Online Wedding Albums

Many people like going the electronic route with the onset of digital photography. They create wedding albums online and email the link to their friends and family who can then make prints if they like or just view the pictures. This is a more environmentally friendly (and sometimes cheaper) way to go as well. However, you can add some pizzazz to your online wedding albums by using scrapbooking software and playing around with your photos.

You can add virtual embellishments, play with patterned paper, borders, quotes and other such fun scrapbooking elements even with online pictures. Make a layout and change it around – no glue required! The best part of scrapbooking the digital way is that you can test and try a myriad of options before you hit the save button and then too you can come back and crop and cut to your hearts delight!

Traditional Wedding Albums

You can choose to get wedding albums direct from your photographer or you can choose to just get the prints and then put them in your own special scrapbooks. Craft stores and specialty photo memory stores like Archivers specialize in the plethora of options for wedding albums. From the traditional white bound albums to the more contemporary dotted and striped designs, you have plenty to choose from.

Get a lot of card stock and patterned paper to go with the theme of your wedding and the colors in your bridal party. For instance, you can get lots of papers with wedding bells, cake, bouquets, religious symbols etc. you can also get vellum and other quotes saying ‘I Do’ or wackier stuff if you want to add some humor to your wedding album.

You can include your wedding invitation and other 3-D elements into your wedding albums to give more dimensions to otherwise just simple photos. You can add borders, stickers, lettering and brads – the possibilities are endless.  However, whatever embellishments you use, always make sure the products you use are acid and lignin free and are archival safe so that they do not yellow or fade over time.

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Therefore it is wise to spend a little bit more on wedding photography so that you can enjoy the pictures now and pass them on for generations. Here are some tips that can help you in choosing your wedding photographer.

Portfolio

Do not choose the first photographer on a website or even one you saw at a friend’s reception until you have seen his wedding photography portfolio first. It is important that you choose a professional who specializes in wedding photography as someone may be very good at photographing babies or landscapes but may not be all that great when it comes to wedding photography.

Look at his online and print wedding photography portfolio and mark what things appeal to you. Do you like the natural poses or do you like the more formal set ups? Do you want the photographer to come to you or do you want to go to his studio? Jot down any particular props or angles you like so if you do end up choosing that wedding photographer you will know what you want.

Packages

Many wedding photographers offer packages to choose from instead of buying individual prints. These packages can save you time and money but make sure which one suits you the best. Do you want the pictures on disk and online as well? Do you want wallet sizes to send with your thank you notes? Do you want blown up portraits of other members of your wedding party? Figure out the answers to all these questions beforehand so that you do not end up buying more than you need.

Personality

Evaluate how you liked the personality of the wedding photographer. Did he seem like a know it all who just had a few options of take it or leave it? Or was he or she more flexible and willing to work with your because it is your big day? It is important to see the personality of the photographer because if he is pushy or uptight while you are still considering him, imagine how he’ll be once he already has your money!

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There are several easy options for people to enjoy the long lasting memories that photographs can provide. First rule — taking photos is only half the work, to finish and get full enjoyment, you need to get the film developed. With digital cameras, be sure to label photos when saving to a disc or computer. Once saved, digital photos can be developed online or at your local discount store.

Step one is a great start, but many of us are guilty of letting those photos gather dust in a box or sit on the computer never to be viewed again. Why not take the extra step and organize them in a presentable way to keep on a bookshelf, coffee table or even to bring to work to share with friends? There are options today that make this easier than ever.

Some choose to keep photos only on their computer. If this is the case, make sure to name them appropriately so when you come back, you know what the picture is. This includes location, date and people. Try putting photos into a slideshow via your computer’s software system so you can click through each series.

For most, viewing a picture on a computer is nothing compared to seeing it in hand. Affordable photo albums are available at many stores and come in many shapes and sizes. Pick one that is appropriate for your photos and start organizing in the order of your choice. Add personal touches like printing labels or adding decorative stickers.

If this still seems like a hassle, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a bride longing for a beautiful album instead of a DVD full of photos from the big day or someone who simply wants a classy and memorable gift to give someone you care about, Together Book is an easy way to create stylish photo albums.

Here’s how it works: You send your physical photos to the company or upload digital images on the Web site for printing. Then customize by choosing a cover color and optional stamping and slipcase and they do the work for you. Books are available in 4 by 6-inch and 5 by 7-inch sizes, hold up to 100 photos and start at $29.99. Each book is customized with care to order. The patent-pending binding process will preserve photos for lifetimes to come.

“I started Together Book because I was looking for a proofing product for my wedding clients. I needed a high-end way of presenting wedding proofs, and I did not like the plastic-sleeved books,” says Phyllis Lane, professional journalism, fashion and wedding photographer, and founder of Together Book. “We worked to perfect the binding process to create a product that would hold together for a lifetime and lay open like a book.”

