Amazon Favorites | Tennis and Travel Faves

August 5, 2024 Jaine Kershner

For this month’s August Amazon Favorites, I wanted to share what I’ve purchased for when I travel for destination weddings, how I’m keeping my editing desk organized, and my favorite tennis apparel for when I’m on the court this Summer and Fall. Let’s jump in…

Travel ⁠

- Loop earplugs are a MUST-HAVE for wedding days and when I'm traveling.⁠ I have worn earplugs for as long as I can remember at weddings and events because, boy, it’s LOUD. I also hurt my ear one time standing too close to a speaker and it took about a year to heal, so lesson learned. I love these Loop Experience Earplugs in Black to keep my ears safe and they are very comfortable to sleep in too!

⁠- I upgraded my travel hairdryer to the T3 Micro Fit Compact Hairdrying in White and am so excited about this new compact hairdryer in my travel kit. It’s also dual voltage so when I travel across the pond to Europe or beyond, it will not get fried when I plug it in with an adapter.

⁠⁠Desk Organization:

- Keeping my desk organized has never been easier with these Magnetic Cable Clips⁠ from JoyRoom is so easy. They stick to your surface and snap closed keeping all of my cables and wires neat. I use them on my desk, on my nightstand, and in our living room too.

Tennis Apparel + Gear:

- I created a new Tennis Must Haves section inside of my Amazon Storefront with all of my favorite gear and apparel that I wear on the court.⁠ If you have been following along on my Instagram you would know that I started to play tennis again last Fall. It’s been such an incredible outlet for me to have a hobby that is not only fun but also challenges me every time I play. I’ve also made some wonderful new friends and love playing with them weekly.

My favorite tennis skirts are from Altiland - they are cooling, they have pleats and have shorts underneath. I own several colors.

Jewelry:

- I have a new jewelry obsession on Amazon. How amazing are these bangles?!⁠ I am loving adding to my current jewelry stack for really nice pieces that will not break the bank. these are so fun!

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Amazon Favorites | Travel + Editing Edition

May 28, 2024 Jaine Kershner

Welcome to our new monthly blog series where I share my current and latest finds from Amazon. I love shopping on Amazon because it truly is a one-stop-shop for just about everything you could need to make your life a bit easier.

For this month’s Amazon Favorites, I wanted to share what I’ve purchased for when I travel for destination weddings, an incredible tool for editing your weddings, along with devices that make my life easier. So, Let’s jump in…

Travel

Kitsc Flat Hair Clips - Where have these been hiding my whole life? When we were in Sarasota for spring break earlier this year, I discovered flat hair clips that make lying down on the beach so much more comfortable vs. the old-style claw clip. These clips are designed to lay flat on your head meaning you can lay down and enjoy the sun without being uncomfortable. I loved them so much that I purchased two sets!

Anker Portable Magnetic iPhone Charger - I have been looking for a thin portable magnetic charger for my iPhone for a while. There is nothing worse than running out of a charge on your phone, only to realize you don’t have the right cable with you to use your portable charger. It’s happened to me too many times that I finally decided to upgrade and I’m so happy I did. I can get 2-3 full charges from this little device and I love it!

L’ANGE Hair Le Duo Grande 360 Airflow Styler - I travel a lot for weddings whether it’s to Montauk or Martha’s Vineyard and that means that I’m always looking for ways to lighten my travel bags. When I discovered this device that is a hair straightener AND curling iron in one, I knew I had to try it. I watched a few YouTube videos that helped me get the hang of it, but now that I’ve had it for over a month, I will only be packing this incredible hair duo in my carry-on luggage.

7 Compartment Pill Organizer - I’ll be the first to admit that if I don’t see my vitamins in front of my face, I will forget to take them. So this little 7-compartment pill organizer from FYY is perfect for me when I’m on the go. I fill it up with my daily vitamins and allergy medicine and I’m ready to go. I truly love finding new ways to be super organized.

Universal Travel Adapter - I’m heading to Italy and need an updated travel power adapter to convert my 110V to 220V. This little device had wonderful reviews and was recommended by a travel blogger I follow on Instagram. It was an immediate "ADD-TO-CART” and I cannot wait to try it out soon!

