I would like to do a photo essay about making maple syrup. What is the best way to do this?

I've never really done anything like this before and it would be a family heirloom. I would like to do it as a book. I can use home publishing software for this right?

I'll go with the easiest first. You can make you photo essay into a book using home publishing software, but it won't be heirloom quaility. By that, I mean it probably won't last for the long period of time that an heirloom is expected to last. It's expensive, somewhere between $50-$60 US, but there are companies that can produce a lasting book for you. If it's going to be a work of love and caring, then go the extra difference.

KB had a good idea, but it's not quite right for what you want to do. A photo essay is structured just like a written essay. The first thing you will need is a central theme. Since it is going to be a family heirloom, it's a fair guess that your family has something to do with making Maple Syrup. Maybe it's a family business, or an annual family activity involving several generations.

Whatever it is, find the emotional aspect of it and write the emotional essay. Yes, I said write it. This is a very useful way to find out what story it is that you want to tell. It's a way to clarify things for you. Once you have done that, you will be able to plan the shots according to the story. Then you can use something like KB's story board. Some of what you have written may be useful as a narrative with the images.

You can find out more specifically how to do a photo essay on the web. As a photojournalist, this is the approach I basically use. Just remember, a photo essay is not just a bunch of related images, it's story telling.

One of the best ways to do this is to set up a "Story board" similar to what movie directors do before they shoot a film. Basically, just sit down and draw up your story using different panels to represent your different photos you plan to take. You can move them around to get the "flow" right. I'm sure you have some specific shot already in mind, so really all you need to do is fill in the blanks with other shots.

Good luck with this. And remember, you can always revise it if its not just right.

Simply look up "Making Maple Syrup" in the"Google Images"!
Right click on "Open in Separate Page" & then merely 'save as' in your folder...it's TOO easy!
Best wishes~

I-photo has the ability to do slideshows with motion and sound.. simple to use drag and drop,but I'm not sure if it is only for use on Mac's.

You could go the home publishing route, but there are also low cost options for profesisonal printing.

Look at photobooks from places like MyPublisher and MPIX.

www.mypublisher.com
www.mpix.com

Whatever you do, do it soon. I read an article a few months ago about a man who made maple syrup for a living and always knew when the sap would start running who was caught unawares when the sap started running two weeks early (and the run was of a shorter duration). He blamed it on global warming. Why was I not surprised? Also - when it is warm enough for the trees to start making leaves, that's when the sap stops running - the trees won't do both. Anyway - better hurry. Good luck, and Happy New Year!