by Stacey Wiseman | Jun 8, 2012 | Description, Inspiration, Photo Book Design Layout
My previous cover examples all feature one photograph. In this cover design, I am featuring one photograph of each of my children. However to tie them together, the two photographs have something in common – sunglasses. They are wearing the same sunglasses and I thought it was really cute, not only of my little girl wearing her glasses…but also big brother! This is a great tip for you as you begin thinking about your cover. Perhaps it is a couple of photographs of your kids doing a similar activity. Or it could be a from a similar season – ie two photographs from the summer time.
Another thing to keep in mind when using two photographs on the cover is the scale of the subject. This particular example could be improved, my son’s face fills the frame a little more than my daughters, but you will notice they are both head shots. If you have a full body shot of one kid, it is a good idea to include a full body shot of the other. It ties them together. Of course there are exceptions, but starting out, it is a good idea to keep things similar!
Finally, for the title of the book, I decided to use a phrase or question. If there is something that really ties to the photograph on the cover or something that you or one of your kids likes to say, this would make a perfect cover title.
[divider] If you love this example or gives you some ideas for your photo book, pin it!
by Stacey Wiseman | Jun 7, 2012 | Description
Are any of you fans of Manic Mommies? If not, I would love to introduce you to them. It is a weekly podcast between two awesome working moms discussing their crazy, hectic lives. Their kids are a little bit older than mine…but this just gives me a chance to see what lies ahead! I love listening to them because it provides a nice perspective to listen how two friends discuss the challenges, laughs, and joys that happen in families.
Back in January (or maybe February), Kristin was discussing her recent trip to Disney World and mentioned how many photographs she had taken. She made a statement in the podcast how she would love to prepare a photo book but knew she would not have the time. I immediately wrote her about my business and my desire to create beautiful photo books for families. She graciously wrote back how she loves the idea but taxes were on her immediate to-do list. Definitely understand because, well, I was in the starting my taxes as well and completely get how certain aspects in life take priority at different times.
Earlier this week, I was listening to their most recent podcast when their conversation turned once again to photo books (around 16 minute mark…). Discussing old photographs that she randomly stumbled upon in her wallet, Erin captured perfectly why I do what I do and want to help everyone and anyone I can design photo books. One of her kids’ photographs was in there and she was immediately taken back to the moment…and how adorable he was…and how much she remembers him at that point in time. While she did not have my name/business name as a ready reference, I emailed her later that night so my email would be at the top of her inbox. Although she didn’t understandably remember my name, I felt as though a celebrity mentioned me on air. My fork hit the plate of my leftover pasta lunch!
More importantly, I loved how their conversation directly went to my mission of Book This Project. I want to create a beautiful photo book for you and your family to treasure. To remember all the good moments and maybe some of the not-so good moments. I want each book to be a reflection of what happens in your everyday life. I want to design it for you so that you don’t have to feel the stress, or take the time, or agonize over each photograph, or give up half-way through, or have anxiety because it is still on your to-do list. I want to make it more absolutely gorgeous than you can possible imagine or prepare on your own. Why? Because I know what it is like to have one for your own. To see your family as your family. To watch your children grow up on the page, through each book. To love each and every photograph taken throughout the year. To share your life with close family and friends. To love the life you have. To own a stunning book representing all of that love, growth, and bond. A photo book documenting the big moments and recognizing the small everyday moments.
June is a big planning month for me. I am focusing a lot on this business, my desires and dreams, not only as a business but for me personally and future clients. I am defining what I want to provide and how I want to provide it. More importantly, I want to clearly articulate to you why I love designing family photo books. This is a start. But lots more to come. Super excited!
by Stacey Wiseman | Jun 5, 2012 | Q&A
Question:
Should I wait until my photographs are ready before I place my order?
Answer:
No. It is recommended to place your order as soon as possible.
Once you purchase your book, a questionnaire will be emailed to you. The questions are designed to customize your book. You can fill this out at your convenience and return it before you have uploaded your photos. This will initiate the design process.
We will notify you when photographs are due for a timely delivery of your book.
One reason to place your order before you have assembled your photographs is to take advantage of a sale! Right now, receive $50 off when you place your 2012 Family Photo Book order by July 31, 2012. Make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter and join our facebook page for special announcements!
Did you find this helpful? Do you have a question about the books or process? Leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!!!
Love This? Share This!
