ProPhotogs Contest coming to an end...

we will cut off till a quarter till midnight CST USA.....and the drawing will start.
We will have to upload it to youtube....
Thank you for your patience.
-Lindsay aka Mai PIF blogger

So it gets better, NEW YEARS EVE PARTY from ProPhotogs.com

Cher and Props PIF on the blog with a convention giveaway!!!! THIS ROCKS!

Link to convention: http://www.prophotogs.com/index.php?pageid=2008%20Convention

New Years contest on PIF and give away a convention ticket For premium members it's a value of 450.00, for registered members it's a value of 500.00 for non members all together a value of 550.00!!!!!!

HOLY MOLY!!!



Like the PIF train never stops! this is a big un!



Rule: Post comments on this blog saying ProPhotog ROCKS, and we will do a Video Blog drawing on who wins!!! Make sure to put name and email. Winner drawn tonight before midnight CST USA. We will try to annouce around midnight.

Throwing numbers in 1-100 in a bowl, however many comments there are. Please only comment once, thank you!



THANKS CHER AND PROPS this is awesome!!! -Lindsay aka Mai pif blogger

We have a winner!!!!!

for the Skye anonymous gifted bootcamp. Samantha Smith!!!!! Send us your info, address, phonenumber, email to pifphoto@gmail.com
It was so quick, three girls emailed, neck to neck!!! You guys were FAST!

This one is from Heather, gorgeous!

HI there,
I've been reading your blog for quite awhile and finally had some time to sit down and create something to give away as a freebie on your blog. I created a 5x7 .png white winter grunge overlay. I created it with brushes I made and also commercial use allowed brushes from Obsidian Dawn. I'm attaching the preview image of it, plus here is the link at 4shared where it is hosted:
http://www.4shared.com/file/31709578/5e5e2d0e/heathergreen_PIF_5x7wintergrungeoverlay.html

If you like the overlay and would like to post it on the blog, you can either download it from 4shared and host it at filebuffer or just use the 4shared link I provided, either way works for me :)

Heather Green

Scrappy Pony Designs-digital scrapbooking suppliesMy BlogMy Flickr Photos

*thank you to heather for PIF, its gorgeous! -pif blogger

Skyes Boot Camp

This is an anonymous PIF gift, and I thought how special this was of someone to do!!!

Skye's Business Bootcamp Workshop in Salt Lake City, the person couldnt make it, so they are giving it up for FREE ON THE PIF BLOG! That rocks (and too anonymous VERY generous and thank you for PIF)

Only stipulations are:

The stipulations is the location could only be Salt Lake or Chicago - they could NOT resell their seat or re-gift it either - and they ca nnot live within two hours of Pittsburgh PA. The website for the dates and info is www.bbootcamp.com

First one to email too pifphoto@gmail.com gets it! Send your info so we can forward it to Skye.

*Again anonymous, thank you and that was super special. (valued at $350.00) - pif blogger

Okay Okay Okay, We have big news.....

I try to not write personal stuff on here and keep it on the PIF track, but alot of you know me, and your so supportive I have to share my excitement with the PIF readers.

I'm excited to announce that I will be working with Flashpalette Website Design (they have been featured on this blog and PIF ALOT),
You can read more here
http://flashpalette.typepad.com/

I will be blogging away over there too! Making video blogs here(PIF) and there(FP). Doing interviews, contests, giving websites away(so make sure to check the blog) http://flashpalette.typepad.com/ (blog)
http://www.flashpalette.com/main.html (websites, etc)
I am thrilled to be working with them, they are good people, great company, and I feel like part of the team already! They have tons of new stuff coming out.

I got tons of emails, pms, etc, and thank you all for the support....Means the world. And I will still be doing my photography. Workaholic over here :o)- LOL

On that note, Today we will get the blog going with all the PIF stuff you guys sent in. And I"ll be bloggin on FP TOO soon!

*I'm running , jumping with excitement, no twiddling the thumbs right now. LOL

-Lindsay aka Mai
PIF Blogger

We will be on vacation

having some fun and going places till New Years Day.
We wish you all many many blessings and a Happy New year!
Have fun and be safe new years eve ;)

BUT,
2008 is bringing in some fun stuff ,PIF to the blog, all that and more coming to YOU!

Um yeah, heck of a deal for Flashpallete

Was checking out their blog and um hello

http://flashpalette.typepad.com/flashpalette_blog/2007/12/holiday-sale-en.html

Holiday Sale Ends In 7 Days
Starting from 1/1/2008 (next Tuesday), all templates will be reset to their regular prices.
For example, 08A regular price: $800, holiday price: $400. 09E regular price: $600, holiday price: $350.
If you like to save hundreds of dollars, take action before 12/31.

Dont miss this holiday sale!!! Way to good to pass up.

Here are the entries,

Thank you to all those that entered, we are now off to go celebrate our family christmas and will not be back on the blog till later this week. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Winner of the Big Kahuna Best of 2007 PIF Contest

Winning Entry
So we have to start off by saying, we called this young lady to tell her she won, and bless her heart she started crying. We felt like Oprah on the show where they go too peoples houses and tell them they won. Tonight was truley special.
We asked the Winner to send us an email to tell us a little bit more on her winning entry, here is her email. Bless her heart. And now we are crying. Congratulations Shelly!
-pif blogger

"Well, I first want to say that I am extremely honored to have won this contest! My name is Shelly Hart and I am the mother of 4 daughters. I was completely shocked that I won because I have only been taking photos for about 3 months and did not think I stood a chance! I started out, hoping that I had some potential in photography and then just poured all of my time in to learning all that I could about photography and editing. I decided that I might be on to something and tentatively announced my photography business and things flew from there. Captured With Hart Photography took off sooner than I expected and I can hardly keep up! I don't even have a website so this is an awesome prize!

