When searching for a photgrapher know what type of output you want your images in and why. Do you want a cd of selected images to use for email and web posting purposes? Do you want to be able to scrapbook or include the images into projects? How about prints for the wall or family? Do you want them to look just as beautiful as they did when you chose them from the photographer on screen or proof prints? All of this is important.

Digital output can be quite pricy. These are the photgraphers negatives. Their intellectual property. They not only took the time to take your portaits but they also have invested time and money in learning the art of photography. That combined with their raw talent and the time and cost of creating your final images really what your images cost.

Prices with professional photgraphers range just like that of other artist. The more reputable and popular the photographer usually the more they can charge. Are they worth it? Of course. That doesn’t mean local professionals that are just getting into business or making a name for themselves aren’t worth what they charge. Usually they are worth much more.

Many photographers will not release digital negatives and prohibit scanning of their images because they want to retain the integrity and value of their work. Some photographers are flexible about this because of local market demands. The problem with giving someone a cd of the images really has a book of issues. Most clients do not understand digital imagery and print needs. As a professional we calibrate our monitors to our professional printer so what we see is what we get. I personally don’t print many images at home or at local printers but because of the variety in home printers and 1 hour print counters you really never know what you will get. We are lucky that locally we have Idaho camera that offers digital prints that are great quality. Usually I get my prints from a lab strictly for professionals and only digital. They quality is beyond a comparison to a local department store lab.

So my idea of the best arrangement is this. Order your prints through your photographer and get a cd of digital images sized for web use only. Usually they will be about 500 px wide and have a watermark for copyright purposes, but hey you can email or post them online and give your photographer credit too!