Digital usher
A digital usher is a wedding reception guest or wedding party member assigned to collect guest's digital photos over the course of a wedding day.
Digital ushers are becoming more common as digital cameras become more and more popular.
[edit] Digital vs. Disposable Cameras
Before the popularity of digital cameras, it was common for wedding guests to find disposable cameras at their reception tables for taking photos of throughout the night. Unfortunately the bad photos normally taken by throwaways were made even worse by guests who didn't understand the 4-8 ft flash limits or kids who got hold of the cameras.
Disposable cameras can also be costly... the camera itself is only $5 or so, but development can add another $10-$20. That's a lot of money when you consider the fact that most cameras will only give you 1 or 2 good pictures. Collecting digital photos means you'll have hundreds for almost nothing, ready to burn to a CD and take home (or on your honeymoon!)
And finally, there are environmental issues involved with developing photos and using cameras that are thrown away days after your wedding. Couples planning green weddings usually avoid disposables for this reason.
Alternatively, consider using a totally automated kiosk.
[edit] Technical needs
- Laptop computer
- Table/designated area
- Some computer skills (enough to know how to get photos from different kinds of camera memory cards)
- Multi-card reader (sold in computer and office supply stores for around $20-$40)
- Advertisement - have your DJ remind guests that if they have digital cameras, they should visit the digital usher. If they have other pictures on their cameras it's okay, you'll only grab photos with "date taken" in the last few hours.
