More and more I have been asked by clients if I offer albums so I decided to make it part of one of my packages. The problem is that I have no idea how to design the layout. I know that Asuka has some template, but I have no idea how to use them!

What do you do? What do you use? How did you learn?

Any info is appreciated!

lumapix fotofusion is really easy to learn - www.fotofusion.com

They allow you to custom create templates, plus, people create templates that you can buy. There are tutorials and plenty of people that can help you learn the software - but it is not hard.

I am most likely leaving pictage because I have found this software to be better than their album design software.

Anyway, hope that helps.

Can you use their templates with Asuka?

You can create customized template sizes - so I am assuming yes . . .

anyone else know?

FYI, if you're using a Mac, Lumapix won't run on it...unless you're using Bootcamp or whatnot to run Windows simultaneously.

I bought InDesign (part of the CS2 suite) and Kevin Swan's Building Albums with InDesign Tutorial. It offers a lot more flexibility than an outside album company, you can create your own drag-and-drop templates, etc. Of course, the downside is that you have to create your own stuff instead of having someone else do it, but personally I think it's a better investment for your business. Oh, and you also can download InDesign for a free thirty day trial if you're interested.

I think they key to starting out in album design is to find three or four photographers whose album styles you really love. Begin by just trying to replicate some pages they have so that you get a feel for the flow of the program, and then take it to the next level by putting your own personal spin on it. Good luck!

And don't be tempted to make the pages too busy by cramming lots of images onto them. I like simple, clean layouts with just a few images (or just one) per page. Less distracting... more impact.