When I thought about what Christmas meant, I knew exactly what I had in mind. I always reflect on Christmas memories in front of the tree, hoping for Santa when I was little and praying to thank God for the gift of the baby in the manger when I was older. The picture is depicts a grown woman looking back on her past and viewing Christmas through the eyes of the child she once was. Thank you to my oldest daughte and my sister for helping bring this vision to life. I couldn't have done it without you guys!

This contest means so much to me and has been a great way to end 2007. Thanks so much to the payitforward blog for all of the kindness shared. I never thought that after a few short months, I would be able to accomplish things I never dreamed I could. You definitely had a part in that! Can't wait to see what 2008 brings!

Shelly Hart

..............still crying and shaking!"

*Please email us your information to pifphoto@gmail.com , address and email, so that we may forward that info to all the sponsors of the contest. Thank you-pifblogger

Winner wins:

Tricoast Photo
Finding Color Actions - $125.00 Finding Color Processing DVD - $150.00 Bridal DVD - $100.00 Inspirational DVD - $100.00 Mastering Digital Wedding Photography Book (Named by Shutterbug Magazine as one of the Top Books of 2007) $40.00 normally but personally autographed by me – Value: $0.00 Grand Total: $475.00 plus the book
Phaunt Actions
Newest Action Pack she has out (Priced at $75)
Pussycat Superstar
Pussycat Superstar Fashionista set. It has 13 actions for glamour/funky effects.
And 10 ACR presets. (Valued at, alot, LOL)
Beyond Just Images
Membership valued at (65.00) -there is a approval process with this prize due to the nature of the forum.
Flashpallete
Um HELLO A WEBSITE, yeah! lol (Details too be shared with winner)
Kelly Hadded Design
4 GORGEOUS storyboards of her own special design
Swissmiss CARDS
A set of their exclusive holiday cards!
http://noochphotography.blogspot.com/
3 Borders to rock the PIF WINNER!
http://imagegardenphotos.com/design/ - Joell Parkos
One set of her holiday card collection (yay!!)
Silverlake Photo Accessories
Hand Painted Backdrop of your choice (no abstract or scenics)
http://www.photographicmvpdesign.blogspot.com/
25 Lightroom presets with help file (WOWZA)
Last but not least, TINA PARKER!! http://mylilcreations.blogspot.com/
Something very special for the winner!

We have a winner...

This was a tough, all of the entries were fantastic.
Please know you all did a job well done.
Thank you all that entered. Winner will be annouced shortly.

* we will post some of the top entries on weds. Thank you

Contest is Now OVER.

Looking through the massive amounts of emails. Thank you to all that entered.

Winner will be annouced before midnight.

Check back soon........


-pif blogger

1 hour to go..................

dun dun dun dun......................

Someone will win a website, actions, tricoast cool stuff, a backdrop, tons and tons of stuff...

You dont want to miss out on this one, oh the fun fun fun will begin soon!!

I cant sit still!

FYI, orginally contest was going to end at midnight, but then had a duh moment that we would be annoucing it tonight on christmas eve, hence the reason for changing the end time from midnight to 1o pm CST USA.

2.5 hours to go....

till contest ends, keep em coming.


EXCITING!

Five more hours to go till Contest ends........

Contest ends at 10 p.m CST USA, Keep those entries coming.

And tomorrow is Christmas!!!!!! Well over here it will be but some of you guys already celebrated, Merry Christmas to you!!

Final show for THE SHOT!

Oh you guys were so right on!!!!! wow, wow wowo!
Just watched it. AMAZING!

Dont Forget... The Big Kahuna Best of 2007 Contest

Contest Ends 10 p.m CST USA December 24th, 2007



Details for contest:

http://payitforwardphoto.blogspot.com/2007/12/big-kahuna-best-of-2007-blowout.html

Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Reminiscing......

I was sitting here Reminiscing, we started the blog back in May for it to be something good, just a feel good blog and vibe here with people paying it forward,contests, giveaways, just all of us doing good deeds, and ending the year with a much planned for Contest that was so special.
We passed the 150,000 visit mark (just noticed that today), and I'm in shock. Checking the stats, and up to 3,000 visits a day. (*faint*)

Again our many thanks to those who PIF on the blog, to the PIF readers who motivate and encourage all of us along.

Thank you to those who sent ideas in for the blog!! Keep em coming, we love your ideas and will continue to strive and implement them on here!

Our motto: Remember, that when one takes, we hope that person will give too : "Paying it Forward refers to repaying the good deeds that one has received by doing good things for other unrelated people"

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend, Look forward to seeing you guys on the blog Monday, it will be a special day.

Love, blessings, and happiness to all! -pif blogger

Meow......... whats that sound? Pussycat Superstar PIF on the blog

Its two actions that just ROCK!

xprocess action called pussycat x superstar

and a teeth whitener called toothpaste Both actions can be downloaded here

http://pussycatsuperstar.deviantart.com/art/Pussycat-x-Superstar-71086408
http://filebuffer.org/d/aa388152636234_Pussycat_Superstar-_Tooth_Paste.zip


Thank you to Pussycat Superstar for PIF on the blog, very much appreciated!-pif blogger

The Big Kahuna Best of 2007 Blowout Spectacular Contest

Starts now.

The Prize um theres alot (so exciting!!!!), and one person wins it all:

Tricoast Photo

Finding Color Actions - $125.00
Finding Color Processing DVD - $150.00
Bridal DVD - $100.00
Inspirational DVD - $100.00
Mastering Digital Wedding Photography Book (Named by Shutterbug Magazine as one of the Top Books of 2007) $40.00 normally but personally autographed by me – Value: $0.00

Grand Total: $475.00 plus the book

Phaunt Actions

Newest Action Pack she has out (Priced at $75)

Pussycat Superstar

Pussycat Superstar Fashionista set. It has 13 actions for glamour/funky effects.

