When working with your clients, how do you normally start the process of choosing photos for an album?
When we work with our clients on albums, we have learned that it's usually best if we select the photos for them first. For the past couple of years, we have done what we call a pre-design. This is where I go through and select what I feel are the best photos for the album, and then put the album together in a digital format for the couple to see. After seeing it, they have the option to make changes to the album.
This makes the process go much faster than letting the couple choose the initial photos. When they have 700-800 photos from their wedding, it can be quite overwhelming to think about. Since this is something we have done for a long time, almost every couple prefers that we do it this way. About 95 percent of the time, the changes are simply photo swap-outs.
If a couple is going the DIY route with their wedding album, without the advice of a designer or photographer, I would recommend using a DIY album website. Shutterfly and Snapfish are two of the more popular sites I’m familiar with. Albums from these sites are nice products, because they are simple to put together, and have a clean look when finished. But my strongest recommendation is to hire a photographer who designs albums all the time. A professional album will almost always be better.
Do you have any additional advice or comments you'd like to share?
I think the most important advice I can give to any couple with regard to photography is to hire a professional. We live in a world where so many people have nice cameras and feel they can do an adequate job, but hiring a professional can make a real difference. Also, during your first meeting with a photographer, be sure to ask plenty of questions before signing a contract. Is the photographer insured? Does she belong to any professional organizations? How many cameras will he bring to your wedding? Does she design her own albums?
Do you have any questions for Daniel? Do you think you'll have a hard time choosing images for your album, or did you, if you already went through the process? How did your photographer approach this?
(Photo Credit: dmfoto)
Our photographer asked us to send us the list of photos we wanted, rather than picking them himself. I could see it working both ways though, especially if you're able to give feedback and swap out photos.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like most bridal bloggers are DIYing their albums these days. We decided to purchase one pro-album because, even though its much more expensive, I wanted a really nice keepsake album. Plus, with my busy schedule, I knew it would take forever to make one myself so now I don't have to worry about it. Like I said before, I do play on DIYing our parents albums to save some money there.
Our photographer was a friend who does wedding photography on the side. Her images are beautiful and she's really talented, but she doesn't offer an album-making service. Do photographers mind if couples go to them just for the purpose of having a professional album created? Or is this a service that's offered only to clients? Otherwise, I'm very seriously considering DIYing ours, as we seem to have no other option.
ReplyDeletedefinitely agree that hiring a professional photographer is best. and yes, it was quite hard choosing photos for the album.
ReplyDelete