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Most of our clients really get it...they understand that receiving the digital files from your wedding day is a HUGE value add, and offers a tremendous convenience. But for those of you that are still on the fence about the idea, this page will give you some insights & ideas that might help this concept connect a little better!
The Value of Digital Files
First things first -- you have understand the alternative to see the value. If you did NOT receive your digital files with our wedding day package, you would be forced to continually order prints of ANY kind from us (your photographer). I often refer to this as "holding your wedding images hostage". Here's a typical print order we might receive:
[2] 4x6 prints = $20.00
[1] 5x7 print = $20.00
[1] 8x10 print = $30.00
Shipping Charge = $7.50
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Grand Total = $77.50
OK -- so that's just ONE small order we might receive. Imagine for a moment if your ONLY option was to order from us. Can you count up in your mind how many images you might want to order from your wedding? Can you imagine what that would cost?
Let's just say conservatively (again, pretending you DIDN'T have digital files here), you wanted a 4x6 of 150 different images. Quick math says: $10.00 x 150 = $1500. It is NOT inconceivable that you could literally be adding an extra thousand or more onto your package.
So when we discuss the concept of digital files with you, we really do want you to understand that it represents a tremendous value. We typically deliver between 700-900 images from your wedding day...you do NOT want to be ordering 4x6 prints at $10.00 each just to have a copy.
Understanding Your Digital Files
Now that we've established what a tremendous value add the digital files truly are, the next step is to explain to you WHAT you should do with them. First concept to understand -- your files are delivered as "high-quality" digital files. What this means is that there are no watermarks, no cropping, no size reduction of any kind, and no limitations. These are the full quality files...the very same files we would use to order prints for you & your family.
The files will arrive in a format called JPEG (.jpg). All you need to know is that this is a universally accepted image format. You can parallel this to a Word document (.doc). It's just an extension the computer uses to recognize the files. With your JPEG's, you'll be able to upload these to ANY online printing resource, online album design companies, or use any local camera store in your neighborhood. In fact, if you have a point-n-shoot camera of your own, you are probably used to working with JPEG files. It's essentially the same thing. The only difference is that what we delivering is extraordinary quality in terms of the pixels, and each of the files have been edited...you can learn more about that on the Before & After page.
It is also important to understand that just like a Word document, these JPEG files are portable -- you can email them to friends & family, you can burn them to a CD, you can put them on a jump drive, and you can upload them to your Facebook page. They are portable...just like any other computer file!
Using Your Digital Files
I already mentioned that you are more than welcome to email your files out to friends & family, post them on Facebook...whatever you'd like to do. All that we ask: limit your usage of the digital files to PERSONAL use. So what does this exclude? This excludes giving your digital files to websites to use in their marketing, giving the digital files to magazines for publication, sending the digital files to wedding vendors for their marketing...basically, it excludes any COMMERCIAL use of the files.
Now -- we understand that ALL of these scenarios are potentially beneficial either to us or to the recipient of the files. BUT -- it is important that you check with us first! Usually, it's OK, but there are certain situations where we choose NOT to release the digital files to certain vendors. We've had situations where a vendor has placed images on their website, and upset another vendor because they felt like the work actually belonged to them. It can get messy. Bottom line: best policy is always to check with us first & avoid a bad scene!
Now -- the fun part of using your digital files. Printing!!! Let's start off with a link: http://www.mpix.com. MPIX is an outstanding resource for printing! They have everything from standard prints on professional quality photo paper, packaged in boutique style boxes to standout board, and even canvas gallery wraps. It's incredible!!! They offer retouching services...even some crazy stuff like playing cards & calendars. |
Circling all the way back to the VALUE of your digital files: we like to think of this concept as "self service" versus "full service". You're always welcome to order from us. We offer professional quality products from our lab, and sometimes...you just want that peace of mind that it's going to be done correctly. We crop & edit files for printing every single day...so it's going to be right when we order it! So occasionally, our clients will come to us for a little help with a print order. That's OK. We're always here to help.
