There’re dates every year I dread. One is Ling’s birthday, and the other is Valentine’s Day. OK, I should clarify that; I dread not the day itself, but the run-up to it and specifically what I should buy her for each of the two occasions. It’s one of those ‘fine print’ statements in a marital contract.:)
But in all seriousness, I usually start looking for the appropriate presents and tokens well in advance, say like 3-4 months early. Ling’s birthday is in September, I planned for a Photobook of the first four years of our life together, which also is the title I’ve chosen for the book but in Latin “Vita Una”, or “Life in One”.
There’re of course many service providers who’d do this sort of printing, but after a bit of scouting around, I settled on Blurb. The package they had was the most attractive, and reviews for their book printing were generally quite positive.
So, over a space of 4 days in late June, I dug out all the old early paktoh, wedding, honeymoon and vacation photos I’ve taken, then re-sampled, tweaked images and readjusted color for printing, then imported them into Blurb’s proprietary publishing software, and did the layout and text. Ling probably suspected that something fishy was going on when she noticed that every night I was pouring over photos and putting them together into some sort of publishable layout.:)
In all, I chose 242 pictures for the 160 page book, the majority of them full page pictures alongside several two-page panoramic shots. It was certainly a lot of work, the more so as once you’ve uploaded and confirmed the book for printing, you’re not gonna be able to change anything.
The book turned out quite nicely, though there were two ink smudges that I’m furious about. Still, the lady of the house is thrilled at the effort that’s gone in.:) Yeah, it’s an early birthday present, but she’s getting a second prezzie for her actual birthday in a few months’ time. The larger sized pictures of the book are right here.:)
haha, chris also did a jaoan one for me two years ago. he used apple. sent to apple in US and they sent back. small one la… not as big scale as yours. nice gift! i’m sure ling ling loves it ^^
japan
AAAAHHHHH!!!!! that pic of me…. AAAAHHHH!!!!! i look so ugly!!!!!!! my hair is so ugly and my mouth!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Hehe.:) I checked out a couple of options, but Blurb by far had the most attractive packages (including the imagewrap) and also especially considering the number of pages that was going in.
I did make a huge bloop though. The wedding photos I included were the untouched ones. Completely forgot. So, Ling was like you also hollering about all the oil patches on her cheeks etc.:)
It was a very meaningful gift indeed. I enjoyed looking at the selection of photos :D
It’s always difficult to match up to his standard!
It’s looks wonderful! I envy your dedication, too, because I find slaving over photographs an exhausting—though rewarding—process. I can only imagine the logistical nightmares and strain you endured throughout. But the proof of such work is in the pudding, as they say. Good job!
And what about me? You’re telling me there’s nothing you could do in-software to give me a tan? :)
Sorry bud; I’d completely forgotten about the tan.:(
Haha! You should see me now. Though I looked like a cooked lobster both times upon returning from Malaysia, I now give the moon a run for its money in the pale department. :)
no nice!! =) so sweet!!