And 10 ACR presets. (Valued at, alot, LOL)

Beyond Just Images

Membership valued at (65.00) -there is a approval process with this prize due to the nature of the forum.

Flashpallete

Um HELLO A WEBSITE, yeah! lol (Details too be shared with winner)

Kelly Hadded Design

4 GORGEOUS storyboards of her own special design

Swissmiss CARDS

A set of their exclusive holiday cards!

http://noochphotography.blogspot.com/

3 Borders to rock the PIF WINNER!

http://imagegardenphotos.com/design/ - Joell Parkos

One set of her holiday card collection (yay!!)

Silverlake Photo Accessories

Hand Painted Backdrop of your choice (no abstract or scenics)

http://www.photographicmvpdesign.blogspot.com/

25 Lightroom presets with help file (WOWZA)

Last but not least, TINA PARKER!! http://mylilcreations.blogspot.com/

Something very special for the winner!

Okay, now for the rules:

Take a photo that represents the holiday season. Take that into your own interpretation. What does the holidays mean to you? Maybe something charitable or paying it forward???

You have today until the contest ends to take the photo. It must be taken within the contest dates 12/19-12/24 (next Monday) , Please do not strip exif data. If photo shopped submit orginal picture along with photoshop version.

Winner will be announced Dec 24Th, Christmas Eve to be judged by PIF. We will either make a video blog announcing the winner or do an interview with winner along with winning entry.

All photography entries must be submitted to contestpifphoto@gmail.com

Send only email and photo, no other details. Winning entry will then be contacted for more information to get the prizes to you.

Total for grand prize winner, One winner that wins it all, well, ALOT! LOL

You win a website, backdrop, cards, presets for lightroom adobe, actions, tricoast and all their stuff, everything, its a winter dream come true!!

A special thank you to all our vendors who PIF on the blog this year, and the vendors PIF to make one heck of a contest!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!-pif blogger

Thank you to everyone who PIF on the blog, theres more to come, tons more PIF gifts from our readers!!-pif blogger

Okay thats it, have fun, cant wait to see the results!

Update: Contest Ends 10 p.m CST USA December 24th, 2007

I'm still typing....

typing typing typing, I know you guys are anxious, I can feel you breathing down my neck, LOL. I'm trying to hurry, promise :o)-

It has to be perfect, its coming.

Okay, Okay I'm awake :o)-

I heard the wake up calls and emails ;) . You guys are so fun, it does feel like christmas around here today.

Let me iron out the details, which means I got to get my info all together in writing. May take me just a little bit, so don't let those ants in those pants while getting too antsy. The Big Kahuna Best Of 2007 Contest will be posted TODAY! Its like Huge, bigger then huge, like gigantic, well I cant think of a bigger word for gigantic, its way too early and that would mean I would have to pull out the dictionary, I haven't a clue where that is. Or I can do a search online, but who cares about a word, ITS CONTEST DAY AND ITS THE BIG UN!


Hint: Beyond Just Images


Its going to be Crazy Insanity Wild Good Fun today!

I think I need a morning wake up call..............

(Yawning).....uggg, I'm so tired.... should I post more hints, or wait for someone to give me that wake up call and post the rest of the "Best of 2007, Big Kahuna, Contest of the YEAR 2007 Details".........

*Stretching*




*Yawning*


*Feeling so tired*


................................................... :o)-

You ready for this one.......................

KellyHadded Design.........................















AND Flashpallete..........










And its so not over, there's more, yup theres more.................. :o)-

Ask and ye shall recieve.........

Last rehost for the stocking stuffers from TINA! Enjoy!

http://payitforwardphoto.blogspot.com/2007/12/tis-season-to-be-very-merry-from-tina.html

Who wants to know more hints?

Or should we just wait for tomorrow???? hrmmmmmmmmmm.............................................

okay okay, another hint..............................

http://imagegardenphotos.com/design/ Joell P.

alsoooo



http://noochphotography.blogspot.com/ aka bobbie



THEY ROCK!

oh the insanity of it all, I CANT WAIT!!!!

More more more more more to come, I cant sit still!!!!!!

Ahh heck, lets share some more hints.........

Phaunt Actions.............dun dun dun dun.......................






AND SWISSMISSCARDS!!!!!

Recieved this email..........

Hi,Thought I would send these along to share. Everyone has been sogenerous with what they have donated to the PIF blog, that I wanted to contribute something myself.Thanks again!!Niecia

Link to download: Click Here

Are you feeling the vibe??? We are, thank you for PIF Niecia!-pifblogger

Photographic MVP Design paying it forward........

with this awesome card!

Link to download: Click here

Link to all Photographic MVP Designs fun stuff: http://www.photographicmvpdesign.blogspot.com/

Two More Hints For tomorrows Contest

Two new Paying It Forward vendors too!

Pussycat Superstar
PhotographicMVP Design

and there is more......

Posting a Card from PhotographicMVP Design, look for that coming to you in 3....2.....1.....seconds, LOL

Silverlake specials in for DECEMBER, last chance till probably feb.

