Monday, December 20, 2010

How do I insert a digital magazine style page into a Komplet Fusion Album?

Our Komplet Fusion albums are the latest addition to our album range. To create a thoroughly modern album the Fusion is a mix of flush magazine style pages and traditional matted pages.

One of the most FAQ we get asked in relation to the Komplet Fusion album is ‘How do I insert a digital magazine style page into my album’? The answer is very simple!
All you have to do to create a magazine style page is to:

1. Select the image for your magazine style page and drag the image onto the page. It will appear as a small image on the page.

2. If you are using a PC, simply right click on the image and a small menu will appear. Select “FILL MAT”. Done!

3. If you are using a MAC, simply tap the COMMAND/APPLE Button on your keyboard and click on the image. A small menu will appear. Select “FILL MAT”. Done!


Check out the great image of our Komplet Fusion album above by White Tulip Photography!


TIP: The above instructions are also useful if you want to create a hybrid mat, i.e. half matted, half magazine style page in our Pro Collection or Komplet Collection!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

How do I create a photocover in JAD?

Photo Covers are a great way to personalise an album cover. You can have the whole cover as a photo or just a section! To change your album cover to a photo cover just follow the next few steps:



1. Once JAD is open and you have your album design up, click on “ALBUM” in the top toolbar

2. Scroll down the drop down menu and click on “COVER PROPERTIES”

3. A drop down menu will appear under Cover Material. Scroll down the menu and select “PHOTO COVER”.

4. You now need to choose your spine material, i.e. the album cover material.   In the drop down menu under Spine Material, choose your album cover!


TIP: For something different why not try a canvas photo cover or an acrylic photo cover!


Monday, December 6, 2010

Merry Xmas from us!

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year from all the team at Jorgenens'. Here is a little holiday cheer from us. Hope you like it ;)



Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

HOW DO I ORDER MATS ONLY?

Christmas is nearly upon us and we have just a few more JAD tips to go before 2011!

We often get queries from clients as to how they can just place an order for mats in JAD. Hopefully the next few pointers will help out!


1. Open JAD software

2. When the small screen comes up with the 3 different album collections, click “CANCEL” in the bottom left corner

3. Once the small screen has closed, click “FILE” in top Left corner of the Top toolbar in the main screen

4. From the drop down menu select “NEW MATS ONLY”

5. A new small screen will pop up. You then need to choose which album collection you are ordering mats for, i.e. PRO COLLECTION or the STUDIO COLLECTION.

6. You then proceed as normal, choosing your album style, size and page numbers.

7. Design your mats as usual!

When you place your order only an order for Mats will be sent through.

TIP: When placing your order and JAD asks for your Studio Reference make sure you call the album something you will remember, i.e. couples name, Sample Album No 2 etc. This is always helpful if you lose the JAD reference number!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Can I design my album in other programs and still order through Jorgensen?

We quite often get asked by our clients if it is possible to design their album in photoshop or other software and still order through Jorgensen.
The answer is Yes and No. Just to confuse you all!

Matted Albums

All matted albums have to be designed and ordered in JAD.

Digital Albums

Digital albums (e.g. Pro Collection E Album and Komplet Collection Digital Albums) can be designed in software outside of JAD, however, you will need to import the images into JAD prior to ordering.

Confused?! Let me explain with a few simple step by step instructions:

1. Design all your digital magazine style pages in Photoshop or other design software.

TIP: Make sure the image/canvas size is the same as the album size you would like to order!

2. Ensure you export all your page designs as flattened sRGB jpegs @ 300dpi.

TIP: Export double page spreads to save time when importing in JAD

3. Open up JAD and select the basics for your album order, e.g. size and pages numbers

4. Once the album is open, go to IMAGE at the top menu then select ADD IMAGES from the drop down menu

5. Import all your page designs into JAD.

6. Simply drag and drop all your page designs onto the pages!

TIP: If you drag and drop an image onto a digital style page and it doesn’t fill the page simply right click with your mouse on the image and select ‘Fill Mat’!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

JAD TIP: If I get a new computer do I need to register for a new JAD key?

When studios get new computers or they purchase additional computers for staff one of the most common questions we get asked is “ Do I need a new JAD key?”

The simple answer is YES you do!

Each time you get a new computer you are required to download and register for JAD again, as the JAD key provided is unique to each computer.

