Keif - Has your opinion on offering DVDs to your wedding clients changed since this post?
Andrew - Greatarticle and I am having spirited debates as we speak. Do you post process your images that are posted on the online gallery for clients after an event? Are the images on the DVD post proc? Thanks
Kelly - I totally agree, now I just have to increase the price a bit. I really prefer to sell the dvd and let them do what they may. I do offer advice and quality preference to them and usually they comply (as far as I know)
Jo - Thanks Melissa for all your recent tips! You are wonderful!!!
Calvin - Great Post!!!!! I totally agree Melissa. Thank you for voicing your opinion and sending out that encouragement. Sarah, I print on CD/DVD labels. On a Mac, I use a program called Disc Label. Very good program. Right now, the cost of printable CD/DVD and non-printable CD/DVD with purchasing labels are about the same (Just FYI).
Melissa Jill :) - Hi Sarah, I don't use labels, I print directly onto a printable DVD using the software that comes with my printer. I have a Epson Stylus Photo R280.
sarah j. - Can you tell me what labels and program you use to make a dvd/cd label??? THANKS..
MattDJ - You need to charge to let others read this post!! Great write up MJ.
Melissa Jill :) - Ok--I'm going to try my best to answer all the questions that arose from this post in the comments. No, I don't put any type of logo or watermark on the images on the DVD. I use dnlphoto.com for cases and have an inkjet that I use to print directly onto inkjet printable DVDs. I'm not primarily a portrait photographer so I think it would be wise to ask someone who is about offering a DVD and cost. But as someone who doesn't focus a lot of energy on portraits, I do offer a CD with all the high res. images for portrait shoots and I charge $325 for it. I know, a steal. If clients ask for suggestions for a local lab for printing, I suggest any lab that is connected to a camera store like Tempe Camera, Photomark or Ritz. Phew. I guess that's what I get for answering one question--a zillion more :). JK JK--keep them coming :).
Matt Dexter - Melissa: Do your images on DVD have your logo on them like they do on your blog? Just curious.. Thx, Matt.
Emily Beaty - I've also enjoyed all the FAQ posts. Thanks for your willingness to share!
Matt Nicolosi - Hey, Melissa, just wanted to say I've enjoyed all the FAQ posts recently. Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences so freely. The photography community is a better place because of your generosity.
Chris Enzaldo - I agree 100%. I make the differences very clear before signing. I actually show examples of "prints gone wrong" from Walgreens and Target (Walgreens: bent edges over all 50 prints, gah! Target: ink stains over a white border). Can I ask how/where you customize your DVD case?
Katina - Ha, I love Matt's comments! Great topic :)
Cameron Clark | C+K Studios - What's scaring me is the press album products that are available to consumers. They are lower quality than what we offer and people don't realize that. At C+K (new 2009 policy) clients have to purchase an album to get their files, which are complimentary at the 2 year anniversary. If you want to purchase them early, it's $1,500. I also DO not include the touched up files. (minor adjustments have been made) Those slide show files are extra, I've worked hard on those images and believe that's why you pay the pro print prices to get them. Most clients could spend $150.00 and get some GREAT small photos for their home to hang on the wall. Great topic.
Abbie - I only slightly agree. I personally think your images are worth more than just 50-75 cents each... regardless of whether the couple prints them or not. (I got the figure from 600-800 images for $1000) I would think that it would be more beneficial to you and the client to give them a cd with their top however many and charge per image. The more they get, the better the deal. Ie: 25 images for $500 or 50 images for $750. I personally think you're more than their picture taker who just hands over the pictures at the end. You're work is fabulous and you should be charging accordingly! :)
Leah Godfredson - I have come to all the same conclusions! I cringe each time I hear the phrase "give the CD away." No one asks if we give the prints away! We sell them, plain and simple. Great post!
Luis Murillo - I'm in the plans of getting into this business as a side job and I really appreciate all of the information you've provided.
I'm wondering about the album now and how exactly that works, I understand that the albums are extra in some cases and other cases the album is included in the package.
Peter Davis - Melissa, I found your site a week ago and it has been so helpful! I appreciate your comments on this topic as I have tried both ways - giving the DVD and not giving the DVD. I certainly get more print sales when I don't give it. I have found recently that when I tell brides that I don't offer it, I hear back from far fewer than I did when I was offering it! I think my mentality is shifting towards what you are saying of offering it at a higher price point and steering them towards quality labs. Thanks for all of your tips!
matt sloan - when i shoot your wedding, you can't have them!!! ;o)
Maria - I think you have good reason for your choices! I have seen others photographers do the same.
Stephanie King - Great info, Melissa, and very timely. I was just pondering this same issue. What would you propose would be a proportionate price for a DVD of roughly 50 portrait images?Thanks for the info.
Emee Pumarega - Great points Melissa. As a coordinator, I see both sides of the issue, and you make an excellent case for a good compromise that makes clients (and coordinators!) happy.
Oleksandr Photography - Yeah, I have the same Q. Do you sell images to portrait clients? Same price or lower/higher?
Sarah Shalley - Melissa, I am so glad to hear your perspective on this. I partially agree. I include dvd's as part of my wedding packages since people are paying 1000's of dollars. However, I do not currently offer dvd's for portrait clients.
How do you feel about that? Do you offer your dvd's to all clients? This is something that I struggle with allll the time. THANKS!
Jenny Bishop - Thanks for sharing Melissa!! Do you offer your clients specific suggestions for places to print in order to discourage them from going to places like Walgreens or Walmart? Thanks! :)
Tira J - Thank you for doing this post. From what I have learned after my first official year in business, it is all about educating the client, and getting them to value the images as artwork whether they print them or purchase the CD. And to value our work as well. Thanks MJ!