Millers Blog

Save on all photographic final prints, now through Friday!  Order any size print, starting at mini-wallets up to 30x40, and we’ll automatically take 15% OFF the order.  Sale includes Ambassador and Thrift E-Surface, Metallic, and True B&W prints, both standard and custom sizes.  Orders must be placed through ROES or Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints.  Finishing services are not included when added to the print order.  Promotion ends at midnight (Central) on Friday, August 27, 2010.

View Large Print Pricing

FAQs:
The sale price is not reflected in my order summary. Am I really receiving a discount?
Yes, the discount is applied once it enters our system.  While it will not be reflected in the summary when ordering, you will see the discount included on the invoice when your order arrives.

My order total is less than the $10 minimum charge?  What amount will be invoiced?
Minimum order charges will remain throughout the duration of the sale.  Any order total that falls under the minimum charge will be rounded up to $10.

Will I receive 15% off when ordering multiple prints from one image?
The discount will apply to all prints, regardless of number of prints per image or number of large prints per order.

I uploaded a print order just prior to the start of the sale.  Can I receive a credit?
Unfortunately, any print ordered prior to the start of the sale will not be credited.

If I order prints via Proofing, Sports & Events, School, manual entry or LabPrints, will I still receive the discount?
No, orders will only be discounted when placed through ROES and Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints.  Any order placed through any other software will not be discounted.

Miller's "curb appeal" means something different today than it did when we first opened over forty years ago.  Due to the nature of our business, we've had to drastically change our approach to identity while trying to accomplish the same goal.

This was our appearance in the 60’s.

Here it is today.

No matter the decade, our visitors need to have a welcoming experience that provides them with quick and easy answers to their questions.

Website design projects are always a work in progress. At least they should be if you are to stay ahead of your competition. We constantly work to make our website easier to navigate and understand. There is nothing more discouraging than to visit a website for the first time and not know how to get the information you need.

Have you recognized our changes?  Some have been subtle; some more dramatic. Have they improved your experience? So far, we have been hearing positive feedback. But again, we’re never finished.

What can you expect in the near future?

• Our product images will be larger.
• More product information will be displayed in a very simple manner.
• Your navigation will be more intuitive.
• We will also have a separate “Tools” section which will highlight our value-added services, making navigation to it much easier.

Plus, here’s what you can expect next year –

• Increased search functionality – kind of like your own mini-search engine
• A section that will explain the unique value proposition for each Miller's division, helping you to more easily make a choice.
• Visual explanations, both still and video, on how to use our products and services
• Relevant content organized by type of photography (i.e. portrait, wedding, sports and events, etc.)

The dynamic thing about this is that if this was being written three months from now, the list would need to be updated.

Next year you also will notice some changes in our Baby & Child contest. In these last three years, you have collectively sent us over 31,000 entries which have resulted in prizes totaling $72,000. But just like our website, we need to freshen it with some design tweaks. Don’t worry. We plan to continue it because of the participation and excitement it has brought.

We constantly update what we provide you to make you unique to your clients. There’s no better way to improve our business than to help you improve yours.

Check out these fun new products just released in Miller’s School line!

Small Clings:  Our new School Small Clings are made of the same material as our popular Wall Clings in Miller’s Sports & Events.  A basic design will run along the border of the cling with your cropped image in the center.  Small Clings adhere to any surface and are easily removed, making them perfect for any child’s bedroom wall or the inside of a locker.  Learn More

Key Tag Traders:  New for the 2010 season are our 3-up Key Tag Traders. Made of PVC plastic, Tag Traders are perforated and can be broken apart into three separate Key Tags. Each tag comes in a different color and includes the child’s name and current year on each side.  Learn More

4x6 Mini-Pac:  Now available for the first time in our School line is our 4x6 Mini-Pac.  Sized as a 5x6 template, this print includes one 4x6 and four 1x2 super minis of the same image.  Learn More

If already installed, Remote Studio will automatically update with all new products once launched.  Don't have Remote Studio on your PC?  Download Now

With August just around the corner, we find ourselves in the “calm before the storm” mode at Miller’s.  Before long, time will be of the essence, and if like us, you’re looking for some ways to save time and energy this fall, we have a suggestion – book{m}!
 
Book{m} is a free service for all Miller’s customers that helps you accept and manage your studio appointments online.  While it makes coordinating your schedule easier, it’s also convenient for your clients.  They visit your book{m} site and set up their sessions in just a few clicks.
 