Microstitch Tagging Gun - This might be the best thing I’ve ever purchased from Amazon - EVER! If you ever had a dress or shirt that didn’t close or lay flat in the front, this little micro stitch tool is for you. I can add a little stitch to hold everything in place temporarily while I’m wearing a button-down top or dress. It can also help in a pinch for buttons along your waistline. Genius!

Editing Tools

Charging Base for Magic Mouse 2 Edition - As a full-time wedding photographer, I edit a lot of photos every single day of the year and during my busy season, I can’t even think about how much time I spend in front of my computer. Nothing is more frustrating than going to edit and your mouse is out of power because you didn’t charge it but with the magic mouse, you had to plug it into your computer or wall to charge but NOT ANYMORE! This ergonomic charging base for the magic mouse is a game changer. You place your mouse into the base and it clicks into place. Once inside the charging base, you can then magnetically charge and re-charge your Apple Magic Mouse. I can’t believe I JUST discovered this little hack but oh my goodness it’s a good one and I hope it helps you too!

The Power of Submitting Wedding Photography to Publications

May 12, 2024 Jaine Kershner

The Power of Submitting Your Wedding Photography

I know you’ve probably heard this before but it’s so important to submit your wedding photography to submissions year after year. There are so many incredible benefits of submitting your work and having it featured in your top wedding publication.

Sure, the landscape of publications has changed but it’s not dead. Well, not yet. There are still several online and print editorials that are constantly looking for new and exciting work to feature. So, what if I told you that there's a way to amplify the impact of your artistry beyond the confines of your client’s wedding album or your portfolio? That's where the power of submitting your work to publications comes into play.

Here are some of my favorite reasons why you should submit your wedding photography:

Visibility and Exposure: Publications provide a platform for your work to be seen by a broader audience. Whether it's a local magazine, a niche wedding blog, or a prestigious online publication, each feature extends your reach and exposes your talent to potential clients who might not have discovered you otherwise. We all know that Instagram only shows a fraction of your audience your photos and reels so if you have multiple sources sharing your work, who all have a larger reach than you do, it’s an incredible way to boost your social awareness about your wedding photography business.
Social Proof and Credibility: Having your work published adds a layer of social proof and credibility to your craft. It signifies that your work meets certain standards of excellence and is worthy of recognition and that “as seen” button on your website or tag in your email signature. It shows potential new clients that you are trustworthy and that they can begin to trust you.
Inspiration and Innovation: Exposure to diverse wedding styles and trends through publications can inspire your creativity and push you to innovate. Seeing how other photographers approach their craft, the unique venues they capture, and the creative concepts they execute can spark new ideas and techniques that you can incorporate into your own work.
Networking Opportunities: This is a huge door opener!! Collaborating with publications can open doors to valuable networking opportunities within the wedding industry. Building relationships with editors, fellow photographers, vendors, and other professionals can lead to referrals, partnerships, and future opportunities for growth and collaboration.
SEO Benefits: Nothing better than some fresh “Google Juice”. Being featured on top-level publications can boost your website's search engine optimization (SEO) by generating backlinks and increasing your online visibility. When your work is showcased on high-authority websites, it not only drives traffic to your site but also enhances its credibility in the eyes of search engines. Some of these top publications have SEO teams to ensure they are coming up on the first page of Google, so why not be part of that as well? This might be one of my favorite benefits.

Submitting your wedding photography to publications is more than just a marketing strategy; it's a means of elevating your craft, expanding your reach, and leaving a lasting imprint in the hearts of those who come across your work.

I know it can be overwhelming to submit weddings on your own and we offer several services at all different price points to help wedding photographers and wedding planners just like you. I could talk about this forever but instead, I hope this list of the benefits of submitting your work inspires you to jump in and get started today!

