Hands down the #1 question we are asked regarding our wedding day coverage is if we provide the digital negatives. The answer is simple: YES! However, we do like to make sure that we clarify what this means.

Your disk will come to you with two folders on it. One will be labeled %u201CHigh Res%u201D and will contain all of your digital negatives. The other will be labeled %u201CSel%u201D for selected and will contain retouched and art worked images that were selected for your album or other products ordered through us.

What are digital negatives?

Digital negatives are files that have had very minor corrections made to them (color correcting, contrast) but are largely unedited. The have had no retouching or resizing. It is important that you are aware that these are NOT the images you see in your album, our portfolio, or on our blog, those have been extensively corrected and art worked to look their best.

When I purchase the digital negatives, do I own the copyright?

Nope! You receive a %u201CLimited Print Release%u201D with your disk. Per federal law, Earlybird Productions retains the copyright ownership. This entitles you to make prints, post on personal websites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc). The release is intended only for the person who purchased the disk, meaning that you cannot make additional copies to share with others.

What CAN%u2019T I do with my digital negatives?

You may not sell DVD, CD, or prints of your digital negatives to family, friends, wedding magazines, websites, other vendors, or anyone else. Earlybird Productions is the only entity authorized to sell or distribute the images. Any unauthorized use is a breach of federal copyright law. If you would like to submit images to a vendor, magazine%u2026anyone, please let us know. We are more than happy to submit them on your behalf.

What goes into a retouched, edited, or art worked image?

It depends on the image. Some photographs are pretty great from the get-go and may only require minor adjustments to color, contrast, white balance, or saturation. Others may require blemish removal, removal of distracting elements, opening closed eyes, adding special effects, even some head swapping and slimming down unflattering body areas. This is the care that goes into the images you select for your album and other products that you order through us, such as large prints, gallery wrapped canvas, and many others. This is why there is a price difference between purchasing a print through us rather than from another small (nameless) retailer. You are paying for a high quality product, as well as editing expertise.