Why Do I Need A Wedding Album?

I am a firm believer that your wedding album is an essential part of your wedding photography collection. While this may go against the trend to you’ll find many photographer subscribing to (to include a memory stick of files and be done with it), you shouldn’t just settle for that.

Full disclosure: I don’t like digital files. I’m not going to sugar-coat this for you, because I don’t want you to lose your wedding day on a thumb drive somewhere. Digital files don’t live in the real world, unlike you. And you will continue living in the real world until scientist figure out how to transfer our consciousness to computers. Instead I am so committed to bringing these happy memories back into the real world where they actually took place. That’ why I send each of my couples home with an album which reflects your style as a couple and perfectly shows off your relationship as you feel it.

Truth be told, it’s a lot of work… Other photographers don’t want to deal with it, so they give you the memory stick and leave you to sort through your photos, design your book, and troubleshoot all the problems with the print lab. But I’m going to stick to you like the friend who always wants the best for you, and get these memories on paper for you. Or wood. Or metal…

Why am I so devoted to the wedding album? Good question! There are a few important reasons.

Get The Most Out Of Your Photography Investment

What if you never got to see your wedding photos? OK, that might be an exaggeration, but imagine this… You get a memory stick of 1000 digital files, you print a couple 5×7’s for your parents, you might get thank you cards, you change your Facebook profile picture, and then you promptly misplace the memory stick. Now what?!

A couple years ago I got a heart-wrenching email from a couple who had lost all of their wedding photos. Meghan and Matt’s USB stick had corrupted and they lost all of their precious wedding memories. Imagine you were Meghan and Matt’s position. You had made this significant investment in your wedding and in photography, but you literally have nothing to show for it.

The Truth About “Expensive”

Your package might say it includes digital files, but you’re paying for them. (Believe me, you’re paying for them!) You’re paying for the convenience of printing your photographs now and anytime in the future. While, at first, that might seem like a good deal, you will still have the expense of actually printing those photos. So, you’re basically paying for your photos twice!

Consider this as well, by leaving it up to me to navigate the process of editing and ordering your photographs you’re saving yourself the expense on your own mental health. When I polled my couples a few years ago and asked them if what, if anything, they had printed from their wedding day, most said nothing! NOTHING! A resounding 90% said, “We haven’t printed anything yet, but we plan on it…” a year or more after their ceremony. My couples had looked through the photos and decided that there were just too many for them to take the time to work through the process.

Professional Quality Printing

I work with print labs who produce the highest quality products. These companies only work with professional photographers, and so I am uniquely able to guarantee the quality of the products I offer. When you order prints from 3rd party printers, however, I cannot guarantee that your photos will turn out exactly how they look on your computer screen. (You have no idea how many people I have had to tell that there is nothing wrong with their photos… that’s just how Walmart printers work.)

In the end, it is actually more convenient and less expensive for you to order prints directly from me than to purchase digital files and order prints elsewhere. Photographers like myself can guide you through the whole process, share swatches and samples with you, and save you the headache of troubleshooting why your photos keep coming out grainy. We work with the printers to ensure your canvases and books arrive at your door absolutely perfect with no more effort on your part than a few taps on your smartphone screen.

So what are my options? Good question!

I’ve picked 5 of my favourite products and shared a couple photos below along with a short description, but the options are mind-numbingly endless! If you have something else in mind, let me know.

Album Inspiration

Albums and books aren’t what they used to be. They’re not limited to leather covers and they are not filled with pages of plastic stuffed with 5×7’s. My albums, for example, are available in dozens of covers with attention to eco-conscious details. They’re designed with sustainable papers and fabrics and are handmade in the United States. Each album is unique.

Gallery Wraps

Also known as canvas wraps, gallery wraps are a classic way decorate your home with your most cherished memories. In fact you probably have one or two hanging in your home already. They are simple, and the focus is always the subject matter and nothing else.

Barn Wood Canvas Scrolls

If you’re looking for something with a little more character a canvas scroll might be for you.

These unique pieces feature your photograph printed on traditional canvas, then suspended between two pieces of reclaimed wood with jute and copper accents. Put together, these elements produce a beautiful vintage hanging poster unlike anything you’ve seen.

Custom Framing

Framing isn’t what it used to be (or it is, depending on what you’re looking for). I for one am a huge fan of vintage frames, and I love projects like the one below. These torn-edge fine art prints are encased in reclaimed factory windows that are just filled with character. Leave your frame rustic and unfinished or paint it a colour of your choosing to match your existing decor. Each piece is totally unique.

RSVPS, Thank You’s, and Custom Stationary

Your family should want to hold onto your invitations, RSVPs, and thank you cards. Just select your favourite images and I’ll do the rest to create a card your loved ones will hold onto for years to come!

As you can see there are so many unique ways to show off the memories from your happiest day ever that don’t include Facebook. Are you on board? If you have more questions, please don’t be afraid to reach out to me. Click here to contact me and chat more about photography for your wedding.