One question I often get from photographers is how the images get chosen for our album designs--do we do it or do our clients?
Over the years we've tried both methods but we've settled into a great album design process that is very efficient wherein we pick the initial images for the album design ourselves but the client gets the opportunity to make as many changes as they'd like. This is our process:
-The client orders an album with 100 images in it.
-We pick approximately 200 images for the initial album design that include our favorites, with a mixture of some family portraits and shots from the reception.
-We design an album with our image picks and post it online for the client to view in slideshow format.
-We notify the client within 2 weeks after the wedding that their album design is done and online, ready to view. We also let them know that we designed it with more spreads than they ordered and let them know they can either narrow down the number of spreads or upgrade their album for an additional cost per extra spread. We send them a form that allows them to communicate the changes they want made to the design very easily and clearly. They can change out photos or delete whole spreads entirely. We ask that they switch out vertical photos for vertical and horizontal for horizontal to maintain the integrity of the design.
-The client reviews the design and uses the form to submit their changes via fax.
-We make the changes and upload the new design online for review.
-Once approved, the album order is placed and the album is delivered to the client within 4-6 weeks.
I've found that this process is very efficient and works well for the client. When I used to wait for clients to pick the images for their albums, it would sometimes take months and years for them to get back to me. And I don't blame them! It's a daunting task to sort through 600-800 images and narrow them down to a favorite 100 for the album. I've found that it's much easier for the client to see an initial design and make changes from there.
So to sum up: Photographer picking initial images for the album design = album design done quickly + happy photographer + happy client!
Over the years we've tried both methods but we've settled into a great album design process that is very efficient wherein we pick the initial images for the album design ourselves but the client gets the opportunity to make as many changes as they'd like. This is our process:
-The client orders an album with 100 images in it.
-We pick approximately 200 images for the initial album design that include our favorites, with a mixture of some family portraits and shots from the reception.
-We design an album with our image picks and post it online for the client to view in slideshow format.
-We notify the client within 2 weeks after the wedding that their album design is done and online, ready to view. We also let them know that we designed it with more spreads than they ordered and let them know they can either narrow down the number of spreads or upgrade their album for an additional cost per extra spread. We send them a form that allows them to communicate the changes they want made to the design very easily and clearly. They can change out photos or delete whole spreads entirely. We ask that they switch out vertical photos for vertical and horizontal for horizontal to maintain the integrity of the design.
-The client reviews the design and uses the form to submit their changes via fax.
-We make the changes and upload the new design online for review.
-Once approved, the album order is placed and the album is delivered to the client within 4-6 weeks.
I've found that this process is very efficient and works well for the client. When I used to wait for clients to pick the images for their albums, it would sometimes take months and years for them to get back to me. And I don't blame them! It's a daunting task to sort through 600-800 images and narrow them down to a favorite 100 for the album. I've found that it's much easier for the client to see an initial design and make changes from there.
So to sum up: Photographer picking initial images for the album design = album design done quickly + happy photographer + happy client!
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