Anyone make your own photo book?

[vrodkaraf]

Hi All,

 

There are several threads on photo storage services, this is slightly different. Many online services offer 'Book printing' services now (in addition to printing photos, mugs, etc).

 

Has anyone printed a hard or soft cover book of your cruise photos? If so, what service did you use and were you happy? Even better - has anyone tried multiple services to compare?

 

Thanks for any help,

 

VRod

[Tweedy]

I have used Photo-in-Press (Cdn company) and Blurb. I prefer Blurb and have been happy with the three books I've ordered through them. I have not used them since they have added a Cdn printing company but I imagine the quality is still top notch. All the books I have done have been hard cover with a dust jacket.

 

Blurb books look like something bought in a book store. Photo-in-Press looks like something made from any local photo place where you get your prints developed.

 

This is all my own personal opinion.

[trophy_23]

We got one made of our Alaska cruise by shutterfly. I think it looks great for a first attempt. I would use them again for sure.

[pierces]

Hi All,

 

There are several threads on photo storage services, this is slightly different. Many online services offer 'Book printing' services now (in addition to printing photos, mugs, etc).

 

Has anyone printed a hard or soft cover book of your cruise photos? If so, what service did you use and were you happy? Even better - has anyone tried multiple services to compare?

 

Thanks for any help,

 

VRod

 

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

[johneeo]

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

 

Absolutely phenomenal!

 

Loved your slideshow and book.

 

Until reading this thread, I was unaware of the capabilities of Blurb.

 

Gotta check it out and learn some more.

[SEJSmiles]

I pretty much do photobooks of all our cruises. I also print scrapbooks using digital supplies rather than paper, so I've used several services. I have ordered many hardback books, but never any soft so I cannot give an opinion on those. For hardbacks, the quality of Shutterfly is so far superior to the other services I've used that I will continue to use them going forward. Watch for their sales, though...because they are pricey...but they do run sales often.

[sparky-elpaso]

I've used SmileBooks for several books - and have been extremely pleased at the outcome. It's a British company and the books are printed in Germany. Their free software is very easy to use.

 

Here's a link to my Alaska cruisetour pages.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparky46/sets/72157622449432419/detail/

[Captain Canuck]

have done a few via costco. you upload your photos to their server (password protected) and build your own book. 2 to 3 weeks to print. price is reasonable. no cruise ones yet but they are nice.

[seashinesunshine]

Hi All,

 

There are several threads on photo storage services, this is slightly different. Many online services offer 'Book printing' services now (in addition to printing photos, mugs, etc).

 

Has anyone printed a hard or soft cover book of your cruise photos? If so, what service did you use and were you happy? Even better - has anyone tried multiple services to compare?

 

Thanks for any help,

 

VRod

 

We have used Picaboo (sp?) Very happy with them. One hint, when you are on your cruise take some photos of the sand, shells, palm trees etc to use as an overlay or background of your photo pages.

[wgraves]

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

 

I very rarely have my attention held by a slideshow, but I clicked through each page of your book... reminiscing over the places I'd been and thinking of the places I want to go. Thanks for sharing. :)

[NMCruzzin]

I use Shutterfly....easy to use!

Here's a link to our Mexico Cruise 2 years ago.

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDJgycs2bFoxcgPkmgfo

[trophy_23]

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

 

Great photos!! I was wondering what lenses you were using for the wide shots? Thx

[pierces]

Great photos!! I was wondering what lenses you were using for the wide shots? Thx

 

I use a Sony 11-18mm on some and stitched panoramas on others. Some are simply cropped out of a normal image.

 

Dave

[Mountainveiw]

Blurb is the company I would recommend. Love the quality and many opptions from book size to page setup. Price is great too.

 

Here are links to a few books I have made using Blurb:

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/1024990

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/279668

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/279575

 

(To view the books larger click on the box in right hand corner with arrows)

[SeattleCruiselover]

I have used both Blurb and Lulu. Both are good, but I find Blurb somewhat more intuitive (i.e. easier to use).

[vegs1]

Blurb is the company I would recommend. Love the quality and many opptions from book size to page setup. Price is great too.

 

Here are links to a few books I have made using Blurb:

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/1024990

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/279668

 

http://www.blurb.com/books/279575

 

(To view the books larger click on the box in right hand corner with arrows)

 

Mountainview, I looked at the link to your first book (The Safari book). Absolutely loved the format and your pictures are amazing. Would love to know which parks you were in and where. We just returned from S. Africa and want to go back doing more safari - less city visits.

