We’ve just updated our offline creator tool for both Windows and Mac programs. What’s more, we used your suggestions and ideas to do it! You’ll find all the new features, improvements and changes listed below. Click on each update to learn more.
Windows people, here are your updates (version 7.5)
Photo book creator tool version 7.5 for Windows – what’s new ?
1. Create your photo book from a storyboard using the ‘Autofill’ option
If you create your book using the ‘Autofill’ option, you’ll now be directed to a storyboard. This is a one-page overview of all your photo book pages. From there, you can add your photos in chronological order. You’ll also be able to switch easily between creating your photo book storyline and editing individual pages wherever needed.
2. The shadow feature has improved!
Now you can apply the shadow effect without reducing the size of your photo. In the previous version, applying a shadow effect would fall within the green frame, which made your photo shrink in size. Now that the shadow appears outside the green frame, the size of your photo will remain unaltered.
Left: old version. Right: new version.
3. The rotate feature has improved too!
In the previous update (version 7.4) we had improved the rotation process to allow photo rotation without altering its size. With this update, we’ve made it even better. You can now zoom in and shift the photo from left to right to the photo you’ve just rotated! This tool can give your photos a completely different look.
Left: old version. Right: new version.
4. New feature! You now have a place to save your photo cover
With creator tool version 7.5 you can save your photo cover layout, along with the layout of your photo book pages. Once you’ve created your photo book cover, save the design by right clicking on the cover, click through ‘Layout’ > ‘Save layout’. To find a cover layout you’ve saved, click on the ‘Page’ tab, then click on ‘Layout’ and use the drop down menu to find your photo cover layout you’d saved.
5. Yes, we’ve had to kill the ‘Google’ images tab
You’ll now see that the Google tab (which used to be above your folder navigation area on the left side of your screen) is no longer there. But worry not! It’s still very easy to add images you find online. First save the image to a folder on your computer. Then, start your creator tool, look for the folder containing the image you’d saved in the folder navigation area, then drag and drop it as you would your own photos.
Photo book creator tool version 2.0 for Macs – what’s new?
1. Now you can fill your photo book with clip art
Along with frames, backgrounds and photo masks, you now have a wide variety of clip art to add to your photo book. To find this option, just click the ‘Assets’ button in your tool bar. Remember, as this is a new feature, you’ll need to add your clip art to your Layout & Design library by clicking ‘download’. Want to see what’s in store? View our clip art collection
2. Add shadow without altering photo size
In the previous version, applying shadow would fall within the green frame, which made your photo shrink in size. Now that the shadow appears outside the green frame, the size of your photo will remain unaltered.
Left: old version. Right: new version.
When you start your creator tool, you’ll be requested to update to version 7.5. Once you’ve done this, you’ll get to benefit from these improvements!
Picking the right photo to turn into a canvas print is more than just getting the pixel size right or wrestling over which photo to pick. You also want to make sure your canvas print has that certain wow-factor that will have you stopping in your tracks each time you pass it.
So what’s the secret to finding the right photo to print on canvas? Well, it’s no big secret really, you just need a moment of inspiration!
Before printing your photo onto canvas, consider tweaking it up a bit. You can use one of the many free online tools (anymaking.com is one) to create some cool photo effects like pop art or caricatures. The creative scope is quite broad and it all depends on personal taste. Here are some ideas to get yours going!
Ideas for portrait canvas prints
Take a photo of the one you love and turn it into funky canvas print art!
Create a cool vintage collage canvas, complete with personal notes and snaps of that special someone.
Get the family to create hand prints on sand or paper, take a photo of it, enhance it with different photo effects and turn it into a canvas print. You’ll always be reminded of what’s most important in life.
Ideas for decorative canvas prints
Turn a landscape photo into a three piece canvas print. This will add depth, colour and intrigue to any area in your home.
Take a close up shot of a precious patchwork quilt that’s been in the family for generations and turn it into a meaningful canvas.
Create a sense of calm at home by turning your favourite minimalist photography into a large photo canvas print like a 120 x 80 canvas print. That should do the trick!
