Digital scrapbooking, sometimes called virtual scrapbooking, is so easy because the scrapbook page layout is created, simulated, or built by means of a computer. All the visual information that is built into the final digital layout is captured somewhere in digital memory as bits and bytes.

When a picture is taken, a digital camera stores all of the photographic information on a small computer memory chip known as a flash memory card. Digital cameras store digital images in JPEG format which uses data compression. More expensive cameras also use TIFF and RAW formats that use more storage space but give experienced photographers more options in processing the image.

Megapixels is a measure of how many millions of individual photon capturing elements are inside the digital camera sensor. The sensor replaces the film in a traditional camera, as each light element of a picture is translated into thousands of bits per picture or pixels.

Each digital camera has its own settings and firmware (software built into the camera) which determine how the digital picture is stored, that is, how many pixels are used per picture and in what format the pictured is saved. A digital camera set to capture images at the best quality possible will use more pixels per picture and therefore more data storage memory also. Cameras with greater megapixel capacity produce higher resolution photography.

A pixel is another computer term which is short for picture element. In a stored digital image file, a pixel refers to a single point of light in the photograph. In a digital camera that takes 1600×1200 pixel photos, each image contains 1,920,000 pixels or approximately 2 megapixels. Similarly, a 2560×1920 pixel photo stores 4,915,200 pixels or roughly 5 megapixels.

Digital cameras typically come with a cord to connect it directly to a computer. This allows the camera’s ability to read the flash memory card to be used in conjunction with computer software.

Alternatively, the memory card can be removed from the camera and placed into a card reader already connected to a computer. Some computers come with internal card readers that have multiple slots for different memory card formats. For my SD memory card, I bought a cheap USB device that allows me to plug my flash memory card into my computer USB port.

Using either method above, you can now open digital image files from where they are stored on the flash memory card and save the files on your hard drive. The copied images on the hard drive becomes the original source for all future work done with these digital images. Once you are assured that you have successfully copied the images to the hard drive, the flash memory card can now be reused to take more photos.

I have a folder (or directory) on my hard drive called camera downloads. This is where I keep all of my original digital image files. When I want to do more work with a particular photo, I make yet another copy of the digital image file into a second folder which is my working directory. This ensures that I always have an original copy because I never want to alter or destroy the original in any way. This is like hanging on to the original negatives from processed film only now it is done in the computer–virtually. That’s another plus for digital scrapbooking.

Most important to this entire process is to always make regular backups of all your personal data and digital images from your hard drive to another type of storage medium, be it CD, DVD, tape, online backups or a redundant hard drive.

So let’s recap. We took a picture that was stored digitally in the camera’s flash memory card. We connected the camera to the computer or we moved the memory card into the computer card reading device. Then we copied the picture from the memory card to the camera downloads folder on the computer hard drive. And for future processing, we made another copy of the picture into our working folder. Finally, we’ve made sure that all our original photos are being backed up on a regular basis to another storage medium.

Digital Scrapbooking is becoming very popular. It is a way to share photos with friends and family, that allows for creativity just as in traditional scrapbooking and plays into the technology driven world that we live in. Digital scrapbooking is becoming increasingly popular among traditional scrapbookers and newbie scrapbookers due to the increased quality, decreased expense and mess as well as the ability to share final projects easily with others.

One of the obvious benefits of digital scrapbooking to the traditional scrapbooking is the physical mess that it does not create. With traditional scrapbooking, creators have to either have enough space in their home to leave their supplies and tools out or have enough storage space and containers. Problems arise with both, potentially dangerous tools lying around for children to get into and the hassle of putting everything in or out of storage mid-project are obvious deterrents. The other important thing to mention is the physical clean up. As many scrapbookers know, getting into a project provides an easy distraction from noticing the paper clippings and pieces of string, buttons and items spreading across the work area. Digital scrapbooking also minimizes the work area, to a computer screen.

          The next great thing about digital scrapbooking is the cost, or lack there of. Yes, you can spend a lot of money on digital scrapbooking if you want, but you do not have to. The first money saving aspect is that of tools and supplies. There are many scrapbookers that have endless tubs of tools, cutting devices, hole punchers, rubber stamps, ink pads, paper supply, ribbon, buttons, pins, stickers and the list goes on. Digital scrapbook templates and graphics can often times be found online for free or created with graphic and photo software. The biggest cost of digital scrapbooking is usually related to finding a computer program to use. Photo programs can run from $50-300, but many provide free downloadable trials so you can be certain of your investment. One could run into a some expenses when it comes to equipment like digital cameras, scanners and printers, but most people are likely to already own most of this equipment. Check out our list of digital scrapbook programs.

          One of the best things about digital scrapbooks is just that, it’s digital. The digital platform allows corrections and additions to be made easily. How easy is it to physically change an actual hand-made scrapbook page, its not. In fact, attempting to do so may ruin the page all together, wasting a lot of time and resources. Digitial scrapbooks are also extremely popular because of their ‘share-ability’ (is that a word?). The satisfaction in scrapbooking in two-fold: seeing the final product and sharing the final product. You can share your scrapbook with all those around you. With digital scrapbooks, you can share with those around the world. Have family members living cross country, or grandparents that can’t get enough details about their grandchildren? You wouldn’t want to risk mailing your piece of art to them.

          As mentioned a minute ago, one of the greatest things about scrapbooking, is being able to see it in completion. To have something physical that looks good, is personal and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Digital scrapbooks do not take this away. There are many websites, scrapbooking companies and even photo labs that can print your pages or even an entire book, printed & bound. We recommend a few scrapbook & page printing websites.

          Digital scrapbooking provides many of the perks of traditional scrapbooking but with added ease, lower cost, with just as much of a creative outlet. It also has many benefits that traditional scrapbooking does not have, making it the choice for many. If you are looking for a project that is enjoyable to build, personal and fun to share, digital scrapbooking may be for you.

Wesley Skiles is the creator of www.howtomakeadigitalscrapbook.com