Monday, July 6, 2009

Creating Photo Novelties From Scanned Photos

By Pete Fontaine

Most people realize that having their photos scanned will permanently protect them from loss and damage. Not only does scanning make it easy and inexpensive to share complete copies of your images with family members it also stops natural deterioration due to aging and moisture in its tracks. But the cost and effort of having your photos scanned also makes it possible for you to get creative in new and exciting ways.

You can use your newly scanned images to craft spectacular photo books and other photo specialties. Many online photo publishing sites offer free creation software, and you can use photos stored on your hard drive to produce personalized mugs, calendars, and t-shirts. The better photo specialty sites are not intrusive and don't ask for information about you until you descide to order.

An online photo novelty company was used recently to provide t-shirts with the photo of an injured player for the entire team. The decision to attempt to boost the morale of the team in this way was based partly on the fact that producing the shirts could be done quickly and affordably. The effect on the team and the fans was something to remember.

An office manager had all of the people in the office submit unique photos of themselves. Using a photo specialty company she produced personalized photo mugs for each of the individuals and hung them on a rack in the lunch room. The mugs generated endless discussion about childhood, hobbies, and 1980's attire. Not only could everyone easily identify their own mug, they learned things about their coworkers they might not have otherwise.

One family was so touched by the photo presentation that the funeral parlor had put together for their Grandfather's funeral that they decided to use the digitized images to create small photo books with some of the really special, one of kind photos. They then sent copies out to loved ones. Everyone agreed it was a really special way to remember someone.

A few close friends decided that creating photobooks was a great way to remember and share one particularly enjoyable golf weekend. Part of the motivation may have been the thought that the full heads of hair and relatively tight abs might not be around forever. But the memories of fun and friendship were easily protected and preserved.

Sports teams everywhere are finding that they can pool their photos and build everyone a custom photo book for the cost of going out for pizza. Imagine a whole season of great plays and great poses permanently captured, and you have complete editorial control over the project. You might have your picture in a photobook with the next Michael Jordan or Michelle Wie. This also applies to the cheerleading squad, the debating team, and the band.

Make sure to use a photo specialty provider that provides an automatic layout feature. This will allow you to preview unlimited layouts and easily rotate pictures in and out of your pages or items. Better providers allow you to use a photo as the background of a page, and you can preview quickly right from your computer without waiting to send and receive over the internet, a huge time saver.

Digitizing your photos is the right thing to do. It preserves them and makes them easy to copy. The fun begins when you choose a great photo specialty company and start creating personalized keepsakes to share with your family and friends. New software makes it easy to become a creative genius, and the low prices will make you look even smarter.

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