This months special design choices will be Motion, Survivor, and All Natural.
PIF Readers, you will be entitled to purchase any of the hand painted designs for a deeply discounted $149.00 plus shipping. The same discount will be applied to the Motion, which makes it $339.00 for the group buy price.
If you wish to purchase more than one, you need to make separate orders for each background as our shopping cart will only accept one coupon per order. Make sure that you select the 10x20 size from the drop down.
Below are links to images of the backgrounds and the special code you will need to enter into the shopping cart.
All Natural 10x20 - $149.00 code = natural special
Survivor 10x20 - $149.00 code = survivor special
Motion 10x20 - $339.00 code = motion special
All you need to do is go to www.silverlakephoto.com, choose one of the above color and sizes then in the coupon box put the above code.
If you have any problems with placing your order, don't hesitate to give us a call.
The hand painted Backgrounds will be shipped within 2-3 weeks. Depending on how many orders we receive for the Motion, it may take us longer for that design in that it takes much longer to produce it. The backgrounds will be shipped in the same order that the orders are placed. If you have a specific shoot coming up, please let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your schedule.
Thank you for your continued support!
Ordering starts today, Dec 17th and goes til Sun Dec 23rd ENJOY!! This will be the last group buy until at least February!
For ideas of what our clients are producing using the Motion Design, please see the following thread:
http://www.silverlakephoto.com/forum...ead.php?t=7079

Off subject, but what do you guys think of whats

going on with VH1's shot? I'm just now getting caught up on it, and um wow. love to hear your thoughts....

Two hints on some of the vendors for the BIG CONTEST OF THE YEAR.....

Tri Coast Photo
Silverlake

And thats just the beginning(tons more), get your cameras ready...................one person will win it all.............. more details to come..........


until then, PIF readers are paying it forward, in their own style........

Our many thanks...

Thank you to all of you for your support, comfort, emails, comments you posted. Our post was to inform you of our personal struggle so you know and are aware why we were not posting. Not to gain sympathy.
You guys lift a person up when they are down, and your comforting words warmed us. Thank you so much for being there, and today is a new day.
One thing we come back with from over the weekend, Live Life, Love It, Enjoy It, and Be thankful for it. I know we will every step we make, or every word we type........

I am simply amazed at the emails we recieve...

This guy, well he is awesome, lets just say that, here is his email:


Hey There!

I think its great what you guys are doing. I am a photographer located in Florida. I am donating a set of 25 textures.
Enjoy!

Link to download the textures: Click here

Nick Haskins

Haskins Photography
http://www.haskinsphotography.com/
Check out what I'm up to at my blog!
http://www.nicholaushaskins.com/
Photographers, get lit at LUMU!http://www.lightitupmeetup.com/

So sorry to not post....

My husband and I had a family member pass away last night, I apologize for not posting during the day.
It has taken a toll on our family, we will post on the blog later in due time.
Thank you,
pif blogger

PIF Big Kahuna Holiday Contest Best of 2007 will be Dec 19th

Postponed, some of our vendors need more time to prep.

*In the mean time, we will be posting another interview and also some more submissions from our PIF readers who paid it forward to the blog! Yay.
Also making a Christmas video for the Big Kahuna Holiday contest, if it turns out, I'll post it, if it doesnt and its dorky, I wont, LOL. :o)-

Tis the Season to be VERY Merry from TINA!!!!!!!

Lots of goodies in your PIF stockings from Tina, are you ready?

Theres, a layer, red christmasy paper, holiday card, baby card, gorgeous trifold, theres also actions in the files (no sample images for those, but ho ho ho happy holidays, right!! ) and LOTS OF FUN STUFF!

FYI: Due to the nature of these products this will be the last rehost (12/18), so hurry and get em now, HO HO HO
Links to download: This one's the Trifold
http://www.sendspace.com/file/mjmcmf
and the other folder
http://www.sendspace.com/file/zv1ntn

*Shoutout to Tina for PIF and gifting the blog, we are thankful!! -pif blogger

Link to all her fun, rocking stuff: http://mylilcreations.blogspot.com/

REHOSTED, thanks tina (again) LOL!!

Your name?
Tina: Tina Parker

How long have you been in the photoshop business?
Tina:
A little over a year, but have been tinkering with it for about 4.

What is the best advice (Pay It Forward Style) you could give a photographer starting out in the business?
Tina:
To have patience and just play. You can really learn a lot just by playing :)

Whats things do you have with you at your desktop while you work?
Tina:
My Cherry Cola, pen, paper and calculator.

What is something you have learned in the past that you carry with you to the present?
Tina:
Life in General- things always happen for a reason and the reason may be unknown at the time but will eventually come out.
Business wise - Always follow through with what you start!


One thing you just CANT live without?
Tina: My wonderful family


Your favorite quote?
Tina:
You can't depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus - Mark Twain

Wildest Craziest Thing you have done?
Tina: I'd have to say skinny dipping before the lake froze over (early November 1994) - it was sooooo very cold and I will NEVER do that again Brrrrrrr!!!!


Who is your hero?
Tina: I would have to say my Daughter Ashlee, she's a very well rounded individual and I have learned a lot from her!!


What is your favorite technique in photoshop?
Tina: Pushing play in the actions pallet LOL ;)

If you were on a boat, and stranded in the middle of the ocean, what would you do?
Tina: I'd prolly think I've went to heaven, sit back and enjoy it for a while.....then panic ;)

Link to her site with awesome stuff:
http://mylilcreations.blogspot.com/

And, just you wait, she has some AWESOME PIF gifts she has in store for you ;)
Posting that blog shortly, some fun goodies.!!!

*Thank you to Tina, for the interview and the fun goodies you PIF on the blog. -pif blogger

Another Video, gearing up for this week!!!

You can hear my family in the background, my husband is like who are you talking too, LOL.
Turn volume up, I video taped it myself, I'm so proud. I'll be doing more, and hopefully get better at this video taping stuff, we so silly, LOL. 1300-1700 visits a day, wowza!!!

Just a Reminder for the PIF blog and paying it forward....

Is that anything you create is made by YOU and only YOU when you pay it forward on the blog. This covers the copyright issue of using other sources/or just plain copying a companies style (Unless you have that company's permission) to make the templates because alas, that is a big no no.

