Does anyone have any experience with developing their wedding pictures themselves from a cd? What are the advantages of getting it done through the photographer? It's just REALLY expensive to get any with my photographer and can't I just get them developed online?
Where are some good sites where I can get it done online?
The Video Pros
Video Forum Moderator
Apr 25, 2006, 10:57 AM
Post #2 of 5
(2143 views)
Re: [tori729] Developing Pictures on my Own
[In reply to]
Keep in mind that many photographers now do not just "shoot" photos. If they are shooting with a digital camera, they often take the pictures on location, then clean them up back at their studio.
Cleaning them up means 1) adjusting the light and contrast 2) removing unwanted things from the picture 3) enhancing the pictures with softer light or special effects 4) cropping the pictures to focus on the primary subject rather than the background images and 5) removing or smoothing facial blemishes.
The file size images that you want to have printed will probably be very large 3 megs and higher. You don't have to submit your images online. If you have the disk with quality images you can go to any film development center and let them know what size prints you want. Unless you have a fast internet connection, it's not a good idea to try and upload large image files to an on-line source.
To ensure your photos are the best they can be and if you haven't already booked your photographer, please consider the following tips to ensure your memories will be captured as they should:
1) Negotiate with local photographer so that you will "own" the images when all is said and done. This allows, in the future, for you to take either the negatives or the digital images and purchase your prints directly. If you do not obtain a signed release or show proof of ownership, many photo labs will not print the images as a professional photographer's images are copyrighted.
2) If the photographer is shooting with a digital camera, be sure that the images are supplied to you in the highest resolution format possible. Do not allow them to provide low resolution small file size images. Because, when you go to have your portraits made, you may be limited to only 5x7 portraits, rather than a larger format that you may want.
3) If you do not plan on having a photographer, but a family member will be taking the photos please keep the following in mind:
If you're concerned about taking your only good camera while traveling, consider renting a high resolution digital camera for a very reasonable amount and use that during your vacation. There are several outfits on the net that provide this service, plus provide the photo prints at a great price.
If you are using a digital camera and want high quality prints made from the images, the pictures need to be taken at the highest resolution and pixel size. Many people shoot digital photography at 72 dpi to save space on their memory stick and save it as a compressed jpg, but when it comes time to have the photos printed the image looks terrible or below quality.
When you look at a newspaper color photo, notice how the dots of color have space between them? The higher the dpi (dots per inch) the better the picture printed. So, when the digital photos are taken, please keep this in mind. People often don't realize this because 72 dpi looks great on the computer screen and TV, but definitely does not translate well to the printed paper.
When jpgs are compressed image quality is lost. To prevent this from happening invest in several large file size memory sticks to hold your images. Some people travel with their laptop computers so they can access the internet from their hotels. If so, you can download your images to your laptop to ensure you have plenty of memory stick space. Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
tori729
Apr 25, 2006, 2:40 PM
Post #3 of 5
(2138 views)
Re: [The Video Pros] Developing Pictures on my Own
[In reply to]
Okay well: I do have a fast internet connection so I could upload online. BUT I won't own the rights for the pictures. How much trouble would I run into not owning the rights?
Also, I have some skills online and could probably modify the pictures myself with Photoshop or get someone else to.
Re: [tori729] Developing Pictures on my Own
[In reply to]
If you have not purchased the negatives or own the rights to the photographs then you should not be developing these pictures.
Besides, do you really want to take a chance on some of the most important pictures of your life looking mediocre and unprofessional? In 25 years will you be able to look back on some great photos or will you be wishing you spent a little extra money? Some things just shouldn't be skimped on. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
The Video Pros
Video Forum Moderator
Apr 26, 2006, 3:28 PM
Post #5 of 5
(2127 views)
Re: [tori729] Developing Pictures on my Own
[In reply to]
A professional photographer is similar to a surgeon, who spends years perfecting his or her craft. Would you want to be operated on by someone not experienced?
Keep in mind that photography is an art form. It takes an exceptional person to be a good photographer. The person has to have a talent for it, and then develop the talent to the point where people "ooohhh" and "awww" over their work. It's not just a question of shooting the photography. Many photographers work below industry scale and sell their art (prints) to help augment their income.
There are a lot of photographers who shoot weddings and charge a flat fee and will give you the rights to your images so you can print as much as you want. Don't do something illegal by printing copy righted material just because you didn't take the time to choose a photographer willing to relinquish their hard earned photography rights.
We design and print coffee table photo books for individuals and photographers, and we require that the client provide written proof that they either own the images or have permission to have the images printed one time only in a coffee table photo book.
Don't make a serious mistake. Explore your options, hire a photographer who will make your special day memorable, and you will be able to go to sleep with a clear conscience. Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
Developing Pictures on my Own
