Tag Archive for Elements

Showing Sample Albums

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Having enough samples in your studio to show a client the real depth and breadth of all the products you can offer them can be a challenge.  For many, adequate display space, portability and expense can play against us here.  Studio sample albums, for a realistic feel of the quality of construction of an item, and swatches, for a firsthand experience of textures and finishes, are a must in any successful photography studio.  Debi and Amanda Tipton of Kokoro Photography in Littleton, Colorado have expanded on that standard and shared their fantastic idea for showing even more sample albums to their clients for inspiration!

Now every time a couple orders a different album cover design we photograph the book before delivering it to them. We then lay out a 10×10″ image with photographs of that book, add them to our website here, and then get the layout printed. We have a Finao Elements peel-and-stick album that we can then add each cover option to as the layouts arrive! Now when you sit down with us to design your wedding album you have a lookbook of full album covers to help you with your design.

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They use a self-mount Elements album which has adhesive on the pages so you can easily mount your own prints, or add-to over time as you take new photos.

 

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The last page is blank and ready for new covers! We are almost ready for a whole new album.

Other similar options would be to design sample images and descriptions into layouts for a Finao playBOOK, or create sample images and/or pricing and package menus that can be displayed in frame mounts on an easel and kept organized in a Portfolio Box with a custom designed image cover that features your branding and logo.  Not into design?  Check out Design Aglow for a great selection of templates!

Jamie Westman

Jamie Westman

Jamie is Finao's resident Guidance Guru and Marketing Assistant to the Queen of All Things Finabulous, Christine Perry-burke.

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Valentease ‘em

love-junky

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so get in the mood with Finao’s ultra sexy leathers, linens and silks and get under our covers!

Love Junky from Finao’s “Fragments” collection of leathers is anything but boring.  From it’s seductive suede finish to the tantalizing texture and tooling, this luscious leather will have you, and especially your clients, completely addicted!

Love Junky is a heavily patterned leather so it works great on it’s own, or paired with a plain material or one in a similar hue, or create a bold streak of contrast with a shiny patent leather like Red Light District, Sunday Shoes or Something Wicked.  Perfect for a steamy boudoir session, classy winter wedding, and still playful enough to add some fun and whimsey to a kid’s photo album for a child & family portrait session!  Love Junky will have you head over heels!

Available on Finao ONE & artONE flush mount albums as well as Finao Elements self mount albums.

Love Junky - MainPaired with (Left to Right, then up) Passion, Red Light District, Something Wicked, Miami Ink, Suspicion, Optimism, Harlow

Love Junky – Main
Paired with (Left to Right, then up) Passion, Red Light District, Something Wicked, Miami Ink, Suspicion, Optimism, Harlow

 

Lip Lock, a lascivious silk from Finao’s Midtown collection, will leave you breathless so make sure to come up for air.  Lip Lock and all of the Finao non-leathers are available on Finao ONE flush mount albums, Finao playBOOK photo books and Finao Elements self mount albums as well as Xcetra Folios.

Main - Lip Lockbottom left - Gothika, bottom right - Whiteout

Main – Lip Lock
bottom left – Gothika, bottom right – Whiteout

 

Strut your stuff in the Red Light District. Get a shine for real patent finished leather (no vinyl here) and check out Something Wicked and Sunday Shoes too!

Red Light District, Sunday Shoes, Something Wicked.Genuine patent leathers from Finao.

Red Light District, Sunday Shoes, Something Wicked.
Genuine patent leathers from Finao.

 

Let your Passion run wild and mingle this luxurious hand-finished leather with something on the wild side…

Left-PassionTop-Kitty Kitty, Middle-Patina, Bottom-Racing Stripes

Left-Passion
Top-Kitty Kitty, Middle-Patina, Bottom-Racing Stripes

 

 

Jamie Westman

Jamie Westman

Jamie is Finao's resident Guidance Guru and Marketing Assistant to the Queen of All Things Finabulous, Christine Perry-burke.

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Finao’s Fast Turnaround

Some exciting changes have been going on in Finao Land!  As you may have already heard, we had recently moved into a brand new production facility and during that move we did some workflow revamping and rearranging that has really paid off!  We know that time and deadlines are important to you in making your clients happy, so we’re thrilled that we can say that turnaround times are speeding along!

Production time for the vast majority of ONE albums is 2-3 weeks. (Specialty covers like Erotika and print partner orders will add time to this.)

Elements albums/guestbooks and the new playBOOK photo books only take about a week also!!! (Photo Wrap covers may add 3-4 days)

*Remember: these albums are made in NY so if you need something on a rush and are outside the NE region, choose an appropriate expedited shipping method.

