Question for Photographers!

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejaxon Forgive me if this can't be answered in this thread but I'm also wondering the same things about video. I've been finding that most videographers offer an HD option for an additional fee. Apparently a separate type of camera is required. Does this sound right? Its usually around 200 bucks additional. Is the quality that noticable? All of this HDTV talk is pretty foreign to me. I appreciate any input anyone may have. Thanks in advance. Erika

I'm pretty sure you have to have an HD camera to record in HD. and you have to have an HD tv to watch it in HD.

I just got standard. We don't have an HD tv. maybe down the road we will, but we don't really spend much on TVs so I don't see getting a new TV any time soon.

[Nic Dragomire]

well Im not really a photographer, I just play one on message boards, but Im gonna try to clarify this some more....

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbnj Hi, I was wondering why some photographers include high resolution pictures on DVD to brides while others only give the low resolution proofs that is not meant to be printed.

photogs are really strange people, we all have different styles, and we all have different philosophies on how to shoot and earn a living at the same time.

 

some photogs make there money up front and some make there money on the back end of the deal trying to up sell. If a photog offers high res files that are color corrected and ready for print, chances are he charged you a good sum of money up front and when he delivers the images he's not counting on reprint sales to drive his business.

 

Other photogs might give you proofs or low res files in hopes of selling you prints or edited files later. It could also be a ROI issue for some photogs. Some photogs may give you the images right out of camera (read - unedited files), but when you order a print, an album, or any product then that file gets retouched.

 

My style is completely different now than in the past.... Now I only charge my clients to come and shoot.. (a shooting or creative fee if you will). I will photograph the wedding, take the photos home and edit the photos. Then my clients come to a viewing session where they can decide how best to share their wedding photos. I have a good sized list of items they can purchase including prints, canvas, albums, and all high res photos on DVD to name a few. I can even do this over the internet for my destination wedding clients. This method really helps my clients get more for their money, by keeping the initial costs down.

 

Quote:

If I got the low resolution proofs couldn't I later if I wanted have a photographer retouch them and make it look more professional?

yes, to some extent but why would you want to spend the money on having a photog edit a file that probably will not look good when printed any bigger than a 5x7. There are sooo many photogs out there, if you just look you will find one that will offer what you are looking for. To add... you will probably have to get the same photographer to edit the files... its a copyright thing. If you brought me a bunch of files and asked me to edit them, I would want a copyright release signed by the original photog otherwise I could be sued for reproducing copyrighted material..a big no no.

 

Quote:

and if a photographer doesn't offer high resolution on DVD or CD- is it because they can't (maybe lack of software/equipment) or because is it the time and process?

no.. Its because they have their methods to their madness.

 

Quote:

Does it matter if it's on a DVD or CD?

as long as your pc or mac can read a dvd or play a dvd, it doesn't matter. The life span of a dvd and cd is... well its a long time. I do recommend that once in a while you make a new copy of your wedding photos. its better to be safe than sorry. Most wedding photogs that I know, only keep a back up of the wedding for a couple of years max.

[leahstafford]

I agree with everything Nic says, can i put 2 thumbs up?

[TATrisha]

In regards to the HD video... you not only need an HD TV, but you will also need a blu ray disc player (or a playstation 3) in order to WATCH an HD video.

We personally have a HD camcorder, and the difference is amazing... but if you don't have the means to WATCH it, it seems pretty pointless!

[hough]

It truly is all about the money! Offering high resolution images in CD or DVD format will give you the benefit of printing images yourself for gifts or later while still getting your photographer to create your album and possibly large prints. By not having these rights, you are relying on purchasing all prints from your photographer, having all family purchase prints from your photographer, and have to go back to your photographer down the road if you ever want photographs later. If you do go with a package that does not include high res. images, make sure to ask your photographer how long your images will be available to have reprints made and if they are backed up for a certain number of years.

[Edward Ross]

I agree mostly with what Nic said. I do release files unretouched in some of my higher end collections, and also offer custom retouched art prints, which do require a serious time investment on each file.

 

I usually tell my clients that any prints they want as proofs, or small giveaway prints to print from the DVD of files. Any heirloom products such as albums, or wall prints to order retouched and enhanced from me.

 

You will have a hundred philosophies from different photographers, you have to find what is right for you.

 

All the best,

 

Edward

[AnyafromCineart]

I agree with Nic - it's totally like this. We release enhanced files on DVD in full resolution for weddings but most of our clients are getting albums as well (90%). My preference will be, to go with somebody who will give you all the files and they are enhanced and in the full resolution. This will save you a lot. We always recommend that prints bigger then 8x10 should go trough the studio - as they will get extra touch of retouch and blemishes removal, etc. The same with canvas prints.

 

Best,

 

Anna

[Imago Weddings]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejaxon Forgive me if this can't be answered in this thread but I'm also wondering the same things about video. I've been finding that most videographers offer an HD option for an additional fee. Apparently a separate type of camera is required. Does this sound right? Its usually around 200 bucks additional. Is the quality that noticable? All of this HDTV talk is pretty foreign to me. I appreciate any input anyone may have. Thanks in advance. Erika

Typically a separate camera isn't used as most cameras are now HD compatible, if activated on the camera. However upgrading to HD typically costs more then Standard Definition as it takes much longer to edit and some other costs are also assoicated with HD.

One issue that many people have however is after shooting/ editing HD, you need to be able to watch it. DVD are not HD. Blu-Ray is the only medium that can take HD and play it back on a HD TV.

We always typically film in HD no matter what and then distribute on DVD. Although the DVD is standard defenition we find the quality is better. We also offer a blu-ray option.

[bellalucefoto]

Well, I know you've gotten alot of responses already, but I'll add mine anyway. The only difference a CD or DVD makes is if your computer has a DVD drive. DVDs have alot more space and the files are very large, so if we burn a wedding, it would be at least 2 CDs, so we usually burn it to a DVD since most computers these days have DVD drives. DVDs and CDs may be obsolete in the future, so it is good to keep a copy of allyour pictures on an external hard drive as well.

 

Photographers are usually instructed (at schools and conventions) not to give up the copyright. Traditionally it was never handed over. In this digital age, however, it is becoming in higher demand and photographers who will sell the copyright get much more business. When we got married, we didn't have a CD or anything but we did purchase it after a few years. Sometimes you can get the high-res images a year or so later for a more reasonable price if it wasn't included initially.

 

One other thing to consider with photographers is to have 2 shooters. It is amazing how many things are going on, and how much more of your day is captured with 2 photographers. It is also great because then you have 2 perspectives capturing with their artistic eyes!

 

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have other questions!

 

Katie

[MomentsThatMatter]

Seems like everybody is saying the same thing in different ways. Just to give you our point of view.

Full resolution packages cost more upfront but are geared to giving the clients the most comprehensive coverage of their day. In the end, this type of package costs less than purchasing prints from your photographer. Most "story telling" images are not the ones you would purchase, but we feel are some of the best pictures of the day!

Best of luck to you, either way you go.

Lincoln & Lori