Wedding photography trend?

Question

I just talked to a wedding photographer and she didn't mention anything about getting a "proofs" with any of the packages she offers.. The only thing she did say was that the photos would be avaliable online. I looked around a little bit online and found that some photographers are listing proofs and some are listing "online album". Is this a new trend with the online albums or am I getting jipped?? I think proofs should be included in the price...I am paying these people enough money! (lol)

Answer 1

On-line proofing is the norm in these digital days. Nothing to worry about as far as scam goes. On-line ordering makes it easy for your friends and family to order the prints they want.

Don't listen to the disposable camera as wedding pics crowd. That is OK for snapshots, but no way will it take the place of well composed and exposed professional photography.

You might find a film photographer who offers a proof print package, Usually the proofs don't look as good as the finished pictures. Photographers who make most of their money from albums or the sale of prints don't offer them as a rule because they can be copied so easily. Copied proofs = less sales. Photographers who have a different business plan sometimes sell you the hi resolution images on CD or DVD, and you print them yourself. Expect to pay about the same as an album. And use care in choosing a lab to make the prints, labs are not equal in quality.

Good luck in finding your photographer!

Answer 2

We got our proofs online as well. I think it is the "thing to do" now. I know between the 2 photographers we had, there were close to1000 photos taken, so to give us actual printed photo proofs would probably cost the photographers money and time. They put all our pictures online, and then we could go through them and choose the ones we wanted in our album, and the ones we wanted to order as individual prints. Then, when they printed the actual pictures, they were cropped and color corrected, etc. Plus, we could give the website address to family and friends so that they could see and order pictures if they wanted. So, no, I don't think you're getting "jipped." Its just the latest thing.

Answer 3

Proof were used in the past when photographers used film. In order to see what prints you got, you had to create proofs of all the pictures because you can't use the film. Now with digital, photographers post all he photo's online in an album. Either way, you are getting the same thing. Proofs are often water market, lower resolution, and not in the best condition so you can have an idea of what the picture looks like. Online proofs are often water market so you can't copy them, but truer in color and resolution to the final product.
If your really worried about it, ask you photographer before you sign your contract.
P.S. Don't worry so much about the proofs, but about copies of all the final pics. This allows you to print them up as you need without paying the photographer to do it,

Answer 4

You could be getting jipped . Be careful with wedding photographers. My sister had this guy take pictures at her wedding. The guy did an amazingly job, but when the pictures were done he sent her the proofs and then went out of business without telling her! So now all she has are the proofs and no company will enlarge her picture's since they were taking by another person/company. Basically shes had to enlarge some herself.

Answer 5

if you want proofs instead of online photos, tell your photographer so! you ARE paying and should get what you want. if (s)he doesn't use film or make proofs, you may want to seek out a different photographer for your wants and needs.

the itnernet thing is becomming a trend because so few photographers use film cameras anymore, since there is really no need - they can organise, edit, and print your photos much easier this way and make them look a lot better when you get them.

Answer 6

You're correct - most good photographers include a "proof book" in their packages. The online album they are referring to are just for ordering pictures. It makes it easier for family members all over the country to just go to one place (the web) to be able to order their own copies of the pictures instead of orders going through you.

Answer 7

Well I believe they should include a proof book if you want them too as you said you are paying them. I'm a wedding photographer and most of my brides get their proof books done.


Enuel
www.enviphoto.com

Answer 8

Brides and Grooms -
When I got married our wedding was photographed by our guests...as they entered the church, they all received disposible cameras. When the service was over they deposited the cameras in baskets at the back of the church. We had cameras handed out at the reception also, and before the guests left or when they were finished using up the roll, they deposited the cameras in baskets at the exit doors.
We then took our film to Walmart/Kmart and had the rolls developed in our own time. We received copies of all the pictures for free...because we had so many rolls to develop.
After receiving the pictures back from getting them processed, we went through them together and decided which ones we were having enlarged and more prints made from. We then put our pictures in scrapbooks that we were given for wedding presents...some of our guests also kicked in for some of the developing costs...as we listed this a gifts we'd enjoy having.
Our wedding pictures were "candid" shots from our guests...as they enjoyed the opportunity to be the photographers. We had more pictures at a cheaper cost than a photographer could do for us...and many more memories "candidly" caught.
Just an idea that seems to have caught on by those who experienced it at our wedding.

Answer 9

Everybody is doing it :) lol...seriously that is what almost every photographer does these days. They will give all of your guests a code so that they, too, can go online and select the pics that they want to order.

Answer 10

I would want proofs too. Either ask her about them, or try another photographer. I wouldn't want our wedding photos to be online before WE put them there.