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About your prints Differing philosphies about ownership of photographers' work Return to articles index | Family photographs | Delivery options | New media | Flushmount albums | Live slideshow | Multimedia montage | Photography checklist There are sharp differences of opinion among professional photographers about who has control over their creative work. The traditional view is that the photographer owns the negatives (or original digital images.) Those who take this position believe their reputations depend on managing the quality of all aspects of their work, including prints and albums. Of course, prints and albums are also an important product for many photographers, and constitute a significant portion of their income. The competing view is that the photographer’s talent goes primarily into the image as captured by the camera. The clients get the negatives or digital files, and can have their own prints made at photo-lab prices. Both approaches are legitimate; neither one is the only “correct” way. But when interviewing photographers, be sure you understand their philosophy, and that it suits your preferences. Some couples, especially those with design skills and/or sophisticated computer software, prefer to create their own albums. For them, it can make sense to choose a package that includes digital originals. For the best quality photo prints, take your negatives or digital files to a lab that handles professionals’ work. It will cost more than the drugstore or discount mail-order processors, but you can expect more consistent print quality. Also, you shouldn’t see the glitches that can show up in low-cost photo prints, such as scratched negatives or dust marks. On the other hand, unless your photographer is in charge of the printing, you are unlikely to get such services as color correction, compensation for over- or under-exposures, and retouching. Return to articles index |
Published by Cape Fear Images, Inc. | 5621 Athens Lane | Wilmington, N.C. 28405