Digital Photobook Ideas

I can't help on the digital photo books, but I do make physical photo books on Shutterfly. I think my DIL uses Snapfish. Also heard good things about Blurb, which is more of a publisher for self-published books, but you can do photos with narrative. I do try to limit the photos to the best of the best and keep the book to 20-24 pages, which has worked for our previous trips since they have been 3 weeks long. I'm not looking to document so much as to remind myself of the trip, and spark conversations with those who look at the photo books. Wirecutter had an article comparing various photo book publishers and came up with two recommendations; here's the link: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/. Maybe one of them might work for you.

I’ll check these options out-thank you!

Depending on which platform you're using to store your pix (Google, Apple), they will be glad to make photobooks for you. Compare pricing and options.

Shutterfly is the old standby, my brother kept them in business for many years.

I use Mixbook, which an OP here recommended. My most recent book included 388 photos in 60+ pages. I actually completed the book in one week, which is a record for me, but also a testament to the newer technology. I enjoy choosing the backgrounds and add borders to the pix. The program works better with a desktop computer than my I-pad, as one of the issues is having a screen large enough to see the page in the size it will print.
I like 12"x12" books, that lie flat when opened. The first time one uses a new app, is always the hardest, (many swear words) and then one learns the quirks. I think all apps have quirks. I have not found any program with spell check, and no matter who
I have proof my books, at least one typo survives!
I really enjoy making the photo books, and I do look at past books regularly.
Have fun!

I will second Shutterfly for hard copies. As for digital ones - maybe Google drive?

I make photobooks with Snapfish. Even though it does have spell check (incorrectly spelled words will be underlined in red) it doesn’t have grammar check.
And yes, I have made over a dozen books and there is always a typo such as then vs than.
My size is 8x11, also layflat, and I use the maximum number of pages - 90.
I tried shutterfly but I found snapfish to be easier.

For a digital book, why don’t you check out Rick’s contest entrants and PM them?

I have entered the scrapbook contest multiple times. In the past the platforms that were suggested are Weebly and Wix. I think Wordpress might have a platform as well and would not be surprised to see something for Google too. I have used both Weebly and Wix but neither in the last couple years. If you decide to enter the contest the deadline is generally the end of February so you have time to make your scrapbook.

As for a paper book, I think any place that prints digital images can do books. I have used Walgreens a couple times and they worked for something simple. Either online or paper scrapbooks require a certain amount of learning to do them well. But, I am not very tech savvy and if I can do them, so can you!

I make photobooks for all our major trips. I use Shutterfly and they will build one for you, but I find it easy once you do a few pages and figure out the program, They have lots of themes to choose from, or you can select a blank book and build your own. I like choosing my own background, layouts, and embellishments. I prefer the 8x11 book which has a maximum of 111 pages, so you can place lots of pictures and text. You don’t have to limit yourself to one book. Make a volume 1 and volume 2 (European Vacation 2024, vol. 1, and European Vacation 2024, vol. 2).

I love making photobooks! You can check mine out under my profile (click on my name). I am happy to answer any specific questions.

I've used Shutterfly for all of my physical photobooks. I prefer the 8 x 11 layflat pages. I try to keep the books under 50 pages for a two-week trip by choosing the very best photos. I also keep the backgrounds simple and most of the time I use layouts with 1-4 photos/page, although there are some exceptions--such as a page showing a variety of wildflowers. For me, most photos have more impact when they aren't too small.

I bought a domain with webhosting and have my own website. Each trip has its own page.

I use Mixbook and have made albums for quite a few trips. It is very easy to use, even for those like me that are not techy at all;)

Tammy-- your books are great! Thx for sharing. I had no idea we could create a profile here-- learn something new every day!

For the post-- I've used Shutterfly. I may try Mixbook to check it out. I've been pleased with Shutterfly. I haven't been pleased with my laziness in getting my books done! Tammy has inspired me.

Mixbook is actually the top choice in the Wirecutter article. I hadn't heard of them before reading the article, so it's interesting how often they've come up in this thread.

I took a look at the Wirecutter article and checked out Mixbook. I might try them the next time I make a photo book.

Mo R, thank you, glad you were inspired.