We also have some more time-saving, streamlining, sale-driving, money-making announcements coming up over the next few months that you DEFINITELY won’t want to miss!  So keep an eye on your email and our social media sites for more to come!


Jamie Westman

Jamie Westman

Jamie is Finao's resident Guidance Guru and Marketing Assistant to the Queen of All Things Finabulous, Christine Perry-burke.

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Boudie-licious!

A lot of people think that we pretty much just work with wedding photographers to make wedding albums, and although that is a big portion of what we do, it’s definitely not the only thing we’re into.  Boudoir photography has really been growing in recent years and many of the photographers that work with us sell a wide range of Finao and Seldex products to their boudoir clients.  Nothing sexier than a little book of secrets….maybe a BIG book of not-so-secrets >=)

Here’s a selection of our steamiest albums and boxes that could really give a rise to your boudoir business ;)

 

Elements

Finao Elements self mount albums are perfect for portraits and boudoir.

Finao’s seductive collection of tantalizing textures.

Elements albums are fantastic books by Finao that fall under the category of “self-mount” which means exactly what it sounds like (hey, get your mind out of the gutter!) – there is adhesive on the pages so you can mount your own prints to the page.  It’s super easy to do, we’ve even got video instructions, but we also offer a Print & Assembly option if you’re of the “do it for me” mindset.

Elements come in super sexy silks, linens, fabrics and fauxs, or upgrade to incorporate sultry leathers and suedes.  Guest book “TXT” versions are also available.  Studio samples are 25% off and available through the Sample Order Form.

 

playBOOK

Finao playBOOK photo books in new fabric cover materials.

Finao’s photographically printed playBOOK is the ultimate in a luxury album feel at a press-book price.

playBOOK is the hottest new photo book on the market and will make you kiss press-books goodbye!  playBOOK features photographic prints, skinny page styling, and seamless, lay-flat binding for breathtaking panoramic spreads.  The playBOOK comes in TONS of gorgeous fabric, silk and vegan leather cover options as well as image covers at no additional cost.  This is THE book for the boudoir client who wants a higher-end, magazine style, designed book without going all the way for a flush mount.

Get some more play with a playBOOK! Studio samples are 25% off and available through the Sample Order Form.

 

Seldex Gallery and Twin Sets

Seldex Gallery matted album available in US at Finao. Perfect album for portraits - seniors, boudoir, babies and families as well as guest books.

Gallery albums come with tons of cover options and make gorgeous portrait albums and guest books.

Gallery albums are gorgeous matted albums that are perfect for portraits and guest books.  They come in either a 9″ or 12″ square, have TONS of cover options from linens to fauxs to fine leathers and even image wraps, capacity of up to 30 mats in your choice of 4 styles and numerous mat configurations.

Gallery albums are a breeze to assemble yourself with your own prints – here’s a short video so you can see how it’s done – but if you don’t want to, we offer a print & assembly service as well for a low price per page (software required for P&A).

 

Portrait Suite

Portrait Suite by Seldex available in US at www.finao.com

Seldex’s Portrait Suite is the total package!

If it’s the total package you’re looking for, the Portrait Suite by Seldex provides you with an all-around presentation to your clients. A matted album wrapped in a photo cover is nestled inside a matching photo-covered box.  Hide a little CD button and coordinating printed disk on the inside of the lid, and you’ve got yourself a “suite” deal!

Just like the Gallery albums on the inside, the Portrait Suite albums are easy to assemble yourself with your own prints – here’s a short video so you can see how it’s done – but if you don’t want to, we offer a print & assembly service as well for a low price per page (software required for P&A).

 

Portfolio and Preview Boxes

Seldex Portfolio and Preview Boxes shown in "Boudie Call" templates by Design Aglow.

Design Aglow provides “Boudie Call” boudoir themed templates for albums, boxes and more. Visit www.designaglow.com. Image courtesy of Design Aglow.

For those who are into something a little different, a Portfolio Box or Image Preview Box by Seldex may be the remedy.  The Portfolio Box has been made popular lately by revered portrait photographer Sue Bryce, and with their simple sophistication, it’s easy to see why she sells so many!  Try a custom image cover, black buckram fabric or “Black Pearl” silk brocade.  A Natural Blend Linen is also available and quite popular for child & family sessions.  Simple white or black frame-mounts showcase your prints inside the box and make for the perfect way to add-to over time, or highlight various prints on an easel.  Styrene mounted prints are also available for both box types instead.