But if you feel like you understand the idea of printing & ordering prints through through a website, the savings are tremendous. For example...the 4x6 we referenced earlier: it is $10 from Meg Baisden Photography. That is the full service price of having us pull the file you'd like, retouch the print for optimal color quality, and submit it to our lab. On the other hand -- if you are willing to go it alone, MPIX offers the same quality 4x6 for $0.29.
Are we price gauging? No. It's simply the cost of the time that it takes us to perform the service for you! So enjoy your digital files...go forth and print!!!
Extra Thoughts
1) Printed Proofs -- we're often asked if we include a set of printed proofs with our wedding day package. The answer is no. If you would like to have a 4x6 of EVERY print from your wedding, just hop onto MPIX, and order a 4x6 of all 800 images (for example). The cost would be $192 for 800 images.
The better choice...since you have the digital files, the point is moot...you don't NEED a 4x6 of every single image anymore. That is an old idea from back in the day when "proofs" were used as the method of actually seeing the images. Nowadays, you have your online web gallery, your digital files, and your proofbook. You can see the files BEFORE you print. Much easier!!! So we would encourage you to only print the images you really WANT to have printed & save your pennies for that giant standout board you've been eying! :-)
2) Sharing the Burden -- another benefit to receiving your digital files is that you are permitted to SHARE the files for personal use. We touched on the idea of emailing them to friends & family. Taking that idea a step further -- friends family can do their OWN printing through MPIX. All they need is the digital file from you! So if you don't feel like doing all of the printing for everyone in your family, find a way to share those digital files, and let everybody get in on the fun!
3) Print Release Letter -- if you need it, we have a print release letter that gives you permission to print! Just shoot us an email, and we'll send you a copy to use! |
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Let's talk timeline!
First -- to clarify...a timeline is NOT a shot list. We steer clear of shot lists...mostly because the stock versions you find on the internet are self-evident & we get the majority of those shots anyways. We also avoid shot lists because they are EXTREMELY limiting. If we are focused on capturing shots you've requested, it can really cut into the creative freedom required to be in the moment on your wedding day. You hired us to do what you see in our portfolio, and that's the way we work!
Now -- timelines. Different story! Part of having your wedding go off without a hitch is creating a photography timeline that guides us through the day. It helps us ensure that we don't miss anything big, and it lets you, your family, and your bridal party know what to expect. We start off with some pretty standard questions, and then we fill in the details from there. Here's what we usually discuss:
1) What is the ceremony location + address?
2) What is the reception location + address?
3) What is your cell phone number?
4) What is your fiance's cell phone number?
5) Do you have an address for where the girls will be getting ready?
6) Do you have an address for where the guys will be getting ready?
7) What time is the ceremony scheduled for? How long is it scheduled to last?
8) What is your preference on seeing your fiance before the ceremony?
9) Are you planning an exit that you would like Meg & I to photograph? If so, what time is that scheduled for?
This is the first round of questions. The main objective here is to establish the major milestones for the day:
a) start time
b) first sight or no?
c) ceremony time
d) end time
The most popular format is to work our way through the "individual shots" before the ceremony. This would include shots like the bride with each bridesmaids, a group shot of the bride with all of her bridesmaids, and the bride with her immediate family (both separately & as a group). Of course, since there are two photographers for your wedding day, we're able to complete this on both sides (with the bride & the groom). Meg works with the bride & bridesmaids, while Charles works with the groom & groomsmen.
In a few situations, our couples have asked us to coordinate a "first sight" -- this is an opportunity for the bride & groom to see each other BEFORE the ceremony. The advantage: this allows you to complete ALL of your formals prior to the ceremony.
The first sight is not for everyone, but it does offer some advantages in terms of using less time following the ceremony for formals, keeping your guests waiting for almost no time, and it allows you to enjoy more of your reception. We've also had circumstances where the ceremony ends after sunset, and this eliminates the opportunity for us to do the "pretty pretty" couples portraits outside using natural light!
