My photo book and me

[Mary0791]

I was very surprised when I was picked by Cafemom to be a part of their Influencer Program.  I was also very happy when I learned I was to receive a free photo book from Shutterfly.  You see, I've already made a photo book through Shutterfly & though I loved the finished product, I really hadn't thought about doing another one.  I felt I had no special enough occasion to create a book.  And then, when I did have a good occasion, I couldn't find enough decent photographs to fill a book.  This way, I was forced into making a book, coming up with a theme and liking it.

 

The book I was to receive was one of their standard ones.  An 8 x 8 book with a photo cover.  Honestly, the hardest part of the whole thing was deciding on a theme.  Once I had decided on a look back at my kids over 2008, the rest was a breeze.  This was AMAZINGLY easy to make.  I chose the photos from my computer, uploaded them and then began making the book.  The longest part of the process was uploading the photos.  I was able to upload at least 30 or more at a time (I never reached a point where it told me I couldn't upload any more.)  I had no problems at all. 

 

The next hurdle was choosing a decorative theme for my book.  They have a bunch to choose from, including seasonal and holiday pages.  I chose one I thought was bright & upbeat and set to work.  Shutterfly lets you organize the photos in your album to make it easier when you pick them for the book.  Next, you just choose how you want the page organized (how many photos, how much text, etc) and start clicking & dragging pictures into the spots in the book.  The page templates are so easy to use.  It shows you where you can add text & all you do is click on the bar & start typing (you choose the font & color & size of the text at the beginning & it applies it to the entire book.) 

 

Filling up the book went so quickly.  I have to say they have improved themselves since I had ordered a book previously.  I don't remember being able to edit the photos as fast before, but this time it was a breeze.  I actually ended up with too many pictures and found out that was no problem either.  Even though the standard book comes with 20 pages, you can add on a page at a time.  I ended up paying a little bit for my "free" book, but I got EXACTLY what I wanted. 

 

The service was just so easy & flexible.  My 4-yr old intercepted the book & I really haven't been able to see it since.  It is her brag book.  She loves looking at the photos of herself and her brother.  She loves telling me over and over again where she was when a certain picture was taken.  She ESPECIALLY loves being featured in a "real" book.  My MIL loved the book also.  Now she wants one.  They just look so nice & professional.  I love the idea of giving these out as gifts.  Now I just have to learn how to use my camera...

 

Here are a few shots of the book.  It can even make my crappy photography look nice.  :)

 

back cover:

 

inside shots.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my review of Shutterfly.

 

 

[Austinka]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 11:59 PM

Your book looks cute!  I made a book through shutterfly a couple of years ago and it turned out really cute.  It looks like there are more options for backgrounds and stuff now.  I want a turn with this influencer stuff :)

[Austinka]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Oh, and your photography is not crappy!  You get some really cute pictures!  (It does help that your kids are totally adorable, though)

[3_ring_circus_]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 1:39 AM

CUTE! My 4 y/o loves our book too! She pretty much stole it from me. Did you notice you could use backgrounds from all the different themes? At first I thought I had to use only one theme but i was able to choose different themes for each page it was great!

[trepsica]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 9:28 AM

oh, i love it!

[DivaMomCC]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 10:14 AM

B that is fabulous!  What a wonderful memory you have preserved, in such a colorful, creative way.  :-) 

[belladonna777]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Betsy, you must teach me how to be creative........i am no bueno at that kind of stuff.

[EiEiO]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 12:20 PM

Awesome! I loved making mine , too. Soooo easy.

[Mary0791]

Jan. 23, 2009 at 1:00 PM

3 ring circus---I didn't notice you could change page themes within the book.  That's pretty cool.

(Original Poster)

[xtina34]

Jan. 25, 2009 at 10:24 PM

OMG ... I want one !!  It looks great !

[jspy72]

Jan. 29, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Your book is awesome and your family is beautiful!