First, let’s start with what photo editing is and why photographers do it. Photo editing refers to the process of altering or enhancing images to improve the appearance or convey a specific message. This process can include a range of adjustments, from basic corrections such as color and contrast adjustments to more complex retouching tasks like improving skin textures, removing unwanted elements, swapping heads, or applying artistic effects. At McKenna, our photo editing is facilitated by highly trained staff using a variety of software tools, with Adobe Photoshop being among the most popular.

Whether you’re working with portraits, landscapes, animals, macro photography, or black and white images, McKenna optimizes your photos to achieve the best possible results for printing. Our retouchers utilize advanced techniques to achieve results that may be difficult for others to replicate.

Why is Photo Editing Necessary?

This might seem like a silly question to some of us; nevertheless, we must mention it. Firstly, professional retouching helps correct imperfections that may have occurred during the photo-taking process, such as unwanted moiré patterns, poor lighting, focus issues, fingerprints on the lens, or dust spots on the sensor. Secondly, it allows photographers to convey a specific mood or aesthetic that wasn’t captured in camera. These enhancements are the final touches we would’ve added in the darkroom.

Before the invention of color film, black and white photography was the only option available. Today, choosing black and white photography allows for a specific mood, conveying timelessness, simplifying compositions, or expressing artistic vision. At McKenna, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality printing from your professional images. We’ve even created our very own Black and White Image Tone for Metal Prints, which helps neutralize the magenta, cyan, and yellow used in our multi-color printing process for Metals. The end results give you a truer, more classic black and white look under natural daylight. Not only are our skilled retouchers trained in the latest software, but at McKenna, we understand the vital role photo editing plays in professional photography.

Save Time with McKenna’s Professional Retouching Services

Having us edit your photos can significantly enhance the quality of your final prints. By trusting us with your photo editing, you are more likely to achieve results that capture attention and convey the intended message. Additionally, we can maintain consistency across a series of images and products, which is especially important for your branding and marketing.

McKenna is a recognized leader in the professional photography community with a team of skilled photo retouchers who are very familiar with our products and can tailor edits to suit a specific medium. For instance, sharpness can be adjusted for Fine Art Prints since they have less texture compared to Canvas Gallery Wraps. Also, contrast and saturation can be adjusted on Metal Prints since they possess a high-contrast and highly saturated look, while Luster Prints do not.

In last month’s blog, I discussed our Color Correction Services, which involve making overall and minor adjustments to the photo. In contrast, our professional retouching services focus on localized and major adjustments. For example, an underexposed photo can be improved with overall color correction, while head/eye swaps would qualify for retouching. Whatever your needs may be, we have you covered.

How to Order Photo Retouching

Upon placing your order, you can add retouching services with or without products. Our “Retouch and Standard Color Correct Only” feature in Easy Order allows you to send us your images without ordering a product. Just tell us what you want, and we’ll send you an estimate.

Example: “Remove the lines from the girls’ legs. It’s for a large poster.” – Tina’s Photography

Type of Photo Editing Services We Offer

Standard Retouching

Examples of standard retouching include simple blemish removal, softening of lines, removal of slight glass glare, and basic stray hair removal. This is charged based on the number of heads/faces.

Extensive Retouching

This includes more extreme instances of blemish removal and glass glare, as well as more complex stray hair removal, braces removal, and head/eye swaps.

Artwork Manipulation

If your project requires advanced alterations, we can provide additional file manipulation on a per-minute basis, with estimates available upon request. Artwork examples include things like:

• Adding or removing people, pets, objects, etc.
• Replacing backgrounds
• Removing moire patterns and noise
• Banding
• Artifacting
• Overexposure
• Sharpening or over-sharpening
• Photo Restoration

Quality Service in a Timely Manner

Typically, the photo editing process takes about two business days to complete, after which we will send you the files via digital transfer. On larger prints, we request your approval before they go into production.

Professionally edited photos from McKenna can significantly improve your photography. If you haven’t yet tried our Retouching Services, I encourage you to give us a chance. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.

What Are Photographers Saying About Our Retouching Services?

