Professional coffee table books: those who have visited a number of bookstores have seen coffee table books featuring black and white photographs so striking that the place itself cannot compete or portrait shots collected in a volume will tell you that there's nothing like a coffee table book of photography.

As a photographer, one of the best tips that you can be given is very simple: offer your clients the opportunity to use family photos, event photos and more brought together in a coffee table book.

You'll be able to give them a number of choices:

• What type of cover should be used on their photo book?
• Do they want a dust jacket for the photo book?
• What sort of theme - if any - would they like to center their photo book around?
• Is there a layout preference that appeals to them?
• How many pages should the book have?
• Would they like to add text or other mementos to the photo book?

There you have it: a photo book tip to keep in mind: when you allow your clients to work with you to create a coffee table book, you'll be able to build the rapport that you have with them, enhance your relationship, and provide them with tangible access to their memories.