I recently realized that I have never written about one of my favorite part of the JGP Wedding Experience that most of my couples take part in…albums!  Anyone who has worked with me as a photographer knows that I am a huge believer in digital files, and in giving the rights to those as a part of the photography experience.  Files are what I have ALWAYS wanted as a customer, and as a wife/mom.  I am very willing to admit that initially, it was because I wanted to be able to print wherever I wanted, and have the ability to have the full story of my sessions, not just the bits I could afford then.  I am so thankful that I have become much smarter and more selective in the last 5 years about where I am printing- more on that some other time! That being said, I do think the ability to grab a $.20 5X7 at Walmart when needed in a wink is very nice. But much more so, I LOVE having the ability to change my mind about what I want in frames in a few years, or 20 years down the road.  I love giving my clients this, and the ability decide to print a canvas at a price they can afford more easily – even if it isn’t the highest quality I would prefer- it just feels fair and kind to me.  I totally respect the other model–this is just mine!

That being said, I think high quality prints and artwork for people’s walls are SO important and much the point of getting your pictures taken in the first place! I totally cringe at the idea of a session being done and the images just sitting on a computer, never being used- that is so far from my heart in the matter!  So one of the things I love offering most to all clients, but especially my couples, is albums.  For weddings, I partner with KISS albums, and they make the most lovely albums I have ever seen!  I design them myself (a part of the process I adore and am strong at), but go through a full process of my couples getting to make each and every change they want, and I absolutely love the product they get!

Albums truly are a first heirloom piece for the future generations of those couples…it is kind of beautiful, really.  A legacy to pass down, for their grandchildren to find one day, and know the love that came before them. And I know KISS albums will stand the test of time, which is what I tell my couples.  With their digital files, they have the ability to print any type of album anywhere they want. But they will not find the quality or longevity elsewhere- and I know they will be so grateful for that portion of their investment!   In addition, if my couples are going to make the album themselves, there are so many variables!  How do they choose which images from 800-1100 to start with? What size should they be? What options should they choose, and what do those words even mean?? How should they match and pair them on pages?  When you order through your photographer, a professional makes those decisions!  Also- most wedding album companies that produce the albums that will stand the test of time can only be accessed by photographers.  Target, shutterfly, and winkflash cannot create these heirloom pieces!

Wedding photography in general is a huge investment…so it only makes sense  that you would want a GORGEOUS way to showcase those images if you can make it work!  Here are a few images from a couple of my favorite albums, and some reasons I love KISS albums.

First off…the covers are thick, gorgeous, real leather and very customizable.  Different fonts, my couples decide what they want it to say, and so many color options.  I absolutely love the variety- but both these examples happen to be a similar light grey!

You can see the thickness of the cover here…and of the individual pages.  They are so thick and sturdy, and printed directly on with perfect color rendering (nothing looks off or funny!).

My next favorite feature: Flat laying pages…so you can print right over the binding.  They are beautiful and no real crease appears.

And along with that flat binding, is the option for full bleed pages- in other words, your images can go all the way to the edge. I always LOVE using this for a stunning picture of the couple- it makes such an impact versus the pages with lots of white borders.

I just love these heirlooms and count ours among one of my favorite possessions…I hope this can help couples decide whether an album is something they want from their photographers!

Do you have a wedding album from your wedding?  I know at a certain point, that is probably all some people have.  It took us 3 years to get ours afterwards- but I am so glad we did!