Jan Griswol of Jan Murphy Griswold Photography in Burlington, NJ

“McKenna’s customer service is second to none! In the retouching department, Eric assisted me with edits on a large landscape image, providing expert skills in color adjustment and object placement to create a perfectly balanced final product. He really goes the extra mile, down to the last detail.”

Jennifer Ryan

“I really enjoyed working with you guys! My orders came securely packaged and quickly. I highly recommend McKenna. I had my photos retouched, and customer service helped me submit my photos to the talented retouching team. They were very delightful to work with; they helped me navigate the website and were very helpful and kind to the “not so tech-savvy” person like me. Overall, I’m completely satisfied and will definitely use them in the future. Thank you!”

Amy Storm of Eye Of A Storm Photography in Mount Vernon, SD

“McKenna stepped up and saved the day for me on my image for final retouches. My client wanted a very large print, and after being on the phone with McKenna, they helped me in every way of file resizing, fine detail touch-ups, and getting this large image to me so my client could display it in their home. It is stunning, and I could not have done it without McKenna’s outstanding service. This is why I have continued to use them…they make me look good!”

Fritz Brueggman of Shutterbug in Wray, CO

“We have found McKenna’s retouching to be a valuable tool. When we have complicated glass glare or retouching that is more complicated than we want to spend the time doing, using McKenna is worth the few extra dollars in the time it saves us. Recently, we had a more complicated job, which involved removing an individual from the middle of a group photographed in an outdoor scene. They did a wonderful job of removing that individual and moving another person in to fill the spot. We highly recommend McKenna for all your retouching and artwork needs!”

Brian Clark of Old Farmer Photography in Kirkwood, IL

“McKenna always goes above and beyond. Eric’s phenomenal retouching has saved many of my photos, and their expert guidance on papers, printing, and editing software ensures every image looks its best. Without a doubt, McKenna has been the best printing company I’ve worked with.”

Images by Tina’s Photography (volleyball image) and Denison Photography (large family photo).

This blog was written by Eric Garcia-March, our in-house Photography Education Specialist. Prior to McKenna, Eric was a commercial photographer for over 15 years and taught classes at the Image Processing and Multimedia Technology Center in Spain and post-production classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

The post Expert Photo Editing Services appeared first on McKenna.

As far as sales strategies for photographers go, pre-selling is a win for both photographers and clients. Pre-selling helps steer clients to products they’ll love in advance of their session. Plus, this gives photographers a predictable sales average as well. In addition, pre-selling invites additional product purchases after the client selects their images for their original products. 

Instead of waiting until clients see their photos, you can create attractive packages that they purchase upfront. This gives you financial security, sets the expectation that prints and albums are part of the process, and makes it easier for clients to buy more later. By offering popular products and pre-sale pricing incentives, clients will know what they are investing in and where they can add on once they see the finished images. 

Why Pre-Selling Print Collections Works

Many photographers want to add products like Metal Prints, Folios, and Canvas Prints to their pricing catalog but struggle to find the opportunity to make the offer. For those who do in-person sales or image reveals, the ordering appointment is the place to shop. However, if your business model doesn’t include in-person sales, this sales strategy for photographers can work virtually or through an online shopping experience.

Pre-selling can be the way to introduce customers to product options. Learning how to pre-sell collections can also elevate the photography experience for clients. Not only are they looking forward to seeing their gallery, but they are also looking forward to selecting images and seeing them in print! Pre-selling to clients will take a little preparation, but the payoff is worth it. Here are some ways pre-selling can be beneficial to photographers.

Guaranteed Income

You secure a minimum sale before picking up your camera. For example, if a family pre-purchases a $500 collection that includes wall art and a set of gift prints, you know your baseline income before even starting the session. This creates peace of mind and removes the stress of wondering what clients will order.

Anchors Expectations

Clients enter the session already planning to receive tangible products, not just digital files. When someone pre-purchases a holiday card collection or a newborn album, they anticipate those products as part of the process. This shifts the mindset from “maybe I’ll buy something” to “I’ve already invested, so I know what’s coming.”

Encourages Upgrades

Once the money is spent, clients often forget the “sting” of the payment, making them more likely to add extras later. A couple who has already purchased a wedding album may decide to add a few extra spreads, a parent album, or a framed print once they see their favorite images.

