REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — National survey results show that more than half of holiday greeting card photos are taken before November 15^th. In recognition of Holiday Card Season, Shutterfly, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFLY), the leading Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service, today unveiled its 2009 exclusive holiday card line-up featuring more than 800 new styles, and shared results from its annual Holiday Card Survey.

New Holiday Cards from Shutterfly

Available flat or folded, on premium cardstock or photo paper, Shutterfly’s holiday cards feature modern, fun and classic designs from noted names like Stacy Claire Boyd, Erin Condren and Fresh Lemonade. New designers this season include modern baby retailer Giggle and social stationery designer Haute Note. With more than 800 card designs to choose from, and a direct mail feature that takes the hassle out of addressing, stamping and mailing cards, Shutterfly is a full service holiday card destination this year.

Holiday Card Survey Trends

Shutterfly’s Holiday Card Survey is an annual barometer for card-sending trends and behaviors. The Shutterfly-sponsored survey of 500 adults, conducted by AbsolutData from October 27 to November 2, 2009, revealed the following trends for 2009:

• One Size Does Not Fit All – Top trend: Sending different cards to different people on your list. Nearly half (49 percent) of respondents create separate greetings for their various friend and family groups. Shutterfly’s in-house Card Stylist, Stephanie Roeder, recommends classic styles and year-in-review letters for family and a more whimsical or even humorous touch for friends.
• Photo Greetings Rule the Yule – 54 percent of survey respondents prefer to receive personalized cards, which were described as “personal” and “thoughtful,” over store-bought greeting cards, which were rated “generic” and “cheap.” Photo cards are twice as likely as store-bought cards to get displayed on the fridge or saved as keepsakes.
• Hold That Pose – Though a small minority of respondents branch out for holiday photos, straight on shots reign supreme (82 percent) and tree, holiday décor or mantle backgrounds are featured in 43 percent of photos. Ms. Roeder reminds families to use as much natural light indoors as possible, as flashes can wash out the subjects.
• Sights of the Season Get Us in the Spirit – More than any other sensory trigger (hot cocoa, holiday tunes, etc.), sights of the season like twinkle lights and holiday decorations get us in the festive spirit. More than one-third (35 percent) of those surveyed ranked sights highest. Join the 31 percent of families posing for photos outdoors these days – perhaps in front of a famous lighted tree – for a truly festive greeting.

Since the first couple weeks of November are an ideal time to capture the family photo, Ms. Roeder reminds home photographers of the following tips for the best possible holiday cards:

• When in Doubt, Go Black-and-White – Particularly when it’s difficult to coordinate clothing, black-and-white photography is universally flattering and pairs well with modern, whimsical and classic card styles.
• Remember the “Golden” Rule – When shooting outdoor photos, try to hit the “Golden Hour,” which is the first hour immediately after sunrise and the hour prior to sunset. If that doesn’t work, use the flash outside, and make sure the main light source is behind the photographer.
• Use Multiple Photos – Sometimes it’s hard to get everyone to look at the camera. Create a collage card – one photo of each family member or a summer travel series – to tell your story.
• Get the Family Involved – Select your photo, then select your top five card styles and let the kids decide which one you’ll send this year. Spice up the standard “Happy Holidays” greeting with a more interesting (and silly) one from young children, or let older kids write the message entirely.

Spread Goodwill and Cheer

This holiday season, as part of its card line-up, Shutterfly debuts its collection of “Support-A-Cause” holiday cards to benefit five charitable organizations including American Lung Association, Heifer International, LIVESTRONG, Special Olympics and World Wildlife Fund. Ten percent of Shutterfly proceeds from the sale of “Support-A-Cause” cards will go back to the respective causes, allowing consumers to spread goodwill beyond their address book.

Shutterfly’s flat photo cards start at $0.40; flat stationery cards start at $1.29; folded greeting cards start at $1.49. For more information about Shutterfly’s holiday cards and gifts, please visit www.shutterfly.com/holiday.

About Shutterfly

Founded in 1999, Shutterfly, Inc. is an Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service. Shutterfly provides high quality products and world class services that make it easy, convenient and fun for consumers to preserve their digital photos in a creative and thoughtful manner. Shutterfly’s flagship product is its award-winning Photo Book line, which helps consumers celebrate memories and tell their stories in professionally bound coffee table books. More information about Shutterfly (NASDAQ:SFLY) is available at www.shutterfly.com. Shutterfly and Shutterfly.com are trademarks of Shutterfly, Inc.

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SOURCE: Shutterfly, Inc.

Shutterfly, Inc.
Gretchen Sloan, 650-610-5276 (Media Relations)
gsloan@shutterfly.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009