Thank you for understanding the Pay It Forward Photography Mission.
-pif blogger

Still riding that Christmas Train, another cute Santa Belt card from Jess!

This is so cute! Link to download: Click here

*Thank you Jess for pif on the blog, we greatly appreciate it! -pif blogger

Jess rehosted with different uploader, it works, thanks guys and thank you Jess. -pif blogger

The fonts used are: The fonts she used are Santa's Sleigh and Pea Gemini Gem (both are free fonts).

Heres one from Corla...fantastic storyboard!

Here is one of the templates I made up it is very easy to change the color of the background, stroke and brushes. Anyone can email me if they want further instruction- Corla

Link to download: Click here

*Thank you Corla for PIF on the blog, awesome storyboard!!-pif blogger

Its Red and Black and cute all over!!!

Heres another cute Holiday card, from:

Hi there,Love your blog and the blessings I receive from it!Wanted to send a cmas template to share.It's in layers, so the text can be customized.Enjoy!!!!http://www.lchphotographydesign.blogspot.com (Designsite)
blessings,leah

Link to download: Click here

*Thank you Leah for PIF to the blog, so adorable!.-pifblogger

Our many Thanks to Beyond Just Images Forum

for the wonderful contest you guys did along with the 48hour special. You girls are such joys and the members there are outstanding. Thank you for Paying It Forward on our blog.
-Pif Blogger

Oh this is cool , PIF ranked #5 video honor on Youtube for Non-Profit and Activism

in the most linked catergory. Pretty cool huh?

And its all you guys, you guys/gals rock!

Honors for This Video:
#36 - Most Viewed (Today) - Nonprofits & Activism
#5 - Most Linked (Today) - Nonprofits & Activism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-Fv6B6BNoY

Attention Steve....

You posted on the blog for the latest contest, please email as soon as possible. Thank you.
pifphoto@gmail.com

Beyond Just Images.........To create not just images but ART

Your name?
Kelly: Kelly Bennett
Mandi: Amanda Haynes, but friends call me Mands

How long have you been in business?
Kelly: 2 1/2 years
Mandi: Officially 16 months...and sometimes wish I was still doing it just for fun!..but not often

What is the best advice (Pay It Forward Style) you could give a photographer starting out in the business?
Kelly: Stay true to shooting what you love..... dont change your style for other people. Shoot what you love and the work will come.
Mandi: Pick ONE thing you LOVE to shoot, shoot from your heart, look to your own gut for inspiration and then magazines, books, etc for how to "tweak" that. Sometimes you need to fake it before you make it...but it shouldn't be with your images, it should more be with your confidence. Really decide if you want to do this for a living, cos it isn't just about taking great images, it is about having great people skills, marketing, promotion, running a business and presentation. Set your boundaries before you start, so you aren't pushed when the phone rings, move the boundary line if and when you feel ready, not your clients.



What is something you have learned in the past that you carry with you to the present?
Kelly:somethings are too good to be true... there is no magic action, template, form, seminar etc etc that will make you wake up one day and be great...it is a constant learning process....um
Mandi: People are precious.....sometimes we think we have forever with them, and then we discover that we don't. When I go to capture images, I always keep in mind that I don't know the road this person may travel, and my images could one day be worth more than gold, so I always try and capture the feel of who they are in that moment and do the very best I can for them. Sounds morbid almost! but those of you who have lost loved one's know exactly what I mean!

One thing you just CANT live without?
Kelly: It would have to be computer, i am lost without it. It plays music.... lets me talk to Mands.... get on Beyond... work.......

Mandi: Computer.......it links me to my best friend (Kell!), my family (In-Laws and Beyond Members), learning, fun and Photoshop is on there too! (We've assumed that everyone knows we can't live or do without our Hubby's and kids!...of which we have many....kids I mean, not husbands!)

Your favorite quote?
Kelly: Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. H Jackson Brown Jr.

Mandi: You need only claim the events of your life to make yourself yours. When you truly possess all you have been and done, which may take some time, you are fierce with reality. Florida Scott-Maxwell.

Wildest Craziest Thing you have done?
Kelly: Married my husband the first night I met him (yes we are still married)

Mandi: Fell in love with my husband at first glance, got engaged without a single date, and married three months of hectic planning later. If any of my girls do that, I'll kill them! but 14 years later, I don't regret a minute of it!


Who is your hero?
Kelly: my Meme..... (grandma) she is the center of our family and has kept us all together thru some tough stuff. She was widowed over 15 years ago and became a strong center for us all.

Mandi: Gosh, so many! Photography-wise Audrey Woulard....while her images are out of this world, it is her determination and truth to herself, that I admire most. In everyday life, my husband, who gets up everyday and does the grindstone, so I can live the dream....now that is a SUPER hero!


Tell us a little bit about your forum http://www.beyondjustimages.com/ ?
Kelly: The forum itself was born out of Ava Rosemeyer's tragic passing...... a committee was set up to get the message out there so that this would never happen to another family but there was so much information passing back and forth, we decided to gather all that info into one place……Beyond was born. Everyone on the Committee loved photography and so naturally the talk turned to that, then others began to come in and chat too….within a week, we had 20 members who were all chatting everyday, sharing and critiquing each others work. We were overwhelmed!What started off as our vision and belief that people who loved photography would want somewhere to “hang out” that was fun and pleasant…has become a reality.

Mandi: Beyond was Kelly's vision, and I was fortunate to be asked along for the road. What began as Kell's "what if we"....has grown to be more than either of us ever dreamed. It has been an amazing ride and we have really stuck to the essence of the original vision, which I think is why it has worked...but mostly we have been blessed to have incredible photographer's give of their time and talent to help others .....true PIF style!...which is sometimes a rare quality to find. We've been lucky to find it in Jen Bebb, Jessica Claire, Tony Bridge, Audrey Woulard, Dane Sanders ...and a whole line-up booked until 2009....they give to give back but also cos I think they just plain old love photography as much as we do! Mostly though the forum is really all about the members ...who come from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, UK, France, South Africa, Canada, USA, Germany...and I'm sure I"ve missed a few! It is them that have made it their own and continue to make it work. The Forum really is theirs, we just facilitate it and smooth any bumps.



