Wedding Album 101

[EOS mE]

While sitting at my cubicle at work today eating lunch, I thought may we should have a sticky thread about wedding albums. This way, many questions like "where to buy a wedding album?" or "how's the quality of the album?" or "what softwares to use to design an album?" and many others would be answered all in one spot.

After seeing a list of albums from Corey's site (http://polisphotography.com/Resources/albums.html), he had listed many album companies. So, perhaps if the more seasoned wedding photogs would chime in and share their experiences, we can combine a list of wedding albums that is rated based on the quality and/or best bang for the buck type.

This way, hopefully, this thread will pave a path for future and upcoming wedding photogs to have an idea of what albums to choose and use when starting out.

Update: Here are a list from Corey's site and also some I've updated. As far as how each one is rated or quality of it, I'm not sure. I'm waiting to get my first MyPublisher book next wednesday and I'll post up my response.

Album Art
Albums Unlimited
Alumbs Inc - Pro Albums
Art Leather
Asuka Coffee Table Books
Blurb
Graphi
Jones Book
Leather Craftsman
Lulu Self Publishing
My Publisher - make your own books
Picto Books
Portfolio Cases
Premeria Albums
Pro Photo Album
Queensberry
Shared Ink
The Together Book
Vision Art
Willow Book
Zook Book

What do you guys and gals think? Good idea? ;)

[Sandi]

Okay guys......PLEASE RESPOND! I really need this info. There are so many different companies that provide albums that I don't know who to use. I just returned from PPA convention with so many vendors and I'm still confused. My main issue is the software.....which ones are compatable to what companies, etc. I am photoshop savvy but don't want to spend so much time creating templates, etc. in photoshop. I have researched different software but not sure which companies I can send to once I've created it. I would love to know what software some of you are using for album layouts and who's printing your books.....both flush mount and coffee table. :lol:

[davidfig]

Ahh! I don't see Corey's site. It might be down.

[figmented]

which of those companies do flush mount CREASED middles, not black middles?

[Mikester]

I like the idea of sharing the experience because the costs are just too high for testing. Not to mention there are too many.
I tried shutterfly.com, just as a test. The book was ok. On a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 5. The pages are pretty thin and the print isn't the best. But the worst part is the put their logo on the last page! That sucks. When I asked them about it, they said to sign up for $1000 per yr of books and they will let me customize the logo at the back.

The quality isn't anything I would try and sell, but it is something nice to have for personal use.

I want to try some other services but I don't know who the best is for the right price. I would really like a supplier in Canada also because of shipping.

There are many threads on this topic, I hope to hear more feedback on each service.

[coreypolis]

Ahh! I don't see Corey's site. It might be done.
I changed my hosting plan and some how lost my whole site. Its mostly back up now.

[coreypolis]

Here's a Picto Book. They have 3 options, Bind, print and bind, or design print and bind.
http://www.johnkantor.com/picto/

[EOS mE]

oh la la.. pictobook looks sweet, but pricey...

[chansh]

It's a great idea. A sticky would be great.

[coreypolis]

Here's an updated list, I added a few, subtracted a few and sorted them a bit.


Top End Albums.
Queensberry (http://www.queensberry.com/)
Art Leather (http://www.artleather.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)
Graphi (http://www.graphistudio.com/usa/index.html)
Leather Craftsman (http://www.leathercraftsmen.com/)
La-Vie (http://www.la-viealbum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=038027794044a04634fdac48ab682f 34)
Jorgensen (http://www.jorgensen.com.au/)


Middle Price/Quality
Picto Books (http://www.pictobooks.com/html/index.php)
Zook Book (http://zookbinders.com/index.html)
White Wedding Album (http://www.whiteweddingalbum.com/)
Album Art (http://www.albumart.com/)
Albums Unlimited (http://www.albumsunlimited.com/albumsFlushMount.htm)
Alumbs Inc (http://www.albumsinc.com/)
Asuka Coffee Table Books (http://asukabook.com/index.html)
Jones Book (http://www.jonesbook.com/index.php)
Premeria Albums (http://www.premiraalbums.com/)
The Together Book (http://www.thepbook.com/)
Vision Art (http://www.visionartbook.com/)
Willow Book - Pictage Customers Only (http://www.willowbook.com/products.htm)
Bound To Last (http://www.boundtolast.co.nz/index.html)
Cypress (http://www.cypressalbums.com/html/welcome.html)





Cheeper Alternatives, not the same in quality:
Rag and Bone Bindery (http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/)
Blurb (http://www.blurb.com/)
Shared Ink (http://www.sharedink.com/)
Lulu Self Publishing (http://www.lulu.com/)
My Publisher - make your own books (http://www.mypublisher.com/default.php?PHPSESSID=5b65bc5e36b126f66b4569ba087b 54c6)
Shutterfly (http://www.shutterfly.com/)
Snapfish (http://www.snapfish.com/)

[EOS mE]

Here's an updated list, I added a few, subtracted a few and sorted them a bit.


