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Just Said Yes December 2016

how to ask for print release from photographer for pictures

darcy, on December 22, 2017 at 10:11 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 9

I was married about a year ago, and I've since been able to go to my photographer's website and view my gorgeous pictures. I love them all. However, when my husband and I were first looking for a photographer, I wanted one that would give me a print release to go and print the wedding photos on my own, so I wouldn't have to purchase them individually through the photographer. I thought the photographer we had chosen had that option available, but it wasn't until she released the pictures to her website, that I realized I was wrong and I'd have to buy them individually as a download or individually to print from her. I hadn't planned that in my photography budget, and now I'm stuck, one year later from my wedding and I have zero pictures to hang up in my own home or give to grandparents and parents all because I cannot afford to print or download each one individually. I'd like to ask her about purchasing a one time print release so that I can have the availability to download and print all of the pictures from my wedding day at my own leisure without having to pay for it each time. But, I'm afraid of offending her with the question. Do you have any suggestions of how to talk to her about that?

9 Comments

Latest activity by Rachel Langerhans, on December 22, 2017 at 7:22 PM
  • OctobersVeryOwn
    Dedicated October 2017
    OctobersVeryOwn ·
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    I don't think it would offend her as long as you're aware that it might cost a bit of money. I'm not sure how much because it was included in our package.

    I hope it all works out for you!!

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  • Kelsey Brielle
    Super June 2022
    Kelsey Brielle ·
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    This is tough. When you signed the contract with her did you mention the print release option? Was this included in your contract? Without having mentioned it to her or having it in your contract that you wanted this option I'm not sure what you can do. You can ask her and see what she says? Sorry I'm not much help with this one.
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  • Finally Mrs. H.
    Dedicated June 2017
    Finally Mrs. H. ·
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    I agree that you can ask, but if it wasn't discussed beforehand and in your contract, she has every right to say no. Doesn't hurt to try though.

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  • Stephanie
    Expert October 2018
    Stephanie ·
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    I'd explain just like you just explained here. You already paid her to take pictures. How many of them would you like to print and see how much that costs? (And propose a number, like 800-1000&dollarSmiley winking and just explain that you absolutely LOVE the pictures will write glowing reviews, and that you'd really like to make an album for your mom and dad and you'd like to have them. I do not think you will offend your photographer, part of the reason you hire photographer is to have your pictures, I literally hired my photographer and hired him for 8 hours of coverage, and the print release. You do have every right to have your photos, and since you already paid her, you shouldn't have to pay again to use them (especially for non commercial use). It is also possible she has a flat rate for the use of the photos, I'd ask about it. ETA, she doesn't have to grant you the use of them, but that would be a reason I wouldn't have booked that photographer.

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  • VC
    Super April 2018
    VC ·
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    You can ask, but it's going to be expensive.

    Did you not ask her this before you signed the contract? What does your contract say about the release of photos?

    You'd probably be better off picking a few that you like and would want to hang and asking her for the release to those. It can't be that expensive to get a print? How much is she charging?


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  • Orchids
    Master March 2018
    Orchids ·
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    Just politely ask, I don't see how she can be offended about a polite question, regardless of what her answer is going to be.

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  • Nikki
    Super May 2018
    Nikki ·
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    I'm sure it's a fairly normal question for her. I think every photog I looked at includes it in their package as long as it's for personal use only. Any prints/books could be ordered through them, but wasn't required.

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  • AlyssaWynne
    Devoted July 2018
    AlyssaWynne ·
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    As PP have mentioned, be prepared for it to cost quite a bit. If finances are the issue, you’ll probably be better off paying to print your favorites.
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  • Rachel Langerhans
    Expert October 2015
    Rachel Langerhans ·
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    This is why it's SO important to understand your entire photography contract and understand what you'll receive. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to her and explaining what you did to us - that you'd like to be able to print them on your own. But... it may cost you quite a bit. Photographers that rely on in person sales (IPS), which it sounds like she is, sometimes charge a hefty amount for digitals/print rights, in order to drive customers to buy prints through them.

    Hopefully she's able to work something out for you so you have have physical memories of your beautiful day! Smiley smile
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