Melissa Jill Photography

Andy Garcia - I love this post and I love you for writing this! I co-own a DJ & lighting company and have this problem. We have a great relationship with all photographers we work with, but have the hardest times getting images. The last photog I asked for a high res file (pretty incredible image of the B&G during their first dance, with all our lighting and special fx in the image), they said "Use the one on the blog." Grrrr....iPad retinas have huge resolutions! I'd love to use this image, with their watermark on it, to potential clients. Thats why I ended up learning photography on my own, since there are so many out there unwilling/lazy to share images. Anyways, sorry to vent on here. I have had luck with one, and they went straight on our preferred vendors list :)

Melissa Jill - Hi Stacey! I hear you on double-culling. We want to avoid that if possible. I would suggest using Lightroom's tagging and spray can tool to get the images tagged for the vendors they should go to. It's pretty quick if you do it in the Library thumbnail view. Then for the books we typically use the favorites folder and throw in extra details or scene-setting images of the venue depending on who the book is for. I do like the books to have the full story of the day including getting ready. It does take a little time, but again, this is a task that is ideal for delegating. Even if you can get someone part-time to help. For the issue of the vendor editing your images, yes, that's not cool, but it's also not all that common, in my experience. It's a personal choice, but I wouldn't do the copyright agreement. I'd just approach the vendor who edits the images and ask them to take them down and use the originals I sent. And maybe not send to them in the future :). Hope this helps!

Joe Johnson - I just wanted to say. I love your website.. That's all

Stacey LaCoursiere - Melissa, this has become such a necessary part of my workflow! But I have trouble on the time frame because I am usually culling through the images because the vendors really dont need all 500-700 including more private getting ready and family photos. What are your tips on making this process quick? I highly believe its all worth it but has a mom barely keeping above water I have to set priorities. I've also had vendors edit my images.... not cool, so I created a copyright agreement, but then I feel like I'm putting a bad taste in their mouth. What do you suggest? Much love!