TIP: Before you install JAD make sure you have JAVA on your computer!

To register for a new JAD key complete the following steps:


If you had the FREE TRIAL version of JAD on your old computer:

1. Go to http://jorgensenalbums.com/PROFESSIONAL_SITE-JAD.htm and download JAD.

2. Once JAD is open, go to File>Activation/Registration>Request Activation Code.

3. Fill in your details, making sure your email address is correct. (Note:- your code will be sent to the email you provide)

4. Select Trial Version. Your code will be automatically sent to your email!


If you had the PAID FULL PRO version of JAD on your old computer:

1. Go to http://jorgensenalbums.com/PROFESSIONAL_SITE-JAD.htm and download JAD.

2. Once JAD is open, go to File>Activation/Registration>Request Activation Code.

3. Fill in your details, making sure your email address is correct. (Note:- your code will be sent to the email you provide)

4. Select ProVersion. Under payment details please select ‘prepaid’. An initial trial version code will be automatically sent to your email!

5. The key for the full version will be emailed to you within one business day.


Note: If you get an additional studio computer you do not need to pay for a new JAD key, simply select ‘prepaid’! You only need to pay for the JAD key ONCE!


Of course if you have any JAD questions, or suggestions for future help topics, please email jad@jorgensenalbums.com.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The REAL WORLD Wedding Photography Workshop 2011

Building and running a wedding business, from top to toe in the REAL world!


Whats the workshop all about?


Building and running a wedding business, from top to toe in the REAL world.

Topics include:

1: Introduction and background to how Peter has become one the leading lights in the UK Wedding Photography Industry.

2: Business: Peter will reveal his marketing, pricing and products.

3: Technical: Peter covers exposure, lighting, composition.

4: Equipment.

5: Walk through a recent full wedding with Peter.

6: Shooting when the going gets tough: tips for winter, wet and difficult weddings.

7: Live Shoot: Peter holds a live demo both inside the magnificent venue and, weather permitting, in the grounds. There should be opportunity for delegates to take some images themselves under Peter’s guidance, so feel free to bring your own cameras.






Who Should Attend the REAL WORLD Workshop ?
Aspiring and established photographers wishing to freshen or build up their business and wedding photography. This workshop is perfectly timed to get you up to to speed as the new wedding season gets under way.


This is intended to be a very informal, ego and hype-free workshop. Questions and input from delegates are very much welcomed.






Give me all the Details!
Date: Thursday 3rd March 2011

Time: 10.00 to 5.00pm (registration and coffee 9.30am)

Location: Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross, East Sussex.

Investment: EARLY BOOKING RATE of just £200.00 per delegate for spaces booked before Christmas. After the 25th December the price will increase to £295.00 per delegate.  The fee includes coffee on arrival, a decent hot and cold lunch and afternoon coffee.


I Love it! How can I book?
For further information or to book your place on the workshop please call on 01323 740741 or e-mail: info@peterprior.com.



Monday, November 1, 2010

Is Digital Killing the Photo Album?

In the latest issue of Working Pro (the Official newsletter of the AIPP) Gary Jorgensen, Managing Director of Jorgensen Albums talks candidly of how the digital age has impacted on the wedding album.....


It only seems like yesterday (1981) when I first entered the wedding album market, with high hopes, little idea and even less money. Having spent 5 years as a bank teller and a couple working in the cabinet making industry variously driving a desk and a ute, my brother, Murray asked if I wanted to join him to try and make something of a business he and a photographer had set up a few years earlier. Six months later I liked the business so much I bought the whole company, all 0.5 of an employee, a couple of racks of shelving and some stock. What was I thinking !

So it is from this perspective, that I look back on what has happened over the last 30 years. Well, albums were pretty basic. You could have any colour pages you liked as long as they were black, you had a wide choice of mats, as long as they were 8x10, 5x7 or 4x5 and burgundy velvet was a big hit back then.

Keeping It Real

“Real” photographers swaggered about with huge large or medium format cameras slung over their shoulders (sometimes both) , toting a camera bag that required a small pack mule to carry and impressing all and sundry with their great skill with this equipment that only they had. It’s no wonder many photographers from those days suffer from back pain.

