Shoot & Burn.

Not familiar with the term “Shoot & Burn”? It's a phrase used by photographers who prefer to photograph the wedding and deliver the images on CD/DVD only. They prefer to not be involved with the print order or Album design part of the process.

There are a number of levels of this service and the first to question is the ability of the photographer. I need to add here that there is nothing wrong with this kind of offering but there are a number of considerations to think about. Are the images optimized for print? Meaning have they been color and density corrected? Have the images been enhanced in any way? Where do you take the images to be printed? Do you have the proper paper work stating the images have been released to you for print/web? What is the final resolution and size of the images? Have you been told whether the photographer keeps a duplicate set for safekeeping? Have you been told how to best store the images yourself?

Starting to sound like a job? Well it is and that is what has been stripped out of the service many photographers choose to provide and that is the reason in part for the price break you receive for “Shoot & Burn” service. Let me repeat here there is nothing intrinsically wrong with it, just a lot more work for you.

At some point, perhaps visiting a friend or relative you may find yourself asking, “I'd like to show my pictures. I wish I had an Album”. There are a number of other options as well when it comes to viewing your images and you'll begin to realize how difficult it is to choose among those options on your own. Where and how will you find the time to research these items? And if you find them will you be assured of getting what you expect. After all you won't have much of a relationship with the online service providers or retail outlets you visit. It certainly won't be as rewarding as working with the person you entrusted to photograph your Wedding. Just something to think about.

So when you are considering the savings of a “Shoot & Burn” service keep in mind how valuable your time is and how involved you'd like to be in the process. It's a job and it comes with a lot of responsibility. Make sure you understand the consequences before accepting it.

Wishing you the Best!

Bob Hennessy
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