I use the PolarSteps app while on my trip. I document with photos and some commentary daily which my family can follow along in real time. After the trip, I spend about an hour editing, and my book arrives in about a week. Very satisfied with the results.

I have never made a digital photo book. I use SmugMug to share my images online --- some are travel pictures and others are photos that I need to share for other projects. It's a little pricey, but it's worry-free.

https://mariematthews.smugmug.com

I use Blurb to create printed photo books, and I have been very happy with them. Mine generally run 100+ pages, and so I wait for Black Friday sales to order them.

Tammy,
What program are you using with those elaborate backgrounds? (Thousand pardons if you said and I missed it.) I just looked at your Germany book as I've been to several of those locations. And, I'm returning to Rothenburg!
I'm learning a lot on this thread. I always feel my trip is not really over until I complete the photo book (and write my Trip Report!)
Thanks to all!

Tammy - Thanks for sharing your photo books! I looked at one, and couldn’t stop. I told myself “one more”, but I finished that, and “one more”, until I looked at all. Your books are so fun and colorful. I love how you picked a theme and color scheme and kept that until you moved on to a new location. Awesome job!

This is a great idea thread! I have used Shutterfly for years and been pretty happy with the results. I wait for free unlimited pages deals because I often add more to the 12x12 size books. I think that there must be a higher level quality/price point available than I have used, because I’ve seen some Shutterfly albums that were brighter and sharper than my most recent albums. I use the desktop version and it is also a great additional way to back up my best photos. I tried using the mobile version and found it really frustrating.

I tried making a photo book with CVS for the first time this year. Ultimately it came out well, but it took three tries because their printer left streaks on some of the pages. But you don’t have to pay for them unless you’re absolutely happy with them, so I persevered and ended up getting a final product that was good. It was not any easier to work with than Shutterfly. The convenience factor was that I could go pick it up at my local store within 24 hours.

I’m glad to hear about Mixbook… Perhaps I’ll give that a try next. I have also used Polar Steps for documenting travels but never tried one of their books so I’m glad to hear that those come out well, too.

Thanks for the ideas!

Laurie

Laurie,

I too always wait for Shutterfly’s free pages offer. Such a great deal.

When you order your book, you have the option of standard pages or paying extra for glossy pages. The thickness of the paper is the same, but it has a high gloss UV coating for additional protection. I always upgrade to this option, and it is less than $10.

They also have a 6 color printing option, which I have never done. Shutterfly claims this gives a more photo-realistic image, smoother tones, subtle color blends, and more ink coverage.

Perhaps this may be why you have seen other Shutterfly books that appear brighter, clearer?

Thank you Pat and Gelato girl. Pat, I use a program called My Memories Suite, you pay $40 (?) and download it and it comes with some pre-loaded content, although I have bought many other digital elements from Sweet Shoppe Design (also get great ideas there). Its a very easy to use program and I can teach anyone by email. (No I don’t charge anyone)!
I print my books using Shutterfly and also wait for their unlimited pages sale.

Hi everyone, I just finished one of four travel photo books I need to make to catch up with 2023-2024 travel. I used Mixbook and chose the 11x9” without special photo finish, etc.

I have a question on cost:
The book is $50 + $63 for 29 more pages.
They gave me a discount of $30 & free shipping, so the final price is around $90.

This is much more than I used to pay for a similar 11x9” book through Costco. For those who use Mixbook, is this the lowest price I will probably receive, or should I wait a few weeks to order it hoping for a better price?

I have been making Shutterfly photobooks for many years. I love it. For a 2 week tour, I typically take 3000-3500 photos and use 800-900 of them to fill the max 110 pages in a 12 x 12 lay flat photobook. I think the maximum photos per album (or at least for that size) is 1000. I am not so creative and it always pleases me to see the finished product. The basic book price is for 20 pages. Each additional page is extra, so as someone noted already, have your book completed and then wait until they have a sale and offer 'free additional pages.' It seems like they offer it 3-4 times per year and you can save 100-200$ depending on how many pages you have.