Opportunity For Add-Ons

Pre-sold packages can fill real needs such as holiday cards, wall art, or heirloom albums, while also encouraging families to complete their collection with add-ons. A family who starts with a wall gallery set may come back asking for an extra framed print to match or a small keepsake album for grandparents.

Pre-Selling Sales Strategy for Photographers

Whether you focus on photographing newborns, seniors, pets, or events, there is an opportunity to offer print collections alongside your session. We talked about this in our blog, Creating Marketing Campaigns Around Printed Products. However, pre-selling doesn’t have to be focused on one special event.

However, pre-selling doesn’t have to be focused on one special event. With this sales strategy for photographers, pre-sold products can be the differentiator in your brand. 

For Example:

“At Babies & Butterflies Studios, all our newborn sessions include a 5×7 soft cover book.”

“Couples who hire Birch & Branch Weddings get a choice between a 16×20 Framed Canvas or Metal Print for each collection.”

“At Powered to The Pet Photography, each session includes a Wood Display Block of your favorite furry friend.”

“All Christmas Tree Sessions and North Pole Portraits include a Metal Photo Ornament and a $200 Print Credit.”

Pre-Selling With Events

Wedding, Mitzvahs, Anniversary Parties, Engagement Parties and even Corporate Events can all have printed products included with their photography services. Pre-selling print with an event is a sales strategy for photographers who may not have much interaction with clients after their services are completed.

With events, there are so many opportunities to capture images that are meaningful to your client and their families. Including printed products with photography services answers the “What do you do with all these images?” question. Additionally, one of the reasons to add the printed products to the collection before the event is to create value and encourage add-on sales afterwards.

Here’s an example of what you might include in an event collection.

A Professional Wedding Album – Include a set number of images.

• • • Opportunities to add more images and upgrade the album cover
    • For corporate events, there is an opportunity to add more albums as a gift to VIP attendees.

Parent Albums – Smaller companion albums couples can gift to parents.

• • • Include a set of two with the option to add on for grandparents.

Wall Art – A photographic print in a small to medium size.

• • • Opportunity to upgrade from print to Canvas or Metal, add framing, select a larger size, or duplicates.

Save-the-Date or Thank-You Cards – Designed from their engagement or wedding images in a set amount.

• • • Opportunity to add on more cards.

Gift Print Credit – Add a small collection of traditional gift prints; 2-8×10 and 4-5x7s

• • • Opportunity to order additional small prints as thank you gifts for special guests.

How to Pre-Sell Print Collections with Portrait Sessions

Portrait photographers can leverage seasonal needs, gift-giving occasions, and home décor trends to create collections that give sessions added value and open the door to additional product sales. Of course, special holiday promotions can include a small print or gift item like an ornament, but a more robust collection feels like the beginning of an experience, not just a giveaway to get clients in the door. Not that there’s anything wrong with that concept—that’s just a different blog topic. 

Here are some ideas for collections that can be pre-sold for different session types. Think of these pre-sold collections as a starting point for the final sale. You may want to highlight a discount off your a la carte pricing to entice customers to commit up front. Help to build on the benefit of a pre-sold print collection by listing which different products can be used.

When creating these collections, be sure to figure in the cost of goods, services, and your profit margins when setting the prices.

Fall Family Sessions:

The Gallery & Gift Collection 

1-16×20 Photographic Print – For the Home

2-8×10 and 2-5×7 prints – For Gifting

This collection has a little of everything and room to add on more gift prints, additional canvases, and holiday cards.

High School Seniors:

The Senior Special

25-5×7 Grad Announcements – For Sharing

1-8×10 Easel Back Metal Prints – For the Office

1-5×7 Easel Back Metal Prints – For Gifting 

There is an opportunity to multiply those announcements and gift prints.

Newborns

The Sweet Pea Collection

1-11×14 Canvas Art Block – For the Family Gallery

25-4×6 Birth Announcements – For Sharing

2-5×7 Prints – For Grandparents

This collection created a repeat customer as they added Canvas Art Blocks from each of the baby’s milestone sessions to their family gallery.

Extended Family Sessions

The Generations Collection

1-16×20 Gallery Wrap – For the Grandparents

$300 Print Credit – For Additional Family Prints

The collection allows for an upgrade to the size of the canvas wrap, framing, and more copies for families to display in their homes.

