Chinese couples opting for faked wedding albums

Beijing, April 5 (IANS) Rising cost of a wedding photo-shoot is forcing some Chinese couples to get their wedding albums prepared with the help of morphing offered by various online photography-related agencies.

With the help of computer software like Photoshop, a couple's ordinary photo can be added with wedding dresses, flowers or even a tropical island setting to create faux wedding images.

He Wen, a bride-to-be, happens to be one such individual who has opted for this service. She discovered it from friends after many an anxious moment over photography cost, reported China Daily citing Chongqing Morning News.

Instead of paying several thousand yuan for a professional photo shoot, the would-be bride has sought professional help.

She and her fiance have relied upon online websites that would manipulate ordinary cell phone snaps into faked images for their wedding photo album.

"The cost of a wedding shoot in a studio is normally 5,000 to 6,000 yuan (up to $950), but I only paid around 300 yuan (about $50) online to make my wedding photos," she said.

In China, contrary to the West, most couples get their wedding photos taken ahead of the actual marriage day.

He Wen sent several pictures taken by cell phone to an online service provider.

"It is a surprise to see the pictures," she said. "They are very professional, even better than studio photography," she added.

China Daily said the website Zhubajie.com is one such online platform that offers bids of PS (Photoshop) and design services. It has signed over 8,000 orders worth 420,000 yuan ($66,580) since last year.