The Basics

Carry your Camera...I've taken numerous photos that I would otherwise have missed because I had my camera with me. One of my favorite pictures of Jared would not be in existence right now. There would have been absolutely no way it could have been reproduced either. Double rainbow? Would have missed that one, too.

Get the Family Involved...Hand off the camera to other family members. First, you want yourself included in the album. But, the kiddos have a completely different perspective. You will be surprised at what they capture. The same applies to spouses. After all, we aren't alway together.

Also, if they are willing, have other family members get involved with the journalling. How cool would it be to have numerous family members' writing immortalized?

Include Pictures taken by Others...The pictures do not have to come from your camera. Did your child spend the day with a relative? Were school pictures taken, today? Save a place in your album to include it.

Keep a List...Include date, description of picture & an short explanation to jog your memory for journalling. Especially helpful if you get a bit behind in the journalling, because sometimes life just gets busy. The list also helps when getting the photos developed.

Don't Stress...There is no wrong way to do this project. Make of it what you will.

Be Flexible...If you choose to take a picture every day and miss one, it's OK. Make up for it the next day. Who's gonna know?

If you choose a different format, say 7 pictures a week, and you don't have enough pictures. It's OK. There's nothing wrong with a 3 picture week. In fact, it gives the album interest. (This is exactly what happened to me during Project Life.)

Also, if you have a bunch of pictures one week, there's nothing wrong expanding that week to more than 2 single pages.

Make a List... of extra pictures, stories and ideas. Some pictures are time sensitive. Some are not. Make a list of things you don't want to forget to include in the album, but a picture can be taken at any time. Like a favorite something/place around the house.

Items You Need...a camera & a pen--preferably archival. Archival pens are easily found. The new fine tip Sharpies fit the bill & come in a pack with 4 colors.

Extra, but not necessary...an adhesive & photo corners.

Anything else is just icing!

Pre-assemble Album...if you want. I like to spread the journalling cards throughout the album. And, let's face it, I didn't like every journalling card that came in the kit. Pre-assembly enabled me to eliminate those cards I didn't care for.

Let your imagination run wild! Most importantly...enjoy the process!