How to Submit Your Wedding Photos to Publications for Wedding Photographers & Wedding Planners

May 12, 2024 Jaine Kershner

How to Submit Your Wedding for Wedding Photographers

For the last four years, I’ve been helping wedding photographers get their work featured and seen in several top wedding publications. As a wedding photographer myself, I know that capturing these unforgettable moments is only half the journey; the other half lies in sharing your work in the hopes that your dream publication will say “yes!” and feature your photography along with all of the hard work the other creative partners have poured into your clients perfect day.

One powerful way to do so is by submitting your photos to publications.

I have been teaching about how wedding photographers can submit their work to online and print publications and I wanted to write this article to help you in your submission journey.

Here's a short guide to help you navigate the process:

Research Publications: Start by researching publications that align with your style, target audience, and aspirations. Look for magazines, blogs, and online platforms that regularly feature wedding content. Consider factors such as readership demographics, editorial focus, and submission guidelines to ensure your work is a good fit.
Prepare your Images: Begin culling your gallery down to your best 100-150 images. Look at the overall selection and see if you can tell a cohesive story from start to finish. A good rule of thumb is that editors want 75% Details to 25% Photos of the Clients. This is always ever evolving but it’s a good place to begin your curation.
Follow Submission Guidelines: Every publication has its own unique submission guidelines, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with these before reaching out. Pay attention to specific requirements regarding image format, resolution, file size, and accompanying information such as captions, credits, and wedding details.
Craft a Compelling Pitch: When submitting your photos, accompany them with a well-crafted pitch that explains why your work is a good fit for the publication. Personalize your pitch by addressing the editor by name, briefly introduce yourself, and include the high points from the wedding itself. Include the top 4-5 vendors such as the wedding planner, florist, designer, invitations, and venue. Be sure not to describe the photos themselves vs. sharing the unique and personal experiences that make this celebration so unique.
Respect Copyright and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and releases from the couples featured in your photos before submitting them to publications. There’s nothing worse than getting a “YES!” from the editor to the couple telling you they don’t want their photos featured anywhere online.
Follow Up Appropriately: After submitting your photos, be patient and follow up with the publication if you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe. Currently, most publications. can get back to you within 2 weeks to 8 weeks. However, please avoid being overly persistent or pushy. Respect the editor's time and decision-making process while expressing your continued interest in being featured.
Celebrate and Share the Feature: If your work gets selected for publication, celebrate the achievement share the feature with your audience, and let all of the vendors know the good news. Promote the publication through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to maximize exposure and showcase your success to potential new clients. I always like to create custom images for social media that everyone who was on the creative team can share and that’s even more eyes on my photography.

There’s much more that goes into each wedding submission but submitting your wedding photos to publications is not only a way to showcase your talent but also a valuable opportunity to reach a wider audience, build credibility, and elevate your brand as a wedding photographer.

With thoughtful research, preparation, and professionalism, you can increase your chances of getting your work published and making a lasting impression in the wedding industry.

How Associates Help Avoid Discounting Your Rates and Solidify Your Brand Reputation with Emily Loeppke

March 26, 2024 Jaine Kershner

We are chatting with Emily Loeppke about how associates help avoid discounting your rates and solidify your brand reputation. Emily shares how she started a successful associate program early in her career as a wedding photographer and how, over time, it’s allowed her to grow her second brand geared toward the luxury client. A little bit about Emily, she is the founder of Anna Delores Photography and a wedding industry educator who empowers fellow creatives to grow their businesses (and profits) by hiring an associate team. She is passionate about helping other wedding professionals skip past the years of mistakes in their businesses and beeline straight to thriving.

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Mindset for Raising Your Prices with Jane Goodrich

February 13, 2024 Jaine Kershner

We are chatting with Jane Goodrich all about the mindset for raising your prices. Jane shares her thoughts and tools to use to help you get over the fear of raising your rates. A little bit about Jane, she is an accomplished newborn and family photographer, a seasoned expert in the photography business, a professional mentor, and the visionary Founder of Picsello. Picsello is purpose-built software designed to provide the tools and support for photographers in the management, marketing, and monetization of their businesses. Drawing from decades of industry experience and years of meticulous research, Jane collaborated with other prominent photography experts and led a top-tier tech team to craft an unparalleled platform that is changing the photography business for many.

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