weddings and their receptions. The use of photography in
an effort to preserve this day is common to all weddings
and receptions, and the obligatory photographer is always
present.
Sometimes the couple will hire two photographers in an
effort to get more candid shots of family and friends
throughout the reception. Sometimes they will hire or
designate a family member who's a photography hobbyist to
capture those numerous shots. And increasingly common is
the placement of disposable cameras on each reception table
to encourage family and friends to take photos throughout
the event
There are numerous technical and practical problems with
this approach. First off, the disposable cameras don't
generally take the best photos. Second, the cost of
developing these numerous cameras is a significant
consideration. And, third, there's a strong possibility
that the camera will prove to be a great toy for some young
person – resulting in photos of the floor and ceiling (for
which you'll pay to have developed) – or even numerous
photos where the user failed to activate the flash (usually
a hold-down button on disposable cameras).
However, in today's day and age, it is very likely that
many or most of the guests brought their own digital
camera. I know that I usually do, and that I'll shoot
around 50 to 100 pictures during any such event.
Digital cameras are usually of a much better quality than
disposables - resulting in much better pictures. Also,
digital photos are cheap and numerous – because the memory
chips will usually hold several hundred photos (unlike the
27 or so available from the disposable camera), and the
cost of each image is virtually nothing. It is also very
unlikely that anyone is going to allow their child the use
it as a plaything, and there won't be too many pictures of
the floor and ceiling - though you wouldn't likely care as
there is no cost involved.
The question becomes how do you collect all of these photos
without clogging your email with numbers of large
collections of image files. What you need is a single "big
pot" where you can encourage all of your guests to dump
their photos for sharing with the couple and the
family-at-large.
Today there are online solutions called "photo exchange
depots" (depositories)
you'll likely find one. Sometimes single-day events are
free to setup. Generally, here is how they work;
The couple establishes their event on one of the photo
exchange depots, and receives a designated private
"EventCode." This code uniquely identifies their event on
the system, and will allow online users (anyone knowing the
EventCode) to add their photos into a big pool of event
photos.
The couple informs their guests of this website and
EventCode in their program, or as part of the place
settings and/or table-tents at the reception. The guests
all access the site (no user login usually required) and
uploads all of their event photos.
Then, after the honeymoon is over, the couple and/or their
family can view all of the uploaded images, and select,
download, and save the pictures they wish to keep. At some
point the depot expires and fades away.
This is a simple, low-cost, low-risk, and very effective
way to capture possibly hundreds of additional photos from
your special event.
More pictures, more memories!! Enjoy!
About the Author:
Dean Brust has been involved in the business of Internet
technologies and services for 20+ years. He has
participated in the introduction of numerous online
services and databases. With a personal interest in
photography and family, he writes for the technology
industry. Dean is currently involved with
http://www.eventpho
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