So there has just got to be a good album design mini-intensive workshop out there. Does anyone know of such a thing? I don't want to take an entire Photoshop or InDesign Course, I just want to to know how to get around enough to design a Leather Craftsmen 3500 series 11x14 coffee table album.

I just want basics--layout, fading, cropping, keylines etc.

Let me tell you, if there isn't one out there, one of you album design masters should totally teach one. I would sign up and fly anywhere to take it!!!

Even a book would help....ANYONE??!!



Thanks!

Geneve

Kevin Swan should have a InDesign tutorial available shortly.

That would be great. ANy others??

G

I would like to hear about something like this as well - not just about how to use "such and such" a program to layout out your photos, but talking about actual design aspects as well.

what kind of questions do you guys have on the topic? I've been thinking of doing one for Matt's site, but I dont really know where to begin.

why not outsource?

gary fong get rich workshop had some good stuff for his software. if you purchase his software it is REALLY easy to use in PS CS2 and does a nice job.

i'd just rather outsource to a specialist.

if you're using pictage they'll design it for you for FREE

Darn it Michael! You beat me to it. My first response was.... send it to Pictage. Album design service is free now Or hire Albumesque!!


***EDIT***haha, Alison, you beat me to it too! we posted at the same time

call me or email me G.

and i'm doing a biz and album class the day after the one light with zack here in pittsburgh.

The video should be ready tomorrow! I'm working with the New School guys to get the new site up to deliver it, but not sure if that part will be ready in time. We're working as fast/hard as possible! It should rock!


Also, at OSP Indy, end of Feb, I'll be doing an album design class.

So come to OSP Indy and see Kevin's presentation. And meet some great people too!
k.c.

So Kevin,

Can you tell me more about the class at end of Feb? At the end of the class will I be able to do a basic album design in InDesign? Details please!

Geneve

Actually, it's not exactly free. They have a monthly fee to join. I already have an online posting site.

But that is good to know!

Geneve





Actually, I did download something of his (might have been Asuka Books or something??)and found it not easy to work with, and there was no 11x14 option--but we might be talking about apples and oranges. Do you have any other details--what is it called? Anyone else have any thoughts on Gary Fong software? I was really preferring a workshop, since I seem to floundering on the software angle. Or at least a workshop that teaches you how to use the software etc.

Thanks!

Geneve



Hey Sarah,

I want to be able to open up Photoshop or InDesign, and do the following:

1. size each page (I do only 11x14 albums) and set up a template for 11x14 & 22x14

2. import, size, and place images to the pages I want

3. fade images & keyline images where appropriate

4. basic design concepts--I like real clean design with lots of black & white space. I kind of have a basic design in mind for 99% of my albums, but I have no idea how to design the templates. I would even consider paying someone to build this type of template for me..

5. FTP finished final pages to my lab

That's it!

Any inspiration there?

Thanks !

Geneve



I have done that, and it's expensive and time consuming. Plus, even after all the back & forth I've never been happy with it.

We're putting a schedule together, but it's better to check the OSP Indy thread.
http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index...amp;#entry47529

I'll go through all the steps in designing an album using InDesign, but the principles can be applied to any album design software.

How much is the workshop? Where will it be held? Is it the kind of thing where you walk us through step by step like we are 2 year olds? (that is what I want!). I have InDesign, so that is no problem.

I only use LC 3500 11x14 albums. Here is what I am wanting:

I open up InDesign. I choose my 11x14 or 22x14 template. I start dropping and dragging images into the page. I resize, crop, etc. I fade and/or keyline etc. I choose black page or white page etc. (not necessarily in that order) I save the pages and upload to my lab via FTP.

Shouldn't it be that easy? Is that the basic premise?

I literally know nothing about how to get this process started. I know how to open up Photoshop & InDesign, and I know how to crop, but that is about where it ends. I personally don't like any tilting, drop shadows, effects, etc. But I do like to fade images and play with crops & sizes. I also like about 5- 14x22 panoramas per 24 page album.

Thanks Kevin!

Geneve

What you are describing is pretty easy.

If you open up PS and creat a new file with 11x14 and 22x14. Make sure you know the labs specs in regards to ppi (usually 300) and color space (usually sRGB or RGB).

Then you just open an image and drop into the new file. In the layers palette you can create keyline by adjusting the layer effects (stroke) and fade using the opacity slider.

Select the image using the the little arrow thingy and click acorner (called free transform) which can resize the image. Be careful the w and h are locked. If not, you will get a stretched funky looking image.

Save as a psd file so you can make changes latter if you want, then flatten the layers and save as a .jpg or .tiff according to lab specs.

I think I covered everything you want to do....pretty simple. Shouldn't take too long for you to do it on your own, especially if you know how the album should look.

Geneve,

There's no cost for the workshop. I'll do a full album design from scratch, using InDesign--answering questions along the way. There will be other workshops at OSP Indy, so if you can make it I think you'd have a blast.

While Aaron is correct that you can use Photoshop to build an album, it is like hammering in a nail with a screwdriver. It is categorically the wrong tool and will take significantly longer without delivering a superior product. I strongly advise against using it--especially considering you have InD.

K

OK. working on it!

See now Aaron...you already lost me on the layers bit. Seriously. That whole sentence makes my brain hurt. It's so easy once you have the basics, but I don't have the basics. Sad, but true! I just want somone to SHOW ME how to do it!

G






Uh-oh. I just looked at the OSP INDY thread and realized that I am hosting Neil Cowley for a 2 day lighting workshop here in NH on Feb 27 &28. Drat. I don't think I'll be able to make it! Hmmm....maybe we need to host a 2 day Kevin Swan album design workshop! Maybe Robin & Sarah can join in too!

Bummer!

G

Everytime you add something to a PS file it creates a layer. So, if you open a blank file and add a picture you would have a new layer. There is a small box which have all the layers and you will see the layers grow as you add new images, text or whatever else.

I would "show you" but you live very, very, very, very far away...

I think Kevin's workshop will be well worth the couple of week wait. Hopefully before then we can get the download and then we'll be tuned up for the real thing!

Here's an update: http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index...ic=4625&hl=

Ah, come on! Lobsters, lighthouses, 3000 miles of rocky shore!

G





Sign me up! I want mine signed too!!

G

Kev,
what's the latest on the video? Thanks for keeping us posted on your Swanology (like that don't you!)

Lee

It's like Prince's Musicology... Honestly, I don't know. The video was supposed to be "done by the time you get back from Texas." Well, here I am! I emailed the video producer last night. I'll call him soon.

grr.

Remind me to show you when I'm out there....give me an hour and you'll know everything you need to. I can give you a set of handy keyboard shortcuts...

I can also bring you my templates, they'll help you speed up the initial layout. Are you familiar with object oriented design programs already? Like Quark, Illustrator or anything?