Thursday, July 9, 2009

Photographs or Discs, what's what in the long run!

There is no question that we are facing difficult economic times. For many, planning a Wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah is being met with significant financial challenges. With these constraints, many look to economize where they can. Unfortunately some of these cost cutting measures will prove to be poor choices in years to come.

I feel one of these choices is having a photographer provide images on a disc instead of having photographs in an album. The idea of having the ability send those images through the super highways of the internet seems enticing, but the reality is less than glamorous.

The problem comes 5 years, 10 years or any significant amount of time after your event, when you want to look back on those memories. CD’s and DVD’s are not indestructible, real photographs aren’t either, but they can be viewed without the need of technology. If stored properly, real photographs produced on Kodak’s Professional Endura paper should remain, as they are today, un-faded for 100+ years. There is no electronic technology that can make that claim today. Photographs and albums do not rely on technology to be viewed. If a CD or DVD is damaged, it cannot be viewed, everything on that disc is irretrievable. CDs and DVDs either work, or they don’t. There is no warning of there demise.

My point is not to create panic, but to make you aware of the “what if” scenario. Also, this does not apply to only professional photographs, it also applies to the day-to-day pictures you take at home. A disc or computer hardrive is not good enough. Real photographic prints will make your keepsakes live for many generations.

You should consider the additional cost of real photographic prints, (not inkjet prints), an investment for the future and not a cost cutting measure.

Why Professional Photography is Important

Have you ever had the opportunity to look through some of those portraits or albums from years gone by? It can be a very mystical experience to be able to look back and see a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle in their youth or a time they looked their best. For me, I am able to show my children photographs of my father who they are named after. The portraits I have are an intrinsic way to put a face to the stories and memories I share with them about my dad.

The professional photographer has a vital obligation in documenting your special day. The first is to make Portraits of individuals and groups that are well posed and also record the festivities of the day for your enjoyment as well as future generations. This is done with working knowledge of the equipment, owning backup equipment, technical skill in lighting and posing, knowledge of retouching, as well as the resources to produce photographs and albums that are made with professional materials. The corner drugstore, wholesale club, or local camera shop are not equipped for this.

Remember, the expectation is to give you that history in a tangible way for you to enjoy and pass down through the generations. Professional prints and albums are the most robust way to keep and preserve your memories. A finished album with the highlights of the day is not only a great way to reminisce, but also leaves a beautiful treasure for future generations to enjoy.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

New Website is up!!!!

Here it is! Months of culling images etc, etc. A work in progress, but progress none the less.

Scott

Friday, February 13, 2009