An Alternative to Disposable Cameras

Disposable Cameras Are Falling Out of Favor
It used to be an “in-thing” to have disposable cameras readily available for guests to snap photos at weddings.  The wedding couple purchases the disposable cameras in bulk, sets them on the tables, the guests take photos, leave the camera on the table and a few days after the wedding the bride and groom remember to have the photos developed.  These days, it is no longer fashionable to distribute disposable cameras because you can never be sure how the photos will come out in the hands of novice photographers.  You might get dozens of photos of your guests’ feet or the ceiling, over exposed or under exposed photos of otherwise great pictures.  In the end, you wasted your money on the cameras plus the cost of developing useless photos.

An Alternative to Disposal Cameras

A new alternative to buying disposable cameras is renting high quality digital cameras for guests to use.  I found several companies that offer such services, but Camera Renter is by far the best that I found.  This online store offers a photo package for weddings that includes the rental fee for the cameras, shipping fees to you and return shipping, damage insurance, a CD of your photos, unlimited photo downloading for you and your guests, photo hosting, and photo sharing.

Why Use Rented Digital Cameras
Your typical disposable wedding camera holds less than thirty photos, while cameras from Camera Renter hold an average of 450 photos and can take a 15 minute video.  A teen sitting at the table may take 10 photos of their date before they realize they just used half the role of a disposable camera.  With a digital camera, they can still take 440 more photos or they have the option to delete the photos they just took. You can even order the camera early so you can use them for the rehearsal dinner, too.

The online photo sharing is convenient as guests and family who couldn’t make the ceremony can view your photos and still share in your wedding experience.  You can send them an online invitation and they can even view the videos your guests took with the cameras.

For DIY Brides:  A Good Alternative to Hiring Professional Photographers
While renting a digital photo package may cost more than disposable, when you add up everything that’s included it’s actually a pretty great deal.  Disposable cameras run around $3-10 per camera, plus shipping and handling if purchased online.  You run a risk of the film not turning out and having to pay for processing photos you don’t really want.  A 10 camera photo package from Camera Renter is $495 and allows you and your guests to take many more photos, videos, and have better quality prints.  This is a good alternative for a DIY bride who does not want to spend thousands of dollars for a professional photographer.

Hand Rented Digital Cameras to Trusted Friends or Family
If a cheap disposable camera is lost or broken, it’s not a big deal.  If a camera from Camera Renter is damaged you’re covered under the 100% damage insurance included in the photo package.  On the other hand if one of the rented cameras goes missing there is a $100 replacement fee.  With disposable cameras you would be comfortable letting anyone use them, but with the rented digital cameras you might want to only hand them out to close family and friends who will keep track of them.

In Addition to Professional Photography
For those of you who plan or already have a professional photographer for your memorable event, let him/her handle the official pictures.  Give your trusted friends or family relatives these rented digital cameras to capture intimate moments in pictures or in video of your closest friends and family at your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony or reception.  You will be happier with the number and quality of photos, and enjoy sharing them online with family and friends.

Photo Credits:  Camera Renter.  This article is written without monetary or other compensation from Camera Rental. It is a service for soon-to-be brides.