The world of photography is characterized by constant technological advancements, lighter devices have allowed engagement photos to take place in more remote locations, and high-resolution smartphone cameras have turned weddings into a universal competition for the best photos. The way we shoot has changed over the years, and photographers need to keep up with the times. Some techniques are more useful than others. One technique that has become more common and in the process changed the way photographers view mixed media and photography is laser engraving, which many wedding photographers have incorporated into their products.
In this competitive market, photographers must differentiate themselves from their competitors. For the most part, offers in the field of wedding photography are hardly different. Choose how many photographers will only be present at the event, when they will be present, and whether an online gallery should be created. Of course, all professional photographers take professional photos. For couples choosing a specific photographer, they need to offer more than the cheapest package price. For example, some photographers specialize in specific areas, such as urban weddings. Others focus on other services, such as wedding photo albums and photo booths. But with what offer can you stand out?
An idea that's growing in popularity: Laser-etched wedding photos look great in the bride and groom's home. Wood, marble, metal and acrylic are equally suitable for photo engraving. Whether you're adding a photo to a finished product like a wine crate, or creating a stand-alone image for a mantel, the laser-engraved unique look is a winner.
Which Photos Are Suitable For Engraving?
Engraving photos are popular, but sometimes it is difficult for the engraver to achieve the desired look on the selected material. Before engraving wedding photos, or engraving photos in general, you need to be familiar with the process.
First, be aware that not every photo is suitable for engraving. Which photos are suitable for engraving?
Shades: Make sure the photo contains multiple shades of color from light to dark. Monochrome photographs that primarily depict the sky will not be of much interest as prints; neither will photographs of large dark areas, such as a couple in the shade. A photo like this can be very interesting as a print, but a lot of detail is lost when engraving.
Close-up: The composition of the photo can also affect the quality of the engraving. In the best prints, the couple is often seen in the foreground. The engagement photo holding hands in the field is artistically interesting, but would lose too much detail if engraved on wood.
What Should Photographers Be Aware Of?
You might think that a Sculpfun laser engraver is a complex machine that takes hours of programming and takes up a lot of space. In fact, laser engraver are so advanced these days that they basically work like printers, barely bigger than printers. Operating the laser is very simple: you open your digital photo in your favorite graphics program and send the print job to the laser.
The learning curve for lasers is in the design, not in the device. Photographers are perfect engravers because they already intuitively know what is necessary for good engraving. When someone else needs to choose a photo with the right composition, lighting, and contrast, photographers have already done it, sculpting images. Additionally, photographers are familiar with graphic design programs and know how to edit photos using Photoshop, Illustrator, or other programs.
Engraving Photos - In-House Or Outsource?
When it comes to offering laser engraving services in your business, you have two options: you can rent an outside laser engraving service, or you can invest in a Sculpfun S10 laser engraver. Both options have their pros and cons.
By hiring an outside laser engraving service, start-up costs are low because you don't have to buy your own laser. This is an advantage for photographers who offer personal laser engraving but don't want to invest in their own laser engraver machine. Many laser owners are experienced in machining a variety of materials and look forward to your order.
The biggest advantage of having your own laser is the time to engrave. Laser engraving services are often highly cyclical, especially during peak wedding season. During such busy times, you will most likely have to endure longer waiting times for engraving orders from outside suppliers. Having your own laser equipment also allows you to test engraved photos on the remaining material to determine the best image for the final engraving.
You'll need to invest about $1200 in a high-quality Sculpfun S30 Pro Max laser engraver with all the necessary accessories. There are also rental-purchase options starting at a few dozen dollars a month. This gives you the opportunity to sculpt yourself at low cost. If you can't or don't want to take on such an investment, find a laser owner to do the engraving work for you.