And drumroll please....................whoever post in comments frist wins a free membership!!! (There is an approval process for this forum, thats the only rule)



And their not done, for the next 48 hours, you can get a membership for $48.00 (normally 65.00), this goes for anyone, again subject too the approval process.

http://www.beyondjustimages.com/

Melanie R. sent this email in, and we think this is wonderful

"Don't know if you all will see this, I know this promotion ends soon,but thought it was such a great way to PIF to someone else!!!
http://laptopgiving.org/en/give-one-get-one.php
Merry Christmas!
Melanie Reyes"
www.melaniereyesphotography.com

*Thank you to Melanie, this is a wonderful mission and a way to PIF! I know some of us have so much to be thankful for, and something like that could make a little childs dream.-PIF Blogger

So tomorrow is a big day, well heck, its gonna be a HUGE day

Lets just say another forum is being interviewed and they just are awesome! They have fun stuff in store for our PIF readers, so keep on the lookout.
Friday is FUN DAY!

and more PIF gifts to post ;)

and and the contest/ prize for the big 2007 kahuna contest for the year, yeah its huge, bigger then huge, and one lucky winner will win it all. Man sometimes I wish I could enter its just that GOOD, no its AWESOME! (being posted next friday, not tomorrow)

-pifblogger

Video Blog for our PIF readers, from yours truley, the PIF Blogger

Hey guys, made a video, I'm thinking the camera added 10 pounds but just ignore that, kay :o)-
You should be seeing more videos on here, so take a looky, and thanks to all our PIF readers who are enjoying the blog as much as we are!!!



And our new Pay It Forward Flicker Group, headed up by Susan and I. Susan will be the main one to go too for the flicker group and PIF will be second in command to assist when needed.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/pifphotography/
Look forward to see who all joins, and you can expect alot of fun stuff going on this month.
I can assure you 2008 will be kicked off with a bang!!!!!

We have now morphed into a Flicker group for PIF

more details soon to come, and its exciting! This flicker group is going to be AWESOME!
Raise your hand if your excited! Just kidding we cant see you raise your hand, LOL. Unless you send in a picture or send a video of you raising your hand then we can see it! I may just do that myself :o)-
-pif blogger

Still in the Christmas spirit, one from Amy!!

Dreaming of a blue christmas, very lovely!!
Link to download: Click here

Link to all her fun stuff: Click here

*Thank you Amy for PIF on the blog with some christmas cheer!-pifblogger

Silverlake Photo Accessories, Happy Holidays with Elf Yourself

Silverlake Photo Accessories and Backgrounds wants to wish you Happy Holidays, courtesy of Rick (you did so awesome Rick :o)- )

Watch them dance and get their groove on courtesy of Elf Yourself

Turn volume up, he he

Link to watch: http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1179483688

Jamie D, paying it forward today, Red Vintage STYLE

Heres her email:

"Hi There - I heard about your blog on OSP! Great idea; I'd like to offer a free action on your blog. I have a set of 17 actions available through my Jamie Delaine Action set, but I thought it'd be neat to give away one for free. Who doesn't like free stuff? I've attached an action called "Red Vintage" and a jpg showing the before and after. Thanks!
JamieDelaine"
www.jamiedelaine.com
www.jamiedelaineblog.com
www.jamiedelaine.com/actions

Link to download action: Click here

*Thank you Jamie for paying it forward with this cool action! -pif blogger

Jodi Bell From Chocolate Cactus Design, PIF with some Snowflakes

I know some of you are already hit with some snow in your location, heres some snowflakes to those from Jodi that havent gotten snow yet, LOL.

Link to download: Click here and Click here

*Thank you to Jodi, these will look awesome on cards, storyboards, etc, very helpful and thank you for Pay It Forward.- Pif Blogger

Big Contest with some of our most generous donators on the blog for 2007

WE are gearing up for a really huge contest, keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready. We got an email from a person wanting to donate and sent in this awesome idea!
Some of the most generous vendors on the blog are gifting the blog with some awesome stuff for one lucky person to win the whole shabang.
*Vendors if you have not recieved an email from us, and you are interested in donating, email us at pifphoto@gmail.com too include you in the contest.

The Importance of Logo Design, shared by Jodi Bell with Chocolate Cactus Design

Good vs. Evil - The Essentials for a Good Logo Logos are something you should never skimp yourself on when it comes to cost. Pay $50 for a logo, and you will likely "get what you pay for" - a cheap, do-it-yourself looking logo, most likely created in any program NOT intended for graphic design. While a logo may appear to be a small design element compared to larger projects, nothing sets the tone of your company’s branding and identity more than your logo.

So what makes a logo good?

Here are some of the basic elements of a successful logo:

Simple

Good logos are simple. They incorporate just one typeface (two MAX) and/or mark. This simplicity makes a quick statement about your company without unnecessary fluff.

Scalable

Logos should be able to scale down small enough to fit on a business card as well as large enough to fit on a billboard. Be sure your graphic designer gives you vector images of your logo so it will scale without becoming illegible.

Versatile

A logo should look good in both black and white and color. Logos are often used in black and white advertising where color is not available. When color is used, it should look good in both spot color and four color.

Appropriate

Logos should use fonts and colors that appeal to their demographics. A woman’s spa should not use huge clunky lettering and a men’s basketball team wouldn’t use a soft, scripty font. Your audience can often influence your color choices; generally, men prefer blue while women prefer red.

