Wedding Photo AlbumsIn this article about albums we'll look at how you can display your wedding photos. You're on your honeymoon and couldn't wait to peak at your photographs on the internet - great but there is nothing like getting back home to see the real thing! We'll start with the following main headings: Preview, Proof and Picture BoxesTraditional Albums which come as post, bound or slip in albumsFlush MountedMagazine or Coffee Table StyleDo it Yourself (DIY) including Scrap-bookingDVDPreview, Proofs & Picture BoxesOn your return from honeymoon, the first time you see your wedding images will probably be as proofs or perhaps a DVD show with music.Preview Book These are printed on photographic paper and are bound with a wire binding with up to 12 images on a 10"x12" page. Hard back versions are also available.
With all these products you get to see all the submitted photos (without miss fires) and you can then choose your favorites to display in your chosen format. The image number or reference will be printed under each image to make selection easy. Points to be aware of: Some companies submit the images unedited and only fully process those you select. A dubious practice, in my opinion, why wouldn't they want to show off their best work? Some photographers will copyright each image to prevent copying. Because of the size of the image, it is sometimes difficult to see details like expressions, particularly with group shots.
An attractive alternative is to have your pictures printed (6"x6") and displayed in a presentation Picture Box. Other sizes are available. This a really good way to see your images if you like handling and sorting your favorites without using the computer! Again these may be copyrighted or otherwise and the box will come with an image superimposed.
Traditional with Mats (overlays)The two types available are Postbound and Bookbound:
Postbound These are the most commonly used and typically accommodate a single image with a mat (overlay). Mats come in many shapes and sizes. Depending upon the spine width (ranging from 3/4 in to 3 inches), this type of album can have up to 64 pages which are held in position on posts. Each page can be moved at will and repositioned as required.
The cover can also be personalized with images and embossed with the names of the bride and groom.
The same principle applies to the postbound album above except the book is made to order with the specified number of pages. A mat with images is then applied to each side. "Traditional" is still a popular choice with parents!
The photograph can have a single image or a collage of pictures to best "capture the day".
Flush MountedBefore you make your decision ..... let's get on to the exciting stuff!Computers and digital printing have really opened up the market and made available some stunning products that will, I think, stand the test of time. First let's look at a flush mounted album. The photographic images are hot pressed onto a stiff cardboard page and then trimmed so they are flush to the page edges. Each side of a page contains a single piece of photographic paper which could have a single image or collage depending upon the customer/designer's wishes. Double spreads can really show off your favorite picture without a crease running down the middle. The page finish can be photographic, metallic, textured or smooth paper. The pages are then trimmed and bound to a cover. The covers can be personalized with options ranging from leather, metallic and transparent covers to elegant silks. Once the book is designed (and you can do this yourself - see below) the photographer will usually provide a PDF or online proofing so that you can review the layout and images before going to press. Agree the style in advance as constant changes can prove expensive in cost to you and time (which is money) to the studio. Most companies allow a couple changes without charge. As part of your order, consider having multiple books printed in different sizes for your parents, bridal party and friends. Just keep in mind that they will be exact replicas of the main book albeit at smaller sizes.
Coffee Table BooksCoffee Table Books (sometimes known as Magazine Style) are very much in vogue and particularly so when using a magazine style of presentation. They are just like normal books that you can buy in a book shop and come with commercially printed pages with a high gloss, hard cover.These books will generally be a lot cheaper than a flush mounted album. There are plenty of companies on the internet which allow you to upload your images and design your own book or you can leave it all to your studio. Example Coffee Table BookWhat's the difference between a Flush mounted and Coffee Table style Album?The main difference is that a flush mounted album uses actual photographic prints mounted on boards to form the pages. Coffee table books use an ink printing process similar glossy magazines.With a flush mounted album you have a far greater choice of covers (leather, metallic, silk and transparent) whilst coffee table books will generally come with a hard laminated cover. Do it Yourself (DIY) including Scrap-bookingWell, you can.... and googling will turn up any number of manufacturers throughout the world. Most deal with professional studios and NOT directly with the public, so you will have to search a bit. The quality varies enormously as do the methods of affixing images to the page.See the section on photo mats for advice about affixing images to a page and what types to look out for. Probably the simplest way to design your album would be to select a company supplying coffee table books and upload the images yourself. You'll then have the option of using pre-set templates or uploading your own design. Make sure that you purchase the copyright and full size images from your photographer if you plan to go down this route! Another cost effective way to present your pictures is scrapbooking. Return from Wedding Photo Albums to Home
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Digitally press printed books with the images printed on both sides of the page and bound like a book make an attractive option. 