Bring an explosion of colours with a close up picture of a flower in full bloom or perhaps a shot of traditionally handmade oriental umbrellas!
We hope your imagination is singing with ideas by now! If you’re ready to create your fantastic canvas print, check out our different canvas sizes or find that photo, enhance it and then create your best canvas print ever
The moment we saw this wonderful photo book of designs, we knew we had to share it. The book was created by a talented young lady by the name of Candy Joyce and we’re delighted she chose Albelli Photo books to showcase her talent!
Candy first discovered her creativity at the age of 8 when creating “weird and wonderful drawings” using the family’s first PC. Her drawings became designs that, over time, developed into a style she describes as “contemporary and quirky [with] a kind of bold elegance”.
“I am drawn to geometric shapes, patterns in nature and the beauty inherent in mathematical formulas, if the names Sierpinski, Fibonacci or Pythagoras mean anything to you then you will understand where I am coming from (although I might struggle to explain much of the actual mathematics to you.”
In June 2010, Candy discovered Surface design, which became her new found passion. She sold her first designs in February 2011 and won a Tigerprint competition in January 2013 for her
Spots and Stripes design.
Gaining a BA in Menswear Fashion and working briefly as a freelance Fashion photographer/dress maker has not appeased the talented Candy, who is now keen to exchange her day job for a full time career as a Surface designer.
Candy’s designs are simply a pleasure to look at. The word ‘eye candy’ comes to mind. And now that all her best creations are saved in this beautifully created design photo book, you get to enjoy it too.
To create this book, Candy used a range of layout design features under the Albelli creator tool‘s ‘Product’, ‘Design’ and ‘Page’ tabs. She explains that her intention was to give emphasis to her work by being creative with the layout.
She also said that creating the book gave her a chance to see how her style had developed over the years, which then gave her enthusiasm to create even better designs. It also inspired her to create one Albelli photo book a year, the next of which, she hinted, will be an Alphabet book.
“It is the start of a collection that will take pride of place on my bookshelf,” – as well as in our blog Candy!
For more of Candy’s designs, you can visit her shop
Say hello to what is arguably one of the most versatile design option in your photo book creator: the Mask! Ever use it? You should. It’s the easiest way to create designs for your photo book that are bold, creative and fun.
To show you what we mean, let’s take a look at what the Mosaic mask design can do for you.
First select a photo to use as your background. It’s usually a good idea to pick one that’s thematic. In the example above, we picked a photo of Easter eggs for an Easter photo book.
Once you’ve chosen your background photo form your photo gallery on the left, click on it then click on the ‘As background’ button that’s under the ‘Insert’ tab.
Then, click the the drop down option under ‘Mask’, select the Mosaic design element you wish to use, and click ‘Apply’. In this example, we applied the Mosaic mask design circled in green below. If you can’t find the Mosaic mask options, click ‘Download’ to add them.
These steps are slightly different for Mac users. The photo book creator tool for Macs will look more like this. You’ll find the Mosaic mask option under ‘Assets’ button (top-right corner) > ‘Masks’ > ‘Mosaic’.
Now just let your imagination take over! Use the ‘White’ colour clip art (circled in green below) to create areas to add your photos and notes. Clip art is now available for Mac users as well!
And finally, complete your photo book pages by adding your photos and notes wherever you like. To align your photos correctly along the layout you’ve just created, click and hold the mouse button down on your photos you’ve added and use the red grid lines that appear along the page.
As if trying to take a great shot of one person isn’t difficult enough, imagine a group of restless, chatty friends! Yep, photographing groups is no easy task, which is why we thought it a good idea to share these 7 tips for taking better group photos.
1. Be creative when composing
Allow variation in height and avoid perfect alignment (yawn). Let everyone settle down in different ways. Make use of chairs, walls or the stairway for creative composition.
2. Zoom in sometimes
You don’t have to capture the group from head to toe all the time. As they chat away, zoom in to capture faces, feet, or hands. This will help you capture something unique about your group.
3. Make sure every face is visible
Get everyone to gather together closely as this increases the chance that each face will be captured.
