As award winning wedding photographers serving the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland areas, we have years of experience in capturing the beautiful and romantic moments of a couple’s special day. We’d like to give you some information to help you sort through your wedding photographs; and select those images that best reflect the magic you share.
Many couples put off sorting through their wedding photographs, because the process of picking out the best images and creating albums can seem overwhelming. Rather than waiting months or longer to make your choices, we’d like to walk you through the process to help you make your selections without delay.
Your wedding photographer’s work begins as you exit your celebration. Typically, it takes 30 to 40 hours for your photographer to process your images with the care and professionalism you deserve. The delivery time for your photos is generally three to six weeks, although the time frame will vary, so it’s best to discuss and determine the timing with your photographer.
Most professional wedding photographers advise you to avoid going through your photographs the minute they arrive. Instead, consider setting up a time with your spouse to relax and go through the images, reliving your day. You don’t need to spend too much time on each image at your first viewing. You can go through them fairly quickly the first time, pausing to enjoy those images that stand out the most.
It may be a good idea to review the contract with your wedding photographer at this time, to be sure you know what comes next, what is included, and how many prints you can select. The right photographer will happily walk you through this process.
Most professional engagement and wedding photographers will deliver your images in an online gallery or flash drive, possibly both. Your online photographs are typically available for up to a year after your wedding, while a flash drive may be at risk of being lost. It is always a good idea to back up your images with either online cloud storage or on an external hard drive.
Typically, photographers will offer the option of purchasing prints directly from their online gallery to have them printed. As professional prints far exceed the quality of standard prints such as those you may receive from a big box store, you will want your chosen images to be developed by your photographer. Particularly for anything that will be displayed in your home, you will want professional quality prints.
Make sure that printing your wedding photographs is a priority, without allowing too much time to pass after your wedding. Most couples intend to print their wedding pictures sooner rather than later, but life can get in the way, and time passes quickly. It is a good idea to plan on having your wedding images printed within a month of receiving them; and putting them on display so you can view and enjoy them. In most cases, the option of wedding albums will be discussed with your photographer early in the process. Custom designed albums may be available, or a third-party service may be recommended.
Selecting the right wedding photographer is critically important for capturing one of the most memorable days of your life. If you are looking for a professional, award-winning wedding photographer in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area, reach out to us today!