All--

Here's my first album design of the season (well, ever). It's set up as a 10x10 KISS book:

http://gowinphotography.com/albums/2008-07-22-mauhar/

I used InDesign and Ben Harrison's templates to do the bulk of the layout. It's a small book--only 10 spreads--so I had to be very selective in choosing the images. Helpful criticism and comments are welcome.

Blessings--

Michael

*bump*

I really really like it! The only page that didn't seem to fit in very well was the one with the groom and groomsmen. The layout isn't as interesting. Maybe make the image on the right larger and have it bleed onto the left page a bit? (If that makes any sense...) Other than that, it's fantastic!

I like it too. Did you choose the pictures, or did they? I noticed there are three spreads of getting ready photos, out of a 10 spread book. While the pictures are great, are those the moments they would want to remember? I would think they would want more of them together, or family/friends.

I've noticed that it seems the seam will cut some of the pages in places that don't work best, mainly noticed this for the last 3 pages.

Thanks, Steph--that's helpful. I'll see what I can do w/ the "man" page.--mgI selected the photos from 100+ "faves" that they'd chosen--so there was some significant editing that had to take place to try to get the flavor of the day in just 50 or so images. In this case, I think the bride may be pleased but we'll see. I'm waiting to get their input on the draft.Thanks for the comments.--mgGood point--I'll check that again. Thanks!

I like the overall feel...but maybe you could have some of the backgrounds be not jet black just to soften the feel of the book. Thanks for sharing!

from strictly a design standpoint, there are a few things that stand out to me that you may want to tweak...
there is a lack of consistency. while a design can be complex in it's components, a 10 spread album is not enough room to move. There is a lot of opportunity to tighten this up, and actually add images.

from an image selection perspective, i offer this...
while the client may give you a list of faves, you need to look at what they selected and perhaps tell more of a story or add a few that you liked. you need to be able to design around what they chose. it is more challenging when you are limited in what you can use. i realize that clients often choose collections of the 'same thing', and leave other things out all together. it's a tough balance. in this case, one spread of the actual ceremony does not do the day justice. the details (4/10) and two large portraits (7/10) could easily be moved to accomodate more of a 'story' feel, and incorporate the wedding cermony more fully.

your images are very nice. i would rearrange things to include more of the ceremony, for balance.

hope that is helpful.

i felt like i saw a lot of getting ready, detail shots and portraits but there really weren't enough ceremony and reception photos for me to get a story. maybe you could combine the bride & bridesmaids , groom & groomsmen into one spread to give you more room? and maybe and a picture of them together on the spread with their solo pictures. just ideas.