[fbshare type=”button” float=”left”] [tweetmeme style=”compact” source=”@bookthisproject”]
by Stacey Wiseman | Jun 4, 2012 | Description
Hello Everyone! I have a huge favor to ask. Not because it will take a lot of time. Or demand a lot of attention. Or stress you out! I want you to fill out a brief survey. I know, I know. A survey. Not a favorite thing of mine either…but…I have made it super quick and easy. And I am more than willing to fill one out when it helps a company I value.
I have prepared 9 questions and 3 of those are your name/email, what free download you want, and if someone referred you. So really there are only 6 questions. And the questions are about photo books in general. I want to make sure I am delivering a product you truly want.
So please, take two minutes, seriously two minutes, and fill out this simple survey here. And if you have a friend who is a mom and has taken a photograph of their kid…share this survey with them! Again, it is not about this company. You don’t even have to mention the name! Refer 5 people to fill out a survey, I will send you a $25 gift card to anything in the Book This Project Shop!
Survey here!
Thanks so much!
And because I can’t have a post without a photograph, here are two from the park this weekend. One with better focus. One with better interaction. Together, I love them both!
by Stacey Wiseman | Jun 1, 2012 | Description, Family Photographs, Inspiration, Photo Book Design Layout, Photograph
For this photo book cover, I am incorporating the two shades of dark gray with a black and white photograph. This gives the cover a stately simplicity that would perfectly set up a modern photo book. For the interior of the book, the same dark gray with light gray font could act as the section pages, dividing the custom photo book into months, seasons, or events!
[divider]Make sure you pin it!
[divider]
by Stacey Wiseman | May 29, 2012 | Description, Family Photographs, Motivation, Photo Book Design Layout, Photograph
The following is an example of my May page for the One Word Challenge. For this layout, it is only 1 page with a simple border around a 5″x7″ photograph.
by Stacey Wiseman | May 25, 2012 | Family Photographs, Photo Book Design Layout
Here is a very simple cover idea for a photo book for your child. It pulls a dominant color from the photograph and creates a band at the bottom for the text. You can use your child’s name or nickname to personalize it even further. Selecting a font that you love or that really sums up the personality of your child really adds to the cover.
[divider] Do you love this cover idea? Make sure you pin it!
[divider]
[divider]
by Stacey Wiseman | May 24, 2012 | Description, Family Photographs, Motivation, Photo Book Design Layout, Photograph
Here is the next entry in the Book This Project Color Series!
Here are six color options to pair with a photograph in a landscape size photo book. Submit your photograph to info[at]bookthisproject.com and I will prepare a color profile for you!
Let me know in the comments below, which one is your favorite?
[divider]Here is the original photograph from yesterday’s wordless wednesday post:
[divider] the colors:
[divider] A free download of the color values are located here:
by Stacey Wiseman | May 22, 2012 | Description, Family Photographs, Inspiration
I am super excited to share with you the final installment Book This Project ebook launch!
The House the __________ Built
I love this idea! I adapted the concept from R. Caldecott’s “The House that Jack Built” and customized it to fit our family including my son’s favorite things for a personalized book.
This concept is incredibly easy to customize for your family. Upon purchase, a questionnaire and upload form will be emailed to you. Once you upload the photographs of your “characters,” I will pull it all together in a beautiful, easy-to-use ebook or pdf.
Photographs and narratives do not have to be known before you purchase. I will walk you through all the steps and provide suggestions!
The main point is to create a cumulative tale that describes the fun family members and toys that live in your household.
Here is the text from my final “page”:
This is the phone that buzzed in the morn,
That woke up daddy not shaven or shorn,
Who kissed mommy in her pj’s worn,
Who fed Lydia all forlorn,
Who loved the elephant with the big, loud horn,
Who startled the bear,
Who pushed the fire truck,
That carried the cheese,
That Lay in the House that Alden Built!
This video illustrates how it all comes together!
If you have any questions, please let me know!
Again, for any of the ebooks that have been launched, you do not have to have the photos and text ready. I will work with you to customize your book!
Even though this concludes the official launch of ebooks, I will continue to release new book and ebook ideas, so make sure you check out the website, facebook, and newsletter!
* R. Caldecott “The House that Jack Built” published in 1878 is in the public domain.
by Stacey Wiseman | May 21, 2012 | Family Photographs
I have an exciting post for everyone tomorrow…but before that…my girl fell last night and hit her forehead on the side of a fireplace mantel. Ouch! It actually isn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Still got a picture, though! Have you guys documented boo boos, scrapes, or bumps? Tell me in the comments or link to your blog post or photo!
