By Astrid McGechan

Santorini – images of blue-domed churches and white-washed houses in villages, which are perched on the edge of one of the most spectacular calderas on the planet, spring to mind when we think about this Greek island. Light & Land has been running tours to Santorini for many years, and more recently, in spring, when the weather is pleasant, and wildflowers start to bathe many of the hillsides in resplendent colours.

Santorini offers a feast of photographic opportunities at any time year though. There is so much to discover – the churches, crosses and bell towers, wide vistas out to sea and across the land, intimate details of doors and windows, windmills, stairs and steps and other fascinating architectural elements, feral cats and dogs, wildflowers, and any number of interesting little details and moments in time that beg to be photographed.

Coming back from Santorini with possibly hundreds of photographs leaves us with a dilemma – how to best present them and preserve the memory of an unforgettable tour. Printing and framing is one way, but most of us don’t have the space to display more than a few of our photographs on our walls at home.

The CEWE Photobook is my top choice for collating photographs of a tour – it allows me to collate and present the whole story. I can re-live it, sitting on my sofa with a cuppa, and easily share with others through a tangible beautiful book.

Adding a Map and text to set the stage to my photo book

Creating a photobook with CEWE allows me to add a map, and there are several interesting templates available to choose from. A map sets the stage, as it were, showing what the book is all about. It’s possible to highlight routes, offering a preview of locations where Santorini’s breathtaking landscapes were captured. The CEWE Creator Software made it incredibly simple to achieve the exact effect I wanted.

To set the stage and give some context to the Santorini trip, I added a short intro text on the same spread as the map.

Here is why I selected Photographic Matte Paper for my photo book

Photographic matte paper is more robust and it avoids getting fingerprint marks on the paper. This type of paper is also more resistant to light. There are no distracting reflections on the photographs and all details render beautifully.

When selecting photographic matte paper, the photo book is printed in a seamless, lay-flat format, which means landscape and panoramic images can be laid out across two pages.

Make your photos stand out by adding background colours to your photo book

For several of the pages, I chose background colours that matched one of the colours within my photographs or complemented it. Such background colour supports the photo and allows the details within the image to stand out.

Collating and arranging the images

I strategically placed black and white photos across two pages to create an artful display. The contrast and timeless elegance of black and white imagery offer a unique way to convey the character of a place and details that colour sometimes obscures.

By spreading these photos across two pages, I intended to evoke a gallery-like experience, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the intricate interplay of light and shadow. This layout not only accentuates the individual qualities of each photograph but also harmonises them into a unified visual narrative.

Making use of different size frames and white space

I intentionally varied the frame sizes of my photos and utilised white space to create a dynamic and visually appealing layout. The different frame sizes draw the viewer's attention, while emphasising key moments and details. The use of white space serves as a balance, ensuring that each image has room to breathe and be fully appreciated.

This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a rhythmic and engaging flow, allowing each photo to stand out in its own right.

In the age of fleeting digital images, creating a CEWE PHOTOBOOK when you return from your photography tour is a celebration of your journey. It transforms your treasured moments into a tangible keepsake, a collection that narrates the story of your adventures through your unique perspective.

A thoughtfully crafted photo book can evoke the emotions, memories, and experiences long after the trip has ended. It becomes a lasting testament to your artistic growth, a personal gallery of your photographic achievements, and a cherished memory that can be shared with friends, family, and fellow photography enthusiasts. So, embark on this creative process and let your photo book be a beautiful reminder of your exploration and passion for photography. By Astrid McGechan.

Join Astrid McGechan on the next Santorini Tour - Mediterreanean Legend in Blue and White, 7th - 13th April, 2025.