Jean, regarding Mixbook, I usually wait until a 55% discount with free shipping offer comes around. It seems there's a different sale every few days, and it's worth it to wait. Not all sales apply to all variations. With Mixbook, the 12x12 inch layflat books get a bit expensive if you order the thicker pages, that are almost like cardboard. The first time I ordered these by accident, but I have since decided I like the heavier weight. One really needs to read the details about the page options- I missed that the first few times. I have only made the 12 x 12 inch books, so I don't know if the other book sizes offer a choice of paper thickness. I also like the matte finishes best.
The Mixbook results are very high quality , and I'm very happy with the finished product. With each book I make, I've learn more tricks, and the Chat Customer service is really helpful. I have learned how to save favorite backgrounds and stickers (click the heart in upper right corner of the choice.)
It's late here, tomorrow I'll check prices I've paid, page totals, add more details regarding the different paper weights.
I haven't found any place that is priced the same as the Costco photo books were , and I could never get Costco to tell me who their photo vendor was.

Thank you Pat & Sloo! TravelMom, I hope it was okay to ask this specific travel book price question on your post.

For those who are Costco members, Shutterfly gives about a 50% discount on their photo books, though sometimes their sales will cost less.

Jean, yes wait for a good discount. I have never paid that much at Mixbook for what you are looking at for pages etc. I use them for all of our trips now and always wait until there is a good discount. One thing to note, is that often times if you add pages to a book, those are not discounted. I tend to do books with many pages, so those can be ridiculously expensive, so I wait for those offers. Look at their website at the top under Deals and you will see what specials they have running at any given time.

I just ordered my latest photobook from Shutterfly. Even with 3 discounts it was $133.00. Definitely more than I have ever paid before.

Jean, I see no difference between asking questions about prices of hotels, airfares, and / or photo books. We are all here to help each other.

Mixbook is interesting, as they don't sell plain printed photos. They seem to focus on quality photo products.

Totals I've paid using Mixbook:
12x 12 Matte (cover) - lay flat- Signature Matte (pages almost cardboard) 39 pages =$105 @ 2.5 cents a page
12x12 Matte (cover) - lay flat - Signature Matte (pages almost cardboard) 65 pages = $159 @ 2.2cents a page
12x12 Matte (cover)- Hardcover-Premium Lustre (page normal paper weight) 53 pages = $120 @2.01 cents a page

Hope this helps. For the cost per page, I did deduct the CA state sales tax before I did the division. It's been interesting for me to see these comparisons.
Good luck!

I found that the two discounts Mixbook offered - one with free shipping, one without, both ended up as the same price. But, this morning I found an older email with a code they would honor which dropped it another $10. I want to get this book in my hands (last trip with my husband), so I ordered it.

I think I will try a different company for my RS Adriatic tour photo book next to compare the quality on one that isn’t as “important “.

The extra pages $$ are going to be brutal when I make my 2024 Italy book - whew! And our 45th anniversary trip to England & Wales - another one where the quality matters. I have so many special photos & memorable activities to include in those two books!

@Pat, the extra pages cost is about $2 vs 2 cents. : )

Jean, what I found to be most interesting with Mixbook, now that you made me actually look at the figures, is that the cardboard-type pages aren't that much more than the paper pages. There is a limit to the number of cardboard-type pages in a book, because of the added bulk. But I think you would like the quality of the lay flat books, as there's minimal middle crease, and you actually could have a pix layered across two pages. I've never had a pix that I wanted to do that, but a panorama shot would work nicely. And - these are 12x12 inch pages, on which you can place easily place nine nice-sized pictures ( and sometimes more). My trip photo books ( the last two above) included almost 400 photos. Please keep us posted on these projects. I remember your story and think about you often. I'm sure those last photo books with your husband will be bittersweet. Hugs!

Pat— your posts made me go back and see what my Mixbook orders cost. My two biggest books were 81 pages that cost $147 and then 111 pages for $216. So $1.81 per page for one book and $1.94 for the other. I make the 8x8 books. I love the quality though so am ok with it. It adds up though when I give extra copies to my traveling partners

Wow! I had no idea how expensive these physical books were! Years ago I did a small book because it was the last day my son had a free book credit. I threw it together in hours. Although it's a nice remembrance of our first trip to Ireland, I vowed I would one day create one with more deliberation. This thread is inspiring me to organize my photos to enjoy but the price is giving me pause.

