While not an absolute “must have” like a photographer in general, we love photo albums of wedding images, and what’s better than flicking through your friends, grandparents or literally ANYONE’S wedding photo album? There’s nothing quite like seeing your photographs in a book in front of you, rather than on Instagram or in a frame. And plus, if your house was on fire, after you grab your loved ones and pets, the first material item on the list is always the photo album. Here are five professional photographers take on the issue of how important a wedding photo album is:
Happily Ever After Photography
“A wedding album is an important book to have – if it’s in your budget! Once the wedding attire is packed away and the party is over.. the photographs are one of the few things left to remember the day. Digitals are great to have! But the album will be the special book passed through generations with all the memories enclosed. Often couples have the digitals and they stay on their computer. They always plan to print this or that, or create their own book – but it rarely happens.
I think if your budget fits having an album then definitely invest in one. ”
“I think if your budget fits having an album then definitely invest in one.”
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Jennifer Dean Photography
“It’s a personal choice- some people love to look at books, some people love to look at screens. I think images can be easily forgotten when they reside on a digital device. Yes at first you’ll look at them constantly; you’ll share them on social media, text them to loved ones, email them to those who were too far away to join you in celebration. But after a few years, they often end up lost amongst the hundreds and thousands of other images we accrue on a daily basis.
A wedding album really is an investment. It’s not really for you in the ‘now’, it’s for you (and your family) in the future. It doesn’t have to be ultra fancy, ultra expensive or even made with your photographer (although as artists we do like to be involved in the process). But I think you’ll find we all agree that your photographs should be printed, and definitely reside within an album. In ten years’ time, you’ll be so glad you did. And in 70 years’ time, your children and your grandchildren will be glad you did too.”
“It’s not really for you in the ‘now’, it’s for you (and your family) in the future.”
Allyshia Jordaan Photography
Digital technology changes so quickly. I received my wedding photos on a CD only five years ago, and now most computers don’t even come with disc drives!
Prints will never be obsolete technology. 20 years from now, you’ll be able to sit down with your family and show them your wedding album. You can’t guarantee the same for digital files.
Of course, I think digital files are also really important at this point in time. They’re wonderful for sharing with friends and family all over the world instantly. I always include digital files while the album is optional, so you can use those files to make as many of your own prints as you like anyway. But I love albums. There’s nothing like seeing your beautiful photos printed out in a way that lets you actually physically hold them.”
“There’s nothing like seeing your beautiful photos printed out in a way that lets you actually physically hold them.”
Darren Hart Photography
“Albums are also the best way to preserve your images. You may have your photos transferred to USB, or, some other storage option. What is going to happen to those images now? Will you have the time to arrange the photos to go into an album? Will you go to the trouble and get the photos printed? Possibly not.
Get your photographer to put an album together, your photos are there for all to see.”
“You may have your photos transferred to USB, or, some other storage option. What is going to happen to those images now?”
iShoot Images
“A photo album is more of a personal choice rather than a ‘must have’ these days. All the weddings I have photographed have wanted digital delivery so that they can print the photos at a later stage or make their own book/album if they ever want it. We live in a world now where 99% of our photos are on our phone and computers rather than in albums or frames. From a photographers view, it’s easier to not produce an album as the process can be very time consuming. It can also be frustrating for the couple, having to wait for the album to be finished.”
“A photo album is more of a personal choice rather than a ‘must have’ these days.”
So what’s the verdict? We’re inclined to agree that there’s nothing quite like a photo album. Particularly a wedding photo album! So if you can find room in your budget then go for it. You won’t regret getting a photo album.
