How It Works

For a downloadable PDF version of these instructions, click here.

It's Simple! First you order online the album and design style you want then send us a disc with your images, a copy of your photographer's contract or release form and any payments. Next, we design your pages and send a PDF via email for you to proof. Once we have your design approval, we send the design files to the manufacturer to be produced. When finished, your album is sent to us for a final quality control check, then we send it on to you.

Warning! Do NOT send the original disc supplied by your photographer!
Alchemy Albums is NOT responsible for any items lost in the mail or otherwise.

Image File Requirements: 

1)  Image files MUST be a high resolution JPG format.

2)  Image files MUST be a minimum of 3 MB in size.

3)  Image files MUST be RGB in color profile.

4)  Image files MUST come from a professional quality camera.

NOTE: If you have commissioned Alchemy Albums to color enhance or stylize your images, you may submit RAW formatted files.

Ordering:

Step 1:   Visit www.alchemyalbums.com and click on the “Style Guides” section at the bottom of the screen. Look through the design style offerings and decide which style suits your tastes.

Step 2:   Decide which album you want from the AsukaBook®, KISS® and Finao® offerings and the number of pages you want your album to have. 

Step 3:   Include any additional images, pages and or enhancements as desired to your selections.

Step 4:   Place order online. 

Preparing & Sending Your Files:

Step 1:   Make sure your images meet or exceed the Image File Requirements listed above.

Step 2:   Multiply the number of pages (from Ordering Step 2) by 1.7. This will be the number of recommended images for your album. i.e. 30 pages X 1.7 = 51 images. Please keep in mind this number allows us to add more images at our discretion, with no extra charge.

Step 3:   From the images supplied by your photographer, pick the ones you want in your album. Place these images in a separate folder on your desktop and title it “Album Picks”. The number of images in this folder should equal your quantity from step 2. We can make the some or all of the choices for you, just let us know! If the images need to appear in a particular order, you must rename the files “image 1.jpg,” “image 2.jpg,” image 3.jpg.” etc. in the order you want them to appear.

Step 4:   Place the remaining images from your photographer (up to 500) in a second folder titled “Others.”

Step 5:   If needed, make a third folder titled “Extras.” Into this place any additional art files we may use, such as fonts and/or graphics from your program or invitation. Any graphics files must be AI, EPS, PDF or PSD in format. (You may also send non-returnable copies of actual programs and/or invitations.) We will do our best to incorporate some of the elements in your album.

Step 6:   Burn a CD or DVD titled with your last name, with the “Album Picks,” “Others” and “Extras” folders. With a sharpie marker, write your name on the front of the disc.

Step 7:   Print a copy and complete the order form in Step 8. Make sure to include any notes on additional design preferences, desired image order, image prominence, placement, etc.

Step 8:   In a padded envelope, package your prepared disc, completed order form (click here,) a copy of the photographers image release form or your contract, any checks or money orders and send to: 

     Alchemy Albums
P.O. Box 30358
Cincinnati, OH 45230

NOTE:   Do NOT send any actual photos!

What Happens Next:

1)   You will receive a confirmation email when we have received your package.

2)   Within 10 business days of receiving your image disc, or the clearance of any personal checks, Alchemy Albums will design your layout and send you a PDF proof via email to review. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

3)   Email us back any changes. Be specific about the Page Number and what you would like changed. A new proof will be supplied within 3-5 business days. Make sure to proof read any copy, including names and wedding date. Any typographical or spelling errors are YOUR responsibility.

4)   Once your design is approved, we will send it off to the appropriate manufacturer to be made.

NOTES: 

• You can make changes to 10% of your total page count. i.e. You may make changes to 3 pages for a 30 page album. 

• Any image swaps must be the same format as the one your are deleting or moving. If the image you want to change is horizontal, the replacement must be horizontal too. 

• Simple background color changes are not considered as part of the 10%. 

• Changes over 10% are $25 per page. 

• Any image or color enhancements will add to the turnaround time for your initial proof. Any such enhancements will be emailed in PDF form for approval prior to album design.

It will take approximately 4-8 weeks for your album to be made depending on the manufacturer. Your album is then sent here, to Alchemy Albums for a final quality control check. If all is well, we send it on to you. You should receive your album 6-10 weeks AFTER final design approval.

If for any reason your album is delayed or not perfect on our final inspection, we will notify you immediately. In the rare case of any imperfection, you will be notified and the album returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.

Color Enhancing / Stylizing / Retouch

Alchemy Albums can color enhance, stylize and retouch most of your images for an additional cost. Please see our Additional Services section for more information.