Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of your life. You’ve spent months planning every detail, from the venue to the flowers to the dress. And of course, you’ve hired a professional wedding photographer to capture all of those precious moments.

But what happens after the wedding? How do you get your hands on those beautiful wedding images to display in your home or share with friends and family? This is where a print release for wedding photography comes in.

In this article, we’ll explain what a print release is, why it’s important, and how it works.

What is a Print release?

A print release is a legal document that gives you permission to print your wedding photos anywhere you’d like. It is typically included in many wedding photography contracts and outlines the terms and conditions for using and printing your wedding images. Chris James Photography provides a print release in all of our wedding packages.

A “print release” may also be called a print waiver, a photography release, or other similar term. You may also sometimes see it referred to by other couples as a “copyright release,” although that might not always be accurate.

Why is a Print Release important?

Without a print release, you may not have the legal right to print your wedding photos. This means you would have to rely on your photographer to print and deliver your images, which can be costly and time-consuming.

A print release gives you the freedom to print your images wherever and whenever you’d like, without having to go through your photographer. This allows you to have more control over the printing process and can save you money in the long run. Print anywhere, whenever!

How does a Print Release work?

A print release is typically included in your wedding photography contract. It outlines the terms and conditions for using and printing your wedding images, including the size and number of prints you are allowed to make.

Once your wedding has finished being edited and is delivered, you will receive a digital copy of the print release. This document will state that you have the right to print your images for personal use only. It is important to note that a print release does not give you the right to sell or use the images for commercial purposes. In general, the copyright remains with the photographer unless otherwise agreed upon.

What can you do with a Print Release?

A print release gives you the freedom to print your wedding photos anywhere you’d like. This includes:

• Printing your images at a professional lab
• Printing your images at a local print shop
• Printing your images at home
• Creating a wedding album
• Sharing your images on social media
• Creating a wedding gallery on your personal website

Printing your photos at a professional lab

Many professional wedding photographers offer printing services as part of their packages. We do this as well, and I would suggest this for the best possible materials and print quality. We guarantee all of the work that is fulfilled through our professional print labs.

Printing your photos at a local print shop

If you prefer to save some money, you can take your digital images to a local print shop and have them printed there. This can be a more affordable option depending on where you go. With that said, the quality and longevity of your photograph may vary depending on where you have them printed (some are definitely much better than others)!

Printing your photos at home

If you have a high-quality printer at home, you can also print your images yourself. This can be a cost-effective option for smaller prints, such as 4×6 or 5×7 sizes. However, keep in mind that the quality of the prints will not be as high as those from a professional lab or even your local CVS or Walgreens. Additionally, images printed at home are often not meant for long-term archival and can suffer from fading and other wear and tear from handling much more than a professional print.

Creating a wedding album

A print release also allows you to create a wedding album using your digital images. You can choose to design and print the album yourself or use a professional album design service. This is a great way to preserve your wedding memories and have a physical keepsake to look back on for years to come.

Sharing your photos on social media

With a print release, you can also share your wedding images on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This allows you to easily share your special day with friends and family who may not have been able to attend the wedding. Many couples would think that this is automatic, but not all photographers provide you with this option (especially those who do not provide digitals). I think everyone should be able to share in your wedding day images!

Creating a wedding gallery on your personal website

If you have a personal website or blog, you can also create a wedding gallery to showcase your images. This is a great way to share your wedding photos with a larger audience and have a digital record of your special day.

How to obtain a Print Release

If you are hiring a professional wedding photographer, a print release should be included in your contract. Be sure to read through the contract carefully and ask any questions you may have before signing. If you have already signed a contract with a photographer and did not receive a print release, you can request one from your photographer (but note that not all wedding photographers will agree to this).

Tips for using your Print Release

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using a print release for your wedding photos:

• Always read through your contract and print release carefully before signing.
• Be sure to follow the terms and conditions outlined in the print release.
• If you are printing your images at a professional lab, be sure to provide them with a copy of the print release.
• If you are printing your images at home, be sure to use high-quality paper and ink for the best results.
• If you are sharing your images on social media, it is greatly appreciated if you link to or tag your photographer!
• If you are creating a wedding album, be sure to use a reputable printing service for the best quality.

Chris James Photography provides Print Releases

There is no need to worry when you have hired Chris James Photography for your wedding. All of my wedding photography and portrait services provide print releases. No hidden charges.

If you are looking for a Massachusetts or Rhode Island wedding photographer, definitely consider reaching out to me to discuss your needs. Contact Chris James today for additional information.