Post Wedding - Handing Over the Wedding Proofs

Make Sure They Are Top Notch

Wedding Proofs - This is the scary bit. Even though you have done the best you can, the images look great and you are over the moon with them, there is always that niggling feeling that they may not like them.

Maybe it is a personal thing with me and my confidence but I guess I would rather be that way than over confident.

As soon as the proofs are ready, either get them online (and password protect them if that is what you agreed) or present them in a nice folder, box or album. Call the couple and arrange to meet, unless you need to post them.

Don't sit on them for weeks whilst you work on other things, the minute they are ready, even if earlier than agreed, try to get them to the couple straight away.

This attitude keeps your workflow moving nicely and efficiently meaning you are more organised.

Then you meet the couple.

Wedding Proofs - How will you show the proofs?

There are many ways to show your proofs depending on how and where you work.

Many of my clients for example are overseas which makes it difficult to hand over in person. I usually get them online within a password protected "album" and post the link via email.

Note: Remember to watermark your images and keep them low resolution to prevent theft...it happens believe me.

I also sometimes print off a large, contact sheet book of all images and have it made into a ring bound booklet with reference numbers, a nice photo on the front page and a plastic cover for protection. Most print shops do this for under €5. Cheap and cheerful but can look good.

If you want to be the ultimate pro, you can present the printed 6" x 4" wedding proofs in a professional, leather/leather look album which they can keep (either pre-paid before the wedding or as an after sale).

Lastly, a great way of getting some serious after sales and to present your beautiful images in person to the entire family, is to invest in a decent, high quality projector.

Why not make a day of it and get the couple to invite their immediate family and bridal party round to theirs for lunch or if you are lucky enough to have a studio/viewing room, do it there?

Explain that the images can be ordered at this point and make sure everyone has a pen and paper.

Pre-organise your wedding proofs into a seamless slideshow with reference numbers and enough space in between each shot for them to write the numbers down. Have the remote handy if anyone wants to pause or rewind but I suggest that you show the entire collection once without stopping, and then show it again with the pause/rewind available.

A great way to create and organise your proofs is with Mike D's Photoshop Proofmaker...will save hours of your time with features that Photoshop Actions cannot do.

Wedding Proofs - Minor Complaints

Note: The chances are that you will come across a situation where the wedding couple (or anyone else in the viewing party) have minor complaints such as:

• There is no photo of my mother with great Auntie Flo (Did they ask for one?)
• My hair is out of place in that windy beach shot (Could you have sorted this at the time or can you fix it in Photoshop now?)
• My eyes look funny in that one (Can they be fixed in PS)
• Etc

Whatever minor quibbles they have, see if you can do anything post processing for them, even if it takes a little time. Anything more and you should kindly explain that you will have to charge for this as it takes quite a while.

I have straightened/brushed hair and even removed guests from group shots in the past. It takes practice to get it right but it all helps with your reputation in the long run.

Also, learn from your mistakes, we all make them. Even though you prepare all you can, on the day things can go quite differently.

The actual wedding day will sometimes run far from smooth and try as you may, shots will be missed on occasion. Try to explain this to the couple before you leave the wedding so there are no surprises when it comes to handing over the proofs.

Hopefully at the end of your presentation you should receive praise and thanks along with a healthy order. If you sent by post it is great when you get that phone call or email from an ecstatic bride. I have even had them call me in tears (of joy I might add) which is a fantastic feeling and makes it all the more enjoyable.

So, you have shown the wedding proofs, everyone is happy and now you need to make the final albums or slideshows up!

Next Page - Wedding Photo Albums, Photobooks and Slideshows

Wedding Proofs