a word about digital images

why digital files?

Digital files are a fantastic, valuable (and rare!) way to get the most from your custom portrait session. First of all, they are by far the most economical way to print your images. Secondly, in this day and age, the ability to retain some, most or all of your images for the future is a wonderful thing!

what can i do with my digital files?

Each digital file includes one image in both color and black and white. Files are medium resolution, 300 dpi images that are fully processed, retouched and ready to print. As they are prepared to print up to an 8×10, most clients use their digital files to print desk, gift and small wall prints. They will often

purchase large wall prints and custom items through ABP to get the quality and special touches that a professional lab can provide. Digital files are also great for making photo gifts, sharing online and

archiving for the future. Purchasing digital files gives you the right to print, share, and go crazy!

what can’t i do with my digital files?

The copyright (ownership) of the files that you purchase stays with ABP. This means that while you can freely use them for personal use, you cannot use/sell them for any commercial purposes or contests. Since each image is a unique piece of artwork, I ask tha you do not alter them in any way. Digital files should not be used for prints larger than an 11×14.

is it more economical to purchase digital files?

If you would like to retain all of the images from your session, or to be able to print your images many times (you know, for all of those relatives!) then yes, digital files is absolutely the best way to go. If you were to purchase a 5×7 print of each (or most) of the images from your session, or multiple copies or one print, you will quickly exceed the price of purchasing the digital files.

how are the digital files provided to me?

You will receive your digital files on a hard copy disc for archival purposes. An account will also be

created for you at ABP’s consumer lab of choice. While not required, it is highly recommend that you go this route for creating your prints. Prices are competitive with a drugstore, the turnaround time is just as fast, but the quality is far superior. Drugstore machines are calibrated by the worker of the day, and often times will result in oddly colored prints. Need help? Just ask. I am happy to walk you through the simple process and recommend additional vendors. Please note that although I can give

recommendations, I cannot guarantee the quality of prints created by a non-professional lab.

i’d rather take a more full-service approach and have you take care of my prints and products. Is this possible?

Of course! Regardless of whether or not you purchase digital files, ABP offers a wide selection of

professional prints, storyboard collages, fine art canvas and albums. Keep reading for details on all of the neat things that are offered.

digital In this day and age, many clients look for the ability to purchase digital images (the digital version of a film negative) from their photographer. We believe that owning the digital images from your session is a wonderful thing; first and foremost, for archiving your images for the future, and secondly, for creating gifts and prints for family and friends. This is why we offer them to our clients.

However, we firmly believe that a professional photographer is just that… an artist, not just a finger that clicks the shutter. The work any artist is meant to be displayed to its fullest capacity. With that being said, we feel it is infinitely important that our clients enjoy their images in the form of fine art, archival portraits and albums. When you purchase a print through a professional photographer, it will be rich in color, depth, and tonality. It will be finished, with a protective coating and backing substrate. It will be a piece of art to be enjoyed for years, and is truly the best way to enjoy the products of your session (this is why we recommend digital images for printing up to size 11×14… large prints and custom items, such as gallery wrapped canvases, are best left to our professional lab so that a high level of quality and correct formatting can be achieved).

Digital images have their place, and are a great addition to any portrait session… however, it is important to keep in mind that when purchasing digital images, you are assuming the responsibility for the outcome of the finished product. Please be sure that if you go this route, you are willing to take the steps to ensure that your images are printed correctly (i.e. using a high quality lab, not a drugstore). Also, do keep in mind that like the hundreds of snapshots you have taken yourself, professional digital images often end up sitting dormant on a hard drive or disk. Will you take the time to print and enjoy your images, or do you prefer to take a more full service approach? Every client is different, so it is important to think about whether or not digital images are the right option for you.

Digital images are not inexpensive (and any photographer who sells them for next to nothing is doing a disservice not only to themselves, but to the art of photography as a whole). When a photographer sells them, they are selling their art and vision. They are also selling the ability for the client to reproduce the images countless times and retain all of the images from their session, which is invaluable.

When purchasing digital images, the copyright (ownership) of the images that you purchase stays with Ashley Brown. This means that while you can freely use them for personal use, you cannot use/sell them for any commercial purposes or contests. Since each image is a unique piece of art that has been digitally mastered by Ashley, it is important that the files are not altered. Your digital images will be sent to you electronically via a very simple process. An account will also be created for you at Ashley’s consumer lab of choice. While not required, it is highly recommended that you go this route for creating your prints. Please note that while we are happy to give recommendations (an in-depth printing guide will be provided to you), we cannot guarantee the quality of prints that are not created by our lab, nor can we provide ongoing technical support.

Keeping all of this in mind, most clients choose to go with a hybrid of both professional prints, products and digital images from their session. Both options have wonderful benefits and will allow you to enjoy the beauty of your images in a format that is right for you.