Photographs are meant to be looked at, admired, and shared – no matter the medium in which they appear. That being said, there is no denying that although looking at your images on a computer screen can feel inspiring, seeing a photograph in print imbues an image with a unique kind of tangible feel. Think about the last time you came across your parents or grandparents’ family photo album – if you are anything like us then you probably spent a good chunk of time looking through it, admiring the longevity of the beautiful photographs encased within, and laughing at some of the ridiculously outdated fashions (or maybe that’s just us?!) No matter the reaction, the way a photo album feels in your hands, the texture of the pages, the vividness or fading of the images, tends to bring the photographs to life. An album can evoke forgotten memories and incite a sense of nostalgia for moments passed, not to mention it can be a beautiful showpiece to display and enjoy.
As wedding photographers, it is our job to capture and preserve memories, and while we love digital media, we also know that having your memories curated in a photo album can be invaluable. The beauty of albums is that they are accessible, easily shared, and lovingly passed on from one generation to the next, which may not be the case for digital files. Furthermore albums, especially wedding albums, are a beautiful physical reminder of the intimate moments shared between the bride and groom and family and friends, all the while providing a timeless snapshot of captured celebrations.
In addition to the beauty and longevity of having an album, however, there is also a very practical element. As I sit here writing this post I (shamefully), think to our own wedding photos, tucked away in a folder, on a hard-drive, on one of our computers somewhere, rarely looked at and rarely enjoyed. Sure we posted some of the highlights on Facebook and one photo sits framed in our living room, but after the excitement of our wedding day and the inevitable commencement of everyday activities, we somehow pushed the work of making our own album to the bottom of the priority list. Sadly, this is not an uncommon narrative, most of our friends who enjoy their photographs on a more regular basis, do so because they were organized enough to make an album or had their photos carefully and beautifully bound by their photographers. As a result families sit together album in tow, share stories of their special day, and collectively laugh together at the memories – but best of all they can pass on those memories in a very visual way.
Here are some things to think about when considering a wedding album:
There is difference between an “album” and “coffee table book”. Coffee table books tend to be smaller, lighter, and easier to transport but they also need more care because the pages are usually not as thick. While they are also cheaper in price they may not last as long as a lay-flat albums with thicker more durable pages. Either way both are amazing options to have your memories preserved.
Aside from the importance of having your own album made, think about who else would enjoy looking and reminiscing about your special day. Parent albums are a great gift idea for mom and dad and are sure to win you some serious cheek pinching and tears or joy from grandpa and grandma.
When working with your photographer, make sure you always specify what you would like the focus of your album to be. Is it family photos, detail shots, photos of you and your hubby, or do you prefer to hand over the reigns and give your album-maker full creative control? Some couples like to be more involved in their album creation than others, but it also important to remember that your photographer is a professional and they’ve been trained to curate your images in a beautiful and timeless fashion.
