When I think about storytelling I’m often motivated by a desire to capture the richness of a milestone or a life event. I can’t say that my summers are major life events, but we do take an annual two-week vacation to the same spot and we do much the same things every year. The repetition is something I look forward to as it allows me to track the changes that time brings to my family. It’s the time passed that I treasure and want to capture.

Whether you’re planning a ‘staycation’ or a trip of a lifetime, Shutterfly is your summer storytelling partner.

In our Gallery you’ll find photo books from a simple day-long hike to a short beach trip and a weeks-long vacation through Egypt.

Katie Pertiet is the owner and founder of www.DesignerDigitals.com and www.IdeaBooks4U.com. Her layouts have been published in Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Memory Makers, Legacy, and BHG Scrapbooks Etc. Katie also designs products for Autumn Leaves, Creativity and Fontwerks and licenses her designs in the home decor market.

In this article, Katie tells us about her love of photography and scrapbooking, and gives us some great tips on how to make a special summer photo book using Designer Digitals’ “Made to Remember” Layered Template.

I’d like to introduce you to our very own Susie L., one of Shutterfly’s talented writers - as well as mother of two, seasoned blogger, and creator of NED Design. In this article, Susie shares her thoughts about why family camping is worth all that trouble.

This is another popular Father’s Day photo book sentiment. It’s simple and it allows kids in on the action of telling the story in their gift to dad (assisted by mom of course).
CrystalB150’s “Father’s Day” is a simple and sweet version of this type of book. MeganM653’s “My Daddy… I Love You Because” offers more personalized reasons to thank her husband with and additional adorable photos.

I was struck in looking at Gallery recently, how many new photo bookers there are and how many of them are crediting our community with inspiring them to take the plunge. I am so proud of the contributions of many, many Shutterfly photo book creators that have been willing to share their stories and ideas with others. Take a look at some ‘newbies’ and their fabulous work.