What is it with this “it’s good enough” attitude?

More and more, I'm hearing from customers that brides are settling for low-end product because it's "good enough." No matter whether it's their final album, or just a CD and nothing else, the attitude seems to be that quality isn't worth the money. Well, ouch!

I wonder if brides feel the same way about the catering, dresses, tuxedos, flowers, beverages, music and all the other accoutrements that go into making the wedding day a "memorable" occasion? I think not! So why is it that they settle for "good enough" when it comes to the one and only keepsake they"ll have to re-live and remember their wedding? Why don't they treasure the precious images, insist that they be printed on quality photographic paper, and demand that they be presented in an album that enhances the artistry of the photographer they chose? I just don't get it!! I can't imagine settling for what amounts to a low-end press printed photo book for a wedding. (I even have my doubts about it as a wrap-up for a vacation or a birthday party!)

Recently, I volunteered a week of my time to help with clean up in New Orleans. I worked in abandoned homes and senior apartment complexes clearing out the debris left behind by Katrina. One of the items I found was a photo album that had to date back to the 50’s. Every image in it was in perfect condition because the album had fortunately escaped water damage. My guess is the black and white prints would still be fine, even if they had gotten wet!!! Can we say the same about ink jet, press print images, hmmm?

How long do we want the images we produce, sell, and sign our name to, to last? What about the album? Is it really "good enough" if what we sell falls apart in a few years? Who'll get the blame for that – the album company, or the photographer? Wouldn't we be doing everybody a favor if we only offered albums backed by a guarantee and built with quality materials?

I may be old-fashioned, but for things intended to last a lifetime, "good enough" just isn't good enough. Not for me, and I hope, not for you or your reputation.

Peter Cardello