After you photograph the session, edit the photos, and make the sale, delivering the images is next on the to-do list. For our discussion today we will look at three options for delivering image files to your clients: DVD, flash drive, and download.
For a long while DVDs were they go to for most photographers when it came to image file delivery. DVDs are very portable and most professional labs have the ability to customize DVDs and cases with images and studio branding. Depending on the speed of your computer, DVDs will burn fairly quick, and the media will last for many years if cared for properly. Unfortunately, there are a couple of downfalls with DVDs. First, some new computers on the market no longer have DVD drives and second, there are times when the client will get a DVD home, insert it into the computer and find that the images are not accessible. At this point the photographer has to re-burn the DVD, which takes time out of the photographer’s busy day and money out of their pocket.
The attractive metal tin with DVD above is available at www.mckennapro.com.
When it comes to image download, most online proofing/shopping cart companies, MorePhotos included, www.morephotos.com, have the ability for photographers to make available image downloads to their clients. While this option is great for smaller events such as portrait sessions, the time required to download several hundred images from a wedding or a large event, could add up for your customer.
The last few years personalized flash drives or jump drives, have become more readily available, more affordable, and can now be purchased in smaller quantities. A couple of great resources are http://photoflashdrive.com and www.pexagontech.com, they both have many different styles available, with some creative packaging. Also professional labs have jumped on the bandwagon and made these items available to photographers as well. Another great reason flash drives are so attractive, is so many devices today come with USB ports: Televisions, tablets, and even if a laptop does not have the DVD drive it will always have a USB Port .
Another thing to consider is the total size of the image files to be delivered. Single sided DVD’s are normally 4.7 GB in size, while this may hold most portrait sessions or small weddings, it can be limiting for longer weddings or large events. Flash drives on the other hand can be purchased in many different sizes. If you previously used DVD’s and are now switching to flash drives and the size of DVD’s has worked in the past, then you could be able to purchase 4 GB flash drives with no worry. The nice thing is, if you need more space, simply purchase a larger flash drive.
Once you have the image files ready to deliver to your customer, it is important to consider how you are going to present your beautiful product to them. If you are a high end studio the matching flash drives and presentation boxes might be a good option, especially if you follow through and continue your studio branding within the product delivery. If you have a smaller studio or if you’re just starting out, you could find another source for packaging. This could be done with small jewelry boxes that you could accessorize with your studio colors via tissue, ribbons and stickers with your studio logo. If you are a DYI’r this is a more affordable option while still delivering professional looking products to your client, and strengthening your brand.
The custom boxes in the first image above were created for Two Fish Weddings by www.ricestudiosupply.com, be sure to check out their great assortment of packaging options for photographers. The folding case with the flash drive is from White House Custom Color www.whcc.com. The metal tin with flash drive is from McKenna Pro Lab www.mckennapro.com. The last image is a beautiful example of putting together your own packaging.
The bottom line is, if you deliver image files to your clients, search out the options available and have fun trying to find out what will best fit your studio. And if you can try to strengthen your brand presence in the process it’s a win-win for you and your business.