Many photographers are now offering high-resolution, digital files to their clients and nothing else. Digital files are great to have for archiving purposes, to share with friends and family on the web, and to reprint from in the future. If you do choose to make prints on your own, it’s important to ask your photographer for their printing lab recommendations. Different labs vary greatly in printing quality, and while the drugstore down the road may be convenient, it’s probably NOT the best choice for your treasured photographs. You may even want an extra copy to give as a gift, because when they look this cute, it’s hard to keep it for just yourself!
Ask five photographers about their opinion on selling digital files, & you will probably get five philosophies on why they do, or don’t, offer them. One reason photographers have a hard time selling digital files is because they are afraid that the files will simply collect dust on someone’s desk, under a pile of papers with long to-do lists. On these to-do lists will probably include a bullet point for “print out photos from disc!” We all know how busy life can get, especially with kids, so chances are… the majority of people simply hold onto the disc, & the photos never see the light of day.
I love to offer digital files with my sessions at a rate that is reasonable to everyone involved, but I also love to offer ideas on ways to get those digital files seen.
While the digital files are nice, the real beauty is the album. This is the kind of product that isn’t just a product. It becomes a family heirloom, a piece of art. It will passed down and these moments will be remembered forever. Printed on thick, photographic pages, these albums will last for years and are a great way to showcase your portraits. I use specialty companies that only serve photographers, and they are beyond compare. Made of the highest quality materials (and sometimes even made by hand), these albums are unique and different from anything you could find at a local store.
Do it yourself kinda person? I understand, meet Blurb Books. I love their simple, modern approach to a professional looking book!
So take your disc from your session, & even if you have writer’s block, you can create full-page wordless pieces of art… people will thumb through them forever!
J. Bridges Photography 