Denny Manufacturing: Going Green Since 1991

On this Earth Day, we take a look back at one of our products that not only enhanced the photographic industry, but also made a very big step for the industry's transition toward green thinking.

In 1991, The Denny Mfg. Co., Inc. and Mr. Jay Schwartz d/b/a ElectraVision formed a new company named Denny Electra Vision Co., Inc. The sole purpose of the company was to manufacture and distribute it's new EV2000 electronic proofing system to the professional photographic community world wide.

The new preview system placed photography businesses on the leading edge of technology and innovation, improving quality, customer satisfaction and sales.

What was so green about this technology? If you remember, prior to the EV2000, photographers produced hard copy proofs from which clients chose images to order. Not only did the EV2000 eliminate the need for proofs, but it also allowed photographers to make minor adjustments after each shot in order to capture the best photos each session. Sessions went quicker, easier, and were more successful when using the EV2000.

The system was so successful that Denny Electra Vision Co., Inc. sold more units than those offered by established camera and film companies!

What initiatives is your studio taking to be more green? Share your green practices with us and others in celebration of Earth Day! Follow us on Facebook to comment, share, and like our posts or simply comment to this post!

4 Tips to Protect Your Studio and Livelihood NOW

We read a recent article about the details surrounding a photography studio burglary in Hagerstown, MD. That got us thinking...are our clients protecting their studio and assets from similar situations? We came up with these four tips to follow so you can laugh in the face of potential thieves that want to get your studio equipment and gear.

1. Disguise your products
Don't advertise what is in that camera bag! Many camera companies put the product name and model on camera bags and straps. Although you want your clients to know you use the best equipment, you do not want sticky fingers to know it. Instead of using the company bags, get a customized camera bag and strap that also shows your personality. We offer Pro Camera Bags that can carry most, if not all, of your items easily, efficiently, and in disguise, too!

2. Keep a running inventory
Every time you purchase a new backdrop, prop or studio item, write it down. This may be a daunting task to start, but it will be worth it if something were to happen at your studio. For each item you should include the following information: name, company, serial number (if applicable), and amount paid.

3. Back up that inventory with documents
Keep your receipts! We suggest filling a binder with sheet protectors and storing both the receipt and user manual (and any other documentation) in the same sheet protector. This way, all your documents are in one place.

Feeling extra organized? Put tab dividers in the binder to separate categories of items such as backdrops, props, cameras, and studio lighting.

4. Get some insurance!
Insurance is much more affordable than you think and is invaluable if something happens to your equipment. The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) offers insurance solutions and tips to their members. Check out the wide variety of PPA Insurance Solutions to see if there is a right plan for you.

Denny Manufacturing Co., Inc. is committed to providing you, the photographer, with high quality studio equipment and tips to help your business achieve its full profit potential. Look for more blog posts on industry tips and trends to follow!

5 Tips to Creating Your Best Child Lifestyle Photos

Want to take a picture that will stand out and capture the everyday essence of a child? Forget the conventional dressed up photos and aim toward lifestyle photography with your clients. By breaking out of the mold, you can create photos for your clients that will capture elements beyond the flash, creating a time capsule photo for the child and parent. We suggest utilizing these tips in your studio, where a child will be less distracted and where outfit or backdrop changes are easily accomplished. So grab some snacks, pump up the playtime tunes and follow these tips for capturing great children portraits: 

1. Let them dress up 

Costumes aren’t just for Halloween anymore. Ditch the Easter attire and have the parents bring along favorite “dress up” clothes. Are they character-themed? Even better. Dressing up will let their personality shine through and parents can choose solid backdrops or themed backdrops to complement the costume. We offer a full line of Solid Color Poly Cloths and Computer Painted Backdrops to complement either choice.

2. Have them bring along their lovey

Don’t know what a lovey is? It is the new popular term for that special object a child cannot live without (think Linus and his blanket). For a homey feel to these photos, use a realistic Denny Mfg. Neoprene Roll Up Floor with a hardwood design. These neoprene floors provide a soft cushion surface, allowing children to roll around and play comfortably. Parents not interested in these photos? Have them bring the lovey anyways—the shoot will go much easier with it nearby!

3. Get them to play with their favorite toy(s)

Invite parents to bring along other favorite toys and capture every day playtime. Create the look of a home’s interior by adding a baseboard to the backdrop and floor setup. Next step?  Let playtime begin and snap away.

4. Mess it up a little 

Some of the best pictures come when children are happily being their messiest (hello, baby smiling and eating spaghetti, anyone?). Whether it’s a cake smash or painting at an easel, the smiles come a lot easier when we let kids be….well, kids. The child and the mess is the focus of this shot, so we recommend using a Solid Color Poly Cloth Backdrop (a washable, dryer safe backdrop available in a variety of colors) or, if looking for a high key backdrop, you can’t go wrong with the Denny Mfg. Photo WhiteVinyl (a water resistant backdrop that easily wipes clean). 

5. Encourage parent participation! 

Rather than bark orders, have the parents get into playtime with the children. You may be able to get a few parent/child photos to help sweeten your end results 

Denny Manufacturing Co., Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of backdrops, props and related studio accessories. Find out more about Denny Mfg.’s products at http://www.dennymfg.com and follow us on Facebook!