Summer is here, which means I have to make my photo book to do list. Of course there’s the vacation adventures which will be documented in books, but in looking through gallery I have been inspired with some other ideas too.

Shutterfly Gallery Guru Barbara K. took our question, “Why do you make photo books?” very seriously. In fact, she gave us ten reasons. My favorite on Barbara’s list is number eight, photo book making as a “stress reliever”. She’s right. When you get creative with your photos, those worries fly out the window. All you think about is how to make those pictures tell your story. Take a look at Barbara’s list - and feel free to add your own by commenting on this blog.

”Why do you make photo books?” To express your creativity? Capture memories? Showcase events? Tell a story? Let us know by commenting on this blog. And if you need some examples to get you started, read what several of our Gallery Guru volunteers have to say. Then add your inspiration to the mix!

In this article, Shutterfly Gallery Guru Kristin S. lets us know that Shutterfly photo books aren’t just for sharing memories. They can also be used as tools for teaching - from ABCs, to one-two-threes, to basic anatomy, to speech.

Let’s face it, we’re addicted to Disney. Okay, maybe some of you could take it or leave it, and you are definitely entitled to your opinion, but for the rest of us, what is there NOT to like about the happiest place on Earth? Personally, I’ve been hankering for another Disney visit, so I wrote this little Disney piece as an excuse to peruse some of our newer Disney books. Wanna take a little Disney ride with me? Excellent! Let’s check out a few of my recent favorites.

We keep throwing inspirational ideas at you, so now it’s time for you to throw some our way. What summer photo books will you be making this year? Beach? Vacation? BBQ? Party? Around the yard? Around the house? Picnic? Or maybe you’ve already made a summer book and have posted it to Gallery. Let us know by commenting on this blog.