Springfield MO Wedding Photography: Make your own Photobooks and Wedding Albums

Like many other wedding photographers in Springfield and Branson, MO we include CD's containing high-resolution images (and an accompanying copyright release) in each of our wedding photography packages. It gives you the freedom to take your CD to the photo counter or lab of your choice to order prints and enlargements; upload your wedding pictures to social networking sites like Facebook; and even make your own DIY (do it yourself) photobooks or albums.

While I always recommend ordering professional-quality prints of the photos you wish to frame or display through us, I'm constantly amazed at the quality of the books and albums our clients have made, using the pictures on their CD's and the simple, online software that's readily available on the internet.

If you're thinking of making your own photobook or album with your wedding photos, here are some sites to check out:

Shutterfly

Shutterfly offers the option to make photobooks or wedding albums in a variety of sizes, designs, and finishes at some very affordable prices.  Using the site's online tools, you can make your own professionally bound, leather or fabric covered wedding album in a standard 12x12 size for about $50.  Smaller albums and photobooks are even more affordable.

Shutterfly's "Storyboard" tool is particularly useful; you pick the order of your photos, and the tool provides layout and page sugestions.

Lulu

Popular with brides and grooms, as well as photographers and planners, Lulu offers both simple and more advanced options for book and album design.  It's a bit more complicated and expensive than Shutterfly, but well worth the effort and expenditure if you're interested in a more "custom" and professional look for your book or album.

Snapfish

Owned by computer giant Hewlett-Packard, Snapfish is a great choice for those who prefer to design and publish more casual photobooks, as opposed to a traditional wedding album.  The software is extremely simple to use, allowing you to design and order a very nice photobook in less than 30 minutes.

Picaboo

My favorite site on the list is Picaboo, a relatively new site that offers something for everyone.  Picaboo's photobook and album options range from simple Classic designs for as little as $10, to beautiful handcrafted Flush Mount albums starting at $349.  Like Lulu, the software is a little more advanced and takes some getting used to... but for the money, you simply can't create a better photobook or wedding album yourself.

It starts with the pictures

No matter what software and/or site you choose, your photobook or album will only be as good as the pictures inside, so make sure your photographer offers retouch services as an option for your finished photos. 

While many Springfield and Branson, MO wedding photographers charge extra for retouch and color enhancement services, we include them in each of our prices and packages at Cool Change Photography.

Of course, we also offer the option to purchase professionally designed wedding albums from a variety of manufacturers... but given the quality of the various online design sites that are now available, I always encourage our clients to do a little exploring on their own.  Not only can it save you some money, but it also gives you the opportunity to customize your book or album with some nice, personal touches!  

Springfield MO Wedding Photography: Unique Floral Designs

I recently shot a courtyard wedding behind the Inn at the Bay in St. Petersburg, FL and wanted to share a few pictures of the floral and candle decorations, as they were very unique.

Kudos to Scott Darhower of Apple Blossoms Floral Designs in Tampa for capturing the essence of the ceremony's setting in his designs.  Here are a few examples of his beautiful work...

I'm no expert on floral designs, of course (that would be scary!)... but I really thought his design reflected a classic look with a very modern and slightly eclectic twist. 

Here's one of my favorite shots from this couple's intimate courtyard ceremony, framed by Scott's beautiful designs...  

You can see a lot more of Apple Blossom's Tampa wedding floral designs online. 

You can also see examples of floral designs from other weddings we've shot in both Tampa, FL and Springfield, MO by visiting our wedding photography galleries anytime.

And of course please join me in congratulating Michelle and Billy, who were married in this beautiful setting!  Here are a couple more pictures from their wonderful wedding...



Springfield MO Wedding Photography: Kristi and Jay: A small, intimate wedding

If you're planning a smaller, less traditional wedding ceremony and reception, you're not alone.  They are very popular these days, and the reason may surprise you. 

Less Cost, Less Stress

As a professional wedding photographer serving two of America's most popular destination wedding locations (Branson/Springfield, MO and Tampa, FL) I speak to clients on a near-daily basis who are planning smaller ceremonies.

While the cost benefits of a smaller wedding are obvious, many couples choose to downsize their wedding simply because they want something more intimate.  The stress of planning and holding a much larger affair is replaced by a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, giving them a chance to celebrate their love for each other in a very personal way.  

