10 tips for creating a great travel photobook

Don't let your photos fester on a memory card! Here's how to turn them into a beautiful photobook – a great gift or memento that's cheaper than you think...

6 mins
1. Tell a story
Every book should have a beginning, middle and end. How are you going to tell your story? What is the reason for making this book? Sort this out first, and you'll give your project direction.

2. Be organised

Ruthlessly edit your images and text. Warning: this can be tough! Save them together for easy access when designing. You'll enjoy the book-making process so much more if you photos are all ready and you can concentrate on the layouts and design.

3. Pick a format
Which type of book suits your project? Whichever publishing platform you use, you'll find a huge variety of hardback and paperback options, with different paper types and sizes to choose from.

4. Choose your design tool
Online photobook publishers offer their own simple software – usually for free. Some also let you use traditional design software – such as Adobe InDesign – on their site too. Many companies also offer bespoke design services, although often for a fee.

5. Ask for help
Most publisher's design software is intuitive, but if you aren't a technical genius it can take a bit of practice. But help is usually at hand – most publishers have a forum or help desk, staffed by people who can answer your questions quickly. Bob Books has some really helpful (short) video tutorials that are a great place to start (and you can get 10% off your order with our exclusive discount code WANDERLUST).

6. Look around
Don't be afraid to borrow design ideas. Look through other books taking note of designs you like. Look online, and at the photo book section in your local bookstore or library. Take note of how fonts and layouts have been used in the books.

7. Remember: less is more
Give your photos some room to breathe. While there is no limit to the number of images you can put on each page, there is probably a limit to how many photos you should put on a page. While a photo collage can be a fun way to show off your 'outtakes', if you're putting more than 6-8 photos on a page, you are going to struggle to see each of the images. Let your star images shine by giving them a page or a spread of their own.

8. Mix it up
It could make sense to show just one image per page if you are designing a portfolio book, but you might want something a little more dynamic. Photobook publishers offer lots of themed layouts, and you can usually design your own themes too. Find a set of 4-8 different page layouts that work well together, and use them throughout your book. This will keep it interesting and cohesive.

9. Include some text
Some photobooks really benefit from a bit of text – is there a story behind your photos? There's no limit to where you put it and how much you can add. Captions, locations, names, dates and other details can enrich your book and keep the story flowing. Opt for a classic font and make sure it is legible, but that it doesn't overpower your images.

10. Publish and share
When the book is ready and you've hit the order button, now it's time to share your hard work. If you're using Bob Books, publish your book in the online Bob Bookshop (for free!) and pass around copies to your friends and family.

Want to get money off your photobook? Wanderlust readers get 10% off every order at Bob Books – including photobooks, calendars and wall art – when you use discount code WANDERLUST


Main image: Section of photobook (Shutterstock)

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