The Seldex Image Preview Boxes are smaller boxes that keep loose prints (or styrene mounted). Available in a variety of sizes to accommodate many needs, the Image Preview Box is perfect for anything from a sneak peek to the full Monty!

A 25% Studio sample discount is available for the Portfolio Box when you order through the Sample Order Form.

Like what you see?  Want more?  We’re happy to please!  Just ask and we’ll make sure all your needs are satisfied… ;p

Jamie Westman

Jamie Westman

Jamie is Finao's resident Guidance Guru and Marketing Assistant to the Queen of All Things Finabulous, Christine Perry-burke.

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WTF! (We’re Talking Finao) – Products for Seniors

Variations on a Theme - Lady Luck group with matching Elements a

Hey All!  Jamie here with another edition of WTF! (We’re Talking Finao!) and the topic today is Products for Seniors.  Finao’s got you covered with some AWESOME albums and peripherals that will round-out any senior package!

My #1 recommendation for seniors is the Elements line of albums.  These self-mount albums are easy to assemble (check out our YouTube page for instructional video), super friendly to the pocket-book and come in more than 100 AMAZING cover materials including a Photo Wrap at no additional cost!  Seniors demand the hottest trends and you can give it to them!  These ultra-modern and hip albums will send them bragging to all their friends, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity to drum up more business, so be sure to include your branding in the front by creating a custom studio die.

Elements self-adhesive albums by Finao come in fabric, leather and photo wrap cover options and also feature guest book page options.

Elements self-adhesive albums by Finao come in fabric, leather and photo wrap cover options and also feature guest book page options.

 

You can expand on your theme by including a complementary Xcetera Folio, eFX CD Case, or a 3ditions set of Elements albums.

Variations on a Theme – Grouping in “Lady Luck”.

 

For your seniors who are looking for a more custom storybook type of album, the playBOOK is the way to go – it’s a definite game-changer!  These rad books feature real photographic prints (no press-prints here!), seamless panoramic spreads that lay flat, skinny page styling and TONS of fashion-forward cover options, plus they’re shockingly affordable!  They come in a huge assortment of non-leather materials or the Photo Wrap at no additional cost!  playBOOKS require that you submit your finished image layouts at the time of the order and there are sizing templates available under the playBOOK’s “File Prep” section at Finao.com.

playBOOKs have a seamless construction and lay-flat design.

playBOOKs have a seamless construction and lay-flat design.

 

Or, for a more traditional look, the matted Seldex Gallery albums are another great choice!  These are made by Seldex in Australia, and we are their North American distributor.  They come in either a 9″ or 12″ square, have TONS of cover options from linens to fauxs to fine leathers and image wraps, and capacity of up to 30 mats in numerous mat configurations.   Pricing is really easy and reasonable too!  The Gallery albums are a breeze to assemble yourself with your own prints – here’s a short video so you can see how it’s done!

Matted Print

Matted Print

 

And for a new twist on the traditional Gallery matted album, check out the Seldex Portrait Suite!  A matted album like the Gallery on the inside, but a photo cover and matching photo-cover box on the outside.  Available in the 9″ square and two vertical sizes (one for 5×7 prints and one for 7×10 prints) and with the optional CD/DVD holder and matching printed disc, these sets are sure sellers for any portrait session.

The Seldex Portrait Suite takes the original matted Gallery album to a new level.

The Seldex Portrait Suite takes the original matted Gallery album to a new level.

 

For more information on any of these items please visit our website http://www.finao.com or give our customer service a call 888-FINAO-US Mon-Fri 10am-6pm EDT.

 

PEACE AND LOVE, JAMIE

Jamie Westman

Jamie Westman

Jamie is Finao's resident Guidance Guru and Marketing Assistant to the Queen of All Things Finabulous, Christine Perry-burke.

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How will you celebrate Earth Day?

Happy Earth Day,

Everyone is asking today “What will you do to celebrate Earth Day?” Change to an energy efficient light bulb? Lower your heating/cooling? Turn off the lights when you leave the room? At Finao, we try to celebrate Earth Day every day. If you have never read it, you should check out our GREEN INTRODUCTION in the Getting Started portion of our webstie. It talks about all the things we do in our products and offices to try and make our products and work spaces better for everyone. We might just give you a few ideas of your own to help you celebrate.

In recognition of Earth Day today, the Fashion Blog is GOING GREEN in our salute to making this world a better place for all to live on. Are you ready to get green?

So, feel good that you are dealing with an album company with these philosophies at heart. We would much prefer to offer you quality over cheap. There is generally a reason it’s cheap, we try and take a look behind why that is so with all of our materials and products. If the reasons don’t match our philosophy, we won’t sell it to you…plain and simple.