Kristi and Jay

When Kristi first contacted me about photographing her wedding, she told me that she and Jay were planning a simple, intimate wedding on Apollo Beach in Tampa.

"We just want to get married in front of our close family and friends", she said.  "We'll have a big reception for everyone when we get back home to Minnesota."

The Wedding Pictures

A small ceremony was the perfect choice for this fun, laid-back couple. Here are some sample pictures from their special day on the beach behind the Sunset Grill at Little Harbor in Tampa. 

We started taking pictures in Kristi's hotel room, just as she was making her final preparations...

I thought the sun peeking out from behind the clouds just after Kristi and Jay were officially married was a great metaphor for their new life together.  Please join me in congratulating this wonderful couple!

Whether you're planning a small wedding or a larger affair In Branson, Springfield, or Tampa Bay, Cool Change Photography has a perfect wedding photography package for you.  Please feel free to contact us anytime.  I'd love to hear about your plans!

Nick

Branson and Springfield, MO Wedding Photography Prices

 

 

Shopping For a Wedding Photographer?

If you're currently shopping for a wedding photographer in Branson or Springfield, MO, one thing you've probably realized is that the prices are all over the road, ranging from over $3500 to well under $1000.

In part, this is due to the wide variety of packages, add-ons, and options offered by local wedding photographers.

But it's also because the wedding industry has become extremely competitive, due to the massive influx of part-time wedding photographers, planners, florists, and officiates in recent years.

 

A Buyer's Market

As a bride-to-be, this is generally very good news, as many wedding vendors (including photographers) have cut their prices in order to stay competitive.  In most cases, you can hire a quality photographer, florist, or officiate at a significantly lower rate than you could just a couple of years ago.

However, it is a buyer-beware environment, and the old adage really applies:

 

If It Looks Too Good To Be True...

While saving money is always good, be careful not to shop by price alone.  Because Branson and Springfield, MO wedding photographers are not licensed, anyone can buy a digital camera and declare themselves a "professional wedding photographer".

 

Warning Signs

Look for these warning signs when shopping for a wedding photographer in Branson or Springfield, MO:

• Low, low, low prices.  While everyone wants to be competitive, the truth is that it's impossible to run a profitable wedding photography business by only charging a few hundred dollars for unlimited photography or "full day coverage".  Trust me, the cost of doing business is just too high.  As an example, the 50% off prices we are presently charging for wedding photography in Branson and Springfield, MO are among the lowest in the market... but only because we're new to town and running an introductory special.  In a city where we are already established, our Tampa wedding photography prices are significantly higher. 
• A limited portfolio of wedding pictures.  An experienced professional's online portfolio should show a variety of different couples in different types of settings, as to opposed to a lot of pictures from just one or two weddings.
• Confusion or uncertainty on the part of the photographer with regard to his or her style, packages, or plan for photographing your wedding.  Speak to them on the phone and listen for confidence, professionalism, and a personality that you won't mind having around for several hours.  Remember, you'll probably spend more time with your photographer than anyone else on your wedding day.  Other than your fiance, of course!
• A photographer's inability or unwillingness to detail the terms of your agreement in a written contract.  Be sure to get everything in writing!
• A cash or checks-only policy.  The vast majority of professional photographers in Branson and Springfield, MO accept major credit cards for payment, as well as cash and checks.  Accepting only the latter could be a sign of inexperience.

 

What's A Fair Price?

As with many other products and services, it's all about what you are getting for your money.  If you like the pictures in a wedding photographer's online gallery, contact them and ask some questions about the points I raised above.

If you're satisifed with their answers and the price is within your budget, then congratulations!  You may have found your wedding photographer. 

 

Comments and Questions?

As a local wedding photographer competing for your business in Branson and Springfield, MO, I recognize the fact that there are many talented professionals to choose from, and urge you to find the one who suits your specific needs, style, personality, and budget.

If I can help you in your search, please visit our contact page online, or leave a comment in the box below. 

I'd also like to encourage other wedding vendors in the Branson and Springfield, MO area to chime in with their thoughts and tips, too.

As usual, thanks for reading... and happy holidays!

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