As I was designing this year's book, I realized how picky and opinionated I am about photobook layouts and things like that. So I am going to share with you my opinions on why your way is completely wrong and my way is so much better than yours. Just kidding! TOTALLY KIDDING!
So, here comes the Lindsey train of thought. Here we go.
1. Organize!
Every time I review my photos on my computer, I copy my favorites into one folder per year. For example, on my desktop I have "2014," "2015," and "2016" folders. Only my favorites make it each year. If they are organized, then it is super easy to make a book. This year's book is 140+ pages, but because I had all the photos in one folder it didn't take long at all!!
2. Design by spread, not by page
I used to layout my photos in my books by only thinking of one page at a time. THIS IS WRONG. You must think of the spread, how it looks in two open pages. You don't want the two pages fighting against each other. Look at the example below. I have 4 images spread amongst two pages. They are all part of the same story. All have the same color pallet. Visually, the two pages work very well together.
3. Repeated Pattern
This is my favorite, because it is so visually compelling. If you have several photos taken of basically the same thing with minute differences, just repeat the image over and over. Just look at these!
4. Blank Space
White background always for me, please. I love the classic look, so I embrace the white space framing my photos. I also like the contrast of one large photo vs one small. It creates great negative space.
5. Go BIG!!!!!
Fill those pages! Make a statement!
As a side note, this is where you want a camera with good megapixelage. With our old, old camera we couldn't do this.
As you can tell, I love grouping pictures together with other photos of a similar nature. But what about the leftovers? I keep them too. I just put them in a grid, either 3x3 or 2x3. Then I put a big picture next door so that the eye has somewhere to land. That way there isn't too much visual chaos!
In the end, it really doesn't matter what design technique you implement. Your kids just want to see the pictures.
And do not feel overwhelmed! I do yearly books, but I also have done a grouping of several years too.
I love making these so much, that I will honestly make these for other people.
FUN STUFF TO ADD TO YOUR BOOKS
-Funny stories of the family members
-Pictures of drawings the kids have made
-Names and descriptions too, of course
