Sad as it is, it's no secret that one or two of the traditional album manufacturers in the USA and UK have had serious problems, and not just because of "the economy". It's hard for everyone when a company struggles, hard for their staff, hard for their suppliers. Harder still when you know the people involved. Hard for their customers too, who've spent a lot of time getting to know their people, understanding their systems and foibles, making bookings with couples who will expect one of their albums... So why have they been in trouble? Because companies like Queensberry started eating their lunch. To View More >>

If you're finding this year tough, and you've said, or thought, what's wrong, I'm not doing anything different... right there may be your problem. Just as things changed when you switched from film to digital, or PC to Mac, or Nikon to Canon, things have changed with the end of the party economy... Have you heard how much the Las Vegas convention industry is suffering because it's not a good look for corporations to go there to "party" when times are tough? This is probably not the best time to be selling party souvenirs. Your work needs to be significant, worthwhile, to survive the end of the To View More >>

We are about six weeks off having a child ... holy moley! Actually, Jo is pushing for an early arrival ... Our child will do no wrong, and it will certainly never vomit or cry inappropriately. We know this because we'll be the proud parents and our pride will blind us to our newborn's shortcomings. Or maybe it's love, not pride... Stepping down a level, our pride in our albums, the stories they tell, and their look and feel, help us to talk passionately (not blindly) about them. It's our passionate gestures and words that gives our pride a voice. It's infectious. Only six weeks!!!!!!! (or less) To View More >>

Tom Waits has a cranky, croaky voice. I am listening to his CD 'Orphans Brawlers and Bastards' as I write this post. You could argue that his voice lacks 'quality' ... The words are often run together, mumbled, and broken. That collection of imperfections is the quality that makes his work so unique. It's a different type of 'quality' to the one we describe to sell our albums. We talk about the personal elements in the creation of the book. We talk proudly of the craft involved and the quality of the raw materials used in the album construction. We do this because we are proud of their perfections To View More >>

In their vows they used the word 'forever', or possibly 'until death us do part'. Of course they weren't talking about their wedding album. But as a reflection of that fabulous day, where they promised everything to each other, you would surely expect their album to align with their personal version of 'forever'. We sell this idea to our clients. We tell them that this is why we use Queensberry. Longevity is a double edged sword. Longevity refers to the physical life of the album and its contents. It also refers to the enduring nature of the design and imagery. Read as 'simple is good'. We talk To View More >>

Heather and I bought a second-hand Kenwood mixer thirty years ago when we went to live in the Solomon Islands. We thrashed it for three years making our own bread – a lot better than the sweet yellowy stuff from the local store! – and it still works fine today. After I used it last weekend I posed it next to our toaster and snapped a photo with my iPhone. It looks a bit beaten up but it won't surprise me if the darned mixer outlasts us! Unlike the toaster, which has been a dog since Day One and may not survive the month. Isn't it an awesome thought that the albums you're creating right now To View More >>

Well, we made Photojunction free ... now what? After yesterday's new final we're finalising the development schedule for the next few months. It's always been our goal to make Photojunction the software of choice for wedding and portrait photographers, and we really appreciate the support we get from the thousands of photographers who use it. But we do also recognise that there are four areas where people struggle, or where we can see strong opportunities for improvement. 1, While most people fly through the set up procedure, some people struggle. Maybe it doesn't work as they expect, and therefore To View More >>

My first reaction when asked to write a post was No Way! I'm a support person. Luckily I got time to think about it. How hard can it be? Danny and Ian B blog all the time with, umm, flair and finesse. But since Focus they've been hard to live with because, like the Conchords, they have a fan (one). I wanna be a star too, but my job description calls for "calm and methodical". When did that make you a star? But calm and methodical is a good way to approach Photojunction Remix, especially in the beta phase. Especially if you’re an ‘I hate computers’ or ‘I’m not technical’ type. Some of To View More >>

PJ Remix is about two things. First, delivering a great user experience is life or death. We’re Ubergeeks. We want – no we need – to be cool. So our mothers and girlfriends will respect us, and so you do too. Second, we want to help you do business in the real world, without hassles. How boring is that? And how hard a point to get across! Sometimes we think it has all the sales appeal of day-old fish. So when we came upon this story recently we jumped on it because it's so CLEAR. Once upon a time a photographer designed some matted albums in InDesign because they didn’t like Photojunction. To View More >>

I spent my lunch hour reading a forum post (not here obviously!) about "the best album template software". I guess I may be preaching to the choir, but... 1. Are "clunky" and/or "badly supported" the most common descriptors for album planning software? (We know Remix is "v1.0" right now, but check out our forums - we're committed!) 2. So, why not design your albums in Photoshop? It's exceptional software, but even Adobe doesn't suggest that's a good idea. Adobe's layout software is InDesign, part of Creative Suite. Another great application - we use both ourselves. 3. But what does InDesign know To View More >>