After the wedding, they would take down their 10 or so rolls of film to the “professional” lab who would take care of things after that. Come back in a week or so and pick up the paper proofs, that’s right – PAPER and so the planning for an album began.

Right about this time, video cameras hit the market and were going to put all of us out of business. The new and “compact” cameras that required a car battery to be strapped to your waist and made indents on your shoulder from carrying them were going to take the market by storm and no longer would bridal couples want albums like their parents had. Instead they would watch something akin to a home-made movie on their tellies, surrounded by family and friends who came to watch the grand event. Ummm....it didn’t happen. Though it was probably the start of another thing for couples to part with their hard earned on at a wedding.

Having recovered from this whipping with a feather, we all moved on. Around about the late 80’s the storm was whether a “real” photographer would shoot using 35mm. I remember heated debates at IAP (predecessor of AIPP) about this and the part time photographers entering the market and killing it for everyone. It was also around this time and earlier, that a group of out-there wedding photographers were changing the way they shot and sold weddings. Albums started to become more works of art and suddenly taking a picture on an angle and out of focus became popular, along with couples drowning in champagne glasses, or so it seemed. What drugs were they on? Who knows, but I think it was a drug of change and it started a whole new wave through the wedding industry.

Progressive Photography

These were the days of white suits, afro hair and gold chains. Those progressive photographers started working with album companies and labs to produce something different. Who would of thought of cutting a photo, mixing sizes and colour? Next thing innovative new albums design programmes emerged, led by Australian and NZ album companies I might add. We spent more time in front of computer screens and less time in front of our clients. Before we knew it, a professional photographer was judged by the type of car he drove rather than the equipment he used. It was Gordon Gecko of Wall Street – but not for long.

And so, around the mid 90’s, the shake out was well and truly under way. Australian photographers, album companies and labs were heading overseas to spread the word. It was good to be an Aussie – it helped open doors, others were interested in our strange accent and even stranger ideas. I have to add, there were also some of our cousins from NZ making inroads too. Now some of you who were around in those days may remember it differently and those who weren’t there probably don’t care and why would you? Because we live in the here and now and we can’t go back – or can we? Things would have gone spiffingly well if it weren’t for a few things. Firstly, the rest of the world listened to us and caught up or at least changed the way they perceived wedding photography. Soon, just being from “down under” didn’t cut it. The other two things kind of caught us unawares.

Clash of the Titans

The digital age was looming like a great cloud over us. DSLR cameras were getting cheaper and cheaper and cheaper. The advent of the press printed photo book and new technologies that could print on anything from a brick to a cushion to the side of a building, were moving at a rapid pace that would make even fast bowler Brett Lee blush. Everyone became an instant photographer. Photographers started shooting like they had an Uzi machine gun and now spent most of their time behind computer screens trying to sort out a few thousand images they’d shot at the last wedding, culling them to a manageable 3 or 4 hundred, knowing 60-70 would make it into an album. Suddenly the world was a lot smaller and photo products (albums, books, cups, cushions) could be made overseas and shipped here easily and cheaply. No-one said they were good. Or were they? Where was it all going? Well, just when we might have sorted it out, along came the bogie man, creeping up behind us like the grim reaper and WHAM! – the GFC was upon us.

Suddenly, it was like the pub running out of beer just when you were getting revved up - the world had changed. People stopped spending. Brides were getting confused with a wedding industry telling them to ask for the digital images and save money. What were they going to do with the images – who knows. Enthusiastic photographers thought weddings might be a good supplement to their income (if they had one). Shoot and burn became the new catch cry. “Real” photographers started running around like their hair was on fire (if they still had any). Where was it all to end? Will it end? Is this the beginning of the end of wedding photographers and wedding photo albums?? Has digital killed the industry? Or has it just thrown up more challenges, more ways to re-invent ourselves, to make changes.

Changes

We haven’t got over the last revolution I hear you say. But things are changing.

So how do we change with it. Well, I’m not about to let the cat out of the bag for what we’re going to do, but I will say, we have introduced new products to take advantage of the digital world, improved and new services to appeal to a broader range of photographer and we have also looked beyond our horizon in a geographical sense as well. But here’s some things I think we ALL need to do.

First, stopping running about like your hair is on fire. It isn’t. Realise, that like King Canute, you can’t stop the wave. Sure, some will get swept out to sea, survive and make a few bucks. DSLR cameras, photo books, social media sites and digital phones are here to stay.