Creating photo albums is a joy for every occasion, from school years, to graduation, weddings, anniversaries, vacations and more. Those special memories will be enhanced and bring your family together through the timelessness of a quality photo album.

A picture can speak multitudes but says nothing when stuck in a box or on the computer. Easily bring those pictures to life through a Together Book photo album. Visit www.togetherbook.com, or email support@togetherbook.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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This will require more than scanning the phone book or Internet to find the least expensive package deal. It’s true that you get what you pay for and if you’re willing to pay the minimum amount, you might just end up with minimum wedding photography/videography service.

Right from the beginning, realize that wedding photography and videography services will consume a significant portion of your wedding budget. Also know that it’s an absolute must to book this type of talent as soon as possible, at least 6 months to a full year before the wedding date, especially if you’re planning the wedding during the summer or holiday season. You’ve got to get a head start and although that offer from your Uncle Vinny to photography your wedding (for free!) as his gift to you sounds tempting, resist the offer. This is not the time for amateur shots.

It’s important to move at a fast pace, but never skip the background check. Checking references is a must but so is being allowed to view the prospective photographer’s images from a previous wedding assignment. Don’t rely on the quality of their portfolio which is usually a collection of the best pictures from multiple weddings. You want to view one whole wedding, from start to finish. Also check with the local Better Business Bureau as they’ll have on file any complaints made against the person or company.

A lengthy history of wedding photography (as opposed to other types of photography experience, or your Uncle’s free offer) is also a sign that the person knows what he or she is doing. Don’t assume that the person you’re interviewing brings back-up equipment and batteries – ask because equipment does fail.

When selecting the wedding ceremony and reception location, make sure the photographer has access to the shots you want to get. It’s also a good idea before the reception to delineate an area where the wedding photographer/videographer can be based; somewhere primarily for the storage/setup of necessary equipment and extra gear. Close to the music is always a good choice.

When selecting someone to coordinate your wedding photography and videography, take time to discuss the types of pictures you want taken and of whom. Know whether the person will develop the pictures and assemble them into the wedding album or if you’ll just be getting the negatives and CD. In the latter case, you’ll be the one assembling the album. That’s fine as long as it’s what you expect and know how to do.

As you can see, advance planning is crucial. On your wedding day, you want to enjoy yourself knowing that someone reliable is out there, capturing the memories that’ll last a lifetime!
 

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The power of references cannot be underestimated in choosing a wedding photographer.  A photographer with a long list of references who are willing to speak to potential clients and an even longer list of testimonials from satisfied clients is an excellent indication of a photographer who will do a great job of photographing your wedding.  It is important to contact each of these references and ask them questions about the photographer and their opinions of his work.  You can use this opportunity to get a sense of the photographer’s ability to take pictures as well as his attitude towards his client.  You will want to choose a photographer who is both talented as well as courteous towards his clients.  One of the best ways to choose a wedding photographer is to pick a photographer that was used by a trusted friend or family member.  If they had a positive experience with a particular photographer and highly recommend him, it is likely that you will also be glad that you chose this photographer.

If you do not have a personal reference that you trust for a particular wedding photographer you might want to consult the Better Business Bureau for additional information about the photographer.  Here you will be able to find out if the client has had a number of unresolved complaints filed against him.  While you may not be able to determine the nature of the complaints, a large number of complaints for any reason is not a sign of good business practices. 

Viewing the photographer’s portfolio is also an important step in choosing a wedding photographer.  Since the portfolio contains actual pictures taken by the photographer they will give you a good indication of his capabilities.  It will also give him a sense of his style. Chances are that if you like the photos in his portfolio you will probably also like the pictures that he takes at your wedding. 

Once you have narrowed down your wedding photographer choices to a few candidates based on their previous work and reputations, it is time to start discussing price.  You may find that one or all of the candidates are completely out of your price range.  If they are all out of your price range and none of them are willing to negotiate, you may have to go back to the drawing boards and choose another candidate who may not meet all of your criteria but who is likely to fall within your price range. 

When considering price, it is important to factor in what is included in the price that the wedding photographer quotes you.  Some items to consider are, how many prints will you receive and what will be the sizes of these prints.  You may also want to find out if the price includes the proofs and the negatives.  This is valuable because the proofs give you access to every single picture the photographer took during the course of the wedding and the negatives allow you to create reprints at your discretion. 

Your wedding photos will likely be one of the most cherished, tangible souvenirs from your wedding day.  You will be able to look through your photos one day and reminisce about your wedding day.  You can also share the pictures with your children and grandchildren in the future as a way of filling them in on some of the details of your life.  Since these pictures are so important, it is equally important to exercise caution and good judgment when choosing a wedding photographer. 

 

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