Photo Book Ideas: Interview with Author Mike Johnson

We recently stumbled upon a book idea we hadn’t yet given much consideration: the class reunion souvenir. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how families and close groups of friends can put Inkubook to good use, but it’s also an excellent tool for those groups of people who only gather once every 5 or 10 years.

Author Mike Johnson with his Inkubook.

Mike Johnson*, a corporate executive turned author, recently used Inkubook to make a book about a reunion with his Stanford University Graduate School of Business class. 30 people from 11 nations were in attendance, and that’s just about the perfect group for a collaborative tool such as Inkubook. Mike was kind enough to tell us a little about his experience.

Q. Why did you decide to create a photo book of your class reunion?

A. As you probably know, at class reunions it’s customary to retain a photographer to take a group picture. He or she then charges $10 or $15 for a print. It makes a nice memento but generally winds up in a box or drawer and is seldom seen again. I thought a photo book would be something that classmates would be more likely to keep visible – perhaps on a coffee table or bookshelf.

Q. How did your classmates react to the idea?

A. They loved it. Of the 30 who attended, 26 ordered a book.

Q. How many pages and pictures are in your book?

A. The book is 24 pages and there are 44 photos. I particularly liked being able to use a bleed photo on the front cover. On the back cover we have two small group photos with this caption: Farewell…and may our paths cross again.

Q. Do you have any suggestions that others might find useful when creating a photo book?

A. Because the layouts accommodate text, I would advise Inkubook users to be thinking about captions as they select and edit photos.

Q. What is your reaction to the completed book?

A. The finished product is truly splendid. Even the packaging was superb as the books were extremely well protected – shrink wrapped inside a second tent-like shrink wrap – inside the box. The book is something we’ll keep on our coffee tables and treasure for years to come.

Of course we at Inkubook are pleased that Mike and his classmates are pleased, and we’re happy to have found a new book idea. The next time you’re getting a group of old friends together, whether it’s classmates, sorority or fraternity groups, or former co-workers, consider memorializing the event with a photo book.

*Mike Johnson is the author of three meticulously researched historical novels set during World War II, the Korean War and the lowering of the Iron Curtain: Warrior Priest, Fate of the Warriors, and God’s Perfect Scar.