our birthday = presents for you!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!! WINNERS HAVE BEEN POSTED!!!
THANK YOU!

we're gonna party like it's our birthday!!!
i've been so excited for this birthday giveaway. can you believe that it has already
been 2 years for TML?! simply amazing!! we are so very happy you are on this journey with us!

we had some amazing and completely generous vendors step up and
i'm so thrilled to share them all with you!

now, this is a big day and we couldn't just have one winner...SO, i figured,

5 ladies + 2 years = 7 winners!!!!!


below are the 7 different packages that you could win. yep, 7 different!!! wooohoooo!
read all about each package and the rules for entering will be at the bottom-


THE PURPLE PACKAGE INCLUDES::



a set of red leaf boutique film shift actions!!




the amazing new book called, fine art wedding photography, by jose villa!!




one winner will receive 1 pound of free toffee, any variety.
Ben and Sarah Tweet's Tweet Toffee combines creativity, joy and compassion with a mission to fearlessly create and share hand-crafted artisan-quality English toffee.




In celebration of The Maternal Lens turning two, Photographer Cafe is giving away a PRETTY album template and a PRETTY referral template set to one lucky winner! Photographer Cafe offers modern Photoshop templates for the busy photographer. Whether you are looking for business & marketing templates for your business or just want to make the perfect little card or album - you will love browsing through their blog and shop.




ashley's posh tots is homemade photo props as well as everyday wear items, great for photographers! crocheted and knitted hats, cocoons, stork pouches, diaper covers, a variety of tutus, headbands, hairbows and much more and even custom orders.
one winner will receive $35 gift certificiate to my shop.




one get it together kit from millie holloman

In the Get It Together Kit, shares the systems, workflow and strategies I used to grow my business from a one-photographer studio that had me feeling constantly overwhelmed to a seven-person studio that has enjoyed exponential growth.

The kit is divided into six main sections (which follow an introduction). They are:

Brain Dump: In this section, I share my methods for clearing my mind, setting goals for the business, creating effective to do lists, and finding ways to accomplish those important goals that aren’t urgent, but are extremely important for growing a business.

Love Your Systems: Here, I give detailed examples of the day-to-day systems I’ve created to run my studio. I cover everything from office organization to tracking workflow to storing archived discs for clients.

Email (I Hate You): I get a few hundred emails per day. At one point, it seemed that email was controlling my life. I found a way to win the battle against my overflowing inbox, and I’ll tell you how. There are examples of how to automate your email, specifics on how to organize folders and subfolders in your email management system, and dozens of tips and ideas that will save you time!

Leadtracker: In this section, I cover my methods for tracking and converting leads. I discuss specifics on everything from the questions we ask future brides to the way we keep in touch with prospects to how we set reasonable expectations with a client once a contract has been signed. Even better, I’ll show you how we continue the sales process after the wedding and boost sales and referrals from our vendors.

Flowstand: What’s a flowstand? One of my proudest inventions. It’s an efficient fool-proof way to organize contracts, travel arrangements, payments, wedding details and more. I show you exactly how I created this system (there are even x-rays of my folders!) so that you can create your own.

Break it Down: This chapter takes you through my workflow step-by-step. I’ll explain the editing and production system we use to edit so many weddings at one time. The process is completely scaleable—it worked when I booked 15 weddings per year and it still works with a studio that handles 90+ weddings. We cover backing up files, rating files, editing, using actions, blogging, designing albums, and assigning tasks to team members to create a workflow chain.

But Wait, There’s More: Throughout the kit, I also share extra tips, resources, discount codes for my favorite tools and equipment, and worksheets that will assist you in starting to….Get It Together.

The Disc: In addition to our 100-page book, you’ll also receive a disc that includes the exact wording we use for simple client communications, the expectations sheet we send to brides, and a 90 Day plan to get you started on goal-setting for your own business.