How to Pre-Sell Print Collections and Boost Sales

Getting the client to invest in a session before seeing their images might seem tricky. However, focusing on the benefits of having a collection to fulfill with great images may shift client’s thinking about the importance of their session. This session is going to go on their walls, this session in going to be sent as a gift to grandparents. Knowing these images won’t just be spending time in the cloud, may make them more thoughtful as they prepare for a session, and as a result, this can lead to getting images.

Think of the opportunity to pre-sell a collection as an opportunity to help clients. Pre-sold collections should meet a customer’s need, or a need they didn’t realize that they had. Pre-selling 3-20×30 metallic prints might not seem helpful to a growing family, but one small wall portrait might be the start to something bigger or a repeat customer. If clients have plans in the future to print photographs for family, why not include Metal Prints with Easel Backs so your customers have finished products to deliver to their loved ones?

Here are some tips for pre-selling print collections.

Bundle Common Needs

As mentioned, make your offer make sense. Include items that fit the session and the potential need. New babies need birth announcements, families need wall art, and seniors need albums for all their favorite images.

Offer Incentives

Give special pricing only for pre-purchased collections. For example: “Save 15% when you pre-purchase your print collection.”

Position It as Smart Planning

Frame pre-purchasing as helping clients check something off their to-do list early. “Buy your holiday cards now and you’ll thank yourself in December!” 

Something to Be Desired

Pre-sell enough to secure your minimum sale, but leave plenty of room for upselling once clients see their images. Be sure your pre-sold collection leaves the door open for more. If this feels too “sales-y”, rethink that! You are helping! If 25 holiday cards aren’t enough, you can offer more. If an 11×14 print is too small, you can help find a size that is right. 

Make It Tangible

Show samples of albums, cards, or framed prints during the booking process to help clients visualize their purchase. If you don’t do in-person sales, have beautiful product images, printed and digital brochures, and a great online purchasing set up to get customers interested in more.

Learning how to pre-sell print collections is not about being pushy; it is about guiding clients toward meaningful products they will treasure while ensuring your business thrives. Pre-selling is a fairly easy sales strategy for photographers to implement. By bundling smartly, offering incentives, and positioning pre-purchases as both practical and special, you create a win-win: guaranteed sales for you and lasting heirlooms for your clients.

This blog was written by Maureen Miller, CPP, contributor for McKenna and contributor to marketing and client experience at Zookbinders. With 25+ years as a professional photographer, Maureen owns and operates her successful studio, Maureen T Miller Photography. She is an advocate for making money and doing what you love. Her motto is, “Photography is a BIG DEAL!”

Images by Maureen T Miller Photography.

The post How to Pre-Sell Print Collections and Boost Sales appeared first on McKenna.

McKenna’s will meet your highest demands and quality standards in post-production. Our color management, color correction, and photo editing services will complement your images. Whether you’re looking to enhance skin tones, adjust colors for accuracy, or engage in more extensive retouching, our team has the skills and experience to deliver exceptional results. Our professional approach to photo color correction accurately reflects the intended colors and tones.

The Art of Photo Color Correction

Effective color correction enhances the overall quality in professional photography. Sometimes colors can appear washed out, oversaturated, or simply inaccurate due to various factors such as lighting, camera settings, or the environment. Proper color correction not only improves the aesthetic appeal of images but also ensures that they convey the right mood and message that the photographer intended.

What Are the Benefits of the Color Correction Services at McKenna?

Achieving accurate skin tone in portraiture is one of the most essential aspects of McKenna’s color correction.

Properly rendered skin tones and harmonious color palettes enhance the viewer’s connection to the photograph, conveying warmth, authenticity, and a sense of personality. Capturing the subtle undertones in skin is crucial, and our color correction specialists pay close attention to these nuances. By adjusting the brightness and contrast, along with the red, green, and blue channels, we ensure that skin tones appear natural and vibrant, eliminating any unwanted color casts.

