Wedding reception photos - a modern approach

Frequently over the last many years I have attendedas there is no cost involved.
weddings and their receptions. The use ofThe question becomes how do you collect all of
photography in an effort to preserve this day isthese photos without clogging your email with
common to all weddings and receptions, and thenumbers of large collections of image files. What you
obligatory photographer is always present.need is a single "big pot" where you can encourage all
Sometimes the couple will hire two photographers inof your guests to dump their photos for sharing with
an effort to get more candid shots of family andthe couple and the family-at-large.
friends throughout the reception. Sometimes they willToday there are online solutions called "photo
hire or designate a family member who's aexchange depots" (depositories). Just do an internet
photography hobbyist to capture those numeroussearch and you'll likely find one. Sometimes single-day
shots. And increasingly common is the placement ofevents are free to setup. Generally, here is how they
disposable cameras on each reception table towork;
encourage family and friends to take photosThe couple establishes their event on one of the
throughout the eventphoto exchange depots, and receives a designated
There are numerous technical and practical problemsprivate "EventCode." This code uniquely identifies
with this approach. First off, the disposable camerastheir event on the system, and will allow online users
don't generally take the best photos. Second, the(anyone knowing the EventCode) to add their photos
cost of developing these numerous cameras is ainto a big pool of event photos.
significant consideration. And, third, there's a strongThe couple informs their guests of this website and
possibility that the camera will prove to be a greatEventCode in their program, or as part of the place
toy for some young person � resulting insettings and/or table-tents at the reception. The
photos of the floor and ceiling (for which you'll pay toguests all access the site (no user login usually
have developed) � or even numerousrequired) and uploads all of their event photos.
photos where the user failed to activate the flashThen, after the honeymoon is over, the couple and
(usually a hold-down button on disposable cameras).or their family can view all of the uploaded images,
However, in today's day and age, it is very likely thatand select, download, and save the pictures they
many or most of the guests brought their own digitalwish to keep. At some point the depot expires and
camera. I know that I usually do, and that I'll shootfades away.
around 50 to 100 pictures during any such event.This is a simple, low-cost, low-risk, and very effective
Digital cameras are usually of a much better qualityway to capture possibly hundreds of additional
than disposables - resulting in much better pictures.photos from your special event.
Also, digital photos are cheap and numerousMore pictures, more memories!! Enjoy!
� because the memory chips will usually holdDean Brust has been involved in the business of
several hundred photos (unlike the 27 or so availableInternet technologies and services for 20+ years. He
from the disposable camera), and the cost of eachhas participated in the introduction of numerous online
image is virtually nothing. It is also very unlikely thatservices and databases. With a personal interest in
anyone is going to allow their child the use it as aphotography and family, he writes for the technology
plaything, and there won't be too many pictures ofindustry.
the floor and ceiling - though you wouldn't likely care