I’ve been meaning to write something on this topic for a while as more couples are asking the question about having photography with no album but a disc of files. Seeing that we have introduced a cheaper option that doesn’t have an album, who is option designed for and is it a good idea for you?
The short answer is no, it’s not a good idea and the only reason we introduced this option was for couples that really value their photography and just don’t have the budget for an album at the time of their wedding. Why offer the idea of photography with no album if I think it’s a bad idea? Because I know how difficult it can be to juggle a budget at that stage of life and I understand just how important good photography is for some people… for my couples.
The sad thing about no album, and I’ve seen this all too often now is that the photos stay on a disc forever! At Impact Images, we have seen couples years after photographing their wedding which were some of the most beautiful weddings we have been a part of and they are yet to do anything with their photos.
Interestingly, it’s graphic designers and people that actually have the skills to create something even remotely as good as what we can do in our studio that are the worst offenders. It’s the same old story – the plumber that has the leaky taps, the builder that has the unfinished house, the gardener that has the unkept lawns. One couple that come immediately to mind are Tim and Ash who had the most romantic and truly amazing weddings where Tim accompanied and sung with a barbershop quartet to his bride during the ceremony. They were so obviously in love that the photos are just gorgeous. The last time I saw them (with their baby) at a friends wedding, the album was yet to be started.
Although I was disappointed, it was obvious that they were disappointed too. The memories of their amazing day are in a drawer on a disc somewhere in their home. How sad.
I believe when couple float the idea of no album they go into the wedding thinking – how many photos of us do we really need? We’ll enlarge a few, hang them in our house and that will be enough. I believe this is my fault and the fault of so many photographers. We are the ones that advertise and show off beautiful images of couples, bridal parties in gorgeous locations on our websites and blogs. What we don’t always show, and I should, are the beautiful moments with family and friends – these are the memories to cherish.
I know the bridal photos are important and I love taking them but just look at the photos below and you tell me – which are the ones that will be held dearest to Joel and Kat? I’ll bet anything that some of the family photos will be very high on the list and these aren’t photos that suit being enlarged around the house. These photos are for curling up on the lounge in the middle of winter with a blanket, a glass of wine, your husband, wife, mum, dad or friend and slowly turning the pages, reliving moments in your life with those in the photos – reliving the day. One day you may even do the same with your children.
To illustrate my point, included in this post are the recent photos from Kat and Joel’s wedding which is one of my favourite weddings of all time on a number of levels. The wedding was a dawn ceremony which meant I had to set my alarm for 3.45am to get to the Mantra Resort Hotel at Ettalong to capture some photos of Kat before the ceremony. 3.45am, that’s just nuts!
The timing was one thing, another was that these two were so obviously and madly in love with each other that the day was going to be nothing but beautiful – rain, hail or shine. There were just so many ‘moments’ with little looks, cute smiles, laughter, emotion and…. love. It was so easy to get rapt up in the day; as if we were all part of a romantic block buster movie taking part on a secluded beach somewhere in the world
Another aspect I love about Kat and Joel’s wedding was that I had to push myself as a photographer and use all of my skills to deal with the very tough lighting conditions. Sure, when looking at the photos it looks so simple – gorgeous people, beautiful dress, sunrise, fantastic location and good weather. Put in another ‘light’ – when I arrived to photograph Kat at the hotel, there was none, it was pitch black outside! At the beach, the sun was full on some of the time and backlighting at others – no shade. The reception room had light beaming in one side and none from the other.
I enjoyed the challenging light, actually had a great time dealing with and making the most of my photography kit and the available conditions. I also feel the photos are just gorgeous (am I allowed to say that about my own work?) – looking at the images I am transported back to the day and reliving every moment, laugh, smile, hug, the salty smell of the beach, the sand under foot, the noise of the waves, the embrace after the kiss, the grandparents, the location shoot and the coffee – everything.
So, you may have guessed – the reason I picked Kat and Joel’s photos for this blog post is they haven’t decided on album or not (at this time).
I think I’ll be devastated if these images aren’t displayed in what could be, should be a family treasure. What do you think they should do, what would you do?
These interior shots were taken while it was pitch black outside – I love that it’s impossible to tell.
The softest pre-dawn breeze grabs hold of Kat’s veil for this photo.
The first sign of light and following the torrential rain from the day before – it was shaping up to be a perfect day.
Everyone await’s Kat and her Dad’s arrival minutes before the sun rises above the headland.
Kat’s brothers entertain the waiting families while keeping a watchful eye on the encroaching waves.
Guests were presented with a lantern on their arrival at the dawn ceremony – a beautiful touch.
Happy and proud Dad ready to lead his daughter onto the beach and down the sandy aisle.
Joel and Adam catch their first glimpse of Kat.
I just love the little glances here and in the above photos – have you ever seen a happier bride?
Family and friends – that’s what makes a wedding day special. What a special moment this is.
5min from the beach we found a great little spot for some photos for a different ‘feel’ to the beach shots. This is one of my favourites.
A lovely moment shared by Kat and Nicole
Where can all these photos go if not in a gorgeous album?
With a breakfast reception, the barista was one popular guy and knew exactly how to pour a great coffee.
Joel wasn’t shy about tucking into a huge scone after workin’ it during the photoshoot.
A beautiful moment that I’m sure will be treasured by both grandma and granddaughter.
Hi Andrew
Fantastic photos, and yes, a great shame to leave them on a disk! All the relatives would surely love some of them for reminders of that great sunrise ceremony.
One question. How did you get the shot from the water?
Ilona x
Thanks Mum – always nice to know you are checking my work 🙂
The shot from the water – you should know that I go the extra mile for my couples – took my shoes and socks off, rolled up my pants and in I went.
Kidding – there was a higher section of sand that formed a spit that had the water funnelling in between the spit and the ceremony. A few seconds after that shot I had to make a hasty escape as a wave totally engulfed the dry sand.
Happy Mothers day – see you soon
Andrew xx