Grand conclusion: we're happy to help with all aspects of planning your wedding day timeline. In many cases, you'll have a wedding coordinator assisting you with this, but it's always good to run everything by us to make sure you're allotting the correct amount of time for each component of the day! It's truly unfortunate, but we have had situations where daylight savings time was not correctly considered, and ceremonies have ended up in pitch black while the couple was hoping for sunset. Feel free to ask if we can answer any questions about your wedding day timeline! |
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We wanted to take a little time & tell you what to expect on your wedding day! For most folks, unless you are or were a professional model, the idea of having your picture taken makes you quiver a little. The idea of having TWO professional photographers following you for 8 hours makes you downright sick. I'm hear to convince you that it won't be that bad!
The Getting Ready Coverage
Each wedding day starts our with some loose, fun getting ready coverage! This is a great part of the day...these are those last few moments of singledom. Sometimes, the getting ready process is emotional. Other times it is light-hearted filled with pranks, beer, and card games. Whatever the case, we want to be there to tell the complete story of your wedding day experience, and starting with the getting ready coverage is a big part of that!
Since there are two photographers working with you on your wedding day, Meg works with the girls, while Charles works with the guys.
Meg's morning goes something like this:
a) photograph all the pretty, pretty -- the shoes, the jewelry, the flowers, the dress
b) photograph emotional toasts between mother & daughter, bride & bridesmaids, and friends of all kinds
c) photograph beautiful moments filled with hugs, laughter & tears
Charles' morning goes something like this:
a) have the groom lie to you when you get to the hotel room saying that you're in the wrong place...I continue looking around in the hallway for a few minutes until they decide the prank is over & come and rescue me from the hallway.
b) photograph intense moments of Deadliest Catch re-runs
c) photograph keg runs to local gas stations
d) photograph beer runs to local convenience stores
e) photograph groomsmen lighting cigarettes off of toaster ovens
f) photograph groomsmen warming their hands off of propane burners on the stove
g) photograph...actually, skip that one
h) photograph crazed morning at the ESPN zone
i) photograph heated poker games
j) photograph groomsmen eating Chick-fil-a & pizza
You get the idea.
Pre-Ceremony Formals
Once everybody is dressed & ready to go, we usually recommend trying to get through as many "formals" ahead of time as possible. This includes the bride with her bridesmaids, and the bride with her immediate family. Meg works with the girls, and Charles work with the guys. It's the same thing for the guys: groom with groomsmen, groom with immediate family. We always recommend this as it can save a little time AFTER the ceremony, and get everyone to the reception sooner.
Ceremony
Once the formals are done, its usually pretty close to ceremony time. If your ceremony is outdoors, with no photography restrictions (on a beach, in a park, etc.), Meg & I move around pretty freely to capture the best possible angle for your vows, your ring exchange, and the kiss. This is our favorite scenario. We like to be able to move around so we can do our best work for you.
If you're ceremony is in a church, there are often some pretty tight restrictions on the photography. If you feel that the restrictions are contrary to what you want for your wedding day, it's pretty easy to convince the pastor to lift the restrictions & allow us (your photographers) better access to the ceremony. On the other hand, maybe you prefer the traditions of your church (especially if you've been attending your whole life). In this case, it's probably best not to rock the boat. We've photographed many a ceremony from the balcony only. |
Post-Ceremony Formals
After the ceremony, we typically work with the families on both sides to collect a few group shots. We consistently hear two things from our clients, their friends, and their family.
1) Everything went faster than we expected.
2) We were so nice & easy to work with...unlike this mean photographer we once saw at a wedding!
Yikes...we're not sure where these mean photographers live, but we're glad that we've never met them. Point of this entertaining dialogue is: we work as quickly as we possibly can to minimize the amount of time spent on family formals, and we really try to keep things low-stress for you guys! Having your entire family jockeying for your attention is a little overwhelming. We move this along as quickly as possible.
