Asking for digital files only? I'm the client!

I've been here for some time, but have been too busy to dabble in photographer for some time. So, I return now more from the client perspective. I recently got engaged and will eventually be looking into a wedding photographer. To save money, I considered the idea of getting only the digital photo files, without any of the books or prints.

I don't see much photographers advertising that as an option. And I feel some photographers would even take offense if I asked. So, as a wedding photographer, would you/do you offer a digital-only package of full-size files?

Is anyone still in the no-digital-files-at-all boat?

It's usually the base package offered in my area along with a short time limit such as 4-5 hours which you can then add additional hours to.

I considered it, but I'm happy enough with their work and the last thing I want to do after my honeymoon is sort photos and put an album together!

I wouldn't take offense, but I would politely decline the work. Good news for you is that you'll eventually find a someone in the industry willing to accommodate.

I ONLY deliver full-resolution digitals, I know a lot of local photographers that do the same.

I used to sell a lot of album packages, but these days I mostly do files only, 8 - 12 hours coverage. That's what I wanted for my own wedding, so that's what I offer to my clients. I sell albums as extra.

I've only ever offered digital only. the days of albums and prints are numbered. Or at least will need to adapt to a changing landscape. Couples these days know they can get album or photobook printed themselves for cheaper.

Just don't ask a photographer for just the raw files though.. that will offend most!

Traditional wedding photographers made/make a significant portion of their income off of prints and albums. If one works alone, the production effort can detract from photographic activities. Some of us don't want to be bothered with it. My profession is not full time photography. When I deliver "product" it's always digital files. But not raw files. Most folks wouldn't know what to do with them anyway.

rebelsimon wrote in post #18036877
I ONLY deliver full-resolution digitals, I know a lot of local photographers that do the same.

tim wrote in post #18037176
I used to sell a lot of album packages, but these days I mostly do files only, 8 - 12 hours coverage. That's what I wanted for my own wedding, so that's what I offer to my clients. I sell albums as extra.

ryanforster wrote in post #18038941
I've only ever offered digital only. the days of albums and prints are numbered. Or at least will need to adapt to a changing landscape. Couples these days know they can get album or photobook printed themselves for cheaper.

joedlh wrote in post #18038953
Traditional wedding photographers made/make a significant portion of their income off of prints and albums. If one works alone, the production effort can detract from photographic activities. Some of us don't want to be bothered with it. My profession is not full time photography. When I deliver "product" it's always digital files. But not raw files. Most folks wouldn't know what to do with them anyway.

Through what medium do you folks deliver digital files?

I think it depends on the area, most photogs will give out some sort of resolution files here in my (midwest) area.. I do a limited resolution, printable to 8x10 (can be cheated bigger). Albums extra, I give on CD, but would do whatever the client would want.

As long as the files are solid jpgs (wb, exposure, etc) I would think they would be plenty for anyones needs. Some clients go ahead and order prints thru me, and I go thru a print lab, others dont.

ptcanon3ti wrote in post #18038957
Through what medium do you folks deliver digital files?

The medium is largely irrelevant. I do branded USB. Some do online downloads, though not everyone wants to do 3-6GB downloads.

DVD, USB and available online for download. I cover all the bases.

tim wrote in post #18039327
The medium is largely irrelevant. I do branded USB. Some do online downloads, though not everyone wants to do 3-6GB downloads.

I don't see how its irrelevant. In your answer you gave a reason why its NOT irrelevant.

People get the files, they'll probably never see the media again. Whether you use DVD, USB, or online delivery is less important than people having the files. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, and people love branded boxes / USB sets.