Next, ask yourself why you are in the business of photography. Is it because you are so passionate about the “art”, is it because it seemed like a good business to be in or are you somewhere in between being enthusiastic about the craft and wanting to start a business – of some kind. Or should you have listened to your Mother and become a plumber like your aunty or a hairdresser like your uncle – we all know they make more money than photographers. Despite my youthful looks , after 30 years my experience says that really true artists make it, simply because they are so good and people will throw money at them. The passionate photographer with no business sense eventually fails or at best scrapes together a living. The enthusiast with business sense can do quite well. I can hear the loud cries from here – of course I know you have done well, but I generalise of course.

Good photographers with a head for business, who set themselves apart from what is on offer to the amateur will do well.

As an industry, individually and as a professional body, we need to hammer home to the end user of our products, the differences between what we do and offer to what is available to the consumer. But make no mistake, the “prosumer” (professional amateur consumer – who thinks of these names?) is out there and the blur between the professional and them is growing. More and more we will see companies who have exclusively supplied the professional, morph into a quasi retail or perhaps even a full-on retail company just to survive. I can’t see any major camera manufacturer only supplying to the professional market – why would they? The amateur market is far bigger.

Professional, hand crafted wedding albums will be one such product in a vast array of products and tools that are on offer, that will differentiate the professional from the amateur. Products and packaging will set you apart. Choosing not to use them is OK, but don’t be surprised if someone doesn’t pick up the slack and see an opportunity and takes full advantage of it. Don’t be surprised when you see your beautiful images, designed on a home computer on one of the plethora of do-it-yourself design programmes, printed at the local retailer and bound into a photo book. And don’t be surprised if you have to do more weddings to make ends meet.

We know there is a place for the wedding album in the digital age. We know that there are people out there that still want quality and custom made products, be it furniture, suits or shoes. And when there isn’t, we’ll be doing something else like plumbing or hairdressing.

On a lighter note, think of the money you’ll save not having to go to physio for your back because your cameras is lighter – or you don’t use one anymore.

(Note: The article has been re-printed with the kind permission of Peter Eastway, editor of the Working Pro.)

Monday, October 18, 2010

A winning album design....

What does a winning wedding album design look like? Just ask WhiteTulip Photography! (www.whitetulipslideshows.com.au/weddings)

White Tulip Photography's album design recently came runner up in the recent WA pro photography awards (WAPPAs). We thought it was essential to share this beautiful album design with you!

The album pictured is our new Komplet Fusion album with a designer hard wood cover.









To check out White Tulip Photography's Full Blog post check out http://www.whitetulipblog.com/2010/10/beautiful-new-wedding-albums/

If you have any beautiful Jorgensen Album Designer (JAD software) wedding album designs you would like us to publish on our blog or facebook (or you jsut ahev some gorgeous shots of your Jorgensen albums!)email us at sales@jorgensenalbums.com.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Marketing in Tough Times

I saw this on Youtube and thought its soo simple yet who is doing it?

Talk to your customers, find out what they want, use them for “Word of Mouth Marketing”, follow up enquires with a personalized letter, be your own PR person – its not rocket science J

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Ribbons and bows..oh my!

Everybody loves a present. A birthday present. A Christmas present. A wedding present. Any kind of present!  However, as I have gotten older I am now just as thrilled (if not more) by the presentation of the gift, rather than the gift itself.

Nothing quite beats the actual anticipation of receiving a beautifully wrapped gift...wrapping paper, delicate bows, hand tied string, customized gift tags, handpainted boxes, French ticking ribbon.... The most beautiful gifts are the ones you can hardly bare to open so as not to upset the perfectly tied ribbon with matching gift tag!