Our Process

Our highly trained color correction specialists carefully adjust each image, paying particular attention to skin tones in order to achieve the best color, density, and contrast while adhering to our professional standards. The process includes:

• • Basic Density Adjustments: Correcting the overall exposure to ensure that images are neither too dark nor too light.
  • White Balance Correction: Adjusting the colors to remove any unwanted tints, ensuring that whites appear as true whites, and other colors are accurately represented.

By evaluating each image individually, we help achieve a cohesive and polished look across your entire set of images.

Pricing and Availability

McKenna’s color correction service is available on every image and is charged on a per-order basis. This allows color correction to be applied to all photos in the entire order with a single click, ensuring a consistent look across all your photos. Whether you have a small handful of images or hundreds, you can find our current pricing for color correction here.

Does McKenna Offer Retouching?

Yes! In certain situations, consider adjustments that go beyond color correction. For instance, a portrait featuring multiple people may need more specific color correction or photo editing for each individual; McKenna’s photo retouching professionals can assist with this. Our Photoshop experts can enhance and resolve almost any image issue within two to four business days. Whether you need standard blemish removal or a complete photo makeover, we’ve got you covered. Next month’s blog will discuss our digital editing services and how to order them.

Master Color Correction for Your Images

Many photographers prefer to handle their own color correction as it’s a valuable part of the creative process. By taking control of in-camera color balance, you ensure that every detail reflects your artistry exactly as you intended. Learning to fine-tune tones and maintain consistency across sessions strengthens your color accuracy.

If you are interested in improving your color accuracy and calibration, McKenna has several resources for you. To get started, refer to the article, “The Importance of Color Calibration for Photographers”, and the “Step-by-Step Monitor Calibration” video. For inspirational webinars on color, we recommend starting here and watching other previously recorded McKenna Live webinars.

This blog was written by Eric Garcia-March, our in-house Photography Education Specialist. Prior to McKenna, Eric was a commercial photographer for over 15 years and taught classes at the Image Processing and Multimedia Technology Center in Spain and post-production classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

The post Color Correction Services at McKenna appeared first on McKenna.

Our shared mission is to help you build smarter systems, achieve higher revenue, and experience significantly less stress by streamlining every step from picture day to fulfillment. This partnership means fast turnaround and quick delivery of your prints and products, empowering your studio to take on more jobs and elevate your customer experience.

GotPhoto: Your All-in-One Platform for Peak Performance

GotPhoto is more than just software; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem built for the demands of modern volume photography. It empowers you to capture, organize, edit, market, sell, and fulfill orders with unmatched efficiency, ensuring your team can focus on what they do best – creating stunning images.

Here’s a sample of what GotPhoto can offer your studio:

Revolutionize Picture Day with Smart Automation

The path to a successful picture day starts long before the first click. For scale-up businesses, eliminating manual processes and ensuring accuracy is crucial. GotPhoto’s innovative tools are designed to save you hours on every job:

• • • Entagged & Name List: Say goodbye to paper lists, manual sorting, and costly mistakes. Our Entagged app, combined with the Name List feature, offers the fastest, easiest way to match names to images. This intelligent automation slashes labor costs and ensures precision, giving you back valuable time. Curious how Entagged works? Check out this recent webinar.
    • Streamlined Workflows: From improved makeup day processes to managing student data exports, GotPhoto simplifies complex logistical challenges, ensuring smooth operations for even your largest shoots.

Drive Sales with a High-Converting Online Shop

Your online presence is your most powerful sales tool. GotPhoto’s reimagined online shop is designed to maximize conversions and increase your average order value (AOV), making selling effortless.

• • • Tailored Product Suggestions: The shop intelligently suggests additional products, encouraging larger orders and boosting your bottom line.
    • Mobile First & Intuitive Checkout: With the majority of purchases happening on mobile, our fast-loading, mobile-optimized design and intuitive checkout process ensure a frictionless buying experience, keeping your conversion rates high.
    • Next-Level Sports Features: From seamless QR‑tagged capture and secure galleries to AI‑powered editing, memory mates, and professional-quality graphics via Next Gen, this all-in-one platform transforms busy sports shoots into high‑value, automated revenue engines.

Did you know: GotPhoto’s new shop drives 10% more sales on average compared to its legacy shop.

