Wedding Albums...After the Big Day

Hi blog world!!

I often talk about the wedding day photography itself but I wanted to touch a little on the wedding photography "favors." After the wedding day you deliver wonderful, beautiful photos to the client. They pop the disc into their computer and view them and are pleased. They of course know the story of their wedding that your photos are telling, but what about people who missed it, or were too busy being good hosts? What next?

Wedding albums are important. I don't understand why all photographers don't include even a simple, basic wedding album in their package options. Sure, it's great to have a copyright-free disc of photos that you can look at on a computer, but people still like having that tangible album. Something to hold and look at away from a computer...something to share with friends and family, or take to co-workers. Wedding albums can come in all different shapes and sizes with custom photo covers or fancy leather-bound design. They are meant to tell the story of the wedding day. (I often think about the very beginnings of older Disney movies where there's always a magical-looking book in the start which opens to then start telling the story) As a photographer it is important to have a lot of input from your client in the design, choice of photos and layout for the album. Then, it's up to you to use your creativity to make the client something special. However, if you're not good with graphic design or can't seem to place the photos in a way that is pleasing, there are lots of websites to help out there!!

One of my personal favorite companies to use is Capri. Here is their link:
http://www.zookbinders.com/Capri/CapriPHP/

They offer many different options and help with layout and design if needed.

Also, for those photographers are a tight budget  there are other great sites such as:

http://www.shutterfly.com/

http://www.ritzpix.com/

http://www.zookbinders.com/home

In the end, wedding albums are still important. They help to take those timeless images you captured and put them into something tangible so it can be passed down from generation or simply kept for those rainy days, (or days when the computer decides not to work properly... i.e. your hard drive reader dies)

Brides on a Dime Expo

Speaking of bridal shows... I wanted to share with everyone a very special bridal show coming up at the end of this month. It's called "Brides on a Dime Expo" and it benefits St. Anthony's Bridal. a non-profit that supports and helps brides have the wedding of their dreams! They even have free use of wedding gowns :)

Be sure to check it out, it's a great cause!!

http://10kbrides.blogspot.com/

Bridal Shows.. Are they Worth It?

As a wedding photographer, there are many different ways of advertising and getting your name out there. A few weeks back I talked a little about SEO and linking your website to other sites. That is one of many great ways but the most common way is probably the bridal show. Bridal shows are like trade shows for brides where brides can come and view all types of wedding vendors in person. They are a great way to come in contact with hundreds of potential brides in a short period of time. However, there is one drawback to this... they cost a lot of money!

Most bridal shows average anywhere from $500-$1,500 per table/booth. Extra fees are tacked on if you want a corner booth, or electricity hookup. Also you have to add in the costs of the handout materials and your table display itself. It can add up very quickly and you can be looking at a cost of $2,500 or more. BUT if you land that one large wedding, based on your pricing, it should pay for itself. So, what I want to know from all you other photographers out there... is it worth it?

I'm interested to hear your comments!!!

PS- I do realize there are smaller, more localized shows that cost less, however the attendance rates of these shows are often tiny compared to the larger shows.