As a photographer, one of the most beautiful parts of capturing a wedding is seeing your work in print, preserved for your client to keep for a lifetime. However, selecting wedding photos to include can sometimes be a daunting task. Trying to decide whether you should let your clients choose their favourite images, or whether you take control and design the album yourself? Both approaches have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on what works best for you and your clients when creating the perfect wedding album.
Option one: Letting clients choose photos from their wedding day
Allowing clients to choose the photos for their album can be a lengthy process. With busy schedules and the emotional weight of selecting the perfect photos, clients might take a while to finalise their choices for their wedding photo book. Moreover, they may not always pick the images that tell the story of their day as effectively as you would, highlighting those important moments. They may focus on individual portraits or include a mix of random images without considering the overall narrative.
Option two: Taking control as the photographer for the image selection and moments to include
On the other hand, as the photographer, you have the expertise to choose images and tell a story. Your clients put their trust in you to capture their special day as their wedding photographer, and they should also trust your expertise in selecting the many images for their wedding album. By taking control of the image selection process, you can ensure that the album flows seamlessly and includes all the essential moments. This approach not only saves time but also leverages your creativity to create a truly compelling album.
Our wedding album design formula to tell a story
Based on our extensive experience in designing wedding album layouts, we have developed an album design formula that has proven successful for many photographers and their clients, which outlines the number of images and what type to include. This formula is designed to tell the story of a wedding day seamlessly and is based on 100 images for a 25-spread album, we work to an average of four images per spread (images per double page).
Here’s a breakdown of the guide to help you select the right images:
Venue Shots (4 images): Start with a few captivating shots of the wedding venue to set the scene.
Bridal Prep (8 images): Capture the intimate moments of the bride getting ready such as hair and makeup, focusing on the little details such as wedding bouquets wedding day fragrances and the wedding dress for a beautiful wedding photo.
Groom Prep (8 images): Highlight the groom’s preparation with similarly detailed shots, which could include suit details, engagement rings and wedding bands.
First Look (4 images): Include the emotional moments of the first look, whether it’s between the couple, parents, or the bridal party.
Ceremony (8 images): Document key moments of the wedding ceremony, such as walking down the aisle, vows, ring exchange, and the first kiss.
Couple Portraits (10 images): Showcase beautiful portraits of the bride and groom, emphasising their connection and joy. Perfect for capturing those intimate newlywed moments.
Group Shots (10 images): Include important group photos with family and friends.
Guest Shots (12 images): Capture candid photos of guests enjoying the celebration.
Details (12 images): Highlight the intricate details of the wedding reception, such as decorations, wedding invitations, and other unique elements of the event.
Speeches (8 images): This is an emotive part of the day with memorable moments to include from the speeches and toasts.
Dance Floor (16 images): End with energetic and lively shots of the dance floor, capturing the fun and excitement of the celebration.
Implementing the picture-perfect wedding design formula
You can use this formula as a guideline when designing your clients’ albums or provide it to your clients as a recommendation if they prefer to choose the images themselves. While these numbers are not set in stone and can vary based on the unique aspects of each wedding, following this structure ensures a well-balanced album design that captures all the key moments and details.
Keeping clients involved to create their perfect photo album
While taking control of the image selection process allows you to use your expertise to create a cohesive story, it’s still important to involve your clients in the design of their wedding photo album. Clients can personalise their album and choose the cover material, colours, and customisation options. This way, they can still have a hand in how their album looks and feels, ensuring it is tailored to their taste while you handle the image selection to create a beautifully story.
If you are using our Album Design Software there is also the option of client proofing and you can send a draft to your couple to ensure they are happy with their layout before it goes to print. Your clients may want to add some more images they want of their big day or swap some out, this provides the perfect opportunity to upsell any additional pages.Â
Success stories
We have trialled and tested this album design formula with numerous photographers and their clients, all of whom have been delighted with the results. This formula helps in creating a narrative flow that keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish, distributing images thoughtfully to create a visually appealing album that perfectly captures the essence of the day.
By using this tried and true formula, you can confidently create a wedding album that not only satisfies your clients but also showcases your skills and artistic vision as a photographer.
Let’s get started!
To further enhance your album design process, be sure to check out our Instagram Reel by Client Experience Manager, Becky, where she discusses our album design formula on our Instagram. This valuable resource provides insights that can help you create stunning wedding albums that tell your clients’ unique stories. You can also access our album design formula PDF in the Help Centre, where you can download it for quick reference as you create your album designs.
Additionally, we offer free designer demonstrations for our software, helping you learn how to use the platform to create beautiful album design layouts. You can easily book a session on our website to get started. Embrace these tools and take your album designs to the next level.
Images by Ed Peers Photography and Lisa and Neil Photography.