Page Layout Programs

Yep, Adobe InDesign is what i use if im doing anything with text and pics (although sometimes i cant help breakin out quark again.... i got so use to the shortcuts!)..... but InDesign has some very useful features.
If illustrator available to you, i would use that after indesign and quark... its much easier to move things around and set templates etc....
if not you may have to use ps... but like matt says you will have multiple layers to contend with.... my advice would be keep it a simple as possible with ps.... the clean contemporary style may suit you anyway.... so if you can, just have an image and a few words of text for each page. If you need to write a long into... i would recommend firstly typing it out in a word program and then copy it to a ps page when its done.... that way you get the benefit of the spelling/grammer checks etc. Good luck!

 

You have to open the new page with a white bg...... then just open your image into ps and use the move cursor to drop it onto the layout page. Then its on its own layer, so you can resize it or whatever, and put it where you want (using rulers is best to line everything up)...... then open your next image and drop that on the page, then making sure your new image layer is selected, resize or move to where you want that one to be....... As long as you rember to select the right layer when moving or adjusting, you shouldn't have many problems.

One option you may consider, providing you dont have much text to add, is to go for an online book printing service. These are good for two reasons.... firstly with most printing companies, you get online templates for each page. so its real easy to upload your pics into the pages.... and second, it doesn't cost a bomb to get a small number printed.
If your thinking of going to a proper bookmakers expect to pay quite a bit.... if your thinking of comercial printers, that also do posters, business cards etc.. most wont take a small order, and others will but they'll charge you alot because its not worth them setting up the machines for just a few copies.
I'v used one before in England tho.... but you should find some US equivalents.

 

it depends where/how your gonna get it printed...... if it goes to a commercial printer you'll need to add bleed beforehand...... its best to check first with whatever printer you going for.