THE RED PACKAGE INCLUDES::



a set of red leaf boutique vintage soft tones actions




Loktah is happy to giveaway one of each of their latest cases from the new amazon collection.
a textured handmade paper produced with a mixture of wild grass and hemp materials is the essential element of Amazon. Featuring a hand carved coconut accent that is perfectly woven into the beautiful paper. A hidden tab locks the flap in place to prevent any opening, but also maintain a simplistic look. Amazon features a full faced media tray made from corn starch and water that allows the case to remain light in weight but also secure.




a SnapTotes bucket bag
SnapTotes creates custom photo handbags. We make it fun and easy to showcase your favorite image or artwork on a bag for all the world to see




a $50 gift certificate to the belle and the beau




set of shabby chic birth announcements from jamie schultz designs

Add a little luxury to your studio’s press card line with this chic template set. These templates are ideal for clients looking for something soft and subtle to introduce their newest addition to the family.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Six- front and back card designs (each design comes with a 5x5 and 5x7 option)
• Designed to print as a standard flat card or with any of the 5x5 or 5x7 Luxe Card shapes at Miller's Professional Imaging (choose from scalloped, circle, or ornate die cut)
• Files are sized as both 5.25 x 5.25 at 300 dpi AND 5.25 x 7.25
• Layered PSD files for easy customization
• Instructions and font list provided
• Compatible with Photoshop or Photoshop Elements
• Instant download available at the point of sale

1 lightscoop from lightscoop

Lightscoop is an inexpensive ($29.95), clever attachment that transforms the awful light from the pop-up flash of your DSLR into pro-quality light. By redirecting the light from the pop-up flash to a ceiling or wall, Lightscoop creates a broad, natural light that eliminates unattractive shadows and red-eye, minimizes reflections off shiny surfaces, and also lights a group of people evenly, so those farthest from the camera are not lost in darkness. The result is soft, flattering, natural light — and photos that capture a scene the way you see it.

THE GREEN PACKAGE INCLUDES::



a set of red leaf boutique workflow actions




one lion hat from lexicam studios. this hat can be custom made to fit any child in
whatever colors you choose.
Lexicam Studios features modern, fresh designs to bring your creative vision to life. My shop features a fun mix of dresses, skirts and hats featuring contemporary fabrics.




a $100 album credit certificate from AsukaBook
AsukaBook USA was one of the first companies to offer professional quality coffee table style printed books for photographers. Their books are widely endorsed by professional photographers and graphic designers because of the exceptional quality of our products. They offer an array of press-printed books in a great selection of sizes and beautiful page finishes. Their DVD Presentation Book is a great new way to showcase your client's images and their NeoClassic is an incredible new flush mount option.




a $25 gift certificate to elizabeth st.
this shop is full of whimsical, fun items that are meant to add a little zip of spice to daily life. From party goods to fine art photographs and wedding decor, she loves creating something unique for my customers.




a $50 gift certificate to the measure.
the measure offers childrens clothing with vintage sensibility and modern style, made by the sea in Boston, MA. New collection - A Midsummer Night's Dream - just debuted this past week! Studio sample sets available for professional photographers - inquire for details




a 3 month subscription to emotion media slideshows


THE ORANGE PACKAGE INCLUDES::



a $100 gift certificate to jane johnson's custom logos and blogs.




a 'robin's egg' headpiece from gracylu originals




a $50 gift certificate to lillipop designs.
In the lovely land of Lillipops, little children are always dressed in modern, whimsical garments that are kind to the earth. From playground to party, each piece is handcrafted using the finest organic or reclaimed cotton and accented with designer and vintage fabrics. Always playful, always mindful... recycling never looked so sweet!




a $200 to florabella actions and textures
Florabella Collection offers Photoshop actions, PSE actions, textures, vintage papers & frames for photographers




a $100 album credit certificate from AsukaBook
AsukaBook USA was one of the first companies to offer professional quality coffee table style printed books for photographers. Their books are widely endorsed by professional photographers and graphic designers because of the exceptional quality of our products. They offer an array of press-printed books in a great selection of sizes and beautiful page finishes. Their DVD Presentation Book is a great new way to showcase your client's images and their NeoClassic is an incredible new flush mount option.




a $75 gift certificate to the collage connection.
The Collage Connection - an online resource for Photoshop-ready collage templates. We have templates in various sizes, including 10x20, 16x20 and the very popular square sizes!

an annual membership to the photographic life,
as well as a $150 credit toward any of their workshops.
The Photographic Life is a website dedicated to helping mothers of all skill levels capture better images. From Photoshop videos to weekly assignments in the forum, we cover it all!

