I know everyone is probably tired of hearing about where to purchase these books.  I had someone inquire on my doing a photo book for them.  They originally wanted one that had thick pages almost like thin cardboard (sorry  I don't know what they're called).  I've been searching on here and wanted to come back with a couple options.  I've looked up all the websites I've been able to find on here and I actually read a recent post with details on each one.  I have checked most of them out like KISS, MIllers, and a few others.  Now I'll quit rambling... my question is for the money which is/are the best ones?  1.  The heavy (cardboard) book... where and approx price   2. A nice book for around $100 or under.  What can I compare the quality of the pages to as far as thickness goes? 

Has anyone ever used Picaboo, photoworks, or shutterfly.  Are these an upgrade from Snapfish or about the same quality?

I have honestly only done 2 books just for practice for me and they were through snapfish and winkflash.  They have served their purpose, but I definately need higher quality than that.  You guys are awesome and I can't wait to hear your responses!!

Thanks

 

I just made my first wedding album using Millers Pano Flushmount album.  It was gorgeous and the bride & groom thought so too!  Mine was 40 pages (20 layouts) and it was the thick cardboard pages.  It was $368.  I haven't used anything else, so can't recommend any others.

I think it will be hard to find a nice album with the thick pages for under $100.  I've heard the regular Mpix books are very nice.

 I've only used Mpix and Blurb for a total of 5 books. I like the backgrounds and layouts that MPIX offers, however the glossy dust jackets that come with the Blurb books sway the budget minded brides that I deal with, recently did a 11x13 36 page (18 sides) book for well under $100. As I will be trying for higher paying brides that value the photography I will be offering Asuka and Kiss books.

I am pretty sure that Millers offers a book like Mpix and you can also order the dust jacket for it.  I am also pretty sure it would be under $100.

Thanks for sharing that, I'll definately have to check into it. 

The thick pages you are talking about are typically in flush-mount albums, and I doubt you will find one of those for under $100.  The cheapest I've found that are still nice quality are at Candid2000.  Very fast turnaround time, and their design software is pretty good.  KISS albums rock, but are pricey.  I have a whole list of companies for these albums, but they aren't cheap.  My cost is usually $300 minimum, and can reach close to $1000 depending on how many pages go in them.

Blurb, Shutterfly, MyPublisher, etc, are coffee table style books, with thin pages similar to a child's storybook or a thick magazine (best thing I can think of to compare to, for thickness).  Most will come with their logo on them.  Blurb you can pay extra to use yours.  MyPublisher only leaves their logo off their large book.  With these, you get what you pay for.  Some are better than others.  Blurb and MyPublisher are my comanies of choice for personal books, and for someone that needs something cheap.  Mpix is good, but I had some issues in my first one with color consistency.  I've ordered another and will see how it looks.

HTH.

You guys are awesome!  I knew you could help.  I do have one more question.  Are MPIX books thicker pages then say blurb, shutterfly, etc?  I think that's my last question for now.

Thanks again!!!!

blsamples:

Are MPIX books thicker pages then say blurb, shutterfly, etc?

No.

I only ordered books from mpix and shutterfly - they are VERY different. Mpix software - although difficult to upload for me anyway- Rocks. Its SO much easier to manipulate the pages than with shutterfly. I feel like shutterfly is very limiting - but they do have their place. Both mpix and shutterfly have excellent customer service - shutterfly completely reprinted and shipped a book to me no questions asked when I had an issue with an order.

My opinion - If I am producing a book for a client - MOST definitely has to be mpix. If I am producing a book - for examply the one for my daughters 16th birthday (her and her friends with mudding on 4-wheelers....) - I will use shuterfly. They have a totally different look, feel and style to them. pricing is about the same. - mpix has more of a higher end look to it. JMHO.

 

 

THANKS FOR THE AWESOME ADVICE, IT'S EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED, NOW I AT LEAST KNOW WHERE TO START.  I CAN'T WAIT TO DO MY FIRST BOOK!

If you want another option, there's always the actual "Photobook" that Zookbinders makes.  I just had a 6x6 with a wraparound cover (not just a dust jacket) for $67.00!  The pages are thick and durable (they describe the pages as two postcards put back to back) and they are quick! 

 

what is the web address for millers and kiss...I googled them and got a few different sites all photography related.

 http://www.kissweddingbooks.com/

http://www.millerslab.com/ 

 :o)

 

Also a friendly reminder that it often violates user agreements to share pricing publicly.  :o)
 

You could also check out www.collages.net I haven't ordered any of their albums but they look really nice and not as expensive as some others I've found.  Good luck! I just ordered my first album from Mpix I can't wait to see it!

I personally love Millers Layflat Books. I use them as Parent Albums and have had many happy clients. I am not to sure where your at in Indiana, but if it is in the southern part feel free to PM me and we can meet so you can see one in person!