Top End Albums.
Queensberry (http://www.queensberry.com/)
Art Leather (http://www.artleather.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)
Graphi (http://www.graphistudio.com/usa/index.html)
Leather Craftsman (http://www.leathercraftsmen.com/)
La-Vie (http://www.la-viealbum.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=038027794044a04634fdac48ab682f 34)
Jorgensen (http://www.jorgensen.com.au/)


Middle Price/Quality
Picto Books (http://www.pictobooks.com/html/index.php)
Zook Book (http://zookbinders.com/index.html)
White Wedding Album (http://www.whiteweddingalbum.com/)
Album Art (http://www.albumart.com/)
Albums Unlimited (http://www.albumsunlimited.com/albumsFlushMount.htm)
Alumbs Inc (http://www.albumsinc.com/)
Asuka Coffee Table Books (http://asukabook.com/index.html)
Jones Book (http://www.jonesbook.com/index.php)
Premeria Albums (http://www.premiraalbums.com/)
The Together Book (http://www.thepbook.com/)
Vision Art (http://www.visionartbook.com/)
Willow Book - Pictage Customers Only (http://www.willowbook.com/products.htm)
Bound To Last (http://www.boundtolast.co.nz/index.html)
Cypress (http://www.cypressalbums.com/html/welcome.html)





Cheeper Alternatives, not the same in quality:
Rag and Bone Bindery (http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/)
Blurb (http://www.blurb.com/)
Shared Ink (http://www.sharedink.com/)
Lulu Self Publishing (http://www.lulu.com/)
My Publisher - make your own books (http://www.mypublisher.com/default.php?PHPSESSID=5b65bc5e36b126f66b4569ba087b 54c6)
Shutterfly (http://www.shutterfly.com/)
http://www.snapfish.com/


NICE!~ thanks Corey!!

[Mikester]

Anyone try Graphi here? They look like they have what I am looking... BUT Can I afford them? humm.

[coreypolis]

Anyone try Graphi here? They look like they have what I am looking... BUT Can I afford them? humm.


product - excellent
service - non existent. don't bother with the USA dept, contact italy directly

they are a bit pricey, and don't bother waiting for a sample kit, it could be anywhere from 4-9 months

what are you looking for?

[EOS mE]

Here's my review of MyPublisher, it ok. Quality wise is not bad, good to use for signature book. I got their classic with leather. The leather doesn't feel leather at all, felt more like a plastic black nylon cover instead.

Next, I'm going to try blurb..

Anyone know if blurb will put their logo or something like that on the album?

[RobKirkwood]

product - excellent
service - non existent. don't bother with the USA dept, contact italy directly

they are a bit pricey, and don't bother waiting for a sample kit, it could be anywhere from 4-9 monthsOur sample kit took about a week here in the UK.
They're expensive for a single book, but reasonable if you want packages with parents albums and a bunch of smaller copies.

Rob

[PIXI_666]

Add Momento & Jorgensen.....they are australian based but who says there aren't lots of aussies out there that don't know? So many American based websites tht produce albums, and takes 3 months to get to us out in the outback LOL

Del

[PIXI_666]

PS: EoS do you have a mini dach?!?!?!?!?! I have a black and tan boy called Frankie......your's looks soooo adorable!!

[Montec]

Candid2000 has some good prices and lots of choices

http://www.candid2000.com/

[EOS mE]

PS: EoS do you have a mini dach?!?!?!?!?! I have a black and tan boy called Frankie......your's looks soooo adorable!!

yuppa.. she's our daughter chloe. she's 2yrs old now.. still very hyper. she now has her own mypublisher album.. haha :lol: I love dachshunds... they are the best.. so lovable and so naughty at the same time. haha :lol:

we're trying to find a black and tan boy to be her brother. so we'll see how it goes.. ;)


Candid2000 has some good prices and lots of choices

http://www.candid2000.com/

yup.. candid does have a lot of choices. but i've also heard and seen sample photos that has green tint or yellowish tint from them.

[tim]

Queensberry - excellent service, excellent product. 3-6 week turnaround, depending on season. These should last for many decades.
AsukaBook - very good quality for a book, but like all books they'll wear out with a lot of use. 3-5 week turnaround (via the Australia branch).

