We are so excited that you are interested in ordering a photo book with us! We have been offering this service for YEARS, and during that time have streamlined and organised our offerings and systems to make this process simple and efficient.
Please do read over all the below info, to get a thorough idea of our processes, and what to expect during the ordering of your photo book.
Now we know, you've got questions! So here are a few answers :)
BASIC OVERVIEW
1. How does this work?
THE SUPER SIMPLIFIED VERSION:
You send us your photos (they can even be from your phone!).
We design them into our gorgeous photo book templates.
You approve the design.
We send the book off for printing.
It gets delivered directly to you.
You curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy the memories.
Visit this video link to see some visuals of our gorgeous photo books.
2. Do you have a program where I can lay out my own pics?
We don't. The software we use requires us to do the design work ourselves. Our design team has YEARS of experience with this, and we've created HUNDREDS of photo books since launching this service in 2015. Our team has a great eye for which pictures will work in each template.
Also, we know how busy you are - and that you've been putting this project off for years now (hehe!). We can have that book you've been longing for in your hands within a few weeks, because of our streamlined, efficient processes and systems.
3. What will my book look like?
You have a few basic options that you can choose between, outlined below.
And then you can choose between our two templates, classic or trendsetter:
IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS
1. Should the images we submit all be professional photographs?
Nope! We can absolutely print photos from your phone!
We've printed a huge variety of books over the past few years - some with professional images, some from cameras, some from phones.
2. Tell me about the image sizes please?
IDEALLY we would like your images to be between 1-2MB (or bigger)! This is optimum in terms of sizing.
HOWEVER, we have printed books with smaller images (usually we'll create a grid of 9-12-15 images on one page, if the pics are too small).
Most smart phones these days should be taking pictures of around 1-2MB, so we should be good to go.
3. How many pictures do you need?
This depends on which size book you choose, as outlined below:
32 pages (about 100-150 images)
60 pages about 200-240 images)
100 pages (about 300-360 images)
Please do note that not all of the images that you send through will be included, if they are too low resolution or do not fit into the design.
4. Can I email you the photos?
Nope! We're talking about 100 to 360 pictures here!
That's a LOT of emails, and most servers will try and compress the images, which means the photos will be pixelated and bad quality when printed. Please do not email us your photo book images.
5. How do we send you the images?
Images must be submitted via Dropbox, Google Drive or Wetransfer.
6. How do we get the pictures off our phones?
The best idea is to google the exact directions for your type of phone!
But two quick methods:
1 Plug your phone into your computer and transfer the images to your computer. Then upload to one of the above file-sharing programs.
2. Download Google Photos/Dropbox directly onto your phone. Create a new folder within that app. Upload the photos directly from your camera roll into that folder.
Remember that Facebook and What's App compress images when you send them, so please do not include photos from these apps.
7. What should the pictures be of?
This is the fun part!
Our personal fave is our Year In Your Life photo book - read over this post for a lot more information.
But we can make photo books of anything! Examples include:
an amazing holiday
a milestone birthday party
a wedding
life during lockdown!
a year of fabulous travel
DESIGN
1. How does it work in terms of pages and spreads?
A 32 page book is a 18 page spread.
A 60 page book is a 30 page spread.
A 100 page book is a 50 page spread.
2. How does the layout of the book work?
In order to keep our hourly costs as low as possible we have 1-2 design templates that we use for these photo books, depending on the size and type of photo book.
These templates have been designed with a modern feel, while also with a focus on simplicity and timelessness. Requested changes to the design templates will be billed (prices on request).
3. What will the cover image be?
If you like, you may select the cover image yourself. Alternatively our design team will go through the images and select one that works the best in terms of design. We do have a good eye for these kind of things :)
4. What will the title for my book be?
We suggest using your child's name, or family name, and the year. We're happy to chat about this.
5. Can we add individual captions to each of the photographs?
Yes, absolutely, but please do note this is an extra charge! Please contact us for the costs involved..
PRICING & DELIVERY
1. How does the pricing work?
Please contact us for a price sheet.
The pricing is divided up into the cost of the actual book and it's printing, and then the design fee. These books are exceedingly important to us, and our team spend HOURS carefully curating them and designing the final product. The design fee reflects the heart and soul we put into each and every order we receive.
In order to work out the final cost of your book, please add the book fee to the design fee.
2. How does payment work?
Payment is required in full upfront at the time of your order being placed. This fee is non-refundable.
3. Can we order multiple copies?
Yes!
The design fee is only charged once. And then you can order as many copies as you like :) We also keep a digital copy of the book, so should you want to order a few more copies at year end in time for gifts, just let us know and we can place your order.
4. What about the delivery fee?
This will be outlined separately on your invoice.
5. When can we expect our book(s) to arrive?
We aim to keep processing, printing and delivery times down to 2-3 weeks. Should you need a book more urgently please do let us know, we charge for rush orders.
Please note printing and delivery times will be longer around peak periods (December for example), and it is necessary to get your order in far in advance to avoid disappointment.
ADDITIONAL QUERIES
1. Can we use images from another photographer?
Yes!
We have absolutely no issue with including pictures that another photographer may have taken of your family at some point along the line. It's always a good idea however to check with the photographer beforehand.
2. Will you edit my images please?
Absolutely!
We love how much more cohesive a book looks if all the images have been edited in the same style.
Should you like basic edits done to your photos (contrast, exposure, crop) this will be charged. Should you like further edits done (skin clearing/softening, removing of objects, advanced photoshopping) this will also be charged.
The below example shows how an edit of phone pics made the colours POP - which adds such a gorgeous warmth to a photo book:
An edit on the below pics warmed up a grey day, and added a brightness to skin tones:
And we love the look of a few black and white pages (or even a full black and white photo book!). It totally gives the book a timeless, classic feel.
Let us know if you'd like to book our editing services when you contact us.
3. Can we sit down and have a consultation meeting?
Yes we can! Consultation meetings are also charged. Prices on request.
4. Can we view the book?
Yup!
We will send you a PDF of the book before we place the order.
5. Can we make changes?
Should you like to make changes at this point you can send us a list of changes. This process adds an additional two hours of labour time to the design, and is charged at R350/hour (minimum two hours).
I'm ready to order, what do I do now?
We need the following order details from you. Please send us an email to hello@robyndavie.com.
STEP ONE
Number of copies:
20x20, A4 or A3:
32pg, 60pg or 100pg:
Content (what would you like in your book):
STEP TWO
Design template (classic OR trendsetter):
Would you like us to edit your pics (recommended - additional fee):
PLEASE NOTE (the fine print, hehe!)
- Images need to be supplied to us within 1 month (4 weeks) of payment.
- Your order is subject to be forfeited should images not be supplied in a timely manner.
- If the order is delayed by client over January of the next year, additional fees may be incurred by the client, due to increases in printing fees and other related costs.
Please note that by paying for your photo book you agree to the information outlined in this blog post and accept it as one would accept terms and conditions.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.
Would you like to see more photo book options? Head over to THIS OVERVIEW to get an idea of the different styles of photo books that we offer.
#familyphotographer #joburgfamilyphotos #familyphotoalbum #printedfamilyphotos #familyalbum #memories #photobooks #familyphotobook #printedphotos #familyphotographers #johannesburgphotographer #printedphotography #femalephotographer #bestfamilyphotographerjohannesburg