Making the book
A two-week plan for a family photo book
Two weeks is a comfortable amount of time to make a family photo book: one week for people to add photos, a few days for you to tidy up, and about a week for printing and delivery where we print locally. Here's the plan, counting back from the day it needs to arrive.
Day 1: start it
- Start the book: who it's for, and your email.
- Set the date photos are due. Seven days from now is right.
- Add each relative's name and email. Read the invite, then send.
- Put the shared link in the family chat for anyone you missed.
- Add your own photos straight away, so the book isn't empty when others look.
Days 2 to 4: the keen ones
A third of the family will do it within a day. Thank them where everyone can see. Check the studio; if any photos are flagged as too small, ask for the originals now while people are paying attention.
Day 5: three days to go
The first countdown reminder goes out by itself to anyone who hasn't added anything. It mentions who already has.
Day 7: the day before
Another reminder. This is when to phone the one person who never reads email.
Day 8: due day
A last reminder goes in the morning. In the evening, look at what you have. If someone is still missing, decide: give them one more day, or go without.
Day 9: tidy and order
- Leave out duplicates and anything too small to print.
- Put people and photos in a sensible order.
- Fix typos in captions.
- Choose the cover photo and a theme.
- Flip through the preview from start to finish.
- Add the address and order.
Days 10 to 15: printing and delivery
Printing takes a few days and delivery a few more. The order screen shows the estimate for your address before you pay. Each country page has typical times.
If you have less time
It can be done in a week: give the family three days, not seven, and choose softcover, which is quicker than hardcover. With less than a week, order it anyway and give a card on the day saying it's on its way. Late and full of everyone's photos beats on time and empty.
Aim to have it arrive two days early. It gives you a spare day if the courier is slow, and time to wrap it.