Cruising memories perserved

[Faster]

Though not near as imaginative as Giu's famous (infamous?) photoshopping, I thought I'd share what I think is a neat idea for keeping the memories of a cruise.

I used MS Publisher to do this (couldn't make it happen with Photoshop) and simply import, resize/crop and arrange various pictures, then save the whole thing as a jpeg file.

In Publisher you can make an overall size that fits into a standard 8x10 frame and it makes a nice gift for those who have sailed with you from time to time, something that can sit out on a shelf or desk.

What'd'ya think?

[uspirate]

nice but wheres the porn?
very nice job!

[poopdeckpappy]

that's pretty neat

[Robby Barlow]

As Speedo says : "You gotta have some pin-ups in your posts", but otherwise nicely done. I never have the patience to do these things.

[TrueBlue]

Those photo sheets are nicely done Faster and possible to do with any desktop publishing software. I've been preparing single sheet montages of my architectural project photos for many years, used for promotional, portfolio and presentation purposes.

I recently designed an 80 page brochure of my professional work using this process, printed on 8-1/2 x 11, 25# glossy paper stock, heavy color card stock for covers and bound with black spiral wire. The initial cost of the binding machine is high, but pays for itself with the first project.

Each project category contained within has a page composed with a matrix of several thumbnail images, intended as a graphic index to the section's contents. The index pages are overlaid with a sheet of translucent Mylar - creates a nice effect. There are very few text blocks in the book - more of a pictural essay.

I've been toying with the idea of doing the same with family and sailing photos - then handing out to family and friends with a focus on a library grade book to be preserved and passed on for present and future generations.

Photoshop is used for initially manipulating digitized images to whatever effect is needed, then for converting to a jpeg format. I've been using WordPerfect for over 20 years (anyone remember working on those monochrome DOS screen formats?), so have been upgrading the versions ever since.

WP was difficult to use at first, relying upon DOS commands, but is now very easy to work with (as is MS Publisher). By importing jpg files into the document, adjusting size and placement, composing titles and captions, I can produce some impressive layouts. I then either save as a WP document or publish as a pdf for others to open on any computer.

I've also prepared CD & DVD photo slideshow formats for distribution to prospective clients as a low-cost portfolio - same can be done with family albums.

[sailingdog]

InDesign, Quark XPress, iPhoto and several other programs would probably handle this far better than MS Publisher, with better control over the output. iPhoto also allows you to print one-off hardbound photo books, which have pretty good quality if you tweak the settings in the program.

[AjariBonten]

Well done faster. Very good composition, and a great mix of boats, sailing, scenery, and family. Something for everyone!

[Faster]

Thanks everyone.. no doubt there are other better programs for this sort of thing, but you work with what's at hand, don't you?

Anyhow it's a good way to while away a rainy few hours, and at the same time relive the trip that was.

[chrondi]

Congrats for the compilation, a photo album with unique variety, a balanced layout and successful colour combination. Thanks for letting us share your impressions!

[sailhog]

Faster,
You really need to find a prettier cruising ground. The mountains obscure the view of the beautiful convention center... Yuk, yuk!

You're living the dream, cap'n. Do you guys have year-round sailing in BC as they do in the Seattle area?