Different

The best way to stand out from your competition is to be different. Don’t emulate a competitor’s logo. Not only can it be illegal, you’ll stand a greater chance of getting noticed if you’re different. While there are many common aspects of logos, there are plenty of ways to make them distinguishable through graphic elements, colors and fonts.

Memorable

The best way to be memorable is to make your logo speak truthfully about your company. It should evoke a feeling or provide insight into what your company does. By doing this it will become recognizable over time. Think Target Stores and Nike and you instinctively see a red bullseye and a swoosh. See? That's what it's all about.


Jodi Bell
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chocolate Cactus Designs
Site: http://www.chocolatecactus.com/
Blog: http://chocolatecactusdesigns.blogspot.com/

*She also gifted the blog, that will be up shortly, thank you to Jodi for giving this very important advice on logo design. -pif blogger

Warning, Please do NOT send money to PIF's Email for Paypal

Someone has register PIF's email for a paypal account. Pay It Forward Photography blog is a non profit blog for photographers,etc. We do not and we will never collect money on the blog, EVER. If someone is out there using PIF or posing as PIF to collect money please email us immediately, so that we may report it to the appropriate authorities.

We did not click on the link for paypal activation.
We have also reported it to Paypal due to the nature of many visits on the blog.
It is important that we inform you of this issue.
Again we ask that you do not send money to PIF's email or anyone posing as PIF with other emails.

Thank you,
-PIF Blogger

This one is from Corla, helping the PIF readers who want to donate

"Hello Here is some information about making templates. I have a few collage templates I could share also. I have really enjoyed your blog. Kelly Haddad's Paper pack has been a lifesaver while doing wedding albums!!



You can create your own template that is easy to change images into and out of. You start by making a new document. Whatever size you like. You can make it a color if you want say blue. Make a new transparent layer and then you marquee however many spaces you want your collage to have. If you marque one space and then fill it with white with the paint can you can duplicate that box so they are the same size by selecting the move tool and holding alt when you drag it over it make a duplicate. You can do a template with 3 4 9 openings. You can also stroke that one transparent layer instead of stoking each box! Now for the coolest part. Take the image you want to put in your collage. Drag it onto the template. You can create a clipping mask by going into your layers pallet and clicking between the image layer and the boxes layer. Hold your mouse over the layers and hold alt you will see when you go in between the two it will change from a hand to a double circle. What that will do will put your image so it looks like it is behind a mat. You can slide it from one box to another. You can use the transform to make it fit. Now to change the colors of the collage to match the person here is another cool thing I learned select a color out of the image. Go to Edit Fill make sure you select preserve transparency. Now you can change the background and brush details to match. Try it and let me know how you make out. It took me a few times to get it.



See what's new ...it could be you!! www.photographybycorla.com



-Corla"

Thank you Corla for taking the time (and paying it forward with advice) to send in this email to help the PIF readers who want to donate templates.- pif blogger

Lets put a little bit of Christmas music on the blog...

Good ol Frank Sinatra

Rolling out the red carpet bringing on the Christmas cheer starting off with Stephanie!

Email from Stephanie:

"Hi,I love that you are doing this blog! Thanks so much. Here is a Christmas template I did for this year. I'd love to share. I don't know if you need my information, but here it is anyhow! Website: www.stephanietueller.comblog: www.stephanietueller.blogspot.com

I saved it in layers, but the spots where you put the pictures are just boxes, they can use the magic wand to select the box and then copy and then paste into to place the picture in the box."

-Stephanie

Link to download template: Click here

*Thank you to Stephanie for PIF on the blog, ADORABLE!- pif blogger

We are still alive and kicking, but will be on vacation

From today till , Weds of next week. Happy Thanksgiving too all and all our best wishes from our family to yours.

-pifblogger

Silverlake Special for the PIF Readers

This months special design choices will be Fire and Ice, Tuscan Sun, and a brand new drop Brown Sugar. Brown Sugar was a custom hot spot that has gained popularity on some of the forums by word of mouth. There is only one in existence right now, but here is an image of the background itself:You can also see some images with the background in use on the following thread:http://www.silverlakephoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9699 For PIF readers, you will be entitled to purchase any of the hand painted designs for a deeply discounted $149.00 plus shipping. The same $160.00 discount will be applied to the Fire and Ice and Brown Sugar, which makes the Fire and Ice $339.00 and the Brown Sugar $239.00 for the group buy price.If you wish to purchase more than one, you need to make separate orders for each background as our shopping cart will only accept one coupon per order. Make sure that you select the 10x20 size from the drop down. Below are links to images of the backgrounds and the special code you will need to enter into the shopping cart.Tuscan Sun 10x20 - $149.00 code = tuscan special Brown Sugar 10x20 - $239.00 code = sugar specialFire and Ice 10x20 - $339.00 code = fireice specialAll you need to do is go to http://www.silverlakephoto.com/, choose one of the above color and sizes then in the coupon box put the above code. If you have any problems with placing your order, don't hesitate to give us a call.The hand painted Backgrounds will be shipped within 2-3 weeks. Depending on how many orders we receive for the Fire and Ice, it may take us longer for that design in that it takes much longer to produce it. The backgrounds will be shipped in the same order that the orders are placed. If you have a specific shoot coming up, please let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your schedule.Thank you for your continued support!Ordering starts today, Nov 15th and goes til Mon Nov 26th. ENJOY!!

A request for the PIF readers

We have had numerous emails if there is a tutorial that could be put on the blog on how to make templates. Many want to donate but dont know how to create them. If someone has the time to make a tutorial and we put it on the blog to help those that want to pay it forward, that would be greatly appreciated. Email @ pifphoto@gmail.com
We will be on the blog this weekend with some stuff, one of which on the importance of your logo and design. And how that is important for your business. Look for that and much more on the Pay It Forward Photography Blog.

