What You Need To Know To Finally Sort Through Those Wedding Photos!
Ironically enough, many wedding couples and event hosts put off sorting through their images and creating albums because the process seems overwhelming.
However, rather than let the months which can turn into years go by without sorting through your photos, we rounded up expertise from a few of the great photographers in our industry to easily navigate you through the photo selection process!
Timeline for Receiving Images
After you make your grand exit and jet off on your honeymoon, a photographer’s work is just beginning. “The time needed for properly processing your photos with the care they deserve averages about 30 to 40 hours per wedding. This is what makes up much of the cost of your wedding photography service,” says Mike Busada, owner of Mike B Photography. Expect the delivery time for most photographers to be between three to six weeks, although it’s best to discuss this directly with your photographer so everyone is on the same page.
Photo Credit: La Rousse Shoppe
The Selection Process
You will be tempted to look at your photos as soon as they arrive, but many experts advise you to hold off if you can.
Keith Phillips, co-owner of Classic Photographers suggests, “Set up a time with your spouse to sit on the couch with a bottle of wine and take a moment to go through them and relive your day.”
When looking through your images for the first time Cavin Elizabeth, owner of Cavin Elizabeth Photography, encourages couples to slow things down. “Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of time on each image for your first round of viewing. I think it’s less overwhelming to go through them at a fairly quick pace and to pause to enjoy the images that stand out to you most.”
During this time, be sure to revisit your contract so you’re aware of exactly what comes next, be it prints, albums, etc. This will help guide you as you decide exactly what (and how much of it!) you need to select. The right photographer will also happily walk you through the process.
Photo Credit: Mike B Photography
Back Them Up
Most photographers deliver images in one of two forms: an online gallery, a flash drive and sometimes even both. Online photos are usually only available for up to a year after your wedding, and a flash drive is always at risk of going missing. With this in mind, make it a priority to back up your images; either with an external hard drive or online cloud storage.
Print and Display
When it comes to choosing where to have your photos printed, most photographers have the option to purchase prints from their gallery directly. This is one area where you won’t want to skimp as the quality of professional prints far exceed the standard prints you may find at a big box store. Jamie Turner, co-owner of Turner Photography Studio agrees. “Anything large and artistic that will hang in their home needs to be printed by your photographer,” he shares.
Make sure that printing your photos is at the top of your list and don’t let it linger for too long after your Big Day.
“Most couples have the best intentions of printing their wedding pictures in one way or another, but the truth is sometimes life gets in the way, and years later, still nothing is in print. Be sure to print them within a month of receiving them and display them they are meant to be seen and enjoyed,” says Katie Doherty, co-owner of La Rousse Shoppe, which features heirloom glass photo boxes.
When it comes to displaying images, Doherty adds, most couples discuss the option of albums early on in the process with their photographer. Some may offer custom designed albums, while others recommend a third-party service. Doherty in particular has seen an increase in the number of couples interested in a modern option, such as La Rousse.
Selecting the right wedding photographer for your celebration is only the beginning when it comes to capturing one of the most important days of your life. With the above tips in mind, you’ll have everything in place to ensure your memories can be enjoyed for years to come.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
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