Changing Face of Wedding Photography

[brad]

With today's technology of consumer printers and print labs that use all digital equipment, there seems to be an interest in getting CDs of wedding images, often instead of regular prints.... never mind that the wedding party seems to think that this should be something they can get "on the cheap" ... is this a trend that is coming?

There was an ad in a recent Rangefinder for some software that creates polished slideshows for CD.. something like that where the images could also be printed might be interesting.....

I figure this should be a topic for debate amongst the wedding photographers here... try not to throw anything. :)

[LoungeLizard]

Not being a wedding photographer, I'd say you will always have the "bargain" shopper who will want this and the person who really wants something worth holding on to. It's no different than years ago the person who would just want the 4x6 proofs and was happy with that.

Weddings have different meanings to people.

Now, to really capture a missing opportunity, I am waiting for the "divorce photographer" who will charge twice as much as for a wedding to capture the event!

[Will Raybourn]

I think that your subject is appropriate...as it seems that change is always upon us...
As for just wanting CDs of the images, I have seen some photographers that offer this, some don't. I did at one point, but the pics were resized to the point that they wouldn't be able to get a decent sized print out of them.
One of the items I offer now is a DVD slideshow, both for proofs (very simple one) and a more detailed show that includes special transitions, intros, chapters, etc...However, they can't get to the images to print them.
It is true that with the advent of Digital technology, many people think that they can get away with less cost by wanting to get them printed themselves. However, the old adage of "you get what you pay for" can easily come through and yeah, they may save money, but I doubt they really get what they wanted. Then again, a lot of that depends on the photographer also.
I know that, as a wedding photographer, and as with any business, you have to keep up with the trends of society and trends in the business. It's a pain, but you have to offer clients the type of packages that are wanted today, not yesterday. Some will want a "bargain", and some will pay to have quality...guess that is just the way it is :)

[ndsimm]

When couples ask for a CD of the images, sometimes it can mean different things.
1. A Slideshow kinda like the wedding album in electronic format
2. Images suitable for printing. When I shot film I used to sell the negatives after 6 months and then started offering them for an additional fee because I got tired of storing so many and made most of my profit off the package so offering the CD of the images was no big leap.
3. images in a size suitable for email and web site sharing

Whenever I get this request, I alway have to ask what they want but generally have no problem with either...

[Xposure Photo]

Good Topic...I treat my digi files like I treat my Negatives, if some one wants them they will have to pay a premium, and since nothing gets out unedited by me I need to charge for that included in the pricing. So the customer has the choice, the question would be if they have the $$$...some have chosen to get only prints, and some to buy the rolls/files. Educating the customer on what's involved helps, and when they realize you treat it as a business, then they will pay if they really want it as long the photos are good.

The big problem is when you run into "Friends" weddings and your friends are present and asks...can you email me that shot? it really puts you in the spot. You have to explain that you are there working and since the Bride and groom are paying for their images, they got to pay for theirs too at least at the same pricing, no exeptions.

I Stoped taking my Camera to friends parties unless I was getting paid to do so. It is hard to sit there with out your camera in your hands, but you will have less headaches and less possibilities of breaking the camera while not getting paid LOL !

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Xposure Photo

I Stoped taking my Camera to friends parties unless I was getting paid to do so. It is hard to sit there with out your camera in your hands, but you will have less headaches and less possibilities of breaking the camera while not getting paid LOL !

You're missing out on all the "potential for blackmail" shots. Get a P&S and take that!

[Xposure Photo]

My Mom ussually keeps hers in her purse, then I have to walk into my Lab and make SURE they know I did not take those LOL...so I sometimes borrow hers if I really need to...but at least I can dance with out something hanging from my neck lol (besides the girls of curse :oops: )

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Will Raybourn

One of the items I offer now is a DVD slideshow, both for proofs (very simple one) and a more detailed show that includes special transitions, intros, chapters, etc...However, they can't get to the images to print them.

I hate to tell you this, but if the images are on the DVD, they can be extracted. It may be difficult or far too much effort for the average Joe and Jane to do it, but it can be done. I've yet to see a disc that can't be cracked.

It's kind of like a car alarm. It only keeps the casual theives out.

[jeffkohn]

Yeah but 480i (or even 480p) video frames are pretty much worthless for printing anything bigger than wallet size.

[Will Raybourn]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I hate to tell you this, but if the images are on the DVD, they can be extracted. It may be difficult or far too much effort for the average Joe and Jane to do it, but it can be done. I've yet to see a disc that can't be cracked.

It's kind of like a car alarm. It only keeps the casual theives out.

Very true...and a good point, but then again, if someone wanted to go to the effort of scanning the prints and reproducing them, they could...depends on how much effort they want to put into it (like you mentioned)...The DVD at least makes it difficult for those with the knowledge on how to extract them and I would think that most people are unaware of this.

But then again, is there really a 100% way of ensuring no one can get your images? Not really, there is always someone that can break the rules set in place...but we can at least make it difficult, unless of course, they want to pay the money for the originals.

[Erin Kathleen]

Ok, maybe I'm going to be one of the few wedding photographers who does just include a photo CD in my package. As a recent bride myself, I can understand the value of this to a bride who has grandma, grandpa, aunt ethel and uncle joe wanting copies of these photos. As a photographer/business woman, I also realize that they're just going to scan their 4 by 6 proofs anyway and make reprints from that. Couples these days are much more computer savy and short of writing "proof" across all their 4 by 6s, most know enough PhotoShop to edit out anything else. I get my money up front (which right now isn't much, but it will be) and then any additional reprints are at cost from my lab or they can use the CD. This way, I'm encouraging them to get photos and display photos that I know look good and are good prints. If they're going to do it anyway, would I rather them have an 8 by 10 from my lab that I'm proud of or one from Walmart where they made it from a scan on a 4 by 6? Which will get me more new customers? That said, it's in the contract that I own the copywrite for all of those photos and they have the right to reproduce for personal use only.