This morning I added the 14th and final elementary school photo book to the shelf.
Designed by both me and other moms, the creation of this stack was certainly a labor of love. Meaningful teacher gifts and precious family keepsakes all rolled into little 8×10 packages. As I flip through this most recent book I designed, I see a few of my favorite book making techniques in action…
Strong Focal Point
With close to 2,000 photos (!) to choose from this year, it was important to only select the best photos to represent an event and ensure each layout had a strong focal point photo. This book was 180 pages long so I had no worries that each child would be well represented, even if they didn’t make the cut for a certain event! In this example, I also utilized a grid design to keep a bunch of photos from looking too busy on the page.
Don’t Forget the Details
I shot a lot of the photos in this book and was careful to include some close-up shots alongside the more expected photos of the kids engaged in their various activities. When you have a long book, incorporating creative shots like this gives the reader a break from so many faces!
Honor the 3 C’s
While Close-up photos are important, including the other 2 C’s (Context & Characters) from my favorite photography tip always makes for a balanced page that tells a story. This Open House layout is a good example of capturing all 3 C’s:
Characters: A teacher and some students
Context: The class whiteboard and materials used during the school year
Close-Up: The bulletin board highlighting a message one my favorite books, Wonder.
Include a Surprise
This year I added in some QR Codes linking the reader to special videos captured throughout the year. Who knows if this technology will exist in the future, but at least for now it is a way to share those moving memories that really bring the stories of the year to life.
Interested in learning more tips for shooting for and designing compelling photo books? Check out my Photo Book 101 self-study class over at Big Picture Classes. It is chock full of ideas and photos to get your creative juices flowing!
Catrina Tremmel says
I believe this web site contains some real great information for everyone. “The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” by Aristotle.
Baseball Live Streams says
I just couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back continuously to check out new posts.
gullybet live cricket scores says
Very interesting points you have observed, thankyou for putting up.
Boxing Live Streams Free says
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “Better and ugly face than an ugly mind.” by James.
Free Baseball Streaming says
Right now it looks like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Watch NBA Online says
Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
gullybet offers says
Attractive part of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I get in fact loved account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment and even I achievement you access constantly rapidly.
recepción de correo en Suiza says
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
Xenical 120mg buy online says
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Diabetes peptide therapy research says
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly liked reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the stories coming. I liked it!
Schweizer Domiziladresse says
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today..
grafiche adesivi trasparenti says
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
digital business says
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
FemiPro says
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
Pink Salt Trick says
I really like your writing style, great info, appreciate it for putting up :D. “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” by Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky.
Lyndon Ditmars says
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favourite reason seemed to be at the internet the simplest thing to take note of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst people consider issues that they plainly do not realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as well as outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks
Honey Trick says
Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!
akongcuan says
Someone essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Magnificent job!
demo slot says
Fantastic site. A lot of helpful info here. I?¦m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you in your sweat!
glucotrust bites says
I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
gorilla and safari says
Glad to be one of the visitants on this amazing website : D.
live casino games says
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
watch espn boxing streaming online says
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my blog?
free bundesliga streams says
you’re really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent job on this topic!
wnba live streaming says
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!
buy shih tzu puppy online says
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have discovered till now. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?
live american football streaming qatar says
I carry on listening to the news broadcast speak about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?
read here says
Admiring the time and energy you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
this website says
As soon as I discovered this site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
website link says
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
Frances Ligue 1 Games Live Online says
Wow! Thank you! I continually wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my website?
Watch Golf Online says
Almost all of what you assert happens to be supprisingly precise and that makes me wonder why I had not looked at this with this light previously. Your article truly did turn the light on for me as far as this specific issue goes. Nevertheless there is just one factor I am not necessarily too comfy with so while I try to reconcile that with the actual central theme of the issue, permit me see just what the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Well done.
Watch WNBA Live says
Very good written post. It will be beneficial to anybody who usess it, including myself. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts.
NHL game streaming free says
I have been surfing on-line greater than three hours today, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
live sports stream Qatar now says
Really fantastic visual appeal on this website , I’d rate it 10 10.
marketing integrato says
Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
bha88 bangladesh says
Good write-up, I?¦m normal visitor of one?¦s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Ethical hackers in cybersecurity says
I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re using? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?
live baccarat casino says
But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design.
rephrase AI writing to sound natural says
Hello There. I discovered your weblog the usage of msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.
fdertolmrtokev says
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this site is very user pleasant! .
these details says
I am glad to be one of several visitors on this great website (:, thankyou for posting.
live basketball streaming says
Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find numerous useful information here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
sports streaming website free live says
It is truly a nice and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
slot rtp tinggi says
wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What could you recommend in regards to your put up that you just made some days in the past? Any positive?
watch nfl game pass live stream online says
There is obviously a bunch to realize about this. I think you made certain good points in features also.
live football stream qatar schedule says
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting.
andar bahar says
Hello! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the nice info you have right here on this post. I might be coming again to your weblog for more soon.
slot thailand says
I conceive you have observed some very interesting details , appreciate it for the post.
zaborna torilon says
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
restaurant loyalty says
Great website! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also
top slot games online says
You are my breathing in, I have few blogs and sometimes run out from to brand : (.
fdertolmrtokev says
I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be utilizing? I’m having some small security issues with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?
homestay idukki says
hello there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again soon..
Live casino games says
I’ll right away grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Brittanie Gawlik says
As soon as I observed this internet site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Find Photographers UK says
Every weekend i used to go to see this web page, as i wish
for enjoyment, ass this this web page conations really fastidious funny data too.
luxury escorts says
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Live Casino Online Games says
Excellent web site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!