I have loved showcasing our travels in photo books and have tried various companies. If you don't know what I mean by a photo book, think a digital photo album of your pictures, printed in a magazine style. Depending on your creative skills, you can design each page's layout of your photos and add whatever text you want. Some software programs are cumbersome and not that user friendly. Some are way too 'pro' for me and beyond my creative abilities. But, in the end, all our friends who look through our photo books are fascinated by the look and feel of them. Many even want to know which company have I found to be the best so they can try it out for themselves.

This past week, my focus has been on trying out a new company that I saw being advertised on Facebook, Artisan State. They have the usual offerings of different book sizes and various textured covers. However, what attracted me to try them out is that their pages can be thin or thick, depending on the core substrate that you choose, and lay flat. Interesting. Weighted, rigid photos. Imagine a beautiful enlarged photo that actually is properly showcased over 2 pages without the paper 'hump' or the annoying center crease.

Since their Little Black Book is 5x7 for $10, I thought to give the software a try. Here is my digital result but I'm eager to see the final published book in 2 weeks ...

http://www.asovx.com/upload/Preview?projectId=F8DBCF4AE7FEC9C9&webClientId=1

A few friends have mentioned that some of my photos are worthy to be hung up on a wall. However, I personally think that one truly needs the proper format, lighting, and wall space to give a framed photo the maximum effect that it deserves ... I guess, like a art gallery. Afterall, I do feel some of my photos are works of art! You might not agree but I certainly think a collage or random assortment of my travel photos on a wall just washes out the power of the images.

I'm hoping Artisan State works out. Just the thought of selecting photos that I am most proud of and playing with various layouts tickle my creative need.