As photographers, we often focus on capturing the perfect shot, editing it carefully, and providing our clients with great galleries. But between digital workflows and online galleries, there’s one thing that consistently surprises and delights wedding clients: instant prints.
In the world of wedding photography, the focus is often on creating a perfect gallery of polished images that couples will cherish for a lifetime. But there’s something powerful about giving up a piece of that joy in that moment. Using a small $99 handheld photo printer, such as fuji instax printer Or canon selfie squareMaking instant prints on the wedding day is a simple gesture that can enhance your service and leave a lasting impression on your clients. This practice brings a solid, emotional connection to your work and makes the couple’s experience unforgettable.
I started this practice a few years ago, and client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Don’t be surprised if the gift of a well-timed print of a particularly heart-touching image has the potential to bring your clients or their guests to tears.
If you want to be more than just a photographer who takes great wedding photos, providing your clients with an excellent experience is the best thing you can do. It’s not hard to see why small efforts like gifting physical prints during opportune moments can go a long way toward that goal.
magic of instant print
In the age of delayed gratification, where couples wait weeks for their wedding gallery, holding a real photograph in your hands on your wedding day feels extraordinary. The nostalgia of Polaroid-style prints combined with the emotional high of their wedding day creates a moment of pure joy.
Weddings are highly emotional events, and couples are often overwhelmed with excitement, nervousness, and happiness. Presenting them with some beautifully printed photographs during the event adds a layer of immediacy to their experience.
These prints become physical mementos that capture the essence of their day while it is still unfolding. Be it a candid shot of their first dance or a quiet moment between them during the sunset, these prints remind them of the beauty they are living in real time.
Adding instant print to your workflow also shows a level of care that deeply resonates with customers. Photography is inherently a personal service, and this thoughtful extra step shows your commitment to going beyond expectation. It’s not just about taking stunning photos; It’s about the experience you provide. When you hand a couple a set of prints in a small envelope or frame, you create a moment of surprise and joy that sets you apart. Clients often keep these prints long after their wedding, sometimes even more expensive than the larger, curated albums they receive weeks later.
The impact of the instant print doesn’t stop at the couple. These small tokens often make their way around receptions, shared among friends and family who marvel at the immediacy and intimacy of the images. It can also generate buzz about your work, as guests who see and appreciate your attention to detail will remember you for future events. Social media also comes into play here – many guests snap and share these prints, tagging the couple and, more importantly, your photography business, giving you exposure beyond the event.
From a business perspective, incorporating instant print into your practice is low cost, high value add. Purchasing a Fuji Instax Wide printer does not require any significant investment as I use and keep a stock of film.
The process of printing and distributing some important moments is quick and does not disrupt your workflow, especially if you have planned in advance or you have some free time. Even during weddings where I’m the only shooter, I’m able to beam some highlights to my phone via Fuji’s Transfer and Control app, run quick polish jobs on them with Lightroom Mobile, and send them to the printer. Successfully, all this without any wires involved. These small efforts can lead to happy clients, great reviews, and more referrals, all of which are invaluable in growing your wedding photography business.
The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity. While much of modern photography focuses on digital, instant prints bring touch back into focus. They offer couples the opportunity to hold a part of their story in their hands and share it with their loved ones before the day is over. For photographers looking to build meaningful relationships with their clients and stand out in a competitive industry, instant prints are a timeless, thoughtful way to leave a lasting impression.