Optimize Post-Production & Fulfill Orders Seamlessly with McKenna

Once the shoot is done, the real work for scale begins: managing large volumes of orders and ensuring flawless fulfillment. GotPhoto provides the tools to streamline this critical phase, sending orders directly to McKenna for rapid processing.

• • • Automated Order Processing: Our system handles order processing automatically, freeing your team from tedious manual tasks.
    • Flexible Fulfillment Options: Choose between convenient drop shipping or efficient bulk shipping, with all your orders sent to McKenna for fulfillment.
    • Integrated Solutions: Take advantage of GotPhoto’s options for editing and extraction, ensuring consistency and quality control across all your images.

 Ted Sandeen Utilizes GotPhoto and McKenna in His Workflow

“Moving to online sales through GotPhoto is why we’ve doubled our revenue in 2 years, and cut operating costs by 30%. Our average order value went from $39 to $69.

“Having shopped on other platforms and labs, I am confident McKenna Pro, in combination with GotPhoto is the perfect recipe.

I encourage you to conduct a 3-step process:

1. Get samples from McKenna Pro and hold them up to your current offerings. You’ll thank me later!
2. Compare your COG on those prints vs your current lab.
3. Stop wasting your time on brand X; partner with GotPhoto for your online sales.”

Ted Sandeen, owner of Sandeen Photography

Discover GotPhoto’s Features

Your Favorite Products, Delivered by McKenna

Through GotPhoto, you can easily order McKenna’s most popular volume products, ensuring your customers receive the highest quality prints and specialty items, delivered efficiently. This includes a wide range of offerings like Photo Prints, Bag Tags, Buttons, Magnets, Ornaments, Metal Prints, Mouse Pads, Coffee Mugs, Memory Mates, and Trader Cards.

Get Started: Unlock Efficiency and Growth Today

Ready to experience the power of a truly integrated solution that puts you in control and gives you the confidence to scale your business?

1. Ensure you have accounts with both McKenna and GotPhoto.
2. Log in to your GotPhoto account and select McKenna as your preferred lab.

It’s that simple. All your orders will then seamlessly flow to McKenna for fulfillment, allowing you to benefit from the speed and accuracy of this powerful partnership.

Exclusive Offer for McKenna Clients:

Try GotPhoto for 3 months FREE when you sign up through our partner vendor link. It’s time to transform your studio’s potential.

Sign Up With GotPhoto Today!

The post Scale Smart, Shoot More: How GotPhoto & McKenna Empower Your Volume Studio for Unprecedented Growth appeared first on McKenna.

You may ask, how does all of this apply to me as a professional photographer? Well, that is a great question that can be answered with a short answer. You are a business owner who wants to grow your business and have people use your services. Here are a few ways that using printed marketing can help you do just that.

The Power of Print Marketing in the Digital Age

While we live in a digital world, print marketing remains a highly effective way to engage and create lasting brand awareness. Unlike digital ads that can be easily forgotten, print materials provide a tangible connection that people can keep, interact with, and share.

Why Does Print Marketing Work?

• Stronger Recall & Emotional Impact – Customers spend more time with print materials and retain more information than with digital ads.
• Tangible & Long-Lasting – Unlike fleeting online interactions, printed items stay in homes and offices for extended periods.
• Supports Digital Campaigns – QR codes and website links bridge the gap between print and online engagement.

What 6 Marketing Materials Should I Consider Bulk Printing?

1. Flyers
   • Versatile & Quick to Produce – Perfect for short-notice events and promotions.
   • Enhances Digital Campaigns – QR codes can drive traffic to your website or social media.
   • Premium Look – High-quality paper and brand colors boost recognition and professionalism.
2. Brochures
   • Like a Printed Website – Provides an engaging, portable way to showcase your brand.
   • Quick Impact – Use bold images and concise messaging to capture attention fast.
   • Customizable Folding Options – Add interest and functionality to your design.
3. Calendars
   • Year-Round Brand Visibility – Keeps your business top-of-mind every day.
   • Custom Designs – Feature landscapes, industry-related images, or company highlights.
   • Magnetic Versions – Tear-off styles work great for refrigerators and office spaces.
4. Business Cards
   • Essential for Networking – Quick, professional, and easy to distribute.
   • Customizable & Affordable – Choose unique paper stocks, finishes, and coatings.
   • Perfect for Sales Visits – Leave a lasting impression with potential clients.
5. Booklets
   • In-Depth Marketing Tool – Ideal for product catalogs, event promotions, or brand storytelling.
   • Builds Trust & Credibility – A polished booklet reinforces your company’s professionalism.
   • Great for Less Digital-Savvy Customers – Appeals to those who prefer print over online content.
6. Direct Mail or Every Door Direct Mailing (EDDM)
   • Direct Mail – Utilize your current customer data or purchase a list for dynamic messaging to each recipient
   • EDDM – This style of mail allows you to put a message in every mailbox you choose within a mail route in your zip code. An extremely cost-effective way to directly get your message to selected parts of town and make an impact like none other.

