In my previous blog I offered tips on how to make the most of your fall leaf peeping adventures… with your camera. There’s nothing like capturing shots of Mother Nature going out in a blaze of glory. Fall’s natural fireworks show inspires many photographers to get outdoors and document the glorious colors.
Once you’ve snapped your prize-winning shots–—then what? You could frame them, store them, or leave them in your digital camera. But why not employ some unique ways to preserve your autumn memories?
Here are a few ideas I came up with:
Picture Stamps. I know. Most people reserve this idea to proudly display shots of their children or pets, but I think it would be wonderful to use the concept to show off your best fall shots. For those of you unfamiliar with the process U.S. postage stamps can now be made from your pictures. For example, I recently received a birth announcement from a fiend with a picture of her newborn’s face on the stamp. Compared to traditional U.S. postage stamps, photo postage stamps are more expensive. A book of 20 regular 39-cent stamps cost $7.80. A 20-stamp sheet (the smallest number you can order) of personalized photo stamps will cost about $20. (Though, the per-sheet price drops after more than one sheet is ordered.) Also, shipping is extra.
Picture Books. Again this idea is generally reserved for photos of children or special events including weddings and family reunions. However, think about how incredible it would be to have an entire book filled with shots you’ve taken of your leap peeping adventures. Remember, these are not photo albums, they are professionally bound picture books illustrated with your own photos. So you are getting an actual book with colorful pages printed on both sides and bound in hardcover. You can purchase the production software that allows you to design each printed page. For example, you could have one full-page picture printed on one page, and fill the following pages with dozens of smaller images. The software allows you to use your computer to select your digital photos, size the images in templates, and layout the book’s design.
iPhoto Books. This is an example of the software available for you to create a picture book. The iPhoto software is part of Apple Computer’s Macintosh OS X; so obviously, if you don’t have a Mac you will not be able to use this product. Like MyPublisher, the iPhoto software allows you to create a variety of layouts through templates. The software also permits photo enhancement and corrections. The iPhoto Books range in size–the maximum is an 8.5-by-11-inch with a linen hardcover that retails for $29.99. The basic 20-page format is available in two versions: double side printed pages and single-side printed pages. A soft cover large version is $19.99. Additional pages for all of the books cost extra. Still, I think it is a great gift idea and a wonderful way to share your photography skills with loved ones.
Related Articles:
Capturing A Picture Perfect Autumn Landscape
Improving Your Autumn Photographs
Top Cameras To Take Leaf Peeping