Signing an Engagement Photo

[ryleerider]

I have no idea where to put this topic. :(

I am taking engagement portraits today and the bride has told me that she wants a photo of the two walking away together into the woods. She then told me that they are going to get a large copy of that photo and have everyone sign it at the wedding. They do not want people to sign a mat around the photo, but the actual photo itself. I don't know why but the idea of this really bothers me. It just doesn't seem like the ink could be good for the photo and with time it will cause serious damage. Any thoughts on this?

[JasonBr]

If the customer wants it, go for it. Perhaps print them 2 copies, one to sign, and one to keep. If the signed one degrades over time, they still have the second copy to show there was no issue with the quality of your product.

[ryleerider]

Good idea! She is a friend so maybe I will call the extra copy a gift. lol

[griptape]

It will depend on the paper, but I've seen autographed posters 15+ years old signed with sharpies that hold up fine (and I imagine silver sharpies would be about the only thing that would show up against a wooded background). You might just mention the possibility of damage over time, and they should consider finding a large format scanner to get a digital copy of the print after it has been signed, should they ever need it.

[dreamcatcher23]

Ask them for their reasons why, suggest that it might be damaging to the print and recommend they sign a mat instead. If they decide to still go ahead, get them to sign a disclaimer indemnifying you from premature aging of the print.

[Keltab]

Could you print the photo with a white border to allow room for signatures that doesn't overlay the print itself? That way people can use the color of their choice to sign, and the image itself is not covered? Maybe print with the white just across the bottom so they can sign there?

[ryleerider]

Could you print the photo with a white border to allow room for signatures that doesn't overlay the print itself? That way people can use the color of their choice to sign, and the image itself is not covered? Maybe print with the white just across the bottom so they can sign there?

Thanks for all the thoughts! I hadn't considered printing the image with a white border. I will talk to her about that.

[sonshine_rae]

Also recommend they use 'acid free' pens for the signing.

[Karl Johnston]

What kind of paper are you using for the large copy?

I use fine art velvet for prints over 11x14", otherwise its lustre or glossy depending on the sizes

I thought about satin but I've never seen or felt satin paper before and i'm not sure how it would look

[IamKP]

They make silver photo pens (or other colors for signing prints) for things like this.

I think if the B&G want to do this, then let them.

Besides- Don't celebrities sign photos too? :)

[jblaschke]

Make sure they know to use pens with archival ink. Other than that, no big deal. In fact, it's actually kind of cool--a lot more dynamic than a simple guest book.

[books64]

I would suggest using canvas with a non-ballpoint pen. If the client wants it, provide it, for a cost. Suggest using Sharpies.

[ryleerider]

She changed her mind when she saw the photos because she couldn't decide what color pen she would use. They are getting a mat now :)

[Keltab]

Cool! I'm glad that worked out for you and your clients.

:) :) :)

[acousticvibrations]

Sharpies is the way to go, i suggest gold or silver.

[S-S]

this kind of thing seems to be getting less popular because of the limited display applications in the home of a giant photo with writing all over it... a signed photo book is a lot easier to display or store

[Brideshooter]

She wants she gets!!!!!