In today’s market of infinite album choices, there are two simple choices to make when designing signing books. A photographer can either choose albums that let guests sign on blank pages and have photographs on the facing pages, or guest albums that let guests sign directly on the photos themselves. Each type of album lends itself to a different style of design.
Probably the most popular guest signing album is the press printed album, where guests can sign directly on the design itself. Some of the popular choices for press printed albums are Asuka Book, Finao Rave, WHCC, Bay Photo and ProDPI. Two design techniques will make it easy for guests to sign books. The first is to leave a lot of extra white space for the signing. Secondly, to take larger photographers and take down the opacity, allowing people to sign on top of the photograph.
A photographer should also consider what kind of paper to choose. An overly glossy paper will smear easily and destroy the fine photography you’ve worked so hard on. We prefer a smooth matte paper at our studio like we can get with the Finao Rave books and ProDPI.
Here is an example of a guest signing book design for a press printed album:
The second kind of guest signing book, which I actually prefer, is an actual album, similar to a self-mount or flush mount. The only difference is that one page is actually blank. This allows you to showcase your imagery in a higher end product and still allows people to sign your books.
photography by Kevin Focht
The key to designing a signing book like this is to present the design to the couple with the blank page on the left. If they don’t see this in the design, it is difficult for them to picture the entire effect.
Here is an example of the same photography above, but designed for a Finao Elements TXT album.
I hope these examples help you find a style of guest signing book that fits your studio.
Fundy
Each album design was created with the Fundy Album Builder – a ‘template free’ way to design albums. There is a free trial at Fundy SOS.
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9 Comments at "Two Easy Choices for Creating Signing Books"
Perfect timing…I have a bride looking for a signing book with the lines for people to sign on…
any clues on where to find that?
The second design you show has black blank pages, so I assume this couple would use opaque pens/markers, like silver metallic. That might look cool, but it would require that they stock a few pens for back-up, in case they run out,clog up, or are defective. This also virtually eliminates people using their own pens, which is sometimes problematic because not all inks are equal. Some pens don’t try quickly and will smear or transfer to facing pages they closed.
Thanks for the info, DWF! We are now using the Finao elements and love, love, love them! Lots of choices on the covers also!
In respect to the “pens” used, Sharpie silver or gold pens work perfectly, never clog, never run out and dry instantly. Get the small points and there will be lots of signing space.
Lisa B,
I have no idea where to find those, but it would not be difficult to put lines in in Photoshop into your layout and just go with that.
Jake, as with anything, you take your chances. But Bride’s and Groom’s are in charge of pens, not us. That said, silver pens are everywhere and we tell the Bride’s and Groom’s to bring a lot.
Fundy
I like the picture to be on the left side and blank page on the right. People are mostly right-handed and it’s easier for them to write to the right. At least this is what I am hearing from my brides.
Jeff, I agree.
The only problem with that is that the eye is naturally drawn to the right page, and I want the photography to be there.
Fundy
I’d also recommend the MpixPro lay-flat album — it’s perfect for guestbooks.
BRI is excellent as well, with 2-3 day turn-around from order to delivery.
Lisa, I have an example with lines here:
http://www.bellafotografica.com/wedding-photography/ashley-and-ajs-photo-guestbook/
I’ve designed them in photoshop for the most part. Half-inch soacing on the lines seem to work well.
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