4. Be creative whentaking a shot
Stand on a chair (useful with large groups) or take a photograph from ground level. You can also take a photo at a wide angle, which can bring interesting results.
5. Take the group outside
There are three reasons to go outside: the exposure to light is better; there’s a wide variety of backdrop options; having more space will allow you to create distance between your group and the backdrop, which will then allow you to use depth to fade out the backdrop.
6. Take multiple shots
The more you shoot, the more relaxed your group will be and the higher the chance of capturing great pics.
7. Timing is everything
Observe your group to know exactly when to press the shutter release button. Each group is different but there’s always one moment that’s perfect to start taking pictures – pay attention and take the time to find it.
8. Smile and make sure it’s FUN!
This is the most important tip! Group photos can easily become stressful, which delivers unfavourable results. So smile, crack a joke, and get your group to be at ease before you start snapping away.
It’s a familiar scenario: everyone’s everywhere and suddenly someone calls your name and SNAP!…Your picture has been taken.
Then there’s that moment of helplessness. Yet another unbecoming photo of you is in the hands of someone else.
If you’re nodding your head at this scenario then you’re in luck! You can become photogenic and kiss your camera blues goodbye with any one of these tips.
1. Determine your best angles
Yes, no one’s perfect. But everyone has a posture that produces attractive shots. Experiment with your mobile phone camera to find yours.
2. Try not to look directly at the camera
The camera can make you feel self conscious. Avoid it and you’ll look and feel calm and natural and that brings great results!
3. Lean slightly toward the camera
Achieve a slimmer you by leaning into the camera, at a slight angle. A bit difficult to do but it works!
4. Reduce the risk of double chins
Relax your shoulders by tilting your head up slightly. Hunched shoulders will ruin a photo quicker than bad lighting.
5. Accentuate your curves
The problem is the absence of curves. Create a little space between your arms and your body to accentuate your waist and hip.
6. Always position yourself at an angel
Stand at an angle. Avoid facing the camera dead on. Rule of thirds applies here.
7. Group photo tip
Ah, group photos. As unappealing as this sounds, it’s never a good idea to lean or slouch in a group shot. But if affection matters more to you, skip this tip.
8. Think of someone you love
If smiling at the camera is difficult for you, just think of the ones you love the most – you’ll be smiling beautifully before you hear CHEESE!
9. Curb your enthusiasm
This tip is for the bubbly and animated among you. When a camera comes out, focus on holding one expression still until the camera is put away.
10. When in doubt, opt for the half smile
Smile… calmly. This leaves fewer angles for the camera to mess around with. Like this tip? Then it’s time to look for that mirror and practice.
11. Be Confident
Huh? Confident? Yes, as contradicting as this is, it is one of the most effective tips for an attractive shot. So abandon all your cares and just think ‘I am a goddess’ when facing the camera. The result will speak for itself.
12. Look for the right light
If you feel that you don’t look good on a photo, it’s usually because of the lighting. Early morning or late afternoon light produces the best results so aim for those times when your photo is to be taken.
13. If you have a big nose…
…that’s ever evident on your photos then worry not! Here’s a tip to the rescue. Position yourself at an angle that creates minimal shadows and minimal angles. Looking at the camera straight on often does the trick!
14. Never allow the camera to be lower than you
This is a no brainier. Beware of those creeping cameras below your nose.
15. If all else fails – ignore the camera
Relax! It’s key when being photographed as you won’t make those sudden jerky movements, which deliver less-than-ideal results.
16. Avoid the clueless photographer
Nothing worse than a photographer who doesn’t know how to take great photographs no matter the subject.
17. Practice makes perfect
Allow everyone to take your photograph often. The more you get used to it the more comfortable you’ll be and the better results you’ll get. Plus, there’s the added bonus of knowing what angles work best for you!
All tips are taken from Natalie’s blog post which debunks the myth that being photogenic is just for the lucky few.
In 2 weeks and 3 days it’ll be Mother’s Day. Yes, (nodding head) Mothering Sunday has come early this year (10 March) and we hope this doesn’t come as a surprise.
