As a “Shoot & Share” photographer, all of my packages include the high resolution digital files with print release. This blog post is not to debate the benefits of giving digital files vs selling prints. I have done my research on the benefits of each business model. Neither model is right for every photographer or client, but it works great for me. Over the past few years, I’ve studied many ways to deliver these digital images. Today I want to share digital photo delivery options.

DVDs

When I started my business, I gave all my clients a dvd with the edited images after their session. DVDs are great because they are 1. tangible and 2. straightforward.  My clients were able to save, duplicate and take into print stores very easily without any questions. Also, there are a ton of ways to package a DVD and incorporate your branding (which can be a pro or con.) DVDs were hard for me because they took longer to get to clients and could get lost or damaged easily. The computer I have now doesn’t even have a dvd drive. This is becoming common with many of my client’s computers as well. Rumor has it that dvds will be extinct soon. Definitely something to consider.

(source)

Packaging Companies

• Paperie Boutique: http://paperieboutique.com
• Rice Studio Supplies: http://www.ricestudiosupply.com
• HB Photo Packaging: http://www.h-bphoto.com
• Artsy Couture: http://www.artsycouture.com
• Loktah www.loktah.com

USB Drives or Hard Drives

Many photographers are moving to USB Drives or Hard Drives because of the extinction of DVDS. Similar to DVDs, these drives are straightforward, tangible and can easily be packaged to match your brand. The only cons I can think of for USB drives and hard drives are: they can be pricey, they can get lost or damaged and they do take a bit longer to get to the client.

(source)

• Photo Flash Drive: http://photoflashdrive.com
• VistaPrint: http://vistaprint.com
• WHCC: http://whcc.com
• Millers: http://millerslab.com
• Artsy Couture: http://ArtsyCouture.com

Digital Galleries

Last but not least: digital galleries. This is the way I deliver my digital files to my clients! Best decision I’ve ever made. I LOVE digital galleries because they are SO fast. I can upload and deliver a session within the same day of shooting and editing it. Also, my clients can easily share their photos with their friends and family. It’s really hard to pass around a dvd or usb stick, but digital galleries can be shared and downloaded by all! Digital galleries can be complicated for some clients to figure out, but they are unbreakable and impossible to lose. I love that my clients have access to their photos online for ten years after their session.

• Pixieset- http://www.pixieset.com
• PASS- http://www.pass.us
• Shootproof- http://www.shootproof.com
• Zenfolio- http://www.zenfolio.com
• Smugmug- http://www.smugmug.com

Kylee Maughan

Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography 9 years ago, and has since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. We shoot 50-75 weddings a year, and thrive on kindness and service. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up! She hosts semi-annual Kylee Ann Sleepovers all over the US, speak at conferences and teach online courses about running a small business and marketing.

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee