Common Mistakes When Designing Photo Books

Creating a photo book can be a fun and satisfying experience. However, it is possible to make mistakes even when using the most sophisticated design tools. The following are some of the most common mistakes when designing photo books.

1.      Using Low Quality Photos

Always use JPG images for your photo book. The recommended resolution for your photos is 1600 x1200 pixels before adding any photo to your album. If your photo has a low resolution, resizing will make it look worse. A good photo should meet the following criteria:

• It should be in focus
• It should be bright in exposure; dark photos look even worse after printing
• It should be edited to your specifications

2.      Illegible or Erroneous Text

The text on your photo book should be clear, relevant, and grammatically correct. Always check for typos and other errors before printing your book. Legibility is important as well. Your text should be in sensible fonts and colors. You should be able to read it on all pages.

3.      Working with the Wrong Company

Failure to choose the right photo book company may undo all your hard work. They may have limited customization options, poor customer service, or insufficient themes. Always check online reviews before choosing a company. While it is normal to have a few negative reviews, you shouldn’t work with companies with lots of negative reviews.  Pay attention to the following factors when choosing a photo book company:

• Flexibility of the editor
• Complexity of the software and templates
• Their attention to quality
• Customer service
• Availability of a variety of themes

4.      Too Many or Not Enough Pages

When designing your photo book, think about the final product. The binding may affect the total number of pages you get. Ideally, your photobook should have 10 to 20 pages.

5.      Failure to Have a Clear Purpose

Without a clear purpose, your photo book may seem meaningless. While you may have hundreds of photos, they don’t all belong in your album. Think about the purpose of your photo book and use relevant photos. Common themes include your family history, recent travels, and tributes for loved ones who have passed on. With a clear purpose, you can:

• Give your book flow and cohesion
• Tell a story
• Have a filter when choosing photos

6.      Using Too Many Photos

Do not attempt to squeeze all your good photos into one photo book. Pick a few good ones and use them. Avoid using too many of the same photos as they can make your photo book seem boring. If you have trouble picking the best ones, consider asking for someone else’s opinion.  White space will make your photo book look more professional.

One of the main reasons for creating a photo book is to leave a lasting impression. Even though your book may not always be perfect, you can avoid common mistakes to improve its appeal and give it a more professional look. Common mistakes to avoid include using too many photos, using random photos with no clear purpose, erroneous or illegible text, and unclear photos.