I undertook a Christmas project that turned out to be a big success: I created a book for my kids and granddaughter about all the dogs and cats my family has had since just before my children were born. Pictured are the front and back covers.
I spent a lot of time researching online photo book publishers, and found the Photo Book Roundup Review particularly valuable. Photo Book Girl is another good resource. After doing my research, I chose Inkubook. I'm very happy with my choice.
My book has 40 pages (20 sheets, both sides) and is an 8.5 x 11" in landscape orientation. It contains 103 photos (almost all of which were prints that I scanned) and 4,500 words. I mention these details for those who might like to do a similar project. For some time I've wanted to create a record of all these pets so that they wouldn't be forgotten. The book works beautifully for that. But because my children and granddaughter are with the animals in so many of the photos, the book is like a family album, too.
The process was time consuming (I told my kids the book was the most labor-intensive gift they would receive), but fun. Once I learned the software (Microsoft's Silverlight) and got some experience choosing layouts and backgrounds, etc., I had a great time with it. In fact, I can't wait to do another one! I have an idea, and I figure it will take me till July to execute it.
9 comments:
What a great idea! Can you post some pictures of what some of the pages look like? What's your next project?
PS - the cover is really nice :)
Thanks, Crystal! I'll take pictures of some of the pages soon. My next project will be an ABC book for my little grandson, who turns one year old in July. Each letter of the alphabet will be illustrated with one of my photographs. This will be challenging, but I think I can do it. I read about a photo book publisher that offers pages bonded to non-bendable card stock. A board book. That should be good for little hands.
The ABC book sounds like a fun and helpful gift for your grandson that I bet he'll treasure :)
What a great idea! What a thoughtful present! I love it! Thanks for sharing details.
Thanks, IB. I'm going to post some page pics now. Happy New Year!
I love love LOVE photobooks, and have blogged (http://aseparatelife.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/snapping-memories/) about my travel ones. I'm also planning on finishing one of old photos of me and my sisters, as a gift for them. Welcome to the obsessive but fun world of photobooks!
Mali, your photo books look fabulous! Which publisher(s) did you use? I've seen a couple of crappy ones, so I did a lot of research. There seem to be quite a few good ones, so price was a big factor for me.
Yes--obsessive! I'm eager to do another one, but will have to wait till I can afford the money and the time. The pets book is actually my second effort; the first was a surprise gift for a friend whose jazz parties I've photographed for a dozen years. I couldn't believe how great it turned out.
Your other photo displays are beautiful, too!
Susan, I use a NZ/Aust company. It means I don't have to rely on the vagaries of the exchange rate (though probably in my favour now) or international mailing. In fact, I can go pick up my books just downtown. I use Momento (momento.co.nz) and thrilled with the quality, and the software (free).
I used Frogprint for my first one about 5 years ago, and it wasn't the best. I've also used Vistaprint for a very cheap couple of calendars and it was okay for the price.
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