I too have mostly used Apple for printing my photo books and was dismayed to find that the software for book design had changed drastically with Photos, was no longer nearly as user friendly, and had far fewer options. Two weeks ago I went ahead and used it anyway, because I'd always been so happy with the printing results. I was very disappointed. It took three times as long to construct the book, was twice as expensive, and looked half as good when it arrived.

I made another version on Shutterfly and though it was not the quality that the Apple books used to be, it was a little better quality than the current Apple version was, it was far easier with more options, and half the price.

I am still on the hunt for a better alternative. I had already tried Blurb and did not like it. Next I'll try Adorama or Mixbook.

Thanks minniev. good to hear that I am not the only one frustrated with Apple these days. Seems like they are increasing less interested in our creative process and more in to positioning for us to spend money. By making their Photos more automatic for newbies, they have dumbed it down to be unattractive to those with more experience/knowledge.

Have you ever constructed a book in one software package and uploaded to another printer? Some of the responses here say they construct and then export to i.e., blurb or shutterfly. One guy said he uses Elements, and another Lightroom. I did not even know LR had a book function.