You are in the heat of planning your wedding, bar-mitzvah, corporate event, etc, and you cannot decide what you need. Should I get an album(s), prints, do I need a framed 8X10, or perhaps a custom coffee mug? Hopefully this post will help.
Many photographers offer a baseline package of just the images. Meaning, your photos get uploaded onto a site where they can then be purchased and downloaded. However, you will often have to buy these individual images separately, and they will most likely be unedited. While you may be on a budget, I highly advise against going with this option.
Regardless of the event, I think it is important that you receive all the images and that they are at least minimally edited (contrast, exposure, shadows, etc.). This will ensure that you are able to pick and choose from the photos you want, and they can be shared with ease. You can usually request, if you there are a few special photos in the bunch, to have some pictures edited further to truly enhance the nature of the image. Sometimes, this will be the baseline package; however, it is important to double check what you are actually getting for your money. Even if it's slightly more costly to have this option, I believe it is definitely worth it.
Now, what about prints and albums? If you are having a wedding, I would recommend at least one album and one or two of your favorite prints. And I would also reccomend, if it is not included, that you pay to have your top five favorite images edited properly to truly get the most out of that image. Even in today's digital world, where most pictures are just thrown up online and within a week, disappear into the Facebook abyss, wedding photos stand the test of time. Hence, I think it's one of those special moments that you should want to have framed in your home or have an album to showcase to family and friends. The same goes for any other special event like an engagement or bar/bat-mitzvah. As for how many prints/albums/other miscellaneous items you may need, that is completely dependent on you. I realize not everyone has the money to spend on everything they want, which I completely understand. However, photography is an area you don't want to skimp, especially for something of great importance. As these pictures will live on, your elaborate centerpieces won't. I am obviously biased in the matter, but experience has taught me the true importance of photography. I've seen many people regret not paying a little more to get the all-encompassing package.
Lastly, should I hire a second shooter or not? For those that don't know, a second shooter is basically another photographer shooting alongside the main photographer. Their purpose is to assist the main photographer as well as capture those beautiful candid moments and various angles that you're main photographer can't get. He or she is also backup. If for some reason the main photographer missed a shot, the second shooter is there to save the day! For weddings, I highly recommend getting one if you have the option. They will be able to capture much more of your special day, and it will allow more time for the main photographer to truly focus on you. This way, he or she isn't bustling around trying to make sure to capture everything. Now, for something like a bar/bat-mitzvah or engagement shoot, it's not as necessary. If you have the funds, by all means go for it. As for something like a corporate event, it depends on the size. For a large event that needs a lot of coverage, then definitely bring one on. However, if it's a relatively intimate affair, then a second shooter isn't necessary.
I hope this helped clear up any confusion and will allow you to make your decision with confidence! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me a message!
And happy holidays!
- Josh