Once the family stuff is squared away, the couples formals are next. This is OUR time! :) OK -- it's really YOUR time, but this is one of our favorite parts of the day! We get to create those sweet, romantic pictures that are going to be the ones that end up on your wall & in your album. So we ALWAYS encourage our couples to allot a good amount of time for this part of the day. Take that extra 20 minutes...you won't regret it! |
Reception
Once the couples formals are wrapped up, it's time to PARTAY! For this part of the day, we kinda play it by ear -- whatever's happening, we're going to be there to document it. The main thing is for you to be in the moment at your wedding, and know that we're going to get the shot. That's why were there! |
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What do you get when you add the two of you with the two of us? FUN! As cheesy as it sounds, and we know it sounds totally corny, the number one comment we receive after a session is "I had so much FUN today!" Well done then. Our engagement sessions combine all of your favorites - your favorite location, your favorite outfits, and your favorite person - what's not to love? We can pretty much guarantee an e-session with us will be among your favorite days of the engagement period. Factor that in along with buckets full of great couple pics and this shoot becomes a must-have for any to-be-wed.
Why do I need an engagement session?
Well, if the above isn't reason enough - consider the following... engagement sessions are scheduled prior to the big day - offering us all the opportunity to work together and do the get-to-know-you stuff out in a real, live shoot. For the nervous nellies out there, stepping in front of the camera can be a daunting task, so this is a nice way to baby step into the wedding day photography. And for the rest of you who just can't get enough of having your picture taken (you know who you are) sessions offer a legitimate way to get the fiance in front of a lens again. The great photos taken at your engagement session will undoubtedly wind up all over the place - on your save the date cards, your wedding website, your ceremony programs, a reception slideshow, your sign-in table, the local newspapers, and even at the rehearsal dinner in the form of a gift to your new mom & dad.
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Location
All of our engagement sessions happen "on location". This means we travel to you...or to somewhere in the middle! We've photographed engagement sessions in Pensacola, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and even far away places like Washington D.C. and Greece! Whenever we travel for work or otherwise, we try to fit your out-of-town session request into the schedule for an engagement shoot in YOUR hometown. So be sure to let us know where you need us to meet you...you never know when we might just drop by!
As far as places to shoot -- we've done everything from historic southern plantations to college football stadiums to the French Quarter in New Orleans . Popular choices everywhere include parks, gardens, beaches, and more urban downtown areas. Whatever the location is, we always encourage our clients to make it personal whenever possible ... if the location is special to you in someway, so much the better. Every so often we are able to include the site of the proposal in our shoot - making for a sentimental favorite everytime. |
Just Relax
That's really what the engagement session is all about -- finding a way to ease the initial awkwardness of being photographed. While so many of our clients photograph like models, we can only pinpoint one example where our bride had actually had professional modeling experience... so we expect things to start off just a little rocky. But not to worry, we'll get you there. Meg's background in theater and, more importantly, directing has given her a real advantage when it comes to molding you, our eager subjects, into a comfortable state of quiet intimacy. We'll work through the nerves and get to 'the good stuff' right off the bat and by the end, we promise to leave you looking forward to the next time.
It's also worth mentioning that there's more to it than just looking suave for the camera. There is a global sense of relaxation and confidence that stems from the engagement session as well; Families really feel at ease when they see a set of stunning images of the two of you BEFORE the wedding day. When moms & dads have confidence that things are in good hands, EVERYBODY tends to relax & trust the process.
And of course there is a direct benefit when it comes to couple shots on the wedding day -- once you've been through an engagement session with us, you'll have a really good sense of how we operate and we are better equipped to serve you. This simple understanding can be critical when the light is fading from the evening sky, and you guys are chomping at the bit to get to your reception. |
What to wear?
Well, of course we can't really answer that. You should realize by now that we want to encourage you guys to express yourselves in this process. We want you to wear what YOU think you should wear! For some clients, this might mean a dress & heels for the bride or a suit & tie for the groom... for others this means those favorite ripped up jeans and tshirt. Whatever you decide on, it'll work...because it's you.
Some general guidelines -- wear something comfortable. We do a good bit of moving -- sitting, standing, hugging, kissing, to name a few. You'll want to stay flexible - wear something you are comfortable showing from all angles. Sometimes, our couples need two different outfits to get the job done. That's OK too! Pick something you love - or even a few somethings - that you are comfortable and confident wearing, and the rest will fall into place! |
| Oh, and if the pictures in this post don't spell it out for you, we always welcome the dogs :) |
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The editing process (or the answer to "so... since you're all digital you can just throw the pics online tonight, right?")
