Well I can’t post about the 2010 SWPP convention without mentioning Jerry Ghionis who picked up an unprecedented 8 awards including:

Overall Society Photographer of the Year 2009

Fashion Society Photographer of the Year 2009

Wedding Photojournalism Society Photographer of the Year 2009

Album Competition Society Photographer of the Year 2009

20×16 Wedding Society Photographer of the Year 2010

20×16 Overall Society Photographer of the Year 2010

What I found most interesting was the evolution of Jerry’s album design. He’s been winning album design competitions since the 2002 A.I.P.P. Victoria, Australia Wedding Album of the Year. But it’s his more resent designs that let his wonderful images actually speak for themselves.

There’s no over designing, just simplicity and stunning natural photography.

To have a look at some more of Jerry’s work go to www.jerryghionis.com or his blog at www.jerryghionisblog.com.

Jerry also has an educational website the which is dedicated to empowering fellow professionals and enthusiasts to take their photography and business to new heights.

He is also the founder of The Soul Society a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to caring for poor, homeless and orphan children in third world countries.

These are taken my notes from the 2010 SWPP convention
Jerry Ghionis wedding album tips

Shoot to sell – shoot for the album
Design the pages in your mind as you shoot
Tell as many stories as you can
Choose a design theme
Know when to break the rules of your theme
Keep it simple
When in doubt, go without
Don’t add too many bells and whistles
Allow the photographs to speak for themselves
Just because you have a blank canvas doesn’t mean you have to use it all.
Don’t always match, coordinate.

Jerry’s personal preference

No coloured or photo backgrounds
Black background with white stroke
No coloured strokes
No ovals or angles
Start and end with WOW
Don’t mix sepia with black and white
Keep proportions similar
Don’t be too cute or clever
Don’t overwork the images
Don’t be too precious