoice? Staaap it!

Dubsado allows you to save template emails so you can just select it and send saving time for more important things. Like making yourself a delicious something or other.


 

2. When a potential client reaches out, how long does it take for you to get back to them? Yes, I get that sometimes you are available to send that email back but sometimes, you aren’t. You know, because you are doing LIFE!

Dubsado helps you keep your interactions with potential clients happening within a timely manner! With workflows you can set up, when you get an inquiry, Dubsado can respond to them with the information you choose! Ahh!! This is where you use your email templates. Handy, right?


3. Have you ever had the conversation with a client where you go back and forth with dates until you both land on one that works? I have and while I love to chat with clients, I want to talk about fun stuff and not what dates we have open.

Enter Dubsado’s calendar function. I can go in, set up different types of calendars for different types of sessions (sunset sessions, mini sessions, etc) and choose what dates and times I want to show available. It’s super smart too. When someone books that date, Dubsado send’s them a confirmation and it’s added to my Google Calendar. If I want to block off personal time and not mess with going back into the calendar to take a date out, I just schedule my activity in my Google Calendar and Dubsado knows that I am busy and takes that date away. This function alone has helped be book more sessions because clients see I don’t have much available when they want to shoot and they are booking faster and earlier.


 

4. Have you ever shown up to a session and felt like you didn’t really know your client? Like REALLY know them? For me, I love to know my client’s story. It is helpful for me to connect with them and to create an environment for them that will allow them to connect with each other as well. Show. That. Love.

I use Dubsado to get to my client’s “why” through their forms feature. I can create Client Questionnaires (and SAVE THEM for the future, Hoorah!!) and send them to my clients to ask them allll the questions. The forms feature in Dubsado can be used for so many different documents you might want for your business.


5. More on forms! Do you use a million platforms to get all of the info you need when you book a client? Perhaps you are using your gallery service to deliver a contract? I’m looking at you Shootproof users (I still love you though, I just want to HELP you!). Are you struggling trying to keep it all together? I was too.

Dubsado changed all of that for me. I can now have everything in ONE spot. No more trying to remember if someone paid an invoice or signed their contract before their session date. No more trying to remember which platform I had the information on. Here are just a small selection of my favorite features Dubsado has to offer. It’s 2023! Let’s strive to work smarter, and not harder this year, because you know, that’s just not smart.

 

Lead Capture Forms

  • These are customized from the ground up.

  • You can use to them to collect data on potential clients

  • Create lead magnets and have them auto delivered with the use of a workflow (hello automation!)

  • Use for your first contact with a potential client

    • They fill out your lead capture form and a workflow is start to deliver them both a proposal form and your booking calendar with a template email attached with your warm welcome. No more making client wait to book with you because “someone else” responded first.

  • Proposal Forms

    • Full customizable on your own or buy a handy template from The Creative Template Shop

    • Use these to show potential clients information on what offerings you have, what they include and how much they cost

    • Collect information from clients and have it routed to be saved in your client address book (hello future marketing potential)

  • Invoicing

    • Dubsado can connect and collect payments for you via Squareup (my fav!), Paypal, and Stripe

    • You can set due dates and reminders for clients that include a template email you create, personalized and efficient!

    • Create packages so you can quickly import your clients choices and not have to type out whats included or pricing each time. One click and it’s there.

  • Questionnaires

    • These are fully customizable as well and helpful for getting to know your client

  • Contracts

    • Create and save contracts

    • Include smart tokens so information auto fills such as client name, collection choices and payment due dates


That is just a small portion of the things I LOVE about Dubsado. Not to mention their easy-to-use bookkeeping system and project workflow management. It’s just all around the best way for me to keep it all in order.

Interested? Want to know the cost? I’ll tell you! Normally, Dubsado costs $400 a year (you can easily get that return on investment with just one booking because of how organized you are!)

HOWEVER, THEIR 7TH BIRTHDAY SALE IS ON

FEBRUARY 20 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24 AT 2 PM PT


DUBSADO IS ON SALE FOR $350 FOR THE YEAR

WITH THEIR 7TH BIRTHDAY DISCOUNT!

Pssst…If you enter the code “heyo” or click the button below, you’ll get an extra 20% off your first year!

That makes it only $280 for the first year! what?!

Don’t worry! If you see this post after February 24th, 2023, you can still use my code “heyo” for 20% off the regular price of $400 (that’s $80 off for a total of only $320!)

Read More
Photography Tips, Wedding, Couples Sandy Evans Photography Tips, Wedding, Couples Sandy Evans

LOVELY WEDDING INVITE OPTIONS FROM BASIC INVITE

Friends! Are you scratching your head wondering how you are ever going to sift through the sea of companies to craft your wedding invite? There are so many choices and as soon as you find the one you love, you know something will pop up in your feed that will make you double think yourself. I got you! I found a lovely company that has so many options to go through (900+ wedding invite sets) so you can rest easy knowing you will have “seen it all” when you make that final choice.

Basic Invite is a Utah-based stationery company that offers custom wedding invitations along with customized card options for nearly any type of event. What sets Basic Invite apart from other consumer-facing companies that offer invitation printing services is its 180+ color options feature. That means if you want muddy green for your card base and the perfect shade of mustard for the accents, it’s yours for the taking. Honestly, from a creative standpoint, finding that “perfect color”, only to find that the company you are using doesn’t “offer it” can be super disappointing. Got you covered there babe. Basic Invite has it all.

Basic Invite has Your Custom Wedding Invite

This is a sponsored post with Basic Invite. I received compensation in exchange for writing this review and article, but all opinions are my own.

Friends! Are you scratching your head wondering how you are ever going to sift through the sea of companies to craft your wedding invite? There are so many choices and as soon as you find the one you love, you know something will pop up in your feed that will make you double think yourself. I got you! I found a lovely company that has so many options to go through (900+ wedding invite sets) so you can rest easy knowing you will have “seen it all” when you make that final choice.

