The lingo is confusing. What’s a digital image? Or digital file? Some even call it a digital print. What exactly is it?
Technically speaking, it’s an image in digital format. Unlike an image printed on paper, a digital image is stored on a computer or other electronic storage device, in its original format, retaining all detail. The reason why it causes confusion is because the concept is new. It entered the photography world along with digital cameras. Until approximately fifteen years ago, photographers were shooting with film cameras. Digital images are the modern version of those ‘negatives’.
Here’s where it becomes relevant:
When you come for a session, we capture images of your family. You then have the option of choosing how you want your images. Prints, albums, wall art, or in digital form. Logically thinking, you’d assume that the digital format is the cheapest. Because it doesn’t cost ME any money right?
Wrong.
When you buy a print, you pay for the image that has been meticulously edited. The paper it is printed on is complimentary. A present from me to you. (It costs me money, but those are just part of my business expenses.) Naturally, the more images you buy, the bigger the gift:) . You will see on the price list that the smallest package includes 5×7″ prints, and the package with many images comes with a fancy, expensive album.
So why does a digital image cost more than a print?
Jade Dowling from Inspirique explains this with an excellent analogy:
If prints were the milk, albums the butter and cheese, and wall art was steak, a digital image would be the equivalent of the entire cow. Just like owning a cow would let you produce as much milk, cheese or steak as you like, so would your digital image allow you to print, reprint and do whatever you want with your image. The value of a digital image is more than the value of the paper it is printed on.
I know that many photographers do not sell digital images at all. All prints and products need to be purchased through them. Frankly, I understand why. A photographer puts heart and soul in to the results of the final image he or she creates. Painstaking attention is paid to colour representation and the right level of sharpness. It is extremely disappointing, if their image is then printed cheaply through some Groupon voucher, and it hangs on your wall looking subpar.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge the fact that we live in a digital world. I believe that people should have the option of owning their images in digital format, making it shareable and printable. I want you to be able to do whatever you want with your images. So rest assured, I plan to always offer the option of buying digital images.
I’ll finish off with a snippet of the session last night because the light was so beautiful!
Only four more sessions outdoors and it’s back to the studio for the winter. It’s not too early to book for next summer! All Pre Pesach outdoor session slots are booked.
Any questions? Get in touch!