What do you tell your clients when they ask why an album?

This is a question that seems to be asked a lot not only from clients but from photographers as well. Here are 5 reasons why you should have an album in your studios packages.

1) Protect images: Make sure that the albums you use have archival pages and mats to protect the images long term. This also protects the images from fingerprints and scratches.

2) Create an heirloom: Who doesn’t enjoy looking through Grandma & Grandpa’s or Mom & Dad’s wedding albums? Just check out Twitter! We see comments like this all the time. An album with images to share from this special event means creating an heirloom to share with your family.

3) Make em’ portable: Even with the ability to share images online there is nothing quite like taking a photo album sharing stories as you view the album.

4) It’s all in the presentation: When you present an album of images that your client’s have selected and the design you have created, there are few things quite as powerful as that moment.

5) Your photography is art & should be treated as art: You have invested time, money and effort in developing your skill and starting a photography business. What you offer your client is your skill and expertise in capturing special moments of that day. The result? You have created art and your work deserves to be treated as such!

There is definitely a perceived value issue to be considered here as well. Compare the value of your art delivered to someone on a CD vs. art being delivered in a beautifully designed bound album. What fits best with your branding and marketing efforts? Delivering a completed album is also a finishing touch on the experience you have given your clients, a powerful combination that will help distinguish you from your competitors.