You’ve spent months planning a picture perfect day and you’ve hired a photographer to capture it all. But have you given any thought to how you’ll display and preserve those precious photos?
Jennifer Mayo, principal photographic artist at Jennifer Mayo Studios in Coloma, Michigan, recommends couples consider having an album professionally designed, a service she offers with the majority of her photography packages. “In today's digital age, it makes me kind of sad to think of wedding memories existing primarily in digital form,” Mayo says. “Individual photos are nice, but a well-designed album represents all of the emotions and details that make your wedding day unique.”
Want to have an album designed but don’t know where to start? Kristen Barker, owner of Kristen Lynn Photographie, in Chicago, suggests you get to know your designer, whether it is your photographer or another person on staff. Ask to see samples of the other albums they have designed. “It is important to have direct contact and a connection with the person designing it,” she says.
Also, discuss your expectations for the layout of the album with your photographer beforehand, because it may affect the way your photographer captures your photos. “For albums we always ask: Do you want it to tell the story from beginning to end? Is there something you want to focus on more: portraits, candids or just a healthy mix of both?” Barker says.
Next, pick your favorite photos. “Most photographers allow you to select some or all of your images. Choose photos that tell your story and reflect how you remember the day,” Mayo advises.
Finally, decide on a cover. “Today’s book binding companies offer an enormous variety of cover options that can almost be overwhelming,” Mayo says. “Try to pick something that reflects your personalities, the style of your wedding and your decorating style.”
Thinking of putting together your own album with an online service? “Purchasing a ‘photobook’ from one of the popular online consumer labs is not the same as ordering a custom-designed, hand-crafted album from an experienced photographer and design team,” Mayo says. “The quality of the book, the editing applied on an individual basis to images and the careful layout and design of the album will yield an heirloom that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
Please Wait…