We're really excited about the release of our Redmond template , so we thought we'd toss out another one-day sale.

This time, you can save $75 off the signup fee of any standard template, including Redmond. That means you can get a new site for just $175.

Use the coupon code MAYSTANDARD to receive $75 off when signing up.

On top of the savings, everyone who signs up for this special will also receive a free blog account.

This is a great deal for you new photographers–or perhaps a 2nd site for your portraits or commercial work. This special will expire around midnight Tuesday night (Pacific time).

As we look to our eminent move to Oregon, we have named our newest template Redmond (city near Bend, OR).

If BIG images are what you are looking for– look no further. The Redmond template leverages a scaling feature found in Flash which allows the site to scale as large as the viewers monitor– regardless of size.

Check it out here

This weeks highlighted photographer is Dan Williams who owns and operates Kalare Studio in Tucson, Arizona.

What is your primary camera body?

Canon 1DS Mark II

Two lenses you use the most?

Actually 3, 70-200mm 2.8L IS, 85mm 1.2L, 24-70mm 2.8L

Do you shoot RAW?

Yes

How would you describe your photography style?

Documentary

Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

We usually use 2 shooters at each ceremony.

What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

I was so nervous about screwing it up. It brought back a feeling I had forgotten, the time I got sent to the principal's office for putting a thumbtack on someone's seat.

If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

That's a tough one, it would be either Paul Gero, Cliff Mautner or Sergio.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

Shoot with intention every day, study the images of artists you admire, establish relationships with knowledgeable people who will give you honest advice, and know your equipment.

If you go by the date of domain registration (which we do), then May 17th is BIG Folio's birthday. That means BIG Folio turns 3 this Thursday! It's been a wonderful 3 years and it feels good to be out of the terrible twos.

A quick shout out to all the people who have helped get us to where we are today. Without the likes of Jeff, Kenneth, Luke, Kent, Charlie, Kyle, Lauren, McClain, the folks at TextDrive (especially Jan), and the folks at Rackspace, we definitely wouldn't be here. A special thanks also goes out to Kenneth Morgan for being customer #1, and Bambi Cantrell for giving us a chance when we were just two guys working from home.

Last but not least, thanks to all of our customers out there. Without you, we'd be nowhere.

Show Me the Presents

Even though its our birthday, you get the presents. To celebrate, we're offering a one-day only special: use the coupon code CAKE when signing up to get $500 off the setup of any premium website. That's right, you can get a site like Front Street, Cherry Lane, or Port San Luis for only $250 plus hosting. If you've been thinking about a new site, or maybe a second site, today is the day.

This deal is only good on Thursday May 17th (around midnight Pacific time). Sorry, no special extensions this time.

Our Moonstone Beach just received a facelift. We changed fonts, page transitions, music controls, thumbnail functionality, contact form fields, and some other minor items. Check it out– it is now my favorite BIG Folio design.

‘It is no secret how I feel about BIG Folio! I love them! Last year I was in a total panic over my website. I bought a template and had my website live in like two days. I have since upgraded to bigger and better sites!

They make me feel like part of the family and are always available to answer my questions.’ - Nashville and Tennessee Wedding Photographer Mary Claire Crow

This weeks highlighted photographer is Jeremy Standley who is based in Southern Spain.

What is your primary camera body?

D200.

Two lenses you use the most:

17/55, and 70/200 vr lenses, prime lenses don’t really suit the way I work.

Do you shoot RAW?

I have switched this year, and love it especially with Lightroom

How would you describe your photography style?

Very much PJ, it is very important for me to capture the emotions of the day and tell each couples unique story with the minimum of intrusion, that said I would like to incorporate more directed images this year.

Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

Only for very large weddings or when I have a two or three back to back, I do have a few friends in UK that like to come over to Spain and shoot from time to time which is always great fun.

What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

Erm, being very tired afterwards, and wishing I had lots more memory cards.

If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

Well, there are so many talented people out there and I change my mind a lot, I think the one person who’s work I really like and really hadn’t heard about is Ben Chrisman I love some of his work, also probably Jim Garner very refreshing approach which I like.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

First and foremost Do it because you love doing it, spend all you can afford on good lenses, I am also a firm believer that preparation is everything.

If you're one of our valued customers, and you haven't yet joined the BIG Folio forum, today is a great day.

Tomorrow morning we're opening up a Campfire chat room for our first BIG Folio Chat. A dozen photographers will participate in a live image sharing and critique session.

We have some really cool chat sessions planned for the near future, including guest photographers, web tip/tricks, and more.

What are you waiting for? Get in the forum.

Mark Gardner is rapidy making a name for himself as a wedding and portrait photographer in the Mid-Atlantic region. Self proclaimed as 'different' than most, Mark has developed his own style and process in all things related to how he shoots and effectively relates with his clients.

What is your primary camera body?

My primary camera body has been the Nikon D2Hs. It's low-light focusing capability and small file size make it great tool for wedding photographers. I recently picked up a 5D and I am growing very fond of it.

Two lenses you use the most?

The Nikon 28 f1.4, 70-200 f2.8VR AFS: Canon 50 f1.4, 85 f1.8

Do you shoot RAW?

Yes. Since starting to shoot RAW two seasons ago, I feel that my photography has improved; knowing I have the extra latitude to push my files allows me to concentrate on the moments , instead if worrying about blowing my highlights.

How would you describe your photography style?

I suppose I go about wedding day with a documentary style, but I get involved and have a lot of fun with my clients. They expect me to make great images, for some it comes easy others it takes a little more work, but at the end of the day I need two things...great images and happy clients.

Do you normally employ assistants or 2nd shooters?

I've been a loner for the past 4-5 years, working alone just worked for me. I do hire second shooters when the client convinced me they need the extra coverage. I've just hired an office assistant/designer/2nd shooter. We'll see what the future holds.

What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) wedding?

Ha! I remember what it felt like when I was done... wore out. Some things never change.

If you were getting married this year, who would you want to shoot your wedding?

There are so many photographers that I like because of there edgy style and just seem to make great images anywhere anytime, but my photographer is going to have a challenge with me cause I'm not much on having my photo taken. So he or she has got to be someone that I click with, someone who is more than just a photographer, but a friend who can make me laugh and feel comfortable. A couple guys come to mind, John Blair, Brad Emmons, or perhaps Desiree Martin Del Campo.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a wedding photographer?

Know your limitations, work with(and learn from(both good and bad)) as many other photographers as you can, spend some money on education by attending at least two seminars per year (1 lecture, 1 workshop), lastly be yourself...the best thing you can be to anybody is a friend.