Which photo book services offer true photo-quality printing, PDF/InDesign upload, and short runs?
Asked 1/24/2011
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2 answers
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I’m looking for a reliable photo book printer that supports fully custom books from a high-quality PDF or InDesign-exported PDF, rather than requiring proprietary layout software. My main priority is better print quality than typical magazine-style press printing, ideally closer to true photo quality. I only need a very small run—one or two copies. Which services are known for higher-end photo books or albums and can handle this kind of custom workflow?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
13
You bet... two labs that I've specifically used for making custom photo books are:
They both have product lines that include a variety of different configurations (book size, # of pages, paper choice, cover options and materials, etc.), quantity of books ordered (1 or 2 is a common request), and will use 4-color or 6-color offset printing, so it will be much higher quality than Blurb, Cafepress, etc.
If you want the absolute best-of-the-best quality, and money is no object, the other option I can think of is to look into wedding album manufacturers such as:
They may be 'wedding album companies,' but there's nothing saying you're only 'allowed' to create wedding albums... But you'll want to be prepared for sticker shock. The costs are way higher than you'll pay through something like Blurb... On the other hand, the quality and customization are also top-notch, and the final product is going to have a 'look and feel' that Blurb simply will not be able to match. Additionally, these companies cater to businesses, not individuals, so you may have to jump through some additional hoops in order to use them.
Full Disclosure: I am a customer of all the companies mentioned above in my photography business, so I can personally attest to their top-notch quality... I don't get anything for mentioning them here, though, and there are other album manufacturers out there... These are just the ones I happen to be familiar with.
Originally by user2838. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2838
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Several services mentioned by users are stronger options than consumer photo-book printers if you want higher quality and short runs.
Bay Photo and White House Custom Color were recommended as labs offering custom book options, small quantities, and higher-quality 4-color or 6-color printing than services like Blurb. If you want the highest-end result, wedding album makers such as Asuka Book, Leather Craftsman, and La Vie were suggested; these are typically premium products and may be expensive, but they’re known for top-tier album quality.
Kodak photo books were also cited in a magazine test as having the best print quality among several services tested, with Adorama ranked close behind. One user also recommended Viovio specifically because it accepts direct PDF uploads.
In general, if your priority is maximum image quality, look at pro labs and wedding album manufacturers first. If PDF upload is essential, confirm that workflow directly with the vendor before ordering, since not every service supports fully custom files.
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