5 minute read
How to Create a Travel Photo Book
Here’s why – and how – you should turn the images from your next trip into a work of art to be proud of
All too often we take an exciting journey, create hundreds of inspired photos, then leave them to exist solely on social media and blogging platforms. But any image maker who has dabbled in physical media will tell you just how satisfying it is to see your work in the real world.
Image © Pete Elliott
Some framed prints of your favourite captures are fantastic, but with limited space in any home, you can only tell so much of a story. Scrapbooking is another option, adding trinkets and keepsakes as supplementary reminders. However, for those who want the polished product, there’s only one way to go: a photo book.
Whether it’s for your coffee table to impress visitors, as a portfolio, or even a gift, a photo book will bring out the best in your images – making them look professional. Here’s an essential guide to ensuring the best results possible.
The first step is actually collecting a series of photographs. When we say ‘series’, try to take it literally. A general photo essay of your trip can be nice for memories alone, but if we’re really crafting a book, this may end up feeling a little uninspired.
Instead, try to capture images around a theme – cars of Havana, for example. These don’t have to be the only images you make while you’re away, but find something that interests you in any given location, keeping it in mind for the duration of your stay. This is also a great way of ensuring your camera is in your hands often, without overthinking it. Who knows what rare moment you might document.
Image © Onyi Moss
The second stage in creating the perfect travel photo book spans both the shoot and printing process, depending on approach. Because what you’re after, along that same theme of making a complete work, is consistency.
One way of doing this is to leave the processing to the professionals. If you order a book through MyFUJIFILM, you can rest assured they’ll all be printed exactly as you photographed and edited them. When you use multiple or less reliable printing services, you may notice unwanted inconsistencies in white balance, colour shift, exposure, contrast and more.
Whatever service you choose, submit high-resolution files for the best possible quality. Some sharpening can be handy, too.
Image © Onyi Moss
Image © Onyi Moss
Image © Onyi Moss
To go one step further and capture the same distinctive look across all of the photos from your trip, simply use a FUJIFILM Film Simulation throughout. Pick your favourite go-to, or make your decision based on what best reflects the place you’re in. For sunny and vibrant, try the bold colours of Velvia. For somewhere a little grittier, the desaturated, contrasty look of CLASSIC CHROME may suit well.
As the last piece of the puzzle, when you’re home, spend some time considering which images will go into your finished product. After all, a photo book is final – until you make the next one!
This doesn’t just extend to choosing your best photos. It means considering where they’re all placed, in relation to their direct neighbours, but also within the book as a whole. Do you want to depict your journey as you made it, from north to south, or east to west? Or would you prefer to be less literal, perhaps starting with the surface elements of a location or culture, then ‘journeying’ deeper?
Image © Pete Elliott
It’s a good idea to make test prints, then lay them out. You could even create a rudimentary scrapbook at this stage to find the perfect balance. When you have an order, show someone close to you, or a fellow image maker. An outside perspective is always valuable. Take special care with your cover image, too. It surmises the entire content within.
For bonus advice, watch this video from visual creative and stylist, Harriet Langsbury.
If you’re interested in the varied FUJIFILM photo books currently on offer, here’s an overview of the MyFUJIFILM range.
Premium
Offering the best of the best, our Premium Photo Books will not disappoint, with clear, vibrant and vivid images on FUJIFILM Original paper. They’re the perfect choice for those special, unforgettable trips – or a portfolio of your travel imagery.
Standard
This soft cover photo book is ideal for flicking through – a great addition to any coffee table. In truth, there’s nothing ‘standard’ about the quality of images found within. FUJIFILM Standard Photo Books are produced with a laminated glossy cover and satin finish pages.
Square
Be there, then be square! There’s a range of options, from the pocket-sized 4x4in, and 5x5in and 8x8in Premium to choose from. So, why not do something unique and experiment with the aspect ratio of your photographs, then bring them to life in book form?
Mini
If you’re looking for cute and fun-sized memories of your trip, you’re in the right place. Produced on FUJIFILM Original paper, these mini photo books are a great gift idea. Give one to your travel companion for a birthday or anniversary – or don’t wait, and make any day a special occasion!
Premium
Standard
