Why Two-Pagers?

[field of flowers 2006]

It was because I had so many pictures. You know, the reason I was so drawn to the two-page layout. Double the space-double the potential. Room for all my pictures and ribbons. I loved have the giant cavas on which to plan, design and glue. I embraced the two-page layout with gusto. I really gained momentum when I got a hold of Becky Higgin's Sketch Book. Pages and pages of two-page ideas. The two-pagers really offered me the freedom to keep the three pictures that looked basically the same. It also gave my endless supply of standard 4x6 prints a hope of seeing the light of day. The extra space was so much more forgiving of my novice skills and lack of technique. Some of my experiments were more successful than others. The title split across the page seemed to be okay, but the funky fiber frames intended to tie the two halves together was awkward and still gets a, "What is that supposed to be?" look every time I see it.

One way of thinking of the two-pager is as a space saver. With the space for so many pictures, I could tell a multi-faceted story. In Summer Cabin Fun! I consolidated most of the visit into a single layout: cousins at sunset, girls swimming, fishing net game, big fish catch, and a highlight photo for each kid. (And still have room for fun patterned paper and a couple of ribbon embellishments.) It's not quite a masterpiece, but I am pleased with the storytelling with a clean presentation.

[Summer Cabin Fun! 2006]

[Bananas for Your Birthday 2006]

[February Fun 2006]

Lately I have been looking at the at the accommodations on the two-pages with a different eye. Maybe I've just been taking better photos. When I see two or three really strong photos capable of telling a rich story, I think about how best to showcase them. I have been experimenting with larger photos and more space. The field of flowers layout was a challenge. I really loved the photos and didn't want anything to distract from them. I wanted the layout to represent expanse of the field of dandelions. Now I can use the real estate to enhance the story rather than just hold a pile of photos and hope a story emerges.

[Snow Dog 2007]

While I feel like I've put together some great stories in my two-page layouts, I've begun to realize that not all my stories need that much space. I'm enjoying a return to the single pagers, and taking lessons about highlighting the better photos. Just ask, "What's the best way to tell this story?"