We humans live in the digital age of a flood of images. Since a Frenchman named Joseph Nicéphore Niépce took the first photo, more than 3 trillion images have been taken worldwide. A new photograph is added every two minutes. Despite modern digitalization, pictures are still often shown to family and friends. As a result, elaborately designed photo books continue to enjoy great interest. The more original they are designed, the more memorable they become. This article explains what you should pay attention to when designing and how you can create a perfect photo book.
Creating the perfect photo book: It’s the concept that counts
No matter whether it is aboutextraordinary wedding photosor a big birthday party: the perfect photo book must be based on a concept. It serves as a guide and makes viewing photos an all-encompassing experience. A narrative focus presents the memories in an emotional text-image composition. A documentary focus – for example in memorable travel and holiday photographs – is also a suitable conceptual idea. It is a good idea to list the images in a specific (chronological) order.
Individually designed photo booksshould be arranged to present a common thread to the reader. Images thrown together without a concept tend to encourage observers to hastily skip a few pages.
Adjust the number of pages in the photo book to suit the occasion and accompany it with atmospheric images
The thematic focus of the photo book is crucial for the number of pages required. When it comes to travel documentation, experts recommend planning one page or a double page per stop. The estimated page numbers for festivals and events should be based on their chronological sequence. If the photo book shows family photos, each family member gets their own page. To lighten up the photo book in between, a few pages are reserved for atmospheric landscape or symbolic images.
Pay attention to ideal positioning when designing
In addition to a concept, the photo book should be fundamentally based on theclassic design rules. A symmetrical page layout exists when it does not distract from the content. To a certain extent, asymmetries can enliven the perfect photo book. However, the images should not be scattered all over the place. It is betterthe golden ratioto be taken into account when designing. For this purpose, it is advisable to divide the pages in a ratio of 2:1. This proportion of 62:38 corresponds to a standard measurement that is balanced for human perception. For example, photos adorn the top of the page while the text is at the bottom. A mix of portrait and landscape formatted images looks particularly pretty. In principle, it seems sensible to decide on a stylistic arrangement.
Introduce a suitable type of text as a design element
When it comes to the choice of font in the expressionist-artistic photo book, readability is the top priority. Large fonts look best without serifs. If the fonts are smaller, serifs contribute to better reading flow. When it comes to writing, the motto is: less is more. Two or a maximum of three different fonts make the illustrated book appear beautiful. The fonts “Times” or “Times New Roman” can be used well for longer texts. More modern, sans serif fonts such as “Helvetica” or “Arial” visually highlight short descriptions, one-liners or titles.
The color of the font depends on the background. Depending on the individual case, a clear contrast breathes more life into the perfect photo book than a uniform color scheme. In the end, the golden mean is what matters here: For example, the human eye perceives black and white as stressful at times. When it comes to a colored background, the brightness decides. A light font is an absolute must on a dark background. Colorful colors on a colored background are more suitable for children's books.
Design the layout of the photo book
Finding a suitable layout for the perfect photo book is not an easy task. It doesn't necessarily have to be flashy, but rather complement the chosen theme. For example, a colorful retro design highlights family chronicles, while a summery layout complements vacation results. Business photo books benefit more from a monochrome, reduced background. With a white color, the photo book maintains a certain neutrality. In principle, it can be used for almost all photo book projects.
With the help of special software, any of your own layout wishes can be put into practice. Programs for beginners offer a wide range of simple or eye-catching layout templates. The software solutions usually offer different templates that can be adapted to the occasion. Of course, you can also use your own images as a layout template.
The perfect image selection for the photo book
In terms of content, the photo book should contain the most beautiful and meaningful photos. The first image on the first page should be the “opener” that introduces the topic. An image with vector is ideal for this: for example a portrait that opens to the right or an image composition that extends over several pages. Image sequences are generally an exciting stylistic device that brings more movement into the photo book. This gives the viewer the feeling of being directly involved in what is happening. After the remaining images continue the photographic journey, the album should end with an expressive final image. If the image vector runs to the left, the image circle closes harmoniously.
Unique photo book cover invites you to take a look
A great cover makes you want more. There are no limits to your imagination as long as the cover motif is in harmony with the concept. So that the cover invites curious browsing, it should be large format. Detailed shots are just as legitimate as a cover motif, as are interesting sharp-out-of-focus contrasts. It can also make sense to use an unconventional image section as the cover motif. This makes observers curious about the content.
Frame photos stylishly, but not exuberantly
How do the photos in and of themselves come into their own? With a matching frame that separates it from other pictures. To ensure that the border does not appear too overloaded, it should be millimeter-thin. The eye-catching frames can also be used specifically and in a unified style. In exceptional cases - where appropriate - Polaroid frames exude humorous accents. This is how clipart can be used: either in a children's book or on a photographed map section.
