Two years ago we did a photo session with my in laws during Christmas time. It basically consisted of me setting up the camera and using a remote. I am pretty proud with how well they came out for a tripod photo shoot! Then the following year, this last Christmas, we gifted Brent's parents with a photo book of all the photos (as well as ordered a copy for myself!).
My mother in law already had photos printed and framed around her house but there is something about having all the photos compiled into one book. As a photographer, I believe getting professional photos taken is a wonderful investment. Though they look great on the walls of a home, through time as new photos come along, not all of these photos stay on the walls forever. Having them all in a book allows you to flip through the pictures again as a whole and can also be left out on the coffee table for guests to flip through. It is common to print out a book for a wedding or engagement session but making a book for your family photos can be just as special!
The book is not huge (it is 20 pages) but it is just big enough for someone to look through without a complete sit down and commit photo book viewing. I made the book through Shutterfly and the size is 8x8. I occasionally get coupons front Shutterfly from either a purchase or with an online code. Since the offer is usually for a smaller book, I often use this as an opportunity to make the book as a gift.
Though I am a pretty devoted fan to Blurb, there are a lot of things I like about Shutterfly. Their full page bleed option is incredibly easy in making one picture cover over two pages. They also have some pretty "scrapbooking" elements like the one I used here which includes scripture about family. While I like the format of Blurb for all my large books, Shutterfly definitely has a lot of user friendly options for those who want to make a quick book or maybe are intimidated by the photo book making process. They also are great quality, giving a more glossy finish to their books and covers.
So if you are on the fence about making your first book, this is definitely a safe and easy process. Plus if you find a Shutterfly coupon online sometime, it is worth giving it a try. And if you do get a code and do not want to try it, please, by all means, email me your code. I will make a book.
