Katie Barnes, owner of New Hampshire-based Dreamlove Wedding Photography and Wildflower Wedding Photography, says that while more of her clients prefer DVDs to traditional albums, albums still have their place. “We also let people know if they have images on a thumb drive versus in an album on a table, that album is going to get more picked up and looked through more,” says Barnes. But, with the popularity of newer digital products like tablets, there are other options. No matter what your preference, Barnes advises couples to make sure that their photographer is using up-to-date technology. “We’ve gone from DVDs to thumb drives, for example,” she says, since more and more laptops are being made without a disk drive. “Make sure your photographer is keeping up with technology.”
“You want your album to be timeless and classic, full of expression and joy. Good photography never goes out of style.” When it comes to creating an album that’s fresh and modern but stands the test of time, Griffin says that it’s okay to consider new trends, but don’t let them compromise your personal style. “I think the key thing is to use trendy retouching, posing, framing, etc. sprinkled throughout a well-documented approach with classical shots that never go out of style,” she advises. “If a bride mentions ‘Style Me Pretty’ to me, I know she’s going to want a few overexposed
52 Winter 2014
BRIDE&GROOM
www.bridegroommag.com
photographs with sun flare—I just wouldn’t want the entire album to look that way, because it may not be trendy in a few years. You want your album to be timeless and classic, full of expression and joy. Good photography never goes out of style.” Griffin often asks brides to create a few Pinterest boards for her; one with inspirational photos they love, and a second with images that make them cringe. “It’ll help me get a sense of their style, and I think it helps them feel confident in their choice.” Griffin also advises couples to page through their parents’ albums to pick out classic styles they adore. One trend Erica Leighton says can be very beneficial in terms of timing is the “reveal” or “first look” images. “[It’s] when the couple sees each other before the ceremony,” she explains. “I call it the ‘calm before the storm,’ when the couple can take a moment before the day starts going fast. It’s great for photography as well to get things captured before the ceremony so guests don’t have to wait as long after the ceremony.” Another popular trend, says Leighton, are photo booths. Not only are they fun for guests, but the bride and groom can create a guest book out of the imagery from the booth by mounting the images directly into a book and having guests write fun notes and well wishes. Guests keep a matching photo strip with the wedding date imprinted, making for a great keepsake or favor. Some photographers offer this amenity as an added option; other photo booths are independently owned and operated. Photo booths can be traditional boardwalk-style booths, but some photographers set up a draped “booth” with all kinds of whimsical props such as headbands, hats, masks, whimsical sunglasses, and feathered boas. In this social media age of live Tweeting and posting images to Instagram, Facebook, and more, it’s no wonder that trends like same-day slideshows are so well received at weddings. This sneak peek of images, from getting ready through “I do” can be broadcast on TV screens as guests arrive for cocktails and begin settling in for din-