How It Works For You
It’s as simple as creating your calendar within book{m} – you specify your availability for each day, plus list the types of sessions you shoot.  If you offer special services, like a second shooter for a wedding or an outdoor shoot that costs more than your standard sitting, you can add it as an additional option.  If you have multiple shooters in a studio, you can set up calendars for each schedule.  Book{m} can even accept online payments for session fees.
 
How It Works For Your Client
Your clients access the schedule online, and choose the date and type of sitting they’re interested in.  Once they’ve entered their personal and billing information, they’ll receive email reminders about the upcoming session.
 
A Few Additional Benefits
- It keeps a running database of all clients, including emails, phone numbers, and addresses.
- You can synchronize it to your mobile device or calendar program through Google calendar.
- You have the ability to browse recent orders or search orders by date, as well as view specific order details and invoicing.
 
Once you’ve set up your schedule in book{m}, it runs on its own – scheduling sessions, collecting fees and reminding clients about their bookings – making it a huge time-saver during the busy season.  Take a tour of the FREE service here and see how it can help you this fall.

For 3 days only, large prints are on sale!  Place your order in Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints or ROES, and we’ll automatically deduct 25% off the order.  Sizes include 10x30, 16x20, 16x24, 20x20, 20x24, 20x30, 24x30, and 30x40, as well as custom sizes canvassed on these standard sizes.  Sale does include Ambassador and Thrift E-Surface, Metallic, and True B&W large prints, but does not include finishing services added to the print order.  Promotion ends at midnight CT on Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

View Large Print Pricing

FAQs:
The sale price is not reflected in my order summary. Am I really receiving a discount?
Yes, the discount is applied once it enters our system.  While it will not be reflected in the summary when ordering, you will see the discount included on the invoice when your order arrives.

Will I receive 25% off when ordering multiple prints from one image?
Discount will apply to all large prints listed above in the order, regardless of number of prints per image or number of large prints per order.

I ordered a large print just prior to the start of the sale.  Can I receive a credit?
Unfortunately, any print ordered prior to the start of the sale will not be credited with the 25% discount.

If I order a large print via manual entry or LabPrints, will I still receive the discount?
No, orders will only be discounted when placed through ROES and Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints.  Any order placed through manual entry or LabPrints will not be discounted.

Miller's is proud to sponsor Contrasts, an upcoming photography workshop that teaches the nuts and bolts of how to be a better photographer and run a successful photography studio!  This unique workshop will highlight the different philosophies, business models and shooting styles of two premier studios to demonstrate two unique paths to success in the photographic industry.

Led by award-winning senior photographer Jessica Edwards and the crew of FX Studios you will see two competing styles in action including:

• single photographer studio vs. a multi-photographer, staffed studio
• specialized boutique vs. a full-service higher volume studio
• natural light vs. off-camera lighting
• college educated vs. college dropout

Over the course of an intensive weekend, two key components will be addressed, including improving and streamling your business and workflow, as well as improving the quality of your photography by creating compelling and professional images for your clients.  More specific topics covered are attracting clients, designing sessions, scouting locations, working with and posing subjects, lighting and photographing sessions, editing images, and presenting them to clients in ways that is financially rewarding to you.

As a bonus, you'll receive FX Studio's Business Documents Kit, as well as Jessica Edwards' Facebook and Blog Marketing Kits (over $300 at regular price).

To register, visit www.contrastsworkshop.com.

Miller’s Remote Suite PLUS Albums & Books is now live!  This new ordering application is PC and Mac-compatible (Intel Macs only).  With an easy-to-use interface, it helps you quickly design and place your Album and Book orders. 

You’ll start by making product selections, like product type, cover options, and paper type.  We’ve integrated all Albums (interior pages are made of photographic paper) and Press Books (interior pages are made up of press paper).  Because these two product types are similar, this makes it easier for you to find all of our book-like offerings in one application.  Those offerings include Flush Mount, Legend, iMount, and LayFlat Albums, along with LayFlat Press Books, Hard Cover Press Books, and Soft Cover Press Books.  To find out more about each of these products, visit our Albums section and Press Books section at millerslab.com.

Next, you’ll be directed to the design tool.  Quickly create your interior pages by dragging predesigned layouts, backgrounds, and masks onto each page, right along with your uploaded images.  If you prefer using an application like Photoshop, you can drop your flattened designs in too.  When finished with your design, save it in Remote Suite PLUS Albums & Books, and use it again for future orders.

