Articles published during December, 2009
Professional Wedding Photography – The AIPP philosophy when choosing a professional photographer
11 December 2009
There’s recently been an increasing trend for couples requesting the hi-resolution files or digital negatives from their wedding photographer. Many of you out there, whilst doing photography research, have probably become overwhelmed by the number of photographers out there and the many different products and services as well as pricing available. Whilst it’s great that there is a photographer to suit every budget and style, the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography), believes it is in the best interest of couples to think long and hard if they are considering booking a photographer with the “shoot & burn” approach (meaning you hire the photographer on the day, and they supply you with a disc of non-retouched images only). The AIPP is the only association in Australia, which promote and maintain the highest standards of professional competence and business ethics in the industry.
Perhaps a common reason for couples wanting a copy of the hi res files is because they may be under the misconception that their photographer will destroy the files after a certain amount of time. More often than not, this is not the case. Other more common reasons are for being able to print their own images or produce their own albums.
Photography is a specialised skill that takes time to master. For this reason, the vast majority of professional photographers will retain the copyright to their images. Not so long ago, back in the film days it was practically unheard of to give away, or even sell the negatives, so why should things be any different now? These professional photography studios are proud of the custom product they produce and do not wish to have inferior quality, self-printed images for potential clients to see. Not only will a professional photographer be able to capture a gorgeous image of course, they will also have the skills to retouch it so it becomes a professionally polished product. This is not the sort of service you will receive from your typical consumer grade mini lab. A true professional photographer is not just an image taker, but an image-maker.
When you go out for a meal, do you ask the Chef for the recipe? Can you buy it? The obvious answer is no. Even if you could buy the recipe and make the same meal at home, it still wouldn’t be as good as the meal and experience in the restaurant. This absolutely applies to your wedding photos. Once you have chosen your professional photographer, you’re not just investing in the wedding album, but also the overall experience.
To think that there are so many couples out there, which have received a “shoot & burn” service is disheartening. How many of these clients have actually printed high quality images for themselves and their families, or even had a hand crafted professional album to show off with pride? What will they show their Grandkids? Images on a disc are not forever. Especially with constant changing technology. A disc is not a tangible product you can admire on your wall unlike a professionally framed enlargement, or an album that has a special place on the coffee table.
There is approximately 50-100 hours that is invested by photographers for each wedding. This includes appointments, shooting, and most of all retouching and file handling. Do you really want an inferior product to save a few dollars (on the big scheme of things) as the only momento you will have left from your wedding day?
Please consider these factors when choosing your wedding photographer and try to think past the wedding day itself to the future generations. Your wedding album will become part of your history.