The idea of making a Year in Review photo book can feel a bit...daunting. With a year's worth of photos scattered across your phone, computer, and maybe even a few in the cloud, where do you even start? But trust me, it's easier than it seems. Like any big project, it's all about breaking it down into manageable steps. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine—no judgment here) and let's get started!
(and remember, these steps don’t have to happen all at once. Do 1 a day, or 1 a week….make it doable for you! It typically takes me a month to put this together!)
Step 1: Gather Your Photos
Start by collecting all your photos in one place. This means scrolling through your phone, digging through cloud storage, and maybe even scanning a few physical prints. Create a dedicated folder labeled "Year in Review 2024" to keep things organized. Don't overthink it—just grab the ones that make you smile! You can also create folders in your photo gallery app on your phone.
Step 2: Narrow It Down
Now that you've got all your photos in one place, it’s time to curate. Aim for quality over quantity. Pick the moments that truly mattered—family celebrations, vacations, everyday smiles, and even those perfectly imperfect moments. Remember, this book is about telling your story, not including every single photo.
Step 3: Choose a Theme or Layout
Decide if you want your book to follow a specific theme. Will it be organized by month? Events? Milestones? Some people prefer a chronological approach, while others like grouping by categories (holidays, travel, family time). Pick what feels right for you! I just go chronologically!
Step 4: Pick a Photo Book Platform
There are so many user-friendly platforms out there—Shutterfly, Chatbooks, Blurb, and more. Choose one that fits your budget and design preferences. Most of them have easy drag-and-drop templates that make the process painless. (Bonus tip: Sign up for their emails and wait for a promo codes!). I use Blurb- it integrates seamlessly with Adobe Lightroom where most of my photos are stored.
Step 5: Start Designing
Here comes the fun part! Upload your curated photos and start designing. Don't stress about making it perfect. Play around with layouts, backgrounds, and text. Keep it simple or get fancy—it's totally up to you. Pro tip: Mix in some candid shots with the posed ones for a more authentic feel.
Step 6: Add Captions and Stories
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a few captions can make your book even more special. Jot down funny quotes, special memories, or inside jokes. These little notes will bring your photos to life and make your photo book even more personal. I’ll be honest that I don’t have the time or patience for captions and I just let the photos speak for themselves!
Step 7: Review and Order
Before you hit "order," take a moment to review your work. Check for typos, photo placement, and overall flow. Maybe even have a family member look it over—fresh eyes catch things we miss! Once you're happy with it, go ahead and place that order. Future you will be SO glad you did.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Success
You did it! Creating a Year in Review photo book isn’t just about the end product—it’s about reflecting on all the wonderful moments you had. So give yourself a high-five (or another glass of wine), and get ready to relive those memories when your book arrives.
