Desiging Studio Sample Album - 1 wedding or multiple

[Nena2007]

I should have done this a while ago, but I am finally getting my stuff together to design and print my sample album. One question though... are these typically done start to finish of one wedding, or sample images for a variety of weddings?

Thoughts?

[bondarnes]

Most photographers I know do a complete wedding. Otherwise the prospective bride might think that you get a few great shots at each wedding, but have trouble doing an entire wedding.

[Tom]

And you should have multiple albums to look through.

[ngoduyviet]

And multiple sizes if possible

[MicWayWal]

Hey people, let her get started and get the first one finished.

[digidawg87]

What software are you using to put the album together?

[HotHolly]

I make our templates in PS...they are all custom. My sample books are of 1 wedding to a book. I have a separate book full of bridals of different brides. It shows off a bunch of different looks we do for bridal and allows them to compare and contrast to see what they like best. Tip: Have your sample in the size that you are wanting to sell. Most people will order what they are shown.

[resehop]

Look into FotoFusion, it is SO easy to create albums and super easy to customize! I agree on the 1 wedding to an album.

[ed2111]

My album are also 1 complete wedding.

If you use Lightroom, you can use it to create custom albums but it requires some time and a little effort. Read more here.

[FireHeart Photography]

Complete wedding - if you are only going to have one wedding album. Ideally you will want more than one sample album. I use FotoFusion to put together albums - I don't find it that easy to work with but once you get it -it's a great program - just not intutitve to work with.

[PhotoDude79]

I use adobe indesign... may not be the easiest but you can pretty much do anything you want. To consultations I bring 2 albums 1 is a complete wedding album with 40 sides and the other is a look book with shots from a multitude of weddings.

[resehop]

I know this doesn't work for everyone but what I look for when deciding what wedding to make into a sample album are 1. did my couple buy an album (would they) 2. would my couple buy the sample album after I am done using it

I like to design albums when couples don't get an album. I have had it where they weren't going to order an album and I showed them the design and they bought it so I didn't even get it as a studio sample. If they don't buy it once I show the design I order it as a studio sample. When I am done with it, I sell it at a discount to them because it is used and worn at that point. The great thing for me is I am still growing into my style so I get tired of my sample albums and constantly want new ones to show my better work as I grow. I have found this is the best way to turn over albums so that I am not stuck trying to figure out what to do with the sample albums. Problem now is most couples are ordering albums (which isn't a bad thing!).

[Tom]

. If they don't buy it once I show the design I order it as a studio sample. When I am done with it, I sell it at a discount to them because it is used and worn at that point.

Don't your studio albums have "Studio Sample, not for resale" on the back? I use Forbeyon, and all their studio samples have that printed on the back.

[lyncca]

By the way, I met with a bride yesterday so I had all my samples with me. I then met some friends for happy hour and showed them my Millers flush mount sample with the tonic acrylic cover. They were all completely astounded by it.

Most of my friends have seen my pictures on Facebook or on my iphone, but showing that album I think made the difference on them seeing me as a real "professional". I really just LOVE my sample album!

By the way, it is one wedding throughout it and I think it really helps to have a continuous look with colors and telling a story. I think it makes it easier to picture what their own album will look like.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Don't your studio albums have "Studio Sample, not for resale" on the back? I use Forbeyon, and all their studio samples have that printed on the back.

Don't buy their (album co.) sample album. Buy your own, just exactly like you would sell the bride.