Without fail, at the end of every shoot comes the same question: 'when can we expect to see the images?' We get it - you are excited - and WE are excited to share the work with you. But there are a few steps that get our images from the click of a button all the way to your eyes - we have illustrated this process for you below:
All of our images start in a RAW file format. What does this mean for you? In simple terms, there is a bit of neccessary processing every image has to undergo before it is in a format suitable for printing. This first image is our 'original' - which is our (almost) straight from camera file - the only processing done here was a straight conversion from a RAW (.cr2) file to a printable (.jpg) file.
As you might notice, this image is too blue, too soft, and too muted down for our liking. All of these issues will be fixed before we create our 'proofs' - you will never see this version. |
| In the proofing stage, we clean up the colors, balance the contrast and saturation, and usually add a little bit of sharpening. Every image you receive will exist in this color enhanced 'proof' stage. But wait, there's more! |
Our last step in preparing your images is to take the best of the best from our shoot (as determined by yours truly) and to really take those images to the next level. These special few (typically 30 images per session and 100 or so from weddings) make up the Artistic Highlights. This third phase is where we really get to party and is the most time-consuming (but totally worthwhile!) part of our editing process. Highlights exist in a world where colors are bolder, skies are bluer, and everything 'pops.' We also play with tone and mood to better suit each image and each event.
Highlights give us, the artist(s), a chance to share our own interpretation of each moment - so that you can actually see what we 'see' when we take the picture. And because we know that we can get a little funky from time to time with our highlights, we make sure to give you each image as a nice color-enhanced proof version as well. |
Oh, and in case you missed it, yes we did say that all of our clients receive *BOTH* the color enhanced proof and the artistic highlight version as part of their digital files. That's important to note, as most studios only deliver the proof version and will offer you the highlight version if you purchase the enhancement as part of a print or album order placed through the studio. Of course, we are happy to offer full service printing to our clients as well, but we figure some of you might like the option to handle the snazzy highlights on your own. It's all about the freedom to choose, right? Proof vs Highlight. DIY vs Full Service Studio.
A note on retouching
As a studio we tend to stay on the less-is-more side of the retouching scale. Bottom line: we want you to recognize yourself in the work and not wonder why a studio founded in photojournalism principles would send out headshots that look ready for the pageant circuit. (yeah, we went there.)
Our proofs only address the most major issues and don't cross over into wrinkle removal and so forth. In the artistic highlights we often do very minor blemish removal, but never wrinkle removal, weight subtractions, eye and teeth enhancements, etc. We do offer those services for a small fee, however, when requested by a client.
Here is an example of a performer headshot that we lightly enhanced to soften the skin and hair and evenout the skintone a bit. We also cleaned up the eyes and brows (again, tiny adjustments here) and added a vignette to knock out the background a bit. |
In our final example, we wanted to illustrate a typical enhancement for studio printing. We love the little expression here and felt that the crumbs on this cookie monster's face added to the image, which is why we left them in the image for proofing. However, we also recognize that when it comes to creating an enlargement to display in the home, mom & dad might want something a little more ... 'clean' :)
This series will take us from a portrait session proof, to retouched enhancement, to the finished black & white print. |
| Here we have removed all evidence of a cookie jar raid and brought her beautiful baby blues up a good bit to really catch the viewers attention straight away. Had it been a sunnier day (and not horribly overcast) these stronger catchlights would have been more dominant in the proofing stage, as it was we were able to intensify what little was there in post production. As you can see, we also softened and brightened the skin and did a light softening of the wispy hairs framing the face. In our opinion, the little hairs partially covering the face added to the image, but could easily be removed as well. |
| While quite partial to color in kids portraiture, we felt a simple black and white treatment would take out the distraction of bright color and bold pattern and allow the viewer to get straight to the expression. Ta-Da! |
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