Do I need a photo album?

I find that many couples answer no to that question. In the 10 years I have been photographing weddings, only one or two clients asked for a photo album.

I realize that most couples only want the digital images to do with what they want. Maybe they take those photos and create their own album. I don’t know because they never tell me.

Photo album is a keepsake

One thing I do know – a photo album is a great keepsake. It is a beautiful replica of your wedding day, with your favorite photos printed on a page that can be viewed over and over again.

I shudder at the thought that couples look at their photos on their computer and never do anything with them. They live in the cybersphere forever.

Years ago, couples did not receive the digital images. They got photo proofs and decided which of them they wanted in their album. The album is something that people can hold in their hands, share with others and leave to children.

Just think – wouldn’t your children love to look through your wedding album rather than search the computer for a bunch of digital images?

Albums can be costly

I understand why couples don’t opt for albums. Usually it’s the price. Formal wedding albums are expensive. They are often leather bound and intricately made. It costs a photographer several hundred dollars or more to get one made. The nicer books are those that are meant to last a lifetime.

Of course, it will be a lot cheaper to get a simple photo book of the photos, but realize this book will likely fall apart in time.

When you book your photographer, I encourage you to discuss the option of getting an heirloom photo album. Each photographer will charge a different amount for this, but know it can easily be $1,000 at a minimum.

This article is part of a blog series on the topic of frequently asked questions. See other articles on hiring the right photographer, how many hours do you need, and do you need a second photographer.

This article is part of a blog series on the topic of frequently asked questions. See other articles on hiring the right photographer, do you need a second photographer, and how many hours do you need your photographer.