With the release of Remote Suite PLUS, you'll also find some changes to our product options, primarily involving more cover choices for select Albums and Books.  For Flush Mount Albums, we released nine new premium leathers, which can be found here.  Our favorite new leathers include Cherry Red, perfect for boudoir albums, and the Luxe options, which are by far the softest leather we’ve ever offered.  Limited Edition, an option for Flush Mounts and LayFlats, is such a popular choice that it's now standard -- renamed Brown Velvet.  Custom Cover Satin, Metallic, Glossy and Canvas are all available for Flush Mount Albums, LayFlat Albums, LayFlat Books, and Hard Cover Books.  We're also now offering Brown Art Cloth as a Hard Cover Book option.  Finally, we're reintroducing Album Impression Cases under a new name -- Custom Album Boxes. 

Click here and watch our How To Order and How To Design videos to learn more about our new Remote Suite PLUS app.  If you’ve previously installed Remote Suite PLUS, it will automatically update with the latest changes, including Albums & Books.  Don’t have Remote Suite PLUS installed?  Download Now

We’re working hard to add all Miller’s has to offer to ROES!  You’ll now find Miller’s wide selection of Press products in ROES, including:

- Accordion Minis and Accordion Books,
- Hard and Soft Cover Books,
- Press Cards,
- Rep and Business Cards,
- Stickers,
- Bookmarks,
- Marketing Materials,
- and Posters!

The ROES Press catalog is featured alongside our ROES Prints, Proofing, and Fine Art catalogs.  Up next, we’ll add Miller’s Albums and Sports & Events products – coming soon!

Download ROES Now or Learn More about Miller’s Press

Starting today, 8x10 prints are on sale!  Save 50% on all Ambassador and Thrift E-Surface, True Black and White, and Metallic 8x10 photographic prints when ordered through Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints and ROES.  Discount does not apply to any finishing services added to the order. Sale ends at midnight (Central) on Thursday, July 8, 2010.

FAQs:

Do I need a coupon code?
No, the discount is automatically applied to 8x10 orders.

The sale price is not reflected in my order summary. Am I really receiving a discount?
Yes, the discount is applied once it enters our system.  While it will not be reflected in the summary when ordering, you will see the discount included on the invoice when your order arrives.

My order total is less than the $10 minimum charge?  What amount will be invoiced?
Minimum order charges will remain throughout the duration of the sale.  Any order total that falls under the minimum charge will be rounded up to $10.

Will I receive 50% off when ordering multiple prints from one image?
Discount will apply to all 8x10 prints in the order, regardless of number of prints per image or number of 8x10s per order.

I ordered 8x10s just prior to the start of the sale.  Can I receive a credit?
Unfortunately, any 8x10 print ordered prior to the start of the sale will not be credited with the 50% discount.

If I order 8x10 prints print via Pic-A-Pac, Undergrad, manual entry or LabPrints, will I still receive the discount?
No, orders will only be discounted when placed through ROES and Remote Suite PLUS Final Prints.  Any order placed through any other software will not be discounted.

Save 25% on all Press Card orders, now through June 30th!  Discount will be applied to all Promo Cards, Postcards, Accordion Cards, and Folded Cards, including our NEW! 5x7 and 5.25x8 Wide Format Folded Cards.  All press paper types, including Smooth, Watercolor, Linen, and Pearl will be discounted, however, Gloss and UV Coating are not included in the sale.  Rounded corners and envelopes (with or without return addresses) will also be billed at full charge.  Place your orders through Remote Studio or Press Quick Order.  Sale ends at midnight (Central) on Wednesday June, 30th.

Learn More

FAQs:
I placed a Press Card order just prior to the start of the sale.  Can I receive a credit?
Unfortunately, any Press Cards ordered prior to the start of the sale will not be credited.

My order total is less than the $15 minimum charge?  What amount will be invoiced?
Minimum order charges will remain throughout the duration of the sale.  Any order total that falls under the minimum charge will be rounded up to $15.

Wow!  Every once in a while a new product or service comes along that is a “no doubter.”  The new Miller’s Storefront is such a service!  If you are looking for opportunities to increase sales or to simplify an existing online sales workflow, take a look at the completely redesigned Miller’s Storefront, an online sales solution for professional photographers.  I know that many of you believe strongly in a controlled sales environment.  We certainly do not disagree.  However, for every sales session you conduct in person, there are many potential customers geographically unreachable.  Online sales provide a great opportunity to reach these potential buyers.  Additionally, many large events and sports are ideally suited for online sales.