[MJP]

I'm glad that my brother in law has a business printing shop and he has the maching that binds books...thats where i use most of my table books....

[EOS mE]

i'm making my first Blurb book. i posted a question about what DPI to set on the photos for the album and what size i should use for the blurb book. thus far, i have yet to hear back from their tech support and it's been 2 days. not impressed so far...

[PIXI_666]

She has her own book hahahaha
Well i have a B&T boy and he is naughtier than the girl Dach's so just watch out - get him desexed as soon as possible or you will have pee all over the house hahaha
I just bought him a bee outfit (Jumper) because he gets so cold even during summer hahaha so i figure make him cute too - might post a shot later in the other sections.....

Del

[EOS mE]

She has her own book hahahaha
Well i have a B&T boy and he is naughtier than the girl Dach's so just watch out - get him desexed as soon as possible or you will have pee all over the house hahaha
I just bought him a bee outfit (Jumper) because he gets so cold even during summer hahaha so i figure make him cute too - might post a shot later in the other sections.....

Del

Del.. yeah i've heard about boy doxies loving to pee all over the house. So, we'll be on the look out for that.

Talk about outfits... Chloe has tons of them. We recently got her a new shirt that says "GOT MAILMAN?" lol. she loves our mailman and maillady. she gives them tons of kisses. So when they saw that.. they started cracking up. :lol:

[AdamJT]

Has anybody used Kingston albums? Bay Photo Lab supplies them through their website. They look nice, but I'm curious about real life. They almost all look nice on the web.

[coreypolis]

Has anybody used Kingston albums? Bay Photo Lab supplies them through their website. They look nice, but I'm curious about real life. They almost all look nice on the web.
I've heard good things about them. You can make any size you want, and pretty much any cover material there is. They seem to compete with white wedding album and others, not top of the line but not cheep either

[PIXI_666]

hahahahahaha!!! The only reason i buy Frank jackets is coz he shivers - even in the summer LOL such a wuss!!! Anyway sorry for changing the subject of this thread but i am a huge dog fan, especially dachies and westies
LOL@Got mailman! My dogs hate the mail man, they hate any person coming near the house until 5 minutes after they are in then they are their best friend hahaha

[EOS mE]

hahahahahaha!!! The only reason i buy Frank jackets is coz he shivers - even in the summer LOL such a wuss!!! Anyway sorry for changing the subject of this thread but i am a huge dog fan, especially dachies and westies
LOL@Got mailman! My dogs hate the mail man, they hate any person coming near the house until 5 minutes after they are in then they are their best friend hahaha

:lol: that cracks me up!!

[coreypolis]

many seemed intrested int he low lost blub's, so here's a review on one
http://www.opensourcephoto.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7625&hl=

[coreypolis]

and to keep this as a good archivable thread, here's the low cost shutterfly book

"You pay for what you get. I did a shutterfly one for a school assignment a while back.

It gets dirty really quickly. Its Page numbered (why?), logo on the back, thin pages. The color wasn't perfect, but could have been my own issues, but based on the paper I'm guessing it'll never be perfect.

But it was only $30. Not something I would hand to a client for a finished product, but something you could do as a thank you to a vendor or something maybe. Its template based so I don't know how well it would work for a proof book. Definetly for family photos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/OT/Shutterfly-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/OT/Shutterfly-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/OT/Shutterfly-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/OT/Shutterfly-4.jpg

[iamgen]

Next, I'm going to try blurb..

Anyone know if blurb will put their logo or something like that on the album?

blurb puts their logo on the "copyright" page of your book..

[TooManyHobbies]

Here's another option

http://www.digilabs.biz/index.shtml

They do some nice coffee table books.

[Yella Fella]

making my mark on this thread for future notice :)

[Booshanky]

Why on earth do almost none of these companies display any of their prices? I even joined a couple and they need to verify that I'm a "studio" to give me a price.

I'm not a studio though, I'm just a guy who takes pictures. Is it impossible for me to order good quality books?

[coreypolis]

Why on earth do almost none of these companies display any of their prices? I even joined a couple and they need to verify that I'm a "studio" to give me a price.

I'm not a studio though, I'm just a guy who takes pictures. Is it impossible for me to order good quality books?
you won't be able to work with most companies.

They don't post their prices because they don't want brides going online and seeing cost. Then they come back and ask whay did you charge me $2k for a $500 album, they don't realize how many images they getting printed, the time it takes to design it etc etc

[TooManyHobbies]

Why on earth do almost none of these companies display any of their prices? I even joined a couple and they need to verify that I'm a "studio" to give me a price.

