Monday, July 6, 2009

Scanning for Photo Book Creations

By Pete Fontaine

When you send your photos to a photo scanning service you're probably trying to permanently protect them from damage and destruction, and you're doing the right thing. Going through the work and the expense will also protect your images from the natural deterioration that eventually claims most photos. But when you're done scanning you'll be ready to enjoy new ways to use your scans.

You can use your newly scanned images to craft spectacular photo books and other photo specialties. Many online photo publishing sites offer free creation software, and you can use photos stored on your hard drive to produce personalized mugs, calendars, and t-shirts. The better photo specialty sites are not intrusive and don't ask for information about you until you descide to order.

Recently a local sports team used an online photo publishing company to provide t-shirts with the photo of an injured player for the entire team. It was easy for the team to do this quickly and affordably, and the response from everyone involved was truly memorable.

A small Michigan firm encouraged each of it employees to bring in photos and create their own photo mug. They then hung them on a rack in the lunch room. Some mugs showed the individual as a child or a teenager. Some had big hair and bell bottoms; some were mountain bikers or cheerleaders. But everyone in the office knew each other a little better just by sharing a cup of coffee.

One family was so touched by the photo presentation that the funeral parlor had put together for their Grandfather's funeral that they decided to use the digitized images to create small photo books with some of the really special, one of kind photos. They then sent copies out to loved ones. Everyone agreed it was a really special way to remember someone.

A group of Pre-K moms put together a photo book that included all of the kids, the teachers, and the staff. They took photos of the kids playing outside, sitting for stories, and nap time. Kids posed with their teachers, friends, and favorite books and toys. As time goes by and memories fade, these kids will be able to see where their education began. Some of the children may end up being friends for life.

Sports teams everywhere are finding that they can pool their photos and build everyone a custom photo book for the cost of going out for pizza. Imagine a whole season of great plays and great poses permanently captured, and you have complete editorial control over the project. You might have your picture in a photobook with the next Michael Jordan or Michelle Wie. This also applies to the cheerleading squad, the debating team, and the band.

Make sure to use a photo specialty provider that provides an automatic layout feature. This will allow you to preview unlimited layouts and easily rotate pictures in and out of your pages or items. Better providers allow you to use a photo as the background of a page, and you can preview quickly right from your computer without waiting to send and receive over the internet, a huge time saver.

So get your photos scanned to protect them from loss, damage, and destruction. And once you've included them in your digital photo collection you will be able to let your creative side run wild designing your favorite photo specialties easily and inexpensively online.

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