As a photographer, you already sell high-quality McKenna print products, so why not incorporate high-quality print marketing into your strategy? Your business will leave a lasting impression on potential clients in your area when your business appears in their mailbox or they see your brochures around town.

Ready to get started? Bulk print your marketing materials at leverageprinting.com or contact Leverage by phone or email today to discuss the details of your next project.

The post The Power of Print Marketing in the Digital Age appeared first on McKenna.

In 2024, Leverage joined our McKenna Family of Brands expanding our printing capabilities and services. For over two decades, Leverage has focused on quality print services and client support making them a leading provider of commercial printing services in the United States. With state-of-the-art printing technology and a dedication to high-touch service, Leverage provides business solutions for custom printing campaigns, direct mail, variable data, bulk mailing, specialty printing, and much more from their Cedar Falls, IA location. Leverage can offer photographers quality products with cost-effective solutions.

When Should I Use McKenna? When is Leverage the right fit?

Let’s break it down in a simple Q&A.

“I need a high-end look and feel for my grad or holiday cards. Which company should I choose?”

McKenna is your best option for high-quality press card runs. McKenna’s press cards are printed on premium, imported Italian-mill press papers, ensuring a top-of-the-line finish and textile feel. Leverage specializes in cost-effective bulk printing on American-made, commercial-grade papers, still giving you a quality product.

“Does Leverage handle large print runs?”

Yes! If you need high-quantity runs of marketing pieces like business cards, brochures, or magazines, Leverage can offer better pricing due to efficient setup and printing processes that comes from the longer print run time.

“What if I need Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) or bulk mail campaigns?”

Leverage is the right choice for your mailing campaigns. They handle EDDM and bulk mailing services, making it easy for you to reach potential clients with your business mailers.

“What about shipping costs?”

McKenna offers a flat $2 shipping fee, while Leverage charges shipping at cost which is standard for commercial printers.

“I need brochures or magazines—where should I order?”

For a polished, high-end square fold and small runs, McKenna is your best choice. However, for standard folded brochures and magazines and large quantities, Leverage provides a budget-friendly solution.

“Can I place Leverage orders in Easy Order or use my McKenna account number?”

No, you cannot order Leverage products in McKenna’s ordering software or use your McKenna account number. Leverage remains running as an individual company under the McKenna Family of Brands with its own web-based ordering system at LeveragePrinting.com. You will create a Leverage account during checkout of your first order.

Whether You Order At McKenna Or Leverage, You’ll Receive The Best Customer Service.

If you have questions about Leverage’s wide variety of products or want to talk specifics about your commercial print project, call or email Leverage today!

The post Commercial Printing? Leverage Has You Covered! appeared first on McKenna.

Questions about products? Our customer service team is here for you!

When you call us, you speak to a human — not a recording. Our knowledgeable customer service staff is available Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CST by phone, email, or live chat. They can cover everything from product descriptions to order status and account details.

Ready to brainstorm ideas to grow your business? Our Director of Sales and Customer Service has a plethora of experience.

Paul Kestel has a passion for photography and over 26 years of industry experience; from teaching to owning a studio to working in the photo print industry. He can assist you in making specific, measurable, achievable, and timely goals to help you grow your business in a way that is meaningful to you. Schedule a virtual or in-person meeting by giving Paul a call or sending an email today.

Looking to advance your lighting, photographing, and editing skills? Chat with our coach.

