Need Album advice

[E3_Photo_Studio]

Ok...We just got the digimatz software from Zookbinders, and I'm trying to create a "sample album"....kind of a test run if you will. And I'm just feeling sooooooo lost and overwhelmed. Almost like I dont' even know where to start (picture wise anyway). So, how do you start with your albums? Do you open with a picture of the couple, or just jump right in with the getting ready pics? I guess....do you do the album pages in order of the wedding day itsself or just randomly?
Please help...I'm totally stressing!

[tim]

I create albums chronologically, with the exception that sometimes I put a nice pic of the B&G together on the opening page. Each opening (ie facing pages) tells at story. Often I do one of the bride getting ready, usually a collage, then one of the groom getting ready. Next is the ceremony, group photos, wedding party and couple photos, reception photos (few of speeches, more of the more interesting stuff), then end up with a nice pic of the couple during the first dance. Given this plan I know that when I select images I need 3-12 of the bride getting ready, similar of the groom, etc. I also go for simple designs and use templates a bit - the ones that come with PhotoJunction or ones i've made. I rarely overlay images, and I often have pages with just the images, a very thin simple border (a stroke), and a white background.

If you use advanced search to look for threads in this forum with word "album" in their title you'll find quite a few albums people have posted which should help you out. Couple of mine here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=362978) and here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=316227).

[E3_Photo_Studio]

Thank you thank you thank you Tim! Very helpful!!! {hugs}

Also....how many pages do you normally put in an album?? I was thinking 20 (front and back) and no more....too many ya think?

[liza]

I also use the chronological format. Coincidentally, I'm getting ready to design a sample coffee table book using Zookbinders as well. :)

[tim]

My albums are Queensberry, my base is 20 pages (counted like the Oxford dictionary, aka sides) but i've done albums up to 40 pages. I've done a 60 page Asuka, they're much cheaper per page, but they're not so impressive as a Queensberry.

[E3_Photo_Studio]

I also use the chronological format. Coincidentally, I'm getting ready to design a sample coffee table book using Zookbinders as well. :)

That's awesome Liza! Do you think you'll do a square or rectangle one? Are you using Digimatz software as well?

[E3_Photo_Studio]

Ok....This is the only page I have done thus far. I had planned on having this be the opening page and putting their names/wedding date/etc on it, but now I'm not sure?

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/amomsjob/Page1.jpg

Sorry if the clarity is weird....I resized it quickly and not properly. ;) It's sharp and nice on my comp here.

I'm going with a square album (10x10 - I think is the size).....do you think the background should be faded at all??

[tim]

I have a collection of about 20 albums made by fantastic designers on my PC at home, I don't think any have overlaid images. A few have background images, faded out a lot. From what i've seen overlaid images are a technique mainly used by people new to albums, or where the photos aren't strong enough to stand on their own. (flame proof suit on)

Edit - I don't much like square pages, as then you either have to crop your images square or leave wasted space. Every album i've done is landscape 14x10", with the exception of a couple of Asukas a while back.

[liza]

That's awesome Liza! Do you think you'll do a square or rectangle one? Are you using Digimatz software as well?

I'm getting the coffee table book rather than the Zookbook, so they provide the software. I may just use Adobe software if I do a Zookbook, rather than spending $100. And I'll get one in rectangular format. I don't like square books.

[E3_Photo_Studio]

I have a collection of about 20 albums made by fantastic designers on my PC at home, I don't think any have overlaid images. A few have background images, faded out a lot. From what i've seen overlaid images are a technique mainly used by people new to albums, or where the photos aren't strong enough to stand on their own. (flame proof suit on)

Edit - I don't much like square pages, as then you either have to crop your images square or leave wasted space. Every album i've done is landscape 14x10", with the exception of a couple of Asukas a while back.

Well, goodness! I see why they call you Mr. Blunt. :lol: That's ok. I am "new to albums", that's why i'm asking for advice. LOL I tried to fade the back picture, but it kept turning gray...maybe I was using the wrong settings or someting??
I'll try again!

And Sorry you don't like square albums, but I dislike big retangle albums. Square ones are what I like, so that's all I'm willing to offer my clients for right now. They'll just have to deal. :D

[tim]

You have to have your own style, so ask for ideas and only act on the ones that you like. To fade an image make sure you have a white background then reduce the layer opacity.

[E3_Photo_Studio]

ok....is this better??

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/amomsjob/Page1-1.jpg

Now I have to go and start on pages 2 & 3 before my hubby comes home and the kids have to get to bed!

[E3_Photo_Studio]

You have to have your own style, so ask for ideas and only act on the ones that you like. To fade an image make sure you have a white background then reduce the layer opacity.

Always do, but it's nice to get input....friends and family don't seem to have the same input as other photographers do. ;)

[tim]

I don't see how the small inset image is necessary or helpful on the first page.

[johnstoy]

Those cream white roses are wonderful, and certainly complimenting the rings... The pic looks a bit heavy, overlaid on such a soft creamy image... That's just my honest opinion too...

Great start though... Love the Font you selected... Good luck...

By the way, my niece just got married this weekend, here in Pennsylvania... She lives in Arizona... I'll post some pics from her wedding later in the week...

[lil_miss]

I dont believe there is a certain way it HAS to be done.. overlay or not, square or rectangle... you do what looks best to you, suits your style and what your clients will like. Everyone has different tastes and everyone does it different.

I agree with Johnstoy though - the pic that is on the top is a bit dark in comparison - but the overlay could work with the right image... :) You're off to a good start.

Tim - I think I've read at least 5 threads recently where you've stressed your point that you dont like overlays. I think you've made it quite clear.

[tim]

Tim - I think I've read at least 5 threads recently where you've stressed your point that you dont like overlays. I think you've made it quite clear.

The OP said they had no idea how to design an album, despite me posting my process at least a few times, so there's no reason to think they saw my opinion on overlays. Looking over my older albums the two things that I really don't like about them are the overlays, the borders, and things being at an angle, so I try to help people make what I consider to be the same mistakes.

[lil_miss]

Fair enough then.

[E3_Photo_Studio]

It's ok lil_miss. I don't mind. I love hearing other's thoughts and opinions....so long as they are respectful in nature. :)

I can see how the image ontop is a little dark in comparsion to the background...maybe I'll try another one...But we'll see. I'll try to the page images when I'm all done.

Johnstoy - Where in AZ does she live? If you're ever out this way, give us a look up! Look forward to seeing the pics.