I really enjoy looking at my photo books, so the cost is worth it to me. And, I just consider the photo books part of the trip budget, so rationalization always helps..... ( wink emoji).

I have been making photobooks for years. It’s my favorite thing to do — after travel, of course. I use Shutterfly and find it very easy. I make 8x8 books because they are cheaper and don’t take up so much space in my bookshelves. They usually have the maximum number of pages, which is 110 or 111. I’ve made two books with lay flat pages, and I love them, except it makes the books very thick and heavy. I get the six color enhancement, but I can’t tell how much difference it makes because I’ve never seen the same book with and without it. It doesn’t cost much, so why not. I don’t go for any other enhancement.

Given the high number of pages in my books, I always wait for the free extra pages sale. It makes a huge difference. My last few books ran around $45-$55 each, which I think is very reasonable.

What a great topic TTM, thanks! I have the winter blahs so this is perfect, will work on at least a combo photo book of Rome Dec 2019 & Dec 2024. Ummm I really hope I can do it in less than some of you mentioned how many wowza photos you include! LOTS to learn... Tammy I too love your photo books, though I'm not sure I'm up for all that extra work. But like all things techy, I'm sure I could figure it out.

I just looked at Shutterfly, and until Sunday 50% off orders over $49, code 'SAVE50', plus it looks like an additional 20% off for getting text messaging, which you can then opt out of. I've signed up for promo emails, you've all inspired me!

Questions about Mix book- What is the difference as the price steps up between 'Signature lustre', 'Premium Matt', 'Premium Luster'??

Pat, which option are the 'cardboard like' pages on Mix Book? Thanks everyone, very inspiring!

Sandancisco, if you go back to my first post, I've indicate which book was paper and which was cardboard-like. I've only used the two options, the third is a mystery to me. I agree it's confusing reading Mixbook's descriptions. I know the difference now between the two page types because I accidentally ordered them. I have a Mixbook screenshot with detailed explanations. Now if I can only find it......
I do like the finishes which are matte, (not shiny), as fingerprints aren't an issue.
I made one cardboard-type page book for my granddaughter's first year, so she can look at the book, and turn pages without ripping them.
Completely enjoying this thread. Thanks for all the input.

https://www.mixbook.com/inspiration/photo-book-paper-types

https://help.mixbook.com/en_us/choosing-a-paper-type-for-your-mixbook-photo-book-SyE0SBVVi

I found it - the above describes Mixbook paper types . Let me know if the links work for you. The second link gives the weight and thickness of the various paper options. Don't ask me how I found these details. Funny stuff happens after midnight, having worked on a project for several hours. ;). Good luck!

Pat, that's PERFECT, thanks for taking the time to add those links. Most appreciated!

Hi everyone, thought I would circle back with you since my Spain book arrived today. The Mixbook quality is noticeably nicer than my previous Costco photo books. I was saying, “Wow” a few times while turning the pages. I may try Shutterfly for the 2023 Adriatic book I still need to make & probably my upcoming Spain trip, but I am defInitely using Mixbook for our 45th anniversary England/Wales book. Depending on the Shutterfly results, my Puglia book I still need to make will go one way or the other.

Just for reference, this Mixbook is my regular landscape 11x9” size, so it’s consistent in my bookshelf. I did a matte cover and didn’t upgrade the page type/finish. My preference is a classic black background for pages & the cover.

Jean, thanks for getting back. I'm very happy with the Mixbook quality, and each time I make a book, I learn a few more tricks.
I did make calendars with Mixbook this year, and I don't think I'll repeat that. The quality is great, but I don't need that with calendars, and the finish is hard to write on with ink pens. Pencil works better. So for next year, I'll make lower quality calendars that are cheaper, using another company.
But for photo books, I love Mixbook!

I have been using Shutterfly since 2013, when I switched over from Snapfish. One big advantage for me (which perhaps Mixbook & others offer but haven’t mentioned) is that I have a Shutterfly app on my phone & since all the photos I take are with my phone — they are all automatically uploaded to Shutterfly. So it provides a backup for my photos, and also simplifies the creation process (no uploading needed).

My books tend to be text heavy, serving as a journal as well as photo album. Shutterfly is very easy to use for text modification, sizing, etc. I even used Shutterfly for a very text intensive family history book, with great results.