Fun with Photos

by Laura Emery, Field Editor

There are so many advantages to digital photography: delete the photos you don�t like and develop the ones you do; save hundreds, even thousands of photos on easily stored DVDs or CDs; and share your favorite photos with family and friends with a few clicks of the mouse.

Yet, despite the advantages of digital photography, many people aren�t aware of the wide variety of things they can do with their photos online.

The Internet is filled with Web sites that will take your fun with digital photography to a whole new level.

Make Your Own Book with Blurb

www.Blurb.com

The Web site says it best: �Holding a finished book with your name on the cover is a truly amazing feeling; it�s one of those experiences everyone should have.�

This Web site allows users to create their own hard-bound books filled with photographic memories and text that will last a lifetime. The end product is stunning and of the highest quality �professional and polished. If you have digital photographs you�ve been storing on your computer�s hard drive because you don�t know what to do with them � this is a must-see Web site. For prices starting at just $12.95, you can create something amazing with your own memories.

 To start, simply download the program, Blurb BookSmart, from off the Web site and let it walk you through the process of creating your own one-of-a-kind book. There are lots of options � four different sizes, three different cover types. Books can be anywhere from 20 pages to 440 pages long. 

You insert your own digital pictures and insert text at your own pace. Then when you�re satisfied that you�ve created a masterpiece, you upload it to the Web site. Once you place your order, the professional-quality book will be in your mailbox in approximately two weeks. Once you see how much fun the process is and how amazing your book will look, you�ll be back to make more books to celebrate every momentous occasion!

Put Your Face on Anything

www.walmart.com

At Wal-Mart�s online digital photo center, you can take an ordinary digital photo and turn it into a number of different personalized items. Personalize mugs, boxer shorts, playing cards, frosted steins, mouse pads, desk sets, and neckties for the men; memory books, greeting cards, stationery and posters for doting grandparents; picture plates, key chains, keepsake boxes, serving trays, magazine covers, and coasters for newlyweds; wall clocks, throw pillows, cutting boards, and aprons for the new homeowner; or fun T-shirts, baby bibs, diaper bags, celebration throw blankets and baby bodysuits for new parents. There is a personalized product for every occasion � and it�s as easy as a click of the mouse.

To begin creating a personalized product, simply download your favorite photos to the Web site. Once that�s done, choose the item or items you�d like to create. Once you�ve placed your order, it�s only a matter of weeks before you get your personalized item in the mail.

Store & Share Your Photos For Free

www.snapfish.com

At Snapfish.com, the photo opportunities are plentiful. You can upload or e-mail digital photos to Snapfish. When you upload your photos to Snapfish for the first time, you even get 20 prints for free. Along with being able to order high-quality prints, you can also share your favorite photo albums with friends and family.

Your most memorable moments are limitless � and so is storage in your Snapfish account. You can store every birthday surprise, wedding toast, and baby�s smile online, and then share them for free. You can even create a group room to privately share photos, post comments, and create projects with friends and family. As the Web site says, �With Snapfish, sharing is

a snap!