I'm not a studio though, I'm just a guy who takes pictures. Is it impossible for me to order good quality books?

The cost is on the site I listed and I've seen it on many others too.

[Mikester]

Lets not let this thread die! I am still looking for a supplier in Canada.
I noticed http://digilabs.ca/ has a site in canada and in the USA. Has anyone used them? They look reasonably priced for an entry album/proof book also.

[Mikester]

I placed an order with digilabs.ca today. In case you are looking for a supplier with easy to use templates/software these guys do. And they have US based company too I think.
They have pretty powerful easy to use software that is free.

If anyone is interested let me know and I will take pics / comment when it arrives.

[coreypolis]

The next one we order is going to be a picto. From what I've seen they look great, and priced a bit better than zook and if I use WHCC for prints and bind only from Picto is about the same price as white wedding album.

Still waiting to hear from Graphi, sent a request a few times and nothing. We really want them for the PR books, 50 4x4's for pretty cheep

[LeesaB]

Ok...Let's see..I have done an asuka..I like it..but pages are like paper...MyPublisher is paper pages also, but the quality is lower..I just did a blurb book and waiting for it to arrive. I saw a Renaisance book that was awesome...they need to be put on our list somewhere..

I would like to know which of these books have the thicker cardboard like pages verses the paper ones...

[coreypolis]

Ok...Let's see..I have done an asuka..I like it..but pages are like paper...MyPublisher is paper pages also, but the quality is lower..I just did a blurb book and waiting for it to arrive. I saw a Renaisance book that was awesome...they need to be put on our list somewhere..

I would like to know which of these books have the thicker cardboard like pages verses the paper ones...
time to step up to a full flush mount album instead of the coffee table book style. Both are good to offer, but the overall product from a place like zook, picto, graphi etc is perceived to be of higher value. They do cost a bit more, but you can also sell them for a lot more and will become family heirlooms that will last.

[LeesaB]

OUCH and it is a step up eh? It is a whole new process...I like Asuka..but I can see the difference even with picto... I have to go out, when I get back tonight, maybe I can explore..It would be interesting to have a poll to see who does what in the books...Is that possible? Thanks

[Mikester]

I think a poll would be good but it has to be by quality. Some customers want a book that is GOOD quality, GREAT quality, EXCELLENT Quality, and I have so much money that I can BUY QUALITY. Also The Good quality and Great quality books may come with software to help make the design easier. The higher end books seem to always demand that you submit your design from scratch.

[mrslevite]

Ok...Let's see..I have done an asuka..I like it..but pages are like paper...MyPublisher is paper pages also, but the quality is lower..I just did a blurb book and waiting for it to arrive. I saw a Renaisance book that was awesome...they need to be put on our list somewhere..

I would like to know which of these books have the thicker cardboard like pages verses the paper ones...I was looking at these last night and they seem to offer a little bit of everything: http://www.millerslab.com/services/albums/

[LeesaB]

Miller lab is interesting..but I just don't think they are of a "great" quality either...

I think for me right now, and the packages that I offer..the Asuka book is great..

I am looking into the renasiance book as my high quality book..It's pretty amazing, as I have seen one that a friend has.

I will use the lower end books for my sporting photos'..

[LeesaB]

You know what else is important is that the bride and family cannot just go to the web site and find out how much you paid for the book. How many sites offer that? Zook, does not...I went right there..and for me, I don't need a bride seeing the actual cost of her book.

[coreypolis]

If you like the coffee book table style also check out the Leather Craftsman 3500

[Storybook Pages]

Graphi's prices have been significantly reduced (April 2007) and they've inroduced several very nice new cover options. They'll also do books less than 40 pages (as low as 10 pages) now.

We also like their choices in small and parent books. In spite of some customer service response issues, we've been very satisfied with their product and their response. Average time for print and bind in Italy...3 weeks. Of course, it take us about a week to confirm it's there and then 3 days to ship to us...not that bad actually.

Not a commercial for Graphi at all because we use Asuka (slimmer, thinner pages, photo covers, excellent quality), Leather Craftsmen (excellent quality, great cover treatments, very good customer service), VisionArt Books (the best customer service I've ever seen and a fine quality ink-jet printed, lay-flat, photo-cover book)...and lots of others (Art Leather - Cache album is great quality leather bound flush-mount album)...more.