I think nobody understands this concept better than jewelers. A diamond ring will always get a wow but a diamond ring in a velvet box, tied up with a ribbon, inside another box, wrapped up with tissue paper, inside a bag and tied up with another ribbon will always draw the biggest gasp of breath. Case in point, Tiffany’s Jewellers. There is very few brides who would not be familiar with ‘the little blue box’ and Tiffany’s eggshell blue. I can almost guarantee, long after the initial rush of excitement is over, any woman who receives a ‘little blue box’ from Tiffany’s, will most likely keep that little blue box all tied up with its white ribbon and it matching eggshell blue bag. And for the men who aren’t familiar, you can most likely just ask any woman you know =)

I think the same should be said of wedding albums. There is nothing like the anticipation of a bride as she receives her wedding album. All the build up from the wedding day itself, the first proofs, the initial album design…it all leads up to this very moment. She will most likely never love her wedding album more than at that exact moment. And wouldn’t the anticipation build if the album was came in a beautiful box or wrapped in ribbons and bows? Even if all you present to your clients is a DVD of images, wouldn’t it be better if it came in a deluxe DVD case with a ribbon?

Jorgensen’s have also begun to consider all things ‘gift’ like which is the reason for the introduction of our DVD cases, photo cover boxes and, most recently, our deluxe presentation boxes. Somehow, just the fact that something comes in a box seems to add some perceived value and adds to the anticipation! Our new Komplet albums also come wrapped delicately in protective cloth and ribbon (see pictures below!)


This post is just to get you thinking about presentation and how you can maximize that anticipation and excitement your clients get when they receive their images, with just a bit of effort (and maybe some French ticking ribbon!). Regardless of the price they paid, or the product you present, make each and every sale a gift to the client. I guarantee they will treasure the images even more. They will thank you for it when they tell all their friends about their ‘little blue album box’ moment!
(P.S If you are inspired by this post, check out a few images of beautifully wrapped albums from our Studio Collection from Leela B Photography (http://www.leelabphotography.co.uk/2010/07/latest-jorgensen-wedding-albums-have-arrived/) Just exquisite wrapping!).

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Monday, August 23, 2010

Camera Electronic Nikon Workshop!

Dont forget to get in quick to secure your spot at the Nikon Workshop, Sunday the 29th of August.

What:     Nikon Workshop
Where:   Perth, Covention Centre
When:     Sunday 29 August, 10am - 5pm


Join Legendary AIPP Master and 2010 AIPP Wedding Photographer of the year Rocco Ancora and 2010 AIPP Victorian Portrait Photographer of the year Vicki Bell as they share there tips and techniques with you, Also a full range of Nikon pro gear will be available for you to test and shoot with. Full lunch on the day also included...

Head to http://www.cameraelectronic.com.au/ for more info or call 9328-4405 to book your spot now!


Monday, August 9, 2010

Affordable Chic....

In today's economy everyone, wants value for money.  That's why Jorgensen's created the Studio Collection, an affordable and chic range of off the shelf albums designed to impress your clients (and their bank accounts)!

Handcrafted and using premium pages, just because the collection is affordable does not mean you have to sacrifice on quality and craftsmanship.  Leela Bennett of Leela B Photography in the UK (http://www.leelabphotography.co.uk/) proves exactly this!

Leela has posted some photos on her blog recently of her new Studio Collection albums and they look AMAZING! Each album custom designed and wrapped individually for each of her clients.  I love her choice of ribbon and the effort she has put into presenting her albums.

Who wouldn't LOVE to receive an album dressed up like that?







Fore more information and pictures of our Studio Collection albums please visit us at http://www.jorgensenalbums.com/JORGENSEN_SITE-ALBUM_COLLECTIONS-STUDIO_COLLECTION.htm.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Jorgensen Album Fotobuch on YouTube

All we can say is WOW! One of our German customers, Kateryna Sobkalova, has created an amazing clip to promote herself and Jorgensen Albums.


The clip shows off all the details and assembly of a Jorgensen Styla Album from the Pro Collection.  A fantastic idea to encourage clients to purchase a wedding album, as the clip makes the album feel like a designer fashion item (and who doesn't want to own a piece designer fashion!).

Thankyou Kateryna for sharing this with us (http://www.hochzeitsfoto-art.de)!!


The clip is fantastic and is truly a credit to the videographer who shot it. Please check it out below!



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Shoot your Album Thursday!

OMG!!
Soo much going on the past few weeks. Secrets and Recon on new albums and services.... more to follow soon....

 
  

 

Monday, January 11, 2010

UK Events - 2010




For all our UK clients, please click on the link below to check out upcoming events in your area.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Back at work


(Image by Natalie Boyes - Our very talented in house wanna be Pro Photographer)


After a great break, the staff are back into it... Hope you all had a wonderful holiday too!