Eric, our in-house expert, has photographed for brands worldwide and taught in Spain and New York City. With his love for teaching, Eric will meet with you virtually to answer all your questions. These customized sessions will equip you with the tools and knowledge you are looking for to take your business to the next level in camera support, lighting, color calibration, data and file management, Photoshop and editing. Sign up for FREE session today.

Want more options? Visit us at trade shows and catch the classes with our sponsored speakers!

In 2024, we will be at Imaging USA, SYNC, Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention, and Shutterfest. We proudly sponsor classes and seminars with David Beckham, Ben Shirk, Nicki Hufford, Nathan Loker, Josh Hanna, and Kristin Jones.

The post More Than Products appeared first on McKenna.

Whether you’re wanting to expand your lighting, photography, and editing skills or want to become an expert on the advanced functions of your camera, we’ve got you covered!

Our one-on-one mentoring service is led by our in-house expert Eric Garcia-March. Eric joined the McKenna family in 2022 as part of our customer service team. He has nearly two decades of experience as a professional photographer as well as a professor teaching photography in Spain and New York.

Eric’s vast wealth of knowledge is a benefit for all McKenna customers! Eric said, “At McKenna, my goal is to not only help you achieve better images via post-production but also via pre-production.” Through our coaching and training sessions, Eric will spend a 30 minute Zoom session with you going through your questions. Need another session? No worries, sign up for another one for FREE too!

What Type of Questions Can Eric Help You With?

* This is not an extensive list. He can help with the most basic questions to the more in-depth ones.*

• What are the best camera settings for (enter your style of photography)?
• How do I use strobes?
• Can you help me with color calibration?
• Do you have any tips for processing and naming files?
• How do I use blending modes in Photoshop?
• How do I create actions in Photoshop?
• Should I be using a graphics tablet?
• What is focus stacking?
• Do you have any tips for photography poses?
• Can you teach me some tips for high and low key photography?
• How do I find the sweet spot of my lens?
• I bought a new camera, but I don’t know how to use it. Could you help me?

To learn more about Eric and to schedule a FREE mentoring session, visit our coaching and training page.

The post Searching for Quality Photography Education and Coaching? appeared first on McKenna.

We’ve heard this question so many times from photographers. It’s possible you have even thought it. And while it’s true consumer labs like Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Costco have more print offerings than ever before, for professional photographers the answer should be a no-brainer.

But why? What makes working with a pro lab so much better than a consumer lab? Here are just four (very important) reasons to choose pro labs over consumer printers.

Color Matching

When you print with a pro lab, you are able to calibrate your monitor’s color to match the printer’s color. Each printer should provide you with calibration settings for your monitor when editing. This means you can achieve a screen to print match.  This match will help you get color-perfect prints every time!

In comparison, if you print with a consumer printer you do not have the option to match their settings. Many times this will result in prints that don’t match the original file you spent time editing to perfection.

Consistency

One thing pro labs can promise that consumer labs can’t is consistency. When you work with a pro lab, you know you’re working with printing experts, because printing is all they do. Pro labs have the experience and the equipment to produce beautiful, accurate prints on a large array of printing materials.

Printing Material Quality

If you’re just looking at cost, consumer lab pricing may be tempting. Sure, the prints might be cheaper, but what of the quality? Will these prints last? The answer is likely no.

When it comes to printing labs, you get what you pay for. Though the prices at a pro lab may be a little higher, the quality of the print will far surpass that of a consumer lab. From photographic prints to metal curves, both you and your customers will appreciate the beauty of the image and the quality of the archival printing material.

Customer Service

Customer service is a priority at McKenna and many other pro labs. Consumer labs don’t have the manpower – or maybe the passion – to provide individualized service for everyone who needs it.

Here at McKenna, we have experience working closely with professional photographers to produce color-perfect, accurate prints. We’re also available to answer any questions you have about our products or services. Our customer service team is always happy to help and will work tirelessly to get you the print you need, when you need it.

Free Calibration Test Prints

Need another reason to choose a pro lab over a consumer printer? As they say, the proof is in the pudding. You can get 10 free 8×10 calibration test prints from McKenna to test your monitor’s calibration and see for yourself the quality of our prints! Download McKenna’s Easy Order and use promo code CAL810 to get your free prints!

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