Family documentary photography captures the genuine moments and everyday scenes that make up your family’s unique story. To preserve these memories in a tangible way, creating a custom album is a fantastic option. This step-by-step guide will help you design and order a custom album that beautifully showcases your family’s documentary photos.

1. Gather Your Photos
Before diving into the design process, take the time to curate your collection of family documentary photos. Look for images that tell a story or highlight significant moments. These might include:

• Daily routines (e.g., breakfast time, bedtime)
• Special occasions (e.g., birthdays, holidays)
• Candid moments (e.g., playing in the park, cooking together)
• Organize your photos into folders by themes, dates, or family members to make the selection process easier.

2. Choose Your Album Type
Custom albums come in various formats, so decide which type suits your needs best. Consider the following:

• Lay-flat Albums: Pages open completely flat, making them ideal for panoramic shots and full-spread designs.
• Photo Books: Typically more affordable, these are great for a casual collection of photos with less emphasis on luxury.
• Traditional Hardcover Albums: Often used for formal events, but also suitable for a polished family documentary album.

3. Select an Album Provider
Research and select a reputable album provider. Look for a company that offers:

• High-quality printing and binding options
• Customization features (e.g., layout options, cover materials)
• Good customer service and easy-to-use design tools
• Popular options include Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising, and Blurb, but local printing companies can also provide personalized service. Mpix is a favorite of mine to refer my “diy” clients for prints and albums.

4. Design Your Album
Now for the creative part: designing your album. Follow these steps to create a visually appealing and cohesive album:

a. Choose a Theme and Layout
Decide on a theme that reflects your family’s personality and the story you want to tell. For example:

• Chronological: Arrange photos in the order they were taken.
• Thematic: Group photos by themes such as “Outdoor Adventures” or “Family Traditions.”
• Mixed: Combine different themes for a dynamic album.

b. Create a Cover
Design a cover that sets the tone for the album. Consider using:

• A favorite family photo
• A collage of several images
• A minimalist design with a title and date or an elegant, timeless texture

c. Organize Pages
Arrange photos thoughtfully across pages. Here are some layout tips:

• Full-Page Images: Use for impactful photos.
• Collages: Group smaller images together for a story or theme.
• Captions: Add brief descriptions or anecdotes to give context to the photos.

d. Add Personal Touches
Enhance your album with personal touches like:

• Quotes: Include meaningful quotes or family sayings.
• Dates and Captions: Add details about the occasion or people in the photos.
• Design Elements: Use backgrounds, borders, or embellishments to complement the photos.

5. Review and Proof Your Design
Before placing your order, carefully review your album design. Check for:

• Photo Quality: Ensure that all images are high-resolution and properly edited.
• Layout Consistency: Verify that the layout is consistent and visually appealing.
• Text Accuracy: Proofread all captions and text for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Many album providers offer digital proofs or preview options, so use these to see a mock-up of your album before finalizing.

6. Place Your Order
Once you’re satisfied with your design, it’s time to order your album. Choose:

Paper Type: Select from options like matte, glossy, or linen for the pages.

Binding Style: Confirm the binding type (e.g., hardcover, softcover) and ensure it meets your preferences.

Quantity: Decide how many copies you need. Consider ordering extras for grandparents or other family members.

7. Receive and Enjoy
As your custom album is printed and shipped to you, anticipate the joy of reliving cherished moments and the delight of sharing these memories with your family. It’s an exquisite way to immortalize your family’s legacy and pass down these treasured memories to future generations.

Final Thoughts:

Creating a custom album for your family’s documentary photography is a heartfelt celebration of your family’s unique story. However, if the prospect of designing an album feels overwhelming or time-consuming, remember that support is always within reach. Consider reaching out to a professional photographer or an experienced album designer, like myself, who can transform your cherished family documentary photos into a beautifully crafted album. By collaborating with a professional, you can ensure that your album not only captures your family’s story in stunning detail but also relieves you of the design process. Investing in a well-designed album is a priceless gift to yourself and your family’s legacy.