THE BLUE PACKAGE INCLUDES::

the entire collection of actions and textures from my four hens!
My Four Hens Photography is your one stop shop for Photographer's resources with photoshop actions ranging from the practical to the whimsical and soon to be offering pre- made logo design as well as templates, and even online mentorships! Whether you are purely a hobbyist, just growing your business or a seasoned pro there is something for everyone!




a $100 album credit certificate from AsukaBook
AsukaBook USA was one of the first companies to offer professional quality coffee table style printed books for photographers. Their books are widely endorsed by professional photographers and graphic designers because of the exceptional quality of our products. They offer an array of press-printed books in a great selection of sizes and beautiful page finishes. Their DVD Presentation Book is a great new way to showcase your client's images and their NeoClassic is an incredible new flush mount option.




a mustache of choice (from the photos above) from whisker works.
(available in different colors, too!)
from mustache's to lips, you are sure to find something fun in this shop!




an 8x10 mounted "Story of Us" or "Little Story" from smith street boutique.




choice of any 1 product from carolyn spranger.
Carolyn Spranger offers hand stamped jewelry offers custom sterling silver pieces stamped with whatever you can think of.



a $25 gift certificate for mpix.com
also, don't forget to use the one time code: shannon11 for 20% off prints. exp. 12/31/11




one flowboard from millie holloman

what is the flowboard?
For years, we could not find an attractive dry erase board for the studio. Being a visual person, I work best when I can see everything laid out in grids or patterns. I wanted to see EVERY single client’s job in process at a glance. It was important to me to be able to know when every wedding was shot and where each one was in our workflow process. I also wanted to know just how much work we had left to do.

Ready-made dry erase boards available at office supply stores didn’t serve my needs and looked too institutional. I even tried customizing them: I purchased black tape and made my own grid lines, but the final product was an eyesore in my otherwise cute studio. Because I didn’t like it, I didn’t want to use it. Lucky for me, my brother is a graphic designer (he’s responsible for this amazing book layout—applause please!).

I commissioned him to make a custom flowboard that I would enjoy having in my office. My new flowboard meets all of my needs: it matches my branding; it’s easy to update; it tracks all of the information I want to see at a glance; and it looks great in the studio! We actually have two of these flowboards: one for workflow production and on for album design. They have become the heart of our operation, allowing everyone to know where we are in our editing process with every wedding we have shot. They keep us on task and motivated to work diligently each day. Even better, they allow me to know what my staff members have accomplished without having to interrupt them with a lot questions.


THE PINK PACKAGE INCLUDES::



one free online mentorship with crave photography!




six signature cd/dvd cases from Loktah.
the signature collection cd/dvd cases come in a 6.5x6.5 size. each case has a luxurious and
unique feel and will fit nice with any vintage style wedding or portrait session.




2 hats of the winners choice from the blueberry hill!
also, all readers can use the code: MATERNAL for 15% off the entire site!

Give your youngster some urban style with a distinctive and stylish hat from the blueberry hill. The ideal gift for cute kids in your life and perfect for photo props. Our fedoras and driving caps for both boys and girls will be sure to turn heads everywhere you go.




choice of style and color 8x10 frame from the organic bloom.




a $100 gift certificate to photo card boutique




a $50 credit applied to Print and Bind non sample book (8x10 or larger)
from leather craftsmen




a set of viva la vintage and pow wow! combo action packs AND the vintage delish lightroom presets from kubota image tools

Kubota Image Tools created time-saving Photoshop^® Plug-ins and Lightroom^® presets for enhancing images with professional results. We also provide training and workshops for professional photographers and offer DVDs on our complete Adobe Lightroom workflow system – which simplifies and streamlines the entire image management process. Our tools and systems are used by the world’s top photographers.