Admittedly, not many remember to get Mum something special for Mother’s Day. In fact, as many as one in five Brits confess to missing it, blaming it on distance, work commitments, etc.
And what gifts do UK Mums tend to receive? Chocolates, flowers and greeting cards tend to be the usual suspects.
Hmmmmm… Really?
Well, we definitely think you can do a whole lot better by giving her a unique photo gift instead. No travel involved, no stress either. In fact, creating photo gifts is quite fun.
What’s more, photo gifts last longer, are more meaningful and offer many ways to express how much you appreciate and love your mother.
With the same time it takes to order her flowers (yawn) you can create and order a beautiful canvas or acrylic print for her instead.
Or spend just a bit more time and effort and celebrate her life in a photo book. Pack all the things she loves in it: her kids, achievements, hobbies, and talents! Get a closer look at your photo book creative options to make it the best gift ever. Surely, for someone so important, just a little more effort is called for.
Check out our ideas of different Mother’s Day photo gifts and get started. The sooner the better as taking your time creating your gift not only brings the best results, but ensures that your gift arrives in time for Mother’s Day.
PS: Bare in mind that the last day to order for Mother’s Day is 28 February
Valentine’s Day – it’s simply unavoidable when February comes around. And one can almost feel the collective holding of breath and beating hearts… well, almost.
Whether we do so secretly or openly, February is a time for everyone to celebrate the relationships we treasure. Gone are the days when Valentine’s Day was to be enjoyed by couples alone. These days, just about anyone who’s dear to your heart, for whatever reason, can be your Valentine.
So this year, why not forget the usual flowers and candy and give a gift that’s more meaningful? Like a photo gift you created! Taking the effort to create a gift definitely speaks for itself: creating one with your photos and memories makes it even better.
View our list of beautiful photo gift ideas and get some ideas of what you can create for V Day. All of these ideas hold all the emotion and love you can muster, some won’t break the bank and just take minutes to create online or on your desktop
1. Master the art of creating photo books the easy way.
Even the most seasoned photo book creators will pick up a thing or two from one of our workshops.
2. Pick up some great photography tips along the way.
Our instructor will offer photography tips during the workshop.
3. Discover all the creative options that are available on your creator tool.
You’ll be surprised to know just how many different ways you can create one photo book.
4. Learn how to tell stories using your photos.
What words are to an author; your photos can be to you. Discover how to capture moments with the creative use of photos.
5. You’ll get to see how an actual photo book is put together.
Watching how a photo book comes together is simply the best way to learn.
6. You’ll also get to ask as many questions as you like via chat.
Ask any questions you like at any point during the workshop. It’s not just informative, it’s also interactive and fun!
7. Find out how to edit your photos before ordering your book.
No Photoshop needed here – we’ll show you how to fix your photos using the creator tool.
8. Discover how to create great effects, even with unappealing photos.
No matter what sort of photo you have, we’ll show you how to use it effectively when creating your book.
9. Learn without leaving the comfort of your home.
Enjoy learning in a casual environment.
10. Lastly, it’s completely free!
So what will you need to join our photo book workshop?
Well, just a computer, a webcam or microphone and good access to the Internet. Made up you’ve mind yet? Great. Start by selecting the date and level of workshop before signing up for one of our free photo book workshops.
Strange looks, hilarious comments and itchy faces – that’s what our male colleagues at Aleblli had to endure for the entire month of November. But it was definitely worth it as it was all for a good cause!
For a whole month these tough men have endured letting their moustache grow to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. This brought in a total amount of € 7,758: the proceeds of which is to be donated for the improvement of men’s health worldwide.
And as you can see, we’re the company with the largest contribution!
“This just goes to show how a small business can be great,” responded our Benelux manager with pride.
Each week we monitored the growth of each moustache. It was difficult to see growth for some while the others grew so fast, they took on a life of their own! View the mug shots below to see for yourself.
No doubt, with all these moustaches floating about, it’s been quite an unusual month at Aleblli. Despite all the teasing and hardship, they persevered until the end so hats off to the guys, we could not be more proud of them!
