Subtle earth tones, soft pastels, ivory, white, black. These are colors one expects to find in most wedding albums, and ones we use often to compliment the photographer’s images which must remain the focal point. Color and graphics can be distracting if poorly used or positioned in ways that overpower the images. We carefully coordinate these elements in each design to create presentations that are unique, striving to not replicate what we’ve done in previous designs. Sometimes the image collection we receive calls for something a little more daring, a challenge to experiment with these elements in unusual ways.
Photographer Sainath Kamath came to DoodleDo during our March sample album design sale and acquired a number of great new showpieces for his studio. We featured his family album design in a recent post, unique for its interplay of images, color blocks, and negative space to evoke a sense of playfulness. In this featured design, the bold, colorful wedding details inspired the use of equally bold, primary colors. This striking use of color still keeps the images the center of attraction, accomplished by using just a few colors with no interfering graphics. The key is simplicity.
In a previous post about the very important Design Order & Preferences Form, including a selection of Must Have images was mentioned as one of three very beneficial elements to a successful album experience. The Design Form, reference to favorite design themes, and the Must Have image collection will streamline your sales process. Perhaps more importantly, it will help you meet your clients expectations and could save you time, money, and headaches. Not only that, but your turnaround times can be shorter, a great benefit for those who collect album payments upon delivery.
So what do we mean by a Must Have image collection? It is simply a collection of images chosen by you or your client that must appear in the album. Let’s take a look at three possibilities.
If your client will choose the images, we recommend limiting their selection, especially if your albums are meant to be representative of your artistry. All too often, clients select images with little attention to the artistic or storytelling aspect of the whole body of work. Of course, there are exceptions (like our featured design below), and since it is their album you want them to be happy with the end product. But limiting their selection to a number of favorites, including the important group shots, will give you more freedom to include the images that emphasize your style and artistic interpretation of the event.
If you, the photographer, chooses all the images, the design will certainly showcase your preferences, but depending on the amount of control you give to the client, this can become very challenging in the revision stage. Unless you’ve effectively managed the process, this method produces the most difficulties. Choosing images alone, then presenting the client with their design and (this is important) allowing them total control over revisions, has great potential for significant changes. This usually results in delays, multiple revisions, and maybe even additional fees depending on the impact to the initial layout. It may also, as stated above, affect invoicing and collection of balances as you wait for that final approval or album delivery.
Ideally, you will choose the images in consultation with your client, and together arrive at a collection that you both admire. We believe this is the best method. It’s easy enough to include such a consultation in your workflow, which can even be conducted online or in a phone conversation. However, this also requires a well-managed customer experience from the very first pre-contract consultation to presentation of the final design. Not that this is difficult. It is part of a nicely planned sales strategy sensitive to the needs and desires of your customer, as well as your own need to preserve artistic credibility and marketing benefits. We’ll examine this very important aspect in a future post. For now, consider working closely with your customer in choosing images that best tell the story and represent your stylistic viewpoint, yet includes the shots that are important to them.
What about those of you using a pre-design method? We’ll cover this in a separate post also, and highlight strategies for an efficient pre-design workflow.
Our featured design includes images all chosen by the photographer’s client. California photographer, Christina Hernandez, had great confidence in her client, and the image selections are fantastic. We created a design that flows well, retains it’s journalistic qualities, and includes all the images the customer desired in a one-of-a-kind presentation.
Congratulations, Keith Czechanski, the winner of our $20 B&H Gift Card!! Keith’s name was drawn from those who correctly guessed the contents of our special What’s in the Box featuring a beautiful, one-of-a-kind La-Vie album. La-vie is unique among wedding albums, and you can discover what sets them apart in this full review. Enjoy!!
La-vie albums are innovative and finely crafted works of art. Everything about them is excellent! Overall: Album Quality: Print Quality: Customer Service: Packaging:
Are you using beautiful albums to sell your work, set you apart, and network with others? If not, what are you waiting for?
It’s very easy to showcase designs right on your website! DoodleDo provides you with a link to your custom design that can easily be shared with your clients and potential clients, as well as vendors. Using professional designers will give you the prestige of having a “design team”. We often hear that this is reassuring to Brides and Grooms – it reinforces your credibility and professionalism. It sets you apart.
If you don’t already have a fabulous sample to show your clients, have one custom designed in a way that displays your photography and style. This is a frequent request here at DoodleDo. Most professional album companies offer studio sample discounts which you can take advantage of. Be sure to order small clones if the album company offers them. Not sure of which album company to use? Our ‘What’s in the Box’ reviews will help you decide on one (or several) that may appeal to you and your clientele. Once you have your sample, don’t just wait to show if off, take it with you! When you meet with potential clients, be sure to have them page through it and look closely at the quality and style. Take it to vendors and provide them with a clone copy if they want to network with you. Yes, these albums are an investment, but networking and referrals are the number one way to build your business. Set yourself apart by using your album samples!
The wedding albums you offer your clients are very special. They are the most important, lasting tribute to their celebration … the beginning of a new family. It is their first family heirloom and should reflect the beauty of that momentous occasion. Set yourself apart – create value. A beautiful album sells itself!
Stefanie asked a great question that I think deserves a post …
The White Gloves!
Using white gloves is an easy way to show your clients that their purchase is special. It’s like the paper mats that the service department puts in your car so that the carpet in your car is protected. There is no need to handle your own samples with white gloves, but if you do, the client need not wear them. You don’t want to give the impression that the albums are ‘delicate’. You do want to make sure that the client realizes that what you are sharing with them is an art book. It’s not to be man-handled or abused. It’s not going to hold up to liquids being spilled on it, crayons scribbling on it, or a pet scratching it. It’s a hand crafted professional art book, their first family heirloom. Treat it that way, and it will last several lifetimes. The white gloves speak more to service, the perception of your professionalism, and the respect that you have for the product and for them as a client. It’s an inexpensive way to set your service apart and make a great impression with your albums.
Album Quality: