In this interview, Kristin tells us how the upcoming birth of her third child inspired her to create her first photo book, how the people she knows are her greatest inspiration , and also imparts some great advice to us fellow photo book makers - just take the plunge, it’s not as difficult as you think.
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Tell us about yourself
I am not a photographer (that’s my mother’s job!)… but I LOVE a good photograph. In my family, an event is ALWAYS documented in pictures (many times in minute detail). That’s a lot of pictures! I started my first photo book when I was pregnant with my third child… the years of pictures were getting overwhelming and my disorganization would wake me up at night! I found Shutterfly’s photo books and I worked my way back in time creating “yearly review” books, birthday books and holiday books all the way back to 2001 (the year my first was born!). I am up to date and the envy of all my friends… all thanks to Shutterfly’s 8X8 photo books (and mom’s pictures of course!)…
What got you interested in making photo books?
I needed a way to document our lives but was not into traditional scrap booking. I received a coupon for a free photo book and tried it out… from there I was hooked!! Finally a way to get organized with all my pictures!! Plus I loved the options of displays, backgrounds and sizes available.
What are your favorite images to capture and why?
My favorite subjects are people… and my very favorite images are ones of my family. Looking back at pictures and seeing how my children have changed, it never ceases to amaze me.
Who inspires you?
I get a lot of inspiration from the people in my life. I have a great family and friends who provide me with encouragement and inspiring thoughts. My children inspire me to be the best person I can be… they believe I can accomplish anything. That could make anyone take on the world!
What kind of stories do you like to tell in your photo books?
My photo books are simple. I let the pictures tell the story with very little words. I focus on documenting our lives both the big and little changes. I mainly tell our stories through year in reviews, birthday books and an occasional special occasion book (such as “Halloween” or our annual “tennis tournament”).
What advice would you give your fellow photo book storytellers?
My friends always ask me “how do you know how to make the photo book?”… my answer and best advice is… “There is no “how to” you just need to start!”… try one book… maybe start with one special event…make it simple (don’t get too caught up in the details!)…and let your pictures tell the story. No one was more disorganized then me with my pictures (believe me!!). I think of my photo books as little time capsules… providing some insight into the years past. So pick a few pictures to fill a few pages, you’ll be so glad you did!
What’s your next photo book project?
I am currently working on 2008 year in review. This year I am documenting the year as it happens and not waiting until December 31st (like I did last year!).
What are some of your favorite Gallery photo books and why?
I love “
Classic Photobooth Shots” by VickieP1… the concept is so cool and the book is laid out wonderfully. I’ve always had a fascination with photo booths and am kicking myself for not keeping a better eye on my photo booth pictures… hm-mm where are those pictures! I also love “
Wendis Wedding Book One” by TammyP5 and “
Little Carley” by hilfephotography. The pictures in these books are wonderful and told the story of these people’s lives so beautifully!
August 1st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Great article Kristin, and welcome to the team. I love your books and your comments are always so encouraging. I like what you said about people just need to take the plunge with creating a photobook. I’ve been trying to reach out to people and telll them about Shutterfly, but most seem intimidated and want ME to do their work for them; which is fine but like Rachel said they are missing out on the creative experience. I’m not a pro at all, i just learn by all the Gallery books and learning by experimenting.
Great article and looking forward to more of your books.
Joanna T
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Wow! I love looking at your books and was so intimidated about joining the Gallery Guru’s. When I see all the fantastic stuff you put out! Amazing. You are so creative and have so many wonderful books. I look forward to learning and growing in my new role. I am having so much fun getting to know everyone through their books and interviews. I look forward to you next creation!
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Kelli K
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 4th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Kristin, I think your idea of doing yearly review books is so great! And now that you are caught up, I bet it’s really fun planning the book around important moments right as they happen! And thank you so much for mentioning my Classic Photo Booth shots book as one of your favorites. It was a really nice surprise to see that in your interview! I hope that some of your own classic booth shots turn up!
Vickie P
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 5th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hello Kim,
My favorite subjects are people too. I love to see the life in the eyes! I totally understand seeing the small and giant changes from moment to moment with your children. That is another reason I love to take pictures of my family see where they came from and where they are heading off too. Working on the annual family album for me is turning into the family book to share with my husbands family that lives across country. I dont want them to miss out on the little changes that move so fast with my little ones. I am looking forward to seeing more of your books and sharing ideas!
Ann Abbott
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
August 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Kristin,
I felt honored to have one of my books mentioned as one of your favs. Thanks so much. I can’t take the credit for the photography on the Wendi’s Wedding Book One & Two albums but I did organize the almost 600 pics and like you said that is a huge job. My family was so thrilled, those two books are still being passed around. That is what I love about shutterfly, so many pics, and each page, 200 by the way, was cyrstal clear and stunning. I especially felt honored after looking through your photo albums you have done. You are talented and have done a great job with all of your books. I am looking forward to getting to know you better.
TammyM5
Shutterfly Gallery Guru