photography books

[woody12]

Hi, I saw my friend today after a absence of a long time and the discussion went into my newest hobby- photography. His wife is also into photography and the pair go travelling a lot and have had their memorys put into amazing hardback books by a company called BLURB - an american company. Does anybody have dealing's with this company? Are they any good? Does anybody know of companies that produce similar goods? I mean the books my friend has are amazing!! He didn't know any details as his wife deals with anything photography. Thanks

 

[rusticalex]

Hi
Each year I make a photobook each for my two kiddies recapping the year they have had. The first year I used Truprint (or Snapfish I think they were/are also called?) and the following year Albelli. I found Albelli to give more creative options than Truprint, and the books are of a better quality overall. Having said that I spent a bit more on the Albelli ones, but I would be happy to use them again. Having said that, I might give Blurb a try this year as they produce, from what I hear, high quality products that don't cost the earth. Incidentally, the photographic club I'm a member of is producing photo books to celebrate it's 70th birthday, and they are using Blurb, which is hopefully a good sign!
Cheers
Alex

 

[viewfromthenorth]

I've used Blurb for about 20 different books, and always been really pleased. I'd definitely recommend them.

 

[john-oh]

Blurb seem better at handling text than some photo books, although it's not exactly word processing.

Just download their BookSmart software and away you go.

 

[mark1616]

I use Bobsbooks for my basic offereings and they are great (I use the photographic option which has lay flat photo paper, can't comment on the rest). They give photographers a 15% discount as well which always helps a little.

 

[OptimusBri]

I would definitely recommend Blurb, it's fantastic
You can customise things right down to the smallest detail, it gives you lots of control.
I used it last year to create a book for a project on my University course, turned out brilliantly!

 

[woody12]

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like blurb are the way to go. Once again thanks for the advice.

 

[pockets]

Has anybody got some examples of the BLURB books that they've had done? I mean they look fantastic doing a google search.

 

[lodious]

Do you have to pay import duty is they are based in the US?

 

[redhed17]

There is no import duty to pay as far as I know.


When I got a Blurb book it printed out a bit dark. :| I'm not sure whether it was my fault or their fault. My monitor wasn't calibrated, but even now it is, the pics look OK on my PC. :shrug:


The Gadget Show on Channel 5 tested Photobooks this week and Blurb didn't get in the top five. They even pointed out that the Blurb book made the presenters hair look green.

Their top five were;

1. Albelli
2. My Photobook
3. Photocreator
4. Apple iPhoto
5. Jessops

I downloaded the Albelli software, and after a brief play about, it didn't seem as good as the Blurb Booksmart software. :shake: But then it has to be a combination of software and, but especially, print quality. Most people seem to be having better print results than me. :shrug:

 

[lads2000]

I saw this and was suprised that Blurb were not in there. I have used them in the past and have been very pleased with the results but I did find them slightly darker than on my screen.