THE YELLOW PACKAGE INCLUDES::



are you ready for this...this is HUGE!!!
bludomain is giving one lucky winner-
a free SITE, year of hosting, PLUS all add-on's included (which could include video, HTML add-on for iPAD, mobile add-on for mobile users and dual portal option!!)

PLUS they will giveaway a $200.00 Nordstrom card!!

bludomain is an amazing site to find the perfect website to take your business to the next level!

a $50 gift certificate to zozobugbaby!
clothing for colorful kids!!




a $100 gift certificate to the album cafe!




a set of viva la vintage and pow wow! combo action packs AND the vintage delish lightroom presets from kubota image tools

Kubota Image Tools created time-saving Photoshop^® Plug-ins and Lightroom^® presets for enhancing images with professional results. We also provide training and workshops for professional photographers and offer DVDs on our complete Adobe Lightroom workflow system – which simplifies and streamlines the entire image management process. Our tools and systems are used by the world’s top photographers.




HOW AMAZING ARE THESE PRIZES?! you guys are the luckiest readers ever!

to enter to win- PLEASE read the directions carefully. there is 2 ways to enter...and only two ways. that means you are only allowed up to 2 comments. any more than that will be deleted and you will be removed from the giveaway.

the rules:
first- you MUST link to this giveaway and post it on your facebook page. you MUST tag the maternal lens in your status (yep, that means you have to be a follower of tml on fb). to do this all you have to do is be a fan of tml and in your status update you hit the @ symbol and type in the maternal lens (a drop down menu will appear and you can choose tml).
you must also post the link to the giveaway for all to see and you are entered to win!!!

so it should look a little something like this:
@the maternal lens is having a HUGE birthday giveaway! 7 packages, 7 winners. be sure to enter today!
{and then you must include the link to the giveaway-}
http://thematernallens.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-birthday-presents-for-you.html

once you have done this, come and leave a comment on our blog saying that you posted it on your facebook page. ALSO, in this comment, tell us what your 2 favorite packages are
(although, this does not mean if you win you will get your choice. it will all be done at random).

second--let's show these amazing vendors some love!!! below i have a list of all of their facebook pages. become a fan (like them) and leave a love note on their page. tell them the maternal lens sent you (you don't need to tag us here, just mention us)! once you have done this for EVERYONE listed below, come back here and leave us a SEPARATE comment telling us you loved and thanked them all!! if you are already a fan of them, be sure to still leave some love!
(important: if you comment on too many, too fast or leave the same comment of every page, fb will block you for a bit. be sure to slow down when commenting or do some now and some later. thanks!)
**some pages don't allow comments. no worries! just like their page and you're good!**
we will be checking to winners who said they 'liked' to make sure they did.
so be sure to get them all!

red leaf boutique
ashley's posh tots
tweet toffee
get it together kit
snaptotes
loktah
jamie schultz design
the belle and the beau
emotion media
lexicam studios
asuka books
crave photography
the organic bloom
leather craftsmen
kubota image tools
mpix
my four hens
carolyn spranger
smith street boutique
photographic life
the collage connection
lillipop designs
jane johnson design
gracylu originals
florabella
bludomain
the album cafe
zozobugbaby
the measure
the blueberry hill
whisker works
photo card boutique
the photographer cafe -
while your there, download an adorable, FREE 5x5 card template!
lightscoop

jose villa doesn't have a page so be sure to check out his site for the new book-
http://www.josevillabook.com/
you can preorder now and even get an autographed copy and 8x 10 print!



GOOD LUCK!!!
7 WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM.
CONTEST WILL END FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH AT MIDNIGHT!