Tiff Photography proof boxes have arrived!

I’m a huge sucker for design and packaging. I’ve been known to purchase things solely based on how a product is packaged or the logo/label is designed (which is how I buy wine since I’m not a wine drinker).

I think there’s something magical about unwrapping and unboxing something you’ve been patiently waiting for — portrait proofs, for example. After an amazing session with your photographer, you wait ever so anxiously for them to cull and edit the images. Soon, they notify you that the proofs are on their way and you check the mail every day hoping it will be there.

Finally, the day arrives. When you pull into your driveway, you look for the box on your doorstep. You take the box inside and before you open it, you snap a photo on your phone because the packaging is almost as awesome as what’s inside. Once you’ve shared that photo on Instagram, then you open the box.

No? Just me?

For the past year, I zipped up the set of edited photos and sent them via email link to my clients. Then I’d wrap the proofs in fabric and drop them in the mail. It was the cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to get clients their images. But it surely was not as exciting or fun.

For someone who is so appreciative of good design and nicely-packaged things, I asked myself, “If it brings you so much joy, why aren’t you giving that same experience to your clients?” Not only does great product presentation enhance the overall experience for your clients, it’s also an extension of your brand. It’s the little personal touches that clients will remember.

After weeks of research, I’m so happy to share my new custom imprinted Tiff Photography proof boxes! These boxes will hold 4×6 proofs from my client sessions and will be wrapped in pretty baker’s twine and yellow ribbon (the ribbon hasn’t arrived yet, and I couldn’t wait to share these so they’re a little naked right now). I also have kraft DVD sleeves that the session disc will slide into (also in transit).

When you’re buying custom imprinted proof boxes, DVD sleeves, DVDs, ribbon, tissue paper, boxes, packing peanuts, tape, business cards, postage . . . it all adds up. It’s another expense that you have to take into consideration for your business. But, like anything, you’ve got to invest in your brand. Your professional presence will differentiate you from the next photographer and can help attract the clients you want.

So even though it might take a little more time to get your proofs, I think it’s worth the wait. I’m just as excited to package and ship a session to you — as you (hopefully) are to receive it.

I’d love to hear from my readers about this. What do you think?

Does packaging matter to you? How would you like to receive your images — via snail mail or email?