A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Photo Book

When creating a photo book, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Once the pictures are printed, the process is irreversible. With that in mind, there is little to no room for errors. Some are likely to avoid making a photo book altogether out of fear of making mistakes. However, you cannot always live in fear. To ensure you go at this task like a pro, below is a simple guide on how to create a lasting photo book of your memories.

1) Establish a Goal for Your Album

When making an album, you must establish why you must create it. In most cases, some people make photo books to document occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, and vacations. Others create life histories such as childhood memories. Once you know why you need to get the album, it helps you make a list of things to check before you print the photo book. With that sorted, you can now choose relevant pictures to go with it.

2) Choose the Pictures

Start by choosing all the pictures you want to be documented in the album. The photos can be from an online album or even a traditional one. Arrange the photos in the order you want them printed, as that is the only way to do it. You need to make sure you have ample time to review the album before it is printed. Use free software and album creators to test how that works and see the expected outcome. Where possible, edit all the photos to ensure they meet every aspect ratio you need. You can edit photos with free photo editing tools or invest in one for quality and better results.

3) Choose the Paper Quality

Your paper quality and size depend entirely on your taste and budget. The larger the paper, the higher the cost. Additionally, the quality and thickness of the paper push that budget higher despite the size of the paper used. There are standardized rates and paper sizes, but you can always get yours customized if need be. Also, your photos can determine the paper you go for without much hassle. Photos with panoramic views and sizes are best printed on lay-flat pages to ensure you do not cut out the views. Additionally, large photos that you do not want to be resized are best printed on landscape pages.

4) Choose the Cover

A cover introduces your photo book to the world; you need to get it right. A quality cover ensures your photos are protected from getting unexpected damage. Before settling on what to go for, let the photos guide you. Matching the theme on the photos to that on the cover shows effort and synchronizes everything together. You can work with a plain cover. The message, photo, dates, or quote will then be printed together.

5) Review and Print

Once you are done with the preparation stages, give your unprinted album a once over to ensure all is in check. Check the outcome to see if it pleases you and if not, go back to the drawing board. When satisfied, print your work. If you doubt your capabilities, have a professional do it. When printing several photo books, it is best to check with the first photos printed to avoid a total mess that can lead to a financial dip