Cheryl lives in in Pennsylvania and is a new grandmother to an adorable little girl. She’s also member of our Shutterfly Gallery Guru team, dedicated to supporting your photo book and storytelling creativity. You’ve probably seen Cheryl’s helpful comments throughout the Gallery - maybe even on your own photo book.

In this interview, Cheryl tells us how she got hooked on Shutterfly, her love of telling family stories, and gives us some sage advice about not being afraid to get inspiration from others.

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I live in Northern Central Pennsylvania.  I am a married mom to four great kids.  I also have a darling granddaughter who turned 2 in January.  I attended college to become a Paralegal and graduated in 1995, however, I am currently a stay at home mom.   I enjoy photography and scrapbooking.  I have made many wonderful friends online and enjoy being a part of such great communities.

What got you interested in making photo books?
I had a friend who made one and just raved about how wonderful it was.  I thought I would give it a try.  I did, and that was that….I was so hooked!  I take so many digital photos that photo books allow for me to have them published in a scrapbook like format that are completely my own.  I just love Shutterfly!
 
What are your favorite images to capture and why?
I love capturing images of my children because they grow so fast.  My parents never really took many photos, so I am a fanatic about my children having tons of photos to look back over their childhood years.  I do sometimes venture into scenic photos but family photos are my first love.
 
Who inspires you?
My friends and family are my main inspiration.  They give me the support and encouragement whenever needed.
 
What kind of stories do you like to tell in your photo books?
I love to tell my children’s stories.  I want them to have these books to cherish when I am no longer here to tell them in person.  I often include quotes and messages I want them always to remember.  I am looking forward to creating a family recipe book to pass down to my children of all those recipes I enjoyed when I was a child. 
 
What advice would you give your fellow photo book storytellers?
My only advice to other storytellers is to not be afraid to take inspiration from other photo books.  Even when creating a book that closely resembles another photo book, it will become your own as you include you own personal touches and photos. 
 
What’s your next photo book project?
A photo book for my older daughter and a Recipe Book as soon as I can gather all those old recipes. 
 
What are some of your favorite Gallery photo books and why?
Arwens Lifebook
Rachel’s Lifebook
Fifteen
       
These are only a few.  I have favorited many photo books.  I really enjoy photo books that tell a beautiful story.  I find the life books so touching and so heartfelt.  I really enjoyed the Fifteen book as well because the creator wanted to give messages to her son through a tangible book he could refer back to over and over.  I love this idea.  I can not believe how many beautiful photo books I have found browsing the gallery.  I enjoy viewing as often as I can.  I thank all the members who share their special creations so that they might inspire others in their own photo book creations. 

Check out Cheryl’s photo books on her Gallery profile page.