Create Your Own Photo Book

Framed photographs are wonderful ways to display images but there are other ways to show off your memories as well. Photo books, or coffee table books, have long been a goal of many photographers. These large books are filled with images and very little text. In the past, these books were only for those with publishing contracts. Now there are many printers who will print single photo books for a reasonable price.

Types of Books
Most printers offer two types of books: hardcover and softcover. Each of these types has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Hardcover

• More expensive
  
• More durable
  
• Fewer sizes available

Softcover

• Less expensive
  
• Less durable
  
• More sizes available

Printers
There are some specialty printers that now specialize in photo books and most online photo labs will now print photo books. When using a lab where photo books are a sideline be sure to review their material specifications for their books. This will help ensure you receive a good quality book. Each printer has a different style of book they specialize in producing. Here are some examples:

• Blurb
  
  • Bookstore quality books
    
  • Traditional formats
    
  • Online store available
• Picaboo
  
  • Home consumer oriented
    
  • Scrapbook style formats
• Apple IPhoto Books
  
  • Home consumer oriented
    
  • Traditional formats
    
  • Wide variety of sizes

Pricing
Pricing varies from printer to printer but some standards are emerging.

• Hardcover 8"x10" is about $30
  
• Softcover 8"x10" is about $20

The Process
The process of creating your photo book has minor differences between printers but the basics are the same.

• Download free software
  
• Import your images
  
• Choose a layout
  
• Insert desired text
  
• Preview your book
  
• Order your book

Whatever book you choose is an excellent way to display your memories without taking up a lot of space.