Basic Invite is a Utah-based stationery company that offers custom wedding invitations along with customized card options for nearly any type of event. What sets Basic Invite apart from other consumer-facing companies that offer invitation printing services is its 180+ color options feature. That means if you want muddy green for your card base and the perfect shade of mustard for the accents, it’s yours for the taking. Honestly, from a creative standpoint, finding that “perfect color”, only to find that the company you are using doesn’t “offer it” can be super disappointing. Got you covered there babe. Basic Invite has it all.

Okay, so you’ve designed your wedding invite and you are ready to drop some major cash on getting these babies in your hands and out to the ones you love. Stop! What if it doesn’t look good? What if the colors are different in person than you thought? What if there is some typo that you missed? Basic Invite allows you to order a custom sample of your wedding invitation (pricing varies per style) so you can see the real deal in hand before you place your full order. No buyer’s remorse here friends.

Another great product that Basic Invite offers are their wedding invitation sets. These sets are perfect for when you want to have everything cohesive and lovely. Basic Invite wedding invitation sets have you covered from your engagement, to after your lovely day is over and you want to say thank you to your crew. These wedding invite sets include: save the dates, your wedding invitation, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and thank you cards to wrap up your big day. The best part? It all matches and is fully customizable. A+ for you! 🖤

Want to get another A+? They also offer FREE wedding websites (yes, completely customizable and completely FREE!). There are nearly 600 templates to choose from, so like their invitations, you are certain to find a website style that fits your vibe too! You can create your website to showcase what you want your guests to see. Directions? Yes, they even have the ability to put a map on there. Need to collect everyone’s addresses so that Basic Invite can print them FREE on your envelopes,? Yep, they are that LOVELY. You can set up a collection form right on your website! You can also link your guests to your registries, set up an RSVP area, and also set up a gallery of your engagement images (that’s where I come in, check out my engagement collections, I would LOVE to work with you). Beautiful, just like you.

Pssst… Want to get 20% off? If you do find that you love what Basic Invite has to offer (trust me, you will) I have a 20% off discount code for you to use off your entire order. Just give me a shout via email, Facebook, or Instagram and I will get the code over to you! Their products are lovely and I totally dig and support that they are a local company.

You know me, I tell it straight, and I always want what is best for my clients to happen in everything I do for them. Basic Invite is an honest, reliable, and customer service-centered company. Go give them a follow on their social accounts to get a better feel of their brand and what they have to offer. You can check them out at the links below.



Inspired? Want to connect and let me help you with your engagement photos or your coverage for your wedding? I would love to work with you and your bae. Send me a message via the button below and let’s get the conversation started.

Read More
Photography Tips Sandy Evans Photography Tips Sandy Evans

Oceanside California Street Photography from Colorado Photographer

I took my shoes off and walked in the sand, the waves reaching my toes only every so often. Me keeping my distance from anything major that might pull me (I am not too fond of big waves, hence my overreaction, haha). Everyone with a camera stopped and chatted with me. If you have a camera while traveling, you have a friend. I really enjoyed the me time for reflection and solitude.

Street Photography in Oceanside, California

In October, I was able to travel to Oceanside California due to another photography obligation. I had booked an Airbnb for my stay. A beyond cute little vintage RV (you can find it here). While there I took a full day to myself and walked down to the shoreline.

I took my shoes off and walked in the sand, the waves reaching my toes only every so often. Me keeping my distance from anything major that might pull me (I am not too fond of big waves, hence my overreaction, haha). Everyone with a camera stopped and chatted with me. If you have a camera while traveling, you have a friend. I really enjoyed the me time for reflection and solitude.

Here are some favorites from my time in Oceanside.

Read More
Photography Tips Sandy Evans Photography Tips Sandy Evans

Click Magazine Colorado Photographer

Click Magazine from Click and Company is a publication for female photographers by female photographers. Featured sessions, curated stories, gear reviews, education and more, Click Magazine is a must have. Colorado Photographer, Wild Prairie Photography talks about the magazine and why she loves it.

Why I Love Click Magazine!

Are you looking for a publication that supports female artists, encourages growth and success, publishes meaningful articles written by female leaders in the photography industry as well as keeps you up on the latest with gear reviews? Click magazine delivers all of this and more to your mailbox (digital subscriptions too) on a bi monthly basis. 

Click mag is a different kind of photography magazine. One that will inspire you to create, to take chances and to bring out your inner “you can do it” voice. 

Reasons why I love Click:

  • Innovative. Articles are written about a variety of topics that are not run of the mill. That is refreshing.

  • Personal. I often see the names of my photog friends when reading through the magazine which is so cooool.

  • Relevant. Because it is written by women, Click approaches their publication from a women’s point of view. Full of power, love and strength.

  • Beautiful. Can we just talk about the images in the mag for a sec? Wow. Drop dead gorgeous. Click is curated magnificently.

  • Affordable. At only $22. a year, it’s just a good deal.

  • Click is one of a kind and brought to you by a team of amazingly talented female photographers. 

Want to subscribe? Click this link to get going! https://subscribe.pcspublink.com/sub/subscribe.aspx?guid=33584d6d-7014-4bc0-afea-75521bba88bf

ARE YOU STILL READING? GOOD! BECAUSE I AM GIVING AWAY A ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO CLICK MAGAZINE! HEAD OVER TO THE POST ABOUT CLICK ON MY INSTAGRAM @WILD_PRAIRIE_PHOTOGRAPHY OR FACEBOOK PAGE AND TAG A FRIEND TO ENTER! ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 30TH. WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.

My cat and I love Click and I know you will too!

Read More