Photo Calendars - Share yours for 2016!

[klmall]

Anyone else produce a photo calendar of your own favorites?

Please share yours if you're willing and give us some details such as:

1. What company do you use? Or do you use Lightroom etc. to produce it yourself? I use Vistaprint.
2. What have you learned about creating one? What works/what doesn't? In addition, I add a location description on many of the months. I like the stiffer paper and print quality but the cost is high and Vistaprint won't include a prior month and next at the bottom of each page. I tried Staples and one other I can't remember but the quality just wasn't there. I did find a way to order and save a bit with Vistaprint but it is still expensive. And I have found that they provide a great last minute gift and small item to share with others.
3. How long have you been doing this? At least 6 years. Family and friends have come to 'look' for it each Christmas.

I have posted my 2016 photos in smaller image size below. (I haven't included the collage pages of family members that I include in some versions each year.)

 

[wekhogan]

I do one every year for the past 10+ years for my parents and inlaws- they're filled with pictures of their grandchildren. I do a collage page in PS for each month, then upload each page. The best company I've found is Mpix. Great size - full 12x18, with hanger on top. I add birthdays and can add a picture to the block for that day. I am a pro procrastinator and they're masters of the quick turnaround, too.

 

[goopysolelady]

Family members get one every year; I use Snapfish, ordering when calendars are on sale. Usually end up paying half-price and always happy with the finished product. Each month includes a 15 photo collage of our year, featuring granddaughters in their sports activities, dance competitions, theater, academics, birthdays and many pictures of our trips to DW and other vacations during the year. I include all family birthdays with a special picture of them on their special day as well as spring break week and holidays. We all look forward to them every year and they're our instant "Year in Review".

 

[wekhogan]

I include all family birthdays with a special picture of them on their special day as well as spring break week and holidays. We all look forward to them every year and they're our instant "Year in Review".

Ooh - brilliant idea on the vacation weeks. There are grandkids in varied school districts - such a great idea.

 

[goopysolelady]

Ooh - brilliant idea on the vacation weeks. There are grandkids in varied school districts - such a great idea.

It's a "priceless piece of art" for grandparents!

 

[deltadinah]

wondering what to do about December photos.. If it is a Christmas present do you just do November current and then last years December pics?

 

[klmall]

wondering what to do about December photos.. If it is a Christmas present do you just do November current and then last years December pics?

This can be a problem. I really try to find a picture from past years or look for Christmas lights pictures to take in early December. Sometimes I luck out and use a snowy pic from the prior winter.

 

[klmall]

Ooh - brilliant idea on the vacation weeks. There are grandkids in varied school districts - such a great idea.

Sounds good; especially if you have lots of munchkins around!

I've considered this but my calendars cover a huge range of locations and ages. For me the best solution if I want to personalize is to have two or more versions of the calendar: my side of the family; DH's side and a third for non-family such as friends and my hairstylist etc.

BTW - I like the responses to this thread; very helpful!

 

[goopysolelady]

wondering what to do about December photos.. If it is a Christmas present do you just do November current and then last years December pics?

I ordered my calendar around Dec. 10th this year so I could include our DW trip photos. It was close but got them on December 23rd. Had I thought ahead, I could have had 50% of the calendar completed BEFORE our trip with "through the year activity photos" of DGD's but the thought never crossed my mind. December is also the month to get the best "deals". I use Christmas photo decorations from the previous year (our outdoor decorations and tree) for "fill in" photos but other than that you can include 98% current year photos if you order at the beginning of December.