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What’s New At MorePhotos?

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I am glad you asked. MorePhotos has been very active during this COVID time. We have used the time to make some very nice improvements in our offering. Following are a couple of the things we have been working on most recently.

  1. MorePhotos has released a comprehensive API that will allow large photography companies with their own development staff, or labs that have the capabilities, to do almost everything in our system via API integrations. This includes everything from uploads to order status management.
    1. This has allowed one of our school photography companies to use an app they developed for use on Android devices to provide all services, including anything from the immediate upload of the photos (with all appropriate data as needed) to the printing of the pre-rendered output where MorePhotos does the replacement of the backgrounds and composites them together into a product ready for printing. Although this company does its printing, this same procedure can be used at any lab.
  2. We can do XML exports that can be customized per your needs and can include links to the generated “Ready to Print” files.
    1. Since MorePhotos can now composite the product, if needed, we can render “ready to print” digital files. This includes the ability to remove backgrounds during the upload, the addition of the customer chosen “backgrounds”, that can also include an overlay layer, text nodes, changeable logos, and more, and generate these ready to print digital files. These are then made available to the photographer to do with what they wish.
    2. We can do XML exports that can be customized per you needs, and can include links to the generated “ready to Print” files.
    3. We can also do more reporting and sorting of the data you need to determine what direction your business should take in the future. Questions like how well did this event do, or how well did this new product sell can be answered and used to determine the new best directions for your company.

These are only a couple of the things we have accomplished during this time. Be sure to contact us for more of what we can do to make your job easier and more profitable.

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Top 5 Tips for Organizing Your Digital Photo Archive

organizing your digital photo archiveDo you have a messy digital photo archive that is stressing you out? It is no wonder efficiency, or lack thereof, has an effect on your brain. It does not only contribute to stress. A lack of efficiency and organization also impacts your productivity.

As in every other aspect of your life, it is important to have organizational skills in photo storage. It will help you be more efficient in finding and storing every single photo you take.

If you do not know where to begin, then check out the tips below and organize your archive in a slow but sure manner.

  1. Clean Up Your Digital Photo Archive

The first step in photo organization is removing the clutter. In a photo archive, the clutter consists of duplicate photos, accidental shots, blurred images, test shots, and other unwanted ones. Clean these up first before you sort through them.

  1. Edit Bad Dates

Sometimes, you will get photos that do not have the right dates. This process happens when you have not set up the camera’s date settings. Your photos will get dates from the past or in the future if it does not have automatic update capabilities.

Photos with bad dates will mess up the chronological order of your photos. However, you do not have to worry as computers have a function that lets you adjust the date and time on individual photos or groups.

  1. Create Categories and Put Photos in Folders

Creating folders is the best way to stay organized as it enables you to be able to find a photo when needed. Still, keep in mind that you have to name the folders in a way that makes sense for you.

You may use categories to separate your photos, but keep it simple to make finding photos easier. The categories can be something as straightforward as the year you took the images or other names that you would remember.

  1. Create Sub-Folders

Within those folders, create more sub-folders. If you organized them by year, then you may now use months as sub-categories.

Make sure you use a number at the beginning of the name so that the folders are in chronological order and not alphabetical order. It would look like 1 Jan, 2 Feb, and so on, or even a simple 1, 2, 3 would work well.

However, photos from special events should be separate if possible. In addition to the months, you would also have sub-folders by events, such as a vacation or a birthday party.

You may also categorize your photos in a different way. Want to be able to find all your family photos in one place? Create a sub-folder for it, then another for portrait photography, then another for your photography sessions, and so on.

  1. Back Up to an External HDD or a Cloud Service

Do not forget to back up your photos. Take some time to copy them to an external hard drive or upload them to a cloud service. This process will allow you to take your photos with you without fear of losing them should your computer break down.

Cloud services usually have automated backup services as well so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to regularly backup. However, storage does come at a price.

What’s Next?

The tips above should help any digital photo archive have a bit of organization. For more tips, visit our blog or contact us if you want to take your photography to the next level.

MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.

Photography Portfolio

The Keys to Building a Sports Photography Business

sports photography businessReady to start a sports photography business?

Good choice!

In 2017, it was reported that Americans spent more than $56 billion on sporting events. Spending and enthusiasm are high in the sporting world. A good photographer to capture special moments is always in demand.

With careful planning and networking, you can become a successful sports photographer. However, starting a business, especially if you have never done it before, can be a bit overwhelming.

Here are some tips to make it less formidable so that you can get on the road to success.

  1. Create a Plan

When you decide to start a business, one of the first things you must create is a business plan. Your plan should take into consideration the cost of paying rent for a shop if you want one and the setting up of a website. Consider the cost of purchasing equipment as well.

You will also need to identify your target market and define your niche. This process will make it easier to create your portfolio.

No matter how good your photography business is, if people do not know that you exist, then you will not be able to get any clients and make a profit. That means you need to set up an advertising budget and decide which channels you will use to promote yourself.

  1. Develop a Website

As mentioned before, you will need to create a website. Make sure that your website clearly outlines your services and has your contact information. Part of your website will be examples of your work, known as your portfolio.

Seeing is believing when it comes to sports photography. No one is going to believe that you are a good photographer without proof. The only way to establish proof of your skills is to create a portfolio.

Building a portfolio may mean you have to do some assignments for free to get the necessary photographs. Another option is to offer discounted rates so that you can get the necessary shots to compile your portfolio.

Another aspect of your website needs to be a way for clients to order and pay for photographs using a shopping cart method. Our strong, kiosk-like cart allows you to offer not only photos but products that incorporate your photos, such as trading cards or even magazine covers.

With a quality website, you can offer clients the ability to see a finished product before they place the order. Then you can connect with a lab to produce your products or even produce and ship them yourself.

  1. Advertise Strategically

With social media platforms, such as Facebook, you can quickly and easily reach your target audience. Target people who like sports and photography in your area and create a promotional video of your photography.

Video advertising with strong visuals is sure to attract some new clients and create brand awareness. Use social media and networking to build a following that will hire you for their sporting event or will purchase products from you after the event.

  1. Get Registered and Insured

You will need to establish your business legally. Doing so ensures that you will have some protection should a disgruntled customer decide to sue your business.

Additionally, you will have to pay taxes, therefore,  you will need to register for them. There are several state and federal taxes so make sure you do your homework or get legal help if necessary.

In some states, it is a requirement that you are insured, especially if you employ workers. You will want to make sure that you have all the necessary insurance in case something should go wrong with an employee.

Final Thoughts on Building a Sports Photography Business

Being a sports photographer is a fulfilling occupation. However, establishing your business can present some challenges.

Always ensure that you create a strong portfolio and advertise your business. You will also need to get legally established and properly insured.

Contact us for more photography tips.

MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.