Base_fiddle

I searched the UHH past posts on making photo books and the more recent posting was in 2018. Most of the posts suggested using LR and Blurb. Most of the other posts are more than seven years old - a lot of things change in that time period, so I'd like to get updated advise from experienced users.

I have made books using Shutterfly and Snapfish. Both were okay, but maybe one of the hogs likes some other photo product. The quick seach of the Internet returns MixBook, Collage and MPIX. Reading their intros doesn't excite me to try them-there's not enough info to distinguish them from another application, such as Shutterfly.

When I do a photo book, I want to include text to explain what the user is viewing and be able to control the placement and size of my photos.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Jose

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

If under 110 pages, I think Shutterfly is best, and I have used several different providers, but still like Shutterfly the best, and it has all the features you are looking for. The only problem is that some of my books exceed their page limit, although I haven't check them lately to see if they have increased that.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I used Blurb twice and was totally impressed by their service, system, and product.

Base_fiddle

Lou, at this point, I agree that Shutterfly does the best job of the two that I've used, but maybe there's a better product that someone has used. Have you used any other products?

Thanks for your post.

Jose

Base_fiddle

RD, thanks for the response. Have you used Blurb through LR or directly through Blurb's website?

Jose

Hip Coyote

I use Mixbook and am happy with their product. Sign up for e-mailings and there is usually some coupon. I also used Costco and was not happy with the quality compared to Mixbook.

Base_fiddle

Thanks for your input, Hip. Have you tried other books like Shutterfly, Snapfish or Blurb? What attracted you to Mixbook? Does Mixbook do anything special that the others don't do?

Jose

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I used Blurb though their website and it was really easy. My books have a lot of text and photos, and each chapter begins with a full page photo. If it would help, I think I can send you a pdf of one or both of my books.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Check out Mpix. Miller’s lab is a professional lab, their nonprofessional side is Mpix. Both the pro and non-pro products are printed using the same equipment. The difference is that the pro side has a lot of cool stuff photographers can offer their clients that are not available to the non-pros.

Base_fiddle

Jim, thanks for your post. When I looked at MPIX, I thought I read that it does not accept text. Maybe I misunderstood what it meant. I don't want to print text on the picture, but want space outside the picture to put text. Do you know if I can do that with MPIX?

Have you used other applications before using MPIX? Is there anything that you really like about MPIX that may not be available in other applications?

Jose

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

The last book I did was with Mixbook because it was one of the few that accommodated my 300-page book and a square format. After 7 reprints I finally got a product that was good. The reason for so many reprints was that their printing and trimming was inconsistent (I think they told me they use at least 3 different printing/binding plants, which promotes a lot of inconsistencies from one printing to another). At least they always did the reprints at no charge, but it took several months to finally get the final, acceptable product. Before that I had used Shutterfly for my less-than-110 page books, Picaboo and Kodak Gallery. I had the same problem with Picaboo, but working with their production manager and after about 6 or 7 reprints, she was finally able to get me a book with all photos printed properly and the book trimmed properly. Kodak Gallery, of course, has been out of business for several years, but they did a good job. Again, overall, IMHO, Shutterfly, is still the best and have never had to have more than one reprint to correct printing problems, and then often no reprints at all. But, again, their page limit has limited when I use them, which is only for my smaller books. In answer to another poster's question, I have not used Blurb, but intend to give them a try for my next book since I have heard a lot of good things about them.

docphoto Loc: Illinois

I use Blurb, especially if you want to sell your books. I’ve been using Blurb for years and had great sales from the books I have self-published. Also if you just want books for your personal library they are very good. The quality has been excellent.

donphotog

For many years I’ve used Shutterfly for books. Very satisfied. Even had copies sent direct to family members.

superdadplano Loc: Dallas, TX

I've used Photobook America and is happy with them. I don't see much differences between Shuttlefly, Collages, Printerpix if you select thicker pages. But the best photo book I've made was from AdoramaPix, now renamed Printique.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I use Shutterfly for my Books on Florida Wildlife, I am on my third book that I published in June 2021. I offer soft and hard cover copies along with other options. My best seller is a soft 12X12 book without flat pages.
The printing is professional and folks love the book so much they told me when future books are available they will buy site unseen.
I usually put my books under "My Projects" on their website when I am done constructing them. I then wait for Shutterfly to have their unlimited extra pages free and 40% off the rest sale. (they draw the line at 110 pages)
My books usually contain 110 pages and I can get them printed inexpensively during their sales.
Yes, there are more expensive book publishers out their, and I have tried them, I see little difference in the quality of the image for what I am looking for.
I do get the color correction option through Shutterfly, it is an inexpensive option that maximizes the quality of your images.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.