Aspect Ratios - DPChallenge Forums

07/14/2005 11:29:49 PM · #1

For those of you who take photos for others...I will be taking some photos this weekend at a wedding, and giving the couple a CD of the files. Do you generally give two sets of files (one for 5x7's and one for 8x10's) or do you go with one over the other? It seems kind of like overkill to have both sets, but that is what I've done with my own shots in the past. I would appreciate your input on this.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/14/2005 11:46:28 PM · #2

I'm not a wedding photographer but from what I've read most photographers don't give the files to the couple. They retain the files and have the couple order from them...

07/15/2005 12:15:32 AM · #3

Originally posted by ButterflySis:

I'm not a wedding photographer but from what I've read most photographers don't give the files to the couple. They retain the files and have the couple order from them...

I know, but I am not doing that for this couple. I am merely giving them a cd of the files. They will have full use of them to do whatever they please.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/15/2005 12:17:19 AM · #4

Not that I've done this but maybe put a few that have been specifically cropped to 8 x 10 and the others leave at the ratio the camera took them so the couple can decide what sizes to get.

Prof_Fate

07/15/2005 12:26:15 AM · #5

From what I understand most people do is to give proofs on 4x6 on CD - low res minimally processed images. The b&g then choose what they want and what size, and the photographer then goes and crops etc.

I shot a wedding for portfolio purposes and what i am doing..and it is taking me an hour per 20 pics on averge plus the inital 3 hours to run thru and weed out bad shots and do the RAW conversions (287 shot, 152 keepers turning into about 180 4x6's.) I run NI on some, soe are b&w, etc. I have made those i think are worthy into printable 5x7 and 8x10s - so the couple can get prints easily. If they want to do more then I'm going to suggest that unless they are computer literate they call me and for a fee i can provide proper files - I don't want them blowing up a 4x6 with issues into an 8x10 that will look hideous.

I was gonna give them the files as emailable pics as well, but not unless i can automate the process!

I am rethinking this for the next time...much of the work could have been avoided with better captures (exposure, framing) but if i want to make top quality images I have no choice but to edit each and every one...

My business plan is for printed 4x6 proofs (no CD). Not sure about how to do b&w or hand colored images....i want a few in there to demonstrate my artistic eye, ability, etc. The hand colored ones i have shown to folks so far get a HUGE positive reaction.

07/15/2005 01:29:55 AM · #6

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

I shot a wedding for portfolio purposes and what i am doing..and it is taking me an hour per 20 pics on averge plus the inital 3 hours to run thru and weed out bad shots and do the RAW conversions (287 shot, 152 keepers turning into about 180 4x6's.) I run NI on some, soe are b&w, etc. I have made those i think are worthy into printable 5x7 and 8x10s - so the couple can get prints easily. If they want to do more then I'm going to suggest that unless they are computer literate they call me and for a fee i can provide proper files - I don't want them blowing up a 4x6 with issues into an 8x10 that will look hideous.

That's why I'm trying to think this thing out in advance some. I want to work smart, especially on the editing. I don't want to have to redo everything. They are paying me a very, very minimal fee for shooting the wedding. It is a very small wedding with best man and maid of honor as the only attendants. I gave them a disk with a lot of my wedding shots from other weddings that I've just attended and was NOT the offical photog. I explained in detail what my capabilities are and AREN'T and also how I hoped to work. They put this wedding together very quickly (less than a month) and have a very small budget. I am a friend of the bride's mom. I've met twice with the bride and groom to go over the types of shots they want, and don't want.

At first, I wasn't going to charge them anything, but I really don't know the daughter at all, and I decided that it was time to consider getting paid at least a little bit for my time. I think things will be fine (if the weather cooperates!) but I wondered about setting up these files for them to get their prints.

I've read many of the "going to do a wedding" threads here at DPC, so I'm pretty familiar with things to consider (I have two backup cameras, extra everything, I'm even taking my laptop to dump memory on if I need to, even though I can probably take easily 800 or more shots with my current stash of memory sticks.) I'm even taking some slippers for the bride! :) My little 717 is not a pro's camera, but I know it very well, and feel very comfortable using it. I also have the HVL 1000 flash and bracket with it. My adult daughter is going with me as an "assistant" for holding things, fetching people, and holding the ever-usefull white foamboard "reflector" for the outside portraits.

I will be attending the rehersal tonight (Friday), just to be more comfortable with locations, timings, and exposures for that area.

So that's the scoop. Any other input is very much appreciated!