Your portrait or wedding client will have differing product interests than your sports or event customer.  That is why we have developed two different Storefronts - Portrait Storefront and Event Storefront.  By dividing Storefront into two categories, you are easily able to provide your clients with products relative to their needs.  Here are several other reasons why Miller’s Storefront could be for you:

Pro Lab Quality.  Your customers will receive the highest quality products printed right here at Miller’s.

Fast Delivery.  Impress your customers with our industry leading fast delivery.  Most orders are completed within 24 hours.

Sales Tools.  Sales promos, coupon codes email notifications and more – Storefront has several built-in promotional tools to help you increase online sales.

Shopping Cart.  It is functional, easy-to-use and cool – your customers will absolutely love it!

Of course there are many additional reasons why Miller’s Storefront is the professional’s online sales solution.  View all of these reasons in complete detail and find out how you can start being paid by your lab!

Earlier this week, we announced our new and improved Accordion Minis with Custom Covers.  We're now excited to introduce another brand new product to Miller's Press - Accordion Books!  Product details include:

• Sized at 4x8" with 7 customized panels to upload your images
• Custom Cover Satin or Metallic for cover of book
• Smooth, Linen, Pearl, or Watercolor for interior pages
• Concealed magnets to tightly close the book

Check out a few product shots below, or learn more at millerslab.com.

Like this Accordion Book design?  Find this template and more for sale on Miller's Design Market.

Starting today, you’ll find our NEW & IMPROVED Accordion Minis in Miller’s Press Quick Order.  Previously called Accordion Wallet Books, we’ve renamed these mini books and incorporated several new features, based on suggestions from you.

NEW! Product Features

In addition to the 17 colorful cover options that are already available, we’re now offering a new Brown Art Cloth option, PLUS a couple of new Custom Cover options – Satin and Metallic.  Even better, you can upload two different designs, one for the front and one for the back, when choosing our new Custom Covers.  We’ve also added a hidden magnet in each cover, ensuring your Minis stay sealed shut, protecting the enclosed images.

NEW! Ordering Features

Order the new Accordion Minis in sets of three, uploading three different designs for each Mini in the order.  When selecting Art Cloth or Eurohyde as your cover option, you can choose up to three different colors to match each Mini within the set.  However, the same paper type and Custom Cover type, when selected, will be applied to all three Minis within the order.

To find out more about the Accordion Minis, visit millerslab.com.  Or to shop for templates created specifically for our new Custom Cover Minis, visit Miller’s Design Market.

Please note, effective today, we have increased the price of Accordion Minis, due to the added features.  View Pricing

We launched the original Accordion Wallet Book at Miller's a little over two years ago, and thanks to you, it became one of the industry's most popular Press products, even earning a Hot One Award from Professional Photographer in 2009.  We're now excited to announce that next week, we'll be relaunching this product under a new name - Accordion Minis - and adding a few new features both you and your clients will love.

Custom Satin or Metallic Covers

As if these mini-books weren't cute enough, you'll soon be able to customize the covers of your Accordion Mini with your own images and designs.  Upload both a front and back design, then choose to have it finished as either a Satin or Metallic cover.

Brown Art Cloth

In addition to our 17 other vibrant Eurohyde and Art Cloth covers, you'll also find Brown Art Cloth as a new option.

Magnetic Closure

Your Accordion Minis will now snap shut and stay closed with hidden magnets, protecting the images inside.

Three Designs in One Order

The minimum order for Accordion Minis is still three, but you'll now be able to maximize that order by uploading three individual designs for each set.

No matter if you've incorporated Accordion Minis into your studio packages or you're simply giving them away as a bonus to your clients, these improvements make this great, little product better than ever as an offering for your clients.  Stay tuned!

Please note, because of the added features, there will be a slight increase in price on the Accordion Minis, effective next week with the launch.

We just re-launched Miller's Web Hosting under a new name, Storefront, and added new features like promotional tools and just recently, ways to customize the sales solution for your studio.  Most of our time, however, has been spent making enhancements to the interface your clients utilize when placing their orders.  Here are just a few highlights:

Multiple Ways to View Images

Your client has three layout options when viewing their images.  All layouts are clean with minimal design so that your images are the focus.  Each layout gives clients the opportunity to enlarge the images so that they can view every detail.

Easy Access to Available Products

When an image is selected for purchase, a window pops where all products are displayed in a tabbed interface.  Clients can see all available products and quickly add them to their cart. 

Clean, Comprehensive Shopping Cart

Adjusting crops, adding image services and personalizing certain products like greeting cards can all be done within the shopping cart in just a couple of clicks.

To see all the new interface has to offer, read in detail about it here.