To order your album:

1. Fill out the the design questionnaire (below); starting from your preferences there we will correspond and fine-tune to select just the right album(s) for you. When you have made your choices, the design fee is paid as the deposit to start the project. (You will receive an invoice by e-mail once we have crafted the right combination of images and album choices for you.)

Is your first reaction to that step “Dude, I am not ready for that!” That’s totally normal. This isn’t the first step for most of my customers. If you are at “I want a funky, modern book for me, and something sweet and traditional for my parents, and I have $600. Is that even possible?” then you have a lot of company. Just start with the short  form and we’ll work through decision-making more gradually.

2. Send your high resolution images to me:
a) via Dropbox.
b) by sFTP (I will provide an address and password for you on request.)
c) on a cd/dvd/thumbdrive to A La Carte Albums, 12345 Lake City Way NE #369, Seattle, WA 98125 (thumbdrives will be returned)

3. In 2-3 weeks from receipt of images and deposit, you will receive a link to your design for approval. Up to 3 side changes are included with the design fee; extensive changes may incur additional charges.

4. Once you have approved the design and paid at least 50% of the balance of the album fee, I will put your album into physical production

5. When it is finished, your album/book will be shipped to you. (Snohomish County/Greater Seattle area clients may request a hand-off rather than shipping, and I’m happy to do in-person meetings to look at swatches and discuss design options.)

High-resolution files of the improved versions of all of your images will be also be sent to you.


The Design Questionnaire:

Answer what you can; some things you may not know yet.


Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your mailing address

phone number (optional)

if you prefer phone to e-mail contact, please let me know good times to call, including your time zone.

What is going in your book?
wedding family portfolio something else 

What kind of album are you interested in?
coffee table book bordered album flush album matted album something else please help me decide 

Do you have a preference about the shape of your album?
square portrait (aka vertical) landscape (aka horizontal) not sure 

Do you have any restrictions on acceptable cover materials?
no leather no silk 

If you have already selected which images you want included, how many are there? (I will need to know this, at least approximately, to give you your custom quote, but we can get started talking without it)


Pick up to 3 adjectives that describe your style *and* what you want in an album:
elegant funky clean refined colorful modern traditional earthy sweet lush bold romantic 
vintage edgy whimsical vivid goth casual futuristic formal retro Art Deco Renaissance 
baby airy senior country muted professional portfolio 

Is there an absolutely necessary adjective for you that wasn't on that list?:

If you picked Vintage or Retro, please tell me what specific time period/movement that evokes for you:


Nitty Gritty Image Preferences
There are a number of different techniques I can call on when designing an album. Please let me know how you feel about the following (or skip this section, and I'll just go with my instincts unless you are a photographer wanting me to design to or develop a "house style", in which case, be very specific, please.)

Black and White images: Love Just a few Hate No Opinion 
Sepiatone: Love Just a few Hate No Opinion 
Colored Page Backgrounds: Love Just a few Hate No Opinion 
Patterned/Textured Backgrounds: Love Just a few Hate No Opinion 
Image Borders: keyline/thin only keyline/thin thick old school film sloppy painted-in ornamented 
Graphic Ornamentation: Love Just a few Hate No Opinion 

I only use the following techniques by special request:
Selective Color (faux handcoloring) 70s film bleaching and flare Polaroid effects 


Anything else you would like me to know now? (timelines and budget restrictions are very helpful to know! Also, if you are eligible for any discounts, let me know here.)

How did you hear about us?
 Offbeat Bride A Practical Wedding friend/family wedding vendor Offbeat Home So You're EnGAYged Wedding Wire websearch Other
Other: