Discover What To Do With Your Wedding Photos?
What can You do with your wedding photos?
You have to get a copyright release from your wedding photographer!
Have you ever heard this before? Did you read it online? Or maybe you heard it from a friend? 100% of our clients request a copyright release, but it's estimated that 75% of couples will never print their photographs. The question remains - what to do with wedding photos?
And why don't couples print them?
Do they feel it's too expensive?
Are they limited on space to display them?
Are they unsure how or where to have them printed and/or framed?
In this article, we're going to take a look at how to overcome these potential fears or concerns, and show . you why you must print your wedding photographs!
[View The Magnolia Photgraphy Magazine To See Sample Photo Displays]
Understanding Print Size & Quality
What size print(s) should we get and where should we get them printed?
Let's address print size first. This really depends on your purpose. Are you looking to print a favorite image and display it on a wall in your home? A 16x20 or 20x24 would be great sizes to consider for this application. But maybe you want to print and frame several images - maybe 5 or 6. 8x10 or 11x14 would probably work well in this scenario.
What about print quality? Should you have them printed at a Walmart or a Staples? Or should you go through your photographer? Here's my general recommendations. If you want prints in a 4x5 or 5x7, use a Walmart or a Staples because this is the most economical solution. But if you want 8x10 or larger, then I recommend going through your photographer. As the size of an image increases, the imperfections get magnified. Proof prints will not do a good job at hiding these imperfections and will not do a good job of representing your photo. Professional prints are a must when it comes to large print sizes.
Let me explain.
Printers at Costco, Walgreens, CVS, Staples, Walmart, etc. produce "proof" quality prints. There's a few big issues that you need to be aware of. The prints provided by these retailers typically have a color case. It may have an overall "greenish" or "blueish" tone to it and the colors just aren't reproduced accurately. Also, these prints aren't usually very good when it comes to their "archival" qualities. What does that mean exactly? All photos, when exposed to light, will eventually fad and/or discolor. Proof quality prints are a much lesser quality in this regard and you will find you need to have the images printed far more often to keep them looking great.
Professional photographers use the best professional print labs available. Yes, these images are more expensive when compared to retailers, but the quality is far superior! They usually come with at least a 50 year archival quality so they will look great for a really long time. They are also are more resistant to fading and discoloring.
It's been said, you should always have a few prints in your bedroom. Imagine waking up every morning to moments that represent one of the best days in your life.
There are so many beautiful ways to display and enjoy your wedding photos. Let your imagination run wild!
Wedding Photo Display Ideas
When it comes to displaying your wedding photos, there are many options available to fit practically every budget and every style. Let's take a look at few common ways couples choose to share their memories.
Fine Art Canvas
Canvas prints are one of the more expensive options for displaying your memories, but they are a high-quality and absolutely stunning way to display images. Our canvas prints include the canvas print and a gel coating that's applied over the image. The gel coating protects the image and allows you to display it without it having to be covered by glass.
Acrylic Prints
Acrylicprints are printed on a 1/4" acrylic substrate and they create a bold statement with vibrant colors, and crisp detail. These are a slightly more affordable option compared to canvas prints.
Standouts
Standouts are an even more affordable display option, but they are one of my favorites. They provide a unique and distinctive way of showcasing your memories and they are printed over a foam substrate.
Framed
One of the most ways of displaying our favorite images is to have them framed. There are a lot of options when it comes to framing. You can do-it-yourself if you're comfortable, you can bring it to a framing shop or you can bring it to a craft store like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc.
Technology Is Always Evolving
Do you remember when it was totally rad to have a cassette tape of your favorite band? Trust me, it was harder writing that than it was to read it. We went from cassette tapes to CD's. And CD's have evolved into digital music and sites like iTunes. Technology is always changing - always evolving. Buy a computer today and it's outdated in a matter of a few weeks.
Delivering wedding photos on a CD/DVD used to be the standard, but this technology is almost dead. Most computers being sold today don't even include a DVD player. Now, delivering wedding photos on a USB is the standard. They're small, convenient, reliable, and can store a ton of information. But, at some point, USB's will become obsolete too.
When you get your wedding photos don't avoid printing them out because of fear, uncertainty or because you think you'll get around to it. Print them now. You don't have to print every single image, but at least print your favorite photos. When you put it off until tomorrow, it will suddenly be 10 years later and your images will still be sitting on a USB.
Your Wedding Photos Are More Significant Than You Can Imagine
History comes in many forms and without it, the stories of our lives have less meaning. Our stories and our history play a massive role in our lives. The precious moments from your wedding will be preserved forever. Your children will someday appreciate having your wedding photos more than you can possibly imagine right now. And someday, your grandchildren will learn about your story too.
Your wedding photos, without a doubt, will be the most affordable and meaningful pieces of art in your home.