Have a good Earth Day everyone.

- L :l

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman is Finao's official Image Enhancer for the Marketing Department. She makes stuff pretty...usually.

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LUDICROUS PASSION? | Our best of boudoir month – putting it all together

Well kiddies,

I hope you have had an inspirational month for boudoir and Valentease Day via our Fashion Blog. For the last three weeks we have focused on all the major material groups across the various product lines we offer. Each week we were inspired by a different person or time period. Now, however, do you think we can pull it all together. I think we can.

The test I gave myself this week was to take the last three weeks of Fashion Blog palettes and come up with one cohesive theme that could run across product lines. There were many totally AWESOME combinations I could come up with but if I wanted something that could spread across all the various lines, I had to give some of those awesome combos up….bummer.

I did pick a pretty basic color combination, however, as you will see, it can totally work from flush mount albums to selfmount albums to matted albums to press books. Really? Yes, really. Let’s check out the picks for our Best of Boudoir month 2010….*drum roll*

For our purposes here, I chose some pretty typical colors for boudoir (red and black) but by doing so, I gave myself more options in working with multiple product types. It’s a give and take relationship. If I want to be diverse in offerings, I have to keep some things simple. It doesn’t mean everything has to look the same though, does it?

For flush mounts I chose the Ludicrous patterned leather from the Fragments collection and paired it with Passion from the All that Jazz collection to play off one of our main cover design principles, mix a texture with a smooth.

Passion can also be used on the Upper Elements line. You can also tooTone! it with Miami Ink (black) into a nice companion self mount or guestbook style album. They won’t be exactly the same but the Passion will be the cohesion that keeps the two styles together.

What if you want to throw in a matted album. The simple addition would be to throw in a Gallery album in Red Linen. If you wanted something a bit more upscale, however, try Two Toning a Bookbound Art album. Yes, you can do that. I cheated and added Raven leather to the one shown here (it wasn’t part of my original picks). Add a nice cover image to a relatively simple cover and you have something that is arty and elegant and easy to offer with the other options.

For the quick turnaround minded out there, check out Lady Danger from the Brocade collection. She can be used on flush mounts, self mounts and press books. Self mounts are GREAT in that you can order stock and have them in-house for a super quick turnaround from shoot to client. Lady Danger can also be used as-is on the ONE flush mounts or mix it with Miami Ink for a nice red & black tooTone! Since press books make great add-ons as well, take your existing flush mount spreads and have them made into a RAVE press book. Coat it in Danger, add a nice opening to the cover and VOILA! Total hotness!

Thanks for reading this week, next week starts a whole new month and even more ideas so come on back. See you next Fashion Friday.

L :l

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman is Finao's official Image Enhancer for the Marketing Department. She makes stuff pretty...usually.

More Posts - Website

21ST CENTURY BURLESQUE | a color palette for Finao non-leathers

Hot off the convention trail and ready to heat up this week’s boudoir-inspired Fashion Blog series with a look at some options for the Finao non-leathers.

The non-leathers are used mostly for the self mount series of albums but a few select materials can be used on Finao ONE flush mounts and some of the Variations products. Always check to make sure the material you desire to use, however, is available on those products before you begin.

Modern burlesque has been making a comeback with the help of folks like Dita Von Teese and state-of-the-art burlesque shows like the one at the Crazy Horse in Vegas. Bright colors and creative lighting all add to the fun of these shows so why not try and translate that into an album of fun and creative boudoir photography?

Let’s take a look:

1) White Downs middle earth 2) Geisha brocade 3) Hollywood Orange garbo 4) Lady Danger brocade 5) Shanghai brocade 6) Tourmaline ecclectic looks 7) Sapphire brocade 8) Purple Haze happy cow 9) Texas Tea happy cow 10) Argento brocade

The materials selected for this palette weren’t selected just for their color. The feel of the materials as well as how they reflect the light are just as important. This is where your swatch kits will come in handy as the bits represented here aren’t necessarily going to do them justice.

For texture the Middle Earth and Garbo materials are going to give the most to those touchy-feely senses. If you want something that catches the light, however, try Tourmaline in the Ecclectic Looks collection or the silk Brocades. Geisha, especially, brightens considerably in the right light.

So, if you are looking for a way to quickly assemble some quick images into a stylish boudoir album, don’t let self mount albums turn you off. Just because they are simple and quick does not mean they can’t be stylish and fun.

Until next week, ciao for now folks,

L :l

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman

Lisa Hoffman is Finao's official Image Enhancer for the Marketing Department. She makes stuff pretty...usually.

More Posts - Website