Album page design - Looking for samples online/inspiration

Okay, so I'm going to try to do my own pages in PS. Can I look at some great

examples online? Who do you like?

with all modesty:

www.storybookpages.com/Sample_Gallery.htm

 

It's what we do. Contact us if we can help.

Best of luck.

john

wow thats a great website

I can readily recommend the Jeff Hawkins DVD from Photovision.

 

http://www.photovisionvideo.com/store/shop.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=P&Category_Code=DVD

Thanks, I ordered it. Can't wait to try!

designing your own album is like designing your own website.

 

unless you really are a good design artist it will suck.

 

I recommend outsourcing.

I would disagree with Susanne. I'm hardly a graphic designer and it was very challenging at first but I've enjoyed developing my album design skills and it saves a ton of money. A competative edge to be sure.

Having seen a lot of the new crop of "photographers" I agree with Susanne.

Susanne & Tak, I believe that many photographers have some pretty good artistic sense and with a little training can produce very presentable albums. Especially when they have access to examples of good albums for inspiration. Suggesting that one would need to be a graphic artist to produce an album that doesn't "suck" sounds rather elitist to me.

One important element missing here, imo, might be the importance of having the photographer who took the photos also be the person who puts the album together. It's not a technical issue it's an aesthetic issue and the final step in the "wedding photographer" process. Don't short yourself or your customer: learn to create your own album.

 

This could be a real plus for the bridal couple because you'd have an almost seamless "look" and "feel" as the transition between individual image files and a more collective/storytelling in the album.

 

To me, it's like having a second shooter: if the second shooter is shooting in a totally different style than the main photographer and then he/she process with their own style then the result is generally a set of photos that does not match the style/flair of the main photographer and it can also result in almost unusable photos that stick out like a sore thumb while reviewing the images as a collective..

 

If I have a stranger design my photo album then I feel I've altered the artistic flow of the final product. This is MY feeling; doesn't mean that someone else can't do it better or differently.

 

My thought is that the photographer should design the album and learn to do so just as he/she learned to create a style in their photography.

 

It's winter: learn to build your own. Then refine your technique and develop a style that will please your artistic eye with the result being a beautiful album that "matches" the feel and style of your photography.

Bill.....well said.

A very important piece for telling wedding story for me is the album. I'm thinking about it

at the wedding.

 

This image would fit on the left side of the pano, this on the right and here's something

that could be a background image or the size and shape of this capture this would look

terrific. The wedding story, each chapter, unfolding in the wedding album.

 

I find a carefully crafted wedding album is sought after by certain clients. It will help them

remember their wedding day forever.

If I sound harsh it's only because I have very high expectations of myself and what I present to the clients. We not speaking of putting pictures in an album and where they go. We are talking about a family heirloom. A very important piece to present to the next generations of their families! Not to be taken lightly.

Are you assumming that the other poster's standards are any less than yours? Just who do you suggest is taking this lightly, or doesn't appreciate the value of the images to the next generations? I completely agree with William and Bill above and I believe all of us understand the value of the album, especially when you consider it's price point.

"especially when you consider it's price point"

 

Exactly. The company I work for typically charges between 3-5K for an album. Now if you were to purchase an album at that price would you want someone who did this professionally for a living or someone who wants to give it a shot.

3-5K for an album...I just became a graphic designer. Anyone else charging that much? I would love to know what company that is Tak. I find that hard to believe. Any competitors out there?

Even if one is not skilled at this point it's not a reason to avoid learning how to create an album by studying and learning.

 

Outsourcing is a viable option but why not use these winter months to go back and practice on your best weddings: Create Albums. Study them and Create another one.

 

Look at albums online to find a style that you like and see if you can use it as a guide with your own images.

 

You can create your own ... IF you want to.

 

I want to see the 3k to 5k albums too. Smile.

I couldn't agree with you more William (you words speak as well as your images). How would anyone ever become a professional if they didn't practice?

 

Stephanie I must apologize to you as I do not mean to discourage your venture. I do believe you have a good sense of visual design (checked myself) and will do just fine. All the best.

 

Patrick, did you know that a bald eagle can float on water like a duck? I've seen this myself in Alaska. You may never see it but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

 

As for competition yes there are a few other photographers that charge upwards of 8k+.

Tak - my point was that there is nothing typical about a 3-5K wedding album and I doubt Stephanie is going to be charging that for hers right out of the gate. Like her photography, I'm sure she'll price them according to her abilities and then the customer gets to decide if they have that value after seeing examplels of her work.

 

She always has the option of outsourcing if needed. I think outsourcing albums is generally more about saving time than it is about lack of design skills. Most photographers could do it, they would just rather not spend the time.

 

I would still love to know who is charging that much for albums...and shake their hand.

gottcha ;