 

Amazing book!

[vrodkaraf]

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

 

:eek:

 

Wow wow wow. Ok, I was looking forward to seeing my photos in a book, now I'm just humbled. I'm not sure if I'm more jealous of your cruises or your photography skills. Thanks so much for sharing. (What tool made the slideshow?)

 

VRod

[pierces]

:eek:

 

Wow wow wow. Ok, I was looking forward to seeing my photos in a book, now I'm just humbled. I'm not sure if I'm more jealous of your cruises or your photography skills. Thanks so much for sharing. (What tool made the slideshow?)

 

VRod

 

Three "wows"....thanks!

 

I posted the original page spreads that I uploaded to Blurb to my Zenfolio account. The slideshow is part of their normal gallery viewing options.

 

As for humbling, it took me 40+ hours (it might have been 80+, but the pain has faded with time) to put all of that together. Just take your time and choose the pictures carefully...you'll be amazed at how a little hard work can pay off with a great-looking book and how much the book-making software helps.

 

Make a book and enjoy it!

 

Dave

[Cruiser Forever]

We got one made of our Alaska cruise by shutterfly. I think it looks great for a first attempt. I would use them again for sure.

 

I too have used Shutterfly and have been happy with the results. I have also used Kodak Gallery. I like that I don't have to install or download any special program. It works for me.

 

Plus so many times they send you discount coupons via e-mail and free shipping on orders over $30.00. I say give it a try.

[Mountainveiw]

Mountainview, I looked at the link to your first book (The Safari book). Absolutely loved the format and your pictures are amazing. Would love to know which parks you were in and where. We just returned from S. Africa and want to go back doing more safari - less city visits.

 

Amazing book!

 

Thank you

 

We were in South Africa for a month a year ago now. I must say it was the most amazing trip. We opted to not go to any cities other than to fly in and out of Johanesburg. The first park we stayed at was Kapama. Here we went from staying in ulimate lux. in spa suites to canvas tents on stilts. Both experiences offered their own special touches. The lodges were fenced off and you were free to roam the grounds without armed escort. The second stop was the Timbavati Reserve. Open to Krueger Park, the wildlife freely traveled between. The lodge was Motswari. There are no fences here and at night you had an armed guard escort you to your own private bungalow. One day at lunch accross a very narrow dry river bed a heard of 35 breeding elephants came to the water hole just meters from the dining area. An experience I will never forget and great photo op. The third lodge we stayed at was Arathusa, located in the Sabi Sands reserve, also backing onto Krueger. The lodge sits on the edge of a small lake so there is always something to see when the animals are passing through for a swim or drink. We again had individual bungalows.

 

We would not hesitate to go back to any of these lodges. The food was incredible, excellent game sitings, amazing hospitality and beautiful setting. I am like you and can not wait to return. Hands down the most relaxing vacation we have taken.

 

Our next trip to Africa will be Kenya and Zimbabwe to follow the great migration.

 

September was a great month to go. We never seen one mosquito, the animals were very visible because the trees had not leafed out yet, temperature was very comfortable and one 1/2 day of rain.

 

The photobook is 12X12 and I think about 420 pages. Blurb is one of the few companies that offer a book that large.

 

We were told by our Ranger that once we experience Africa it will be in our blood for ever and you will want to return many times......he was right!

[Springwater21]

my son has a mac book pro in I photo he picked his photos and clicked on make a book. It cid cost , but is hardbound and very nice.The book was a gift to the grandparents(wifes side) for the trip to Disney world they all went on in the spring. It turned out fabulous..I alo have a mac and will do this for our cruise to the MR in Feb. Dona

[vegs1]

Thank you

 

We were in South Africa for a month a year ago now. I must say it was the most amazing trip. We opted to not go to any cities other than to fly in and out of Johanesburg. The first park we stayed at was Kapama. Here we went from staying in ulimate lux. in spa suites to canvas tents on stilts. Both experiences offered their own special touches. The lodges were fenced off and you were free to roam the grounds without armed escort. The second stop was the Timbavati Reserve. Open to Krueger Park, the wildlife freely traveled between. The lodge was Motswari. There are no fences here and at night you had an armed guard escort you to your own private bungalow. One day at lunch accross a very narrow dry river bed a heard of 35 breeding elephants came to the water hole just meters from the dining area. An experience I will never forget and great photo op