the director’s cut.
September 30th, 2008I absolutely LOVE it when clients decide to get coffee table books. Not just because it gives them the opportunity to showcase the best photos from our session in an amazing, personal book, but because I love laying them out! Designing the books is such a wonderful combination of my photography and design backgrounds and I love taking the time to lay the photos out so they tell a compelling visual story.
I call the first draft “the director’s cut” because it’s completely my vision — my favorite photos, my favorite layouts, my favorite order of photos. If it were up to me, the book would go to print this way. But usually clients ask for minor changes here and there - mostly swapping in their favorite photos - and that’s great! The coffee table book is all about telling their personal stories.
This is the director’s cut of Michael and Dexter’s book.Throughout our shoot, Michael told me so many stories about his relationship with Dexter. We definitely tried to capture some of those moments and I tried my best to convey those little vignettes in the design of this book. The “greeking” you see is placeholder text for Michael to include his own writing.
I love Michael and Dexter! These photos might be some of my favorite to date. As I designed their book and relived their beautiful relationship, I realized I really, really, REAAAAALLY want photos of me, the BF, Maeby and Zoey. I’m definitely hiring someone in 2009 for some photos!
By the way, I’m taking a mini-vacation until next Monday — my mom is coming to LA from Philly for the first time today in the two years I’ve lived here! We will enjoy the sights and sounds of LA this week and then fly to Arizona to see my sister. So if I don’t respond to emails now you know why. : )
Until next time.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:53 am
aaah!! again i am drooling with jealousy at your AMAZING design skills. these pages look fantastic.
i’ve really been thinking about hiring someone for me, corey, becks and sienna too…we’ll have to compare who we’re thinking of using because i really can’t decide…
you ROCK!
September 30th, 2008 at 7:58 am
OMG I WANT THIS BOOK and I don’t even know Michael or Dexter!! What an amazing gift you’ve given your client. I am drooling too!!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Gorgeous book and your art director experience definitely shows here. LOVE the colors! Have fun with your mom! And in terms of finding a photographer to shoot your family, I’d say if you can get self-portraits got for it- otherwise I honestly can’t think of anyone better than you!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:15 am
These layouts are awesome - and so are the photos! Very inspirational to be more creative in my own books. Thanks for sharing!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am
grace - love ‘the directors cut’!! you have the best names for items in your business!!
i hope we get to chat soon. enjoy mom and sister time!!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am
One thought. In terms of getting a photographer why not bring up one of your San Diego friends? Craig from dogscapes.com or Mia from Thousand Hound? Or you guys could head down there. Although, I’d love to see some family shots on the Santa Monica pier. Shoot, I’D love to take pictures on the Santa Monica pier.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am
MIss j LOVES photos of pets with their people. It’s wonderful to see how adored soem critters get to be.
September 30th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Grace, I love the simplicity of your layouts. Of course your photos rock too! It’s great when clients get the finished product.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
This is going to be a beautiful book!
September 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Fabulous Grace. You have an amazing eye for design and this book truly tells a wonderful story. I also love designing books, and in fact am working on a new project at the moment. Can’t wait to share.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
WoW Grace - you should consider selling your templates. They are amazing!
September 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
This book is stunning and I love the colors and layout. You really capture how much he loves his dog and I am sure he will treasure this forever and beyond!
September 30th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
you are so very talented.
October 1st, 2008 at 2:31 am
WOw very nice simple layout
Choosing what goes where is always the hard part..
October 1st, 2008 at 8:22 am
Wow Grace. This is truly a phenomenal book. I adore the design.
If I am in the neighborhood, and you would have me, it would be an honor to shoot you and your family. How fun!
October 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
The book is great! You do such an amazing job not only taking the photos, but presenting them as well. I’m sure you’ll find your own family an amazing photographer - there are so many on your coast! By the way, thanks for emailing me back. It’s always great to know you’re willing to answer questions and help out! Have a great time with your mom and sister and enjoy your break!
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’d love to do a shoot with your family on the Santa Monica pier (or anywhere else)!
October 7th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Wow…your client is going to LOVE this book. Your photography is amazing as usual and the design of the book is perfect with these photos…Is there anything you suck at????
October 7th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Your book is awesome! Simple and clean. I love it.
It really shows what type of loving relationship Michael and Dexter have.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I absolutely love your book!!!
Also, I blogged about you and sweet Helio today on my blog…
http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/art/2008/10/celebrate-dogs-rule-day-101108.html
That photo kills me : )
October 9th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Wow everyone, thanks for all the amazing feedback! Michael and I are so pleased to hear that everyone is diggin’ this book.
As far as book designs go, I am all for CLEAN, MINIMALIST, SIMPLE designs. Your photos are the heroes here. Let them breathe, let them shine!
As far as my family photography session in 2009, thank you for all the interest from my fellow pet photographers! Man it’s going to be a tough decision but I will have to cross that bridge when I get to it : )
February 21st, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Dexter looks *exactly* like my dog Cody!! I love your work! Beautiful, amazing - thank you for sharing.