Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I don't know what to do about this. I thought keeping the negatives would be really important to me - but I don't know now. I guess if I don't have them I can still always make copies (I'd just have to pay the lab instead of bringing them somewhere else myself - either way I'd pay for them).

What do you girls think?

Is keeping the negatives important to you? Why/why not?

I'm obsessed with the photographer issue! LOL I guess this is my "thing" - everything else has been so easy!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

this was an issue for us as welll.. or more rather an issue for FFIL.. I asked several people whose opinion that I could count on that it was normal for the photographer to hold onto the negatives.

They essentially own the work- even though you are paying for the film. While it seems strange- it is normal- so book who you like. Afterall- if you want another print- you'd want a high quality one anyway- photo labs are not cheap! My photographer can also put all the proofs on a CD- so we can share, etc. It will be extra money, and they are not color corrected, but at least we'll be able to share them.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

This is an issue I have been reading about everywhere! I think that I would want the negatives. however, you should first check to see how much reprints are. If the reprints are not expensive, then you could always go back at a later date and request more photos. The CD negative is also good. Sometimes if you just ask the photographer for your negatives they will give them to you.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

Exactly what ranella said.

Also, I didnt want the responsibility of having to keep the negatives. I feel more comfortable knowing that god forbid something should happen to my proofs, I can get reprints from my photographer directly.

In the past few years, more photographers are giving the negatives away (not sure if that is b/c more brides want them or they don't want to have the hassle of storing them)...but when I got married, it was almost unheard of for a reputable photographer to give away the negatives. (and this was only 2 years ago)

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I didn't get the negatives, and I didn't think anything of it. I didn't go with a traditional wedding photographer, so I assume this is the practice outside of the "wedding world".
I agree with Steph that I dont' want that responsibility....should I misplace a proof - I know I can always get it replaced!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I'm kind of anal and I would want them... you can always put them in a safety deposit box or something... What if the photog goes out of business or retires or something? Recently FMIL was trying to fix up one of her wedding photos because that is all she had left was one fading old photo... I dont think they have any clue all these years later where to find the photographer, and do you really think a photographer will hold onto the negs for all those years?

What I am getting nervous about is the photogs that do all digital and give you a cd... well what if years later technology completely chages and CDs become useless... kinda like that old 8-track!!

But I wouldn't let that stop me from booking a photographer... Iwould rather have amazing photographs and no negs then no so great photos!! Hope this kind of helps!! Good luck!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

---

Posted by cjb88



What I am getting nervous about is the photogs that do all digital and give you a cd... well what if years later technology completely chages and CDs become useless... kinda like that old 8-track!!

---

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

It is not very common for photographers to give up the rights to their work (let people have the negatives)

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

YES, I kept the negatives. And, I had a LOT of prints made and shared them with family members. To me, having the negatives was VERY important.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I'm getting the negatives. My photographer told me, "you're paying for everything -- you own it!!" There is a website (I forgot the name) where they print off negatives very cheaply.

I personally wouldn't book unless I got the negatives. And for video, I would not book unless I get the raw footage. Am I anal?? Perhaps.....

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I know I want them just because I feel like I have control of them. Yup control freak. we had them write it in our contract that we pick them up 6 months after we pick up our albums. What's the reason why he doesn't give them to you?

Message edited 1/19/2005 5:51:42 PM.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

My photographer won't release them until a year after you pick up your wedding album.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I would not book him or her

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

I wouldnt book them if they wouldnt give me the negatives... to me its them trying to trap you into having to buy more prints from them in the future.... also, these are your pictures, you are paying for the film in essence, so to me, you own them. I'd be really uncomfortable with it.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

---

Posted by Sunshine128

I wouldnt book them if they wouldnt give me the negatives... to me its them trying to trap you into having to buy more prints from them in the future.... also, these are your pictures, you are paying for the film in essence, so to me, you own them. I'd be really uncomfortable with it.

---

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

hey Date Twin!

Just wanted to know who you are thinking of using. FM me please?

Thanks!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

omg dont even get me started on photographers who keep your negatives!!!! its a scam to get you to purchase all your reprints through them at exorbitant prices. im sorry but if im paying 6-7k for photography services, i sure as hell better get my negatives!!!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

THANKS EVERYONE!!!

Well, most of you know that I've been trying to decide on a photographer for weeks and weeks. It's probably the thing I've been THE MOST ANAL about since starting this wedding planning! LOL by far!

So, as it finally turns out, I love a photographer that keeps the negatives. I thought this was a big deal to me at first... but I've really thought about it now.

I figure, if I'm going to get more pictures made in the future, I'm going to bring it somewhere nice anyway, and it will be expensive either way. Talked about it with my mom, she thought negatives should def not be the deciding factor.

I LOVE VERDI. They keep the negatives but I think their work is absolutely amazing. So, I'm definitely not going to worry about the negatives. I havne't signed the contract yet but I'm definitely going to. You know you reallylove a photographer when pictures of strangers make you cry... And Verdi's pics did that to me while no one else's did.
ALSO, I LOVE MINDI - I will love to have her at my wedding and taking my pics.
I guess I loved Verdi so much that it made me change my photo priorities LOL
anyway, THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

hey date twin,
doesnt verdi release the negatives after like six years or something?

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

---

Posted by lcherian

hey date twin,
doesnt verdi release the negatives after like six years or something?

---

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

yep, my photographer doesn't give you the negatives for 3-5 years later. I wish I had known that when I booked them. I think a year is a little more reasonable.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

Verdi releases all negatives after THREE years.

I like the idea of them having them. I'd probably lose them LOL Especially with all the moving we'll be doing!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

Hey Date Twin, you have FM!!! nice to see ya!

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

Hey, they're YOUR pictures, I think you have every right to keep them if you want to.

Initially, my photography place would not let me keep the negatives/original digital copies either - and that was the only thing keeping me from signing a contract - so, after a good 15 minutes of me whining about it - they caved in!

I am getting a dvd copy of all my pictures - and they're keeping a copy too! The only thing they asked me to do is when I post up pics, is to give them credit.

Re: Should I book a photographer that does not let me keep the negatives?

Wow, I can't believe some of them hold the negatives for YEARS!! I'm getting mine one month after the wedding!