-PIF Blogger

Dont Forget "The Shot" premieres tonight on VH1

Should be interesting how this show runs

Link to show: http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/the_shot/splash.jhtml?extPop=popVspot_shows(1573177)&source=hp_carousel

Like to hear your comments on it. We will watch it every week.

About the series:
10 amateur photographers the chance to live out their wildest fantasies in pursuit of their ultimate dream: to become the next great fashion photographer. Our cast will live and work together in a downtown L.A. loft while being guided by world-renowned fashion photographer Russell James. These aspiring photographers will embark on a series of photo shoots meant to challenge their creativity and expose their individual weaknesses. For the first time in their lives, the cast will work with supermodels and high-end professionals, while traveling to exotic locations -- all to capture that one perfect shot.Whether it's shooting on the deck of a schooner in the midst of a storm,or trying to get a supermodel to cuddle up to a Siberian tiger, our cast will face daunting tasks and obstacles that will test their talent, desire and drive to be the next great fashion photographer.Each episode will contain a "teach challenge", where Russell presents the cast with a new technical or creative lesson, and a photo shoot, in which the cast will be asked to utilize what they've learned in a legitimate, fashion-oriented photo campaign. Each week Russell and his professional panel will review the cast's photos, eliminating the weakest shooter. After a month long journey the best photographer will emerge and be crowned the show's winner, thus launching his or her professional career.10 aspiring photographers...30 grueling days...1 shot at a glamorous life in the world of high end fashion photography. (site source: http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_shot/series_about.jhtml )

Gorgeous one from Yesi....

Email we recieved from her, very sweet:
"I have enjoyed reading your blog and picked up a free action ortemplate here and there so it's my turn to share!This is a quickpage made by scratch by me. The neutral color paletteworks well with sepia or creamy duotone photos.An 8x8 .png fillable page can be downloaded here:http://www.4shared.com/file/25358560/9ab61af3/Yesi8x8TaupeDreamsQuickpage.htmlA low-resolution example (with my beautiful dog Tegan as the model) isattached.Yesi :)P.S. If anyone is into digital scrapbooking, feel free to poke aroundmy 4shared.com account. There are little elements and word art alsomade by me available for downloading at no charge. I love to share!"


Thank you Yesi for PIF and gifting the blog.-PIF Blogger

Kelly from http://kellyhaddaddesign.typepad.com/

Hits the blog again, these are fantastic! How fun!!

Links to download:
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=V1NDQmtha0R0TW5IRGc9PQ

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=V1NDQmtld0E0b0RIRGc9PQ

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=V1NDQmtha0RvQnZIRGc9PQ

*Please Note that these are hosted with yousendit, get them while you can before they expire. Thank you!!

So adorable Kelly! Link to all her fun stuff: http://kellyhaddaddesign.typepad.com/kellyhaddaddesign/

*Thank Kelly for PIF and gifting the blog with these wonderful designs.- PIF Blogger

Kellie sent this one in, cute cute!

Link to download: Click here

Thank you Kellie for PIF to the blog.-Pif blogger

Neil from neilcreative.blogspot.com PIF on the blog

Link to download: Click here

Cute Baby Card from http://neilcreative.blogspot.com/

*Thank you Neil for PIF on the blog.-PIF blogger

Or click here to download, recent email on this particular template from Neil

"I had previously sent you a template to post on your site. I have since re-created the file so that it has image masks vs. being cutout. It is 5x7 with bleeds, cmyk, 300 dpi. Attached is a JPEG and the link below is where it is currently being stored for download. I've also added it to a few forums as a pay it forward but would enjoy seeing it on your site. "

Neil Creative

Jennifer B, donating adorable santa belt card.

Heres what she had to say:

"I thought I would send this to you. It is my first ever template. I know it probably isn't great, but I thought I would share since I have learned so much from everyone on your blog.

Thanks.

Jennifer B."

Link to download: Click here

*Thank you Jennifer for PIF to the blog.-Pif Blogger

For Future Reference

*We would like to make clear that any contest from companies who gift items on the blog are judged by Pay It Forward, we strive for neutrality in the process of judging. If this is something that is not of interest to the Company for the whole Pay It Forward Photography Contest and Theme, please host the contest on your company blog under your company rules and regulations.

Thank you for understanding the Pay It Forward Photography Blog and its mission.
-PIF Blogger

Melissa paying on the blog , more christmas!

Link to download: Click here

Thank you to Melissa for PIF on the blog!-pif blogger

Link to Melissas stuff: http://mrschunder.smugmug.com/gallery/3171416#179544471

More than eleven major wildfires are blazing from Los Angeles to San Diego, Prayers to you all in those areas.

Wind Fires and Homes/Business's being lost in the masses of fires everywhere in parts of California.
We pray for you and your families and safety to all those going through this.

Video Click here
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/ireports/2007/10/22/wind.fueled.wildfires.cnn

Joell Parkos paying forward Christmas style, adorable and fancy!!!

Link to download, these are all on ONE template, cool huh?!!!: Click here

Click here for all of Joell's fun stuff, wayyyyy cute!: http://imagegardenphotos.com/design

*These are adorable Joell, thank you for PIF!!- Pif Blogger

Playing on the blog today!!

Wow, we have been really really busy. Which is a good thing, this Pay It Forward blog and all the good advice that we have been soaking up has been helpful in our own little photography business. We have stayed booked, that we havent had much time to be on here :(
But TODAY, We get to play!

Anyone and I was going through my emails that sent stuff via yousendit, some of them have expired. Please resend if possible, so we can put lots of stuff on the blog today and finally be able to catch up.

Its FRIDAY!!!! woohoooooooooooooo!