Has Anybody Done A Photobook?

[SwampGrizz]

Has anyone created a photo book? I’m considering doing one, and wanted some recommendations, tips, tricks, etc. I’m looking at some of the online photo book sites like Shutterfly or some of the others. Any experience with any of the sites? Any tips on how to prepare the photos? I’m starting my research now, and any direction here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dean Wilson]

I have only had my photos published with others, so the responsibility fell on other peoples shoulders. I have given it a serious thought, but it is the verbiage that keeps me from carrying on... that and pedestrian quality photos.

 

[MSH411]

I used Mpix and they did a nice job. They did a good job seaming landscapes across the fold on two pages and have a variety of sizes. There tool helps you prepare the images for a book size and cropping.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Dean,
I don't know about your verbiage, but your photos are definitely NOT pedestrian quality. Your photos can run the marathon in under 2 hours just like the guy did recently. Excellent stuff.

 

[SwampGrizz]

I used Mpix and they did a nice job. They did a good job seaming landscapes across the fold on two pages and have a variety of sizes. There tool helps you prepare the images for a book size and cropping.

Mpix - Thanks, I'll add them to my list to investigate.

 

[StevenAunan]

I'm in the planning phase for my first photo book, but I'm going to print it on the Epson ET-8550 and bind it myself. The last time I did a book, I used Ingram Spark. There are very specific requirements for image preparation, so follow the guide for whichever service you choose. Generally speaking, color images must be CMYK, B&W images must be converted to grayscale, and all images need to be 300 DPI (read up on DPI vs PPI vs LPI).

File Requirements for Print Books

Be sure to follow these file requirements when reviewing your book formatting and uploading your print book into the IngramSpark platform.

www.ingramspark.com

 

[SwampGrizz]

Steven
Thanks for the info. I'm adding it to my list...

 

[ShipleyNW]

I had a hard-cover book put together at Shutterfly. It was fine, but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for. It worked for me and it's sitting on a coffee table right now.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Ken,
Did the colors come out okay? I’m just looking to put some of my photos in a book and have some basic text attached to them. Was the user interface pretty simple? I’ve been leaning towards Shutterfly only because it’s a recognizable name, and I don’t know any better. I’ve heard that Printique is supposed to be good. I’m looking for simple and reasonably priced. I’m going to look at Mpix as well.
Thanks.

 

[ShipleyNW]

Yeah, in the right light everything looks fine. It's been a year or more since I put it together, and I do remember the interface being a little quirky, but anytime you're messing with images, that's to be expected. I managed to get through it, the price was right, and I have no complaints, although I have nothing to compare it against.

I do get about 2 emails per day from Shutterfly now.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Ken,
Thanks for the info. There’s always a catch, isn’t it? Damn junk emails.