[ebob]

any good tips for storyboard albums companys.


www.ourweddingphotography.com

[iownsya]

So for everyone that uses asukabook, how do you design albums? do you just photoshop the whole thing or do you have software that you would recommend that lets you put together an album in less time?

[ants]

Hey all, which company do you guys usually go with to make proof books?

[Storybook Pages]

We use photoshop alone. We used Page Gallery (template software by Yervant) years ago but found it took too long to find just the right template for the next spread we wanted to design. So...you might as well just start the layout.

[EOS mE]

hey guys.. i've been trying to find out which company makes this album... but haven't had too much luck.

anyone here know which company makes it?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3254344&postcount=27

[islandphoto]

I really like the flushmount book from pictage - the quality is really nice!!!

[gheesom]

as a budget company has anyone tired www.fotobook.co.uk ?
The ship all over the world and the prices seem reasonable. you download the software, then either autofill or manual fill the template. really simple to use from what I've looked at. the prices are displayed on the site, I am waiting to findout whether or not the logo is printed on the book. I'll let you know when I find out.

edit: just got an email back so they are super quick at responding. they don't brand the book, but the packaging is branded so as long as you deliver to yourself, the client need not know where you got it from.

[islandphoto]

any reviews on mpix's proof book?

[liza]

any reviews on mpix's proof book?

I'd be interested in hearing from people about that, too, as I'm planning to have them print the books for me. I've used other methods for proofing, including contact sheets, but really want to send this out to a third party.

[veenie]

I noticed that Heritage Makers wasn't part of this list they're a fairly new company 2yrs - has anyone tried them? I'm wondering how they compare to Azuka other than that they are so much more affordable for those on a serious budget?

[maytownme]

as a budget company has anyone tired www.fotobook.co.uk (http://www.fotobook.co.uk) ?
The ship all over the world and the prices seem reasonable. you download the software, then either autofill or manual fill the template. really simple to use from what I've looked at. the prices are displayed on the site, I am waiting to findout whether or not the logo is printed on the book. I'll let you know when I find out.

edit: just got an email back so they are super quick at responding. they don't brand the book, but the packaging is branded so as long as you deliver to yourself, the client need not know where you got it from.

Hi, have you ever tryed the bellissimo range at loxleycolour.com ?

[danpass]

It's a great idea. A sticky would be great.



I started a whole new thread because this WASN'T a sticky http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c222/danpass/smilies/anim_stick.gif

[MarkAnthonyPhotography]

I use Cornerstone Albums. Probably because I think Gary Fong is awesome. lol. I've paid for his wedding alone with all the crap I by from him! I'm happy with the book. I love the board pages. Adds a touch of elegance to the album that you don't get with the "paper" pages. Just my 2 cents.:)

[lookingforaname]

I've been researching photo book quality, after having a mediocre Shutterfly book published for Christmas (it got raves from my family members, of course. but i was unhappy with IQ).

Anyhow, an excellent Blurb/Lulu/MyPublisher comparision can be found here:

http://www.daepublishing.com/pod/PODExposed.html

I wish there were equally comprehensive comparisons for even more companies. . .

[successfulpc]

I'm looking for a metallic finish on the photo's. DO you know which company offers this as an option?

[samckitt]

I'm looking for a metallic finish on the photo's. DO you know which company offers this as an option?

MPIX offers that, & I think Candid2000 does too.

[Achim]

This is a very informative and useful thread. Is it still alive?

[tim]

This is a very informative and useful thread. Is it still alive?

No :p

[blondine]

Lets not let this thread die! I am still looking for a supplier in Canada.
I noticed http://digilabs.ca/ has a site in canada and in the USA. Has anyone used them? They look reasonably priced for an entry album/proof book also.


try embassyprobooks.com they are located in Oakvill Ontario.... I liked mine, but did find it a little harder to design, you will need PS to make your own templates... also good turn around and you get a discount I believe on your first 3 books (the first one is a discount of 50%.... studio sample but has no markings showing it as a sample. I purchased a large 14x11 with leather cover)

[PhotoMatte]

Anyone try Graphi here? They look like they have what I am looking... BUT Can I afford them? humm.

I've been using Graphistudio for the past few years, as well as Pictobook. Graphi does some amazing albums but their turnaround time is atrocious. Pictobooks are great for the money, but you have to have a little ICC knowhow if you want your images to look as good as they do on your screen (unless you want to pay extra and have them color-correct).

[G..]

I use www.loxleycolour.com (http://www.loxleycolour.com) they are a lab that produce albums, coffee table books and loads more. Grat service and good quality. Template software is good and they ship everywhere, even to me!