To go direct for wedding printing

[sonandhelpneeded]

My daughter and SIL got married recently, the photographer gave a digital copy of the file. I said I would but the newly weds an album for a present.

So, I asked the photographer who said he could arrange it, it's arrived and it's beautiful. It's come from an online company and is addressed to me, ie says Dear Son, many thanks for your order, hope to deal with you again soon.

It costs less than half what I paid the photographer.

SILs parents live abroad and are coming for Christmas and I would like to give them a copy of he album as a gift.

AIBU to go direct? Does having the digital photos mean I can get them printed how and where I wish?

TIA

It depends if you have the copyrite to the images or not. Done photographers release then with free permissions some don't. If you don't have this (usually a letter) then professional printers won't print them for you and they know with quality of images poses if shots etc.
Remember it's not just the actual cost of printing there is all the editing that the photographer does which is added into the price. Edit work can take 2-3 days worth of work for a normal wedding so you pay for that too.

Additional books of the same prints shouldn't be too much ask the photographer

I think it depends on the contract with the photographer and whether the copyright was passed to.you. it often is with digital photos I believe because they are harder to protect.

@Mummyrowland hadn't thought of the editing, fair point!

We paid for a proper album which yes included edit time to get the best layout and pics.

But once that was done, we did a DIY photo book for GPs, parents etc it worked brilliantly and was much cheaper. Photographer was happy for us to do this.

Best thing to do is look at the contract that was signed or what was agreed. If you want the same album again as for a reprint quote as the work is all done. If they say same price I would be querying it but they will prob add a bit in fit processing and ordering time but shouldn't be much. I only know this as used to photograph weddings professionally

Meant to add some companies won't deal with non professional people and photographers often need accounts with them. We used one we had to send a portfolio of work to before we could use them!

If you have the high res digital photos, and they're not watermarked, then you more than likely have the rights to use them.

Go right ahead!

Notwirkszilla that's not necessarily true. You need written permission either in contract or with images for this. Without this you are potentially at risk if you re print without permission and the photographer can go after you for unlawful reproduction of their images

Easiest thing to do is just ask them if they are rite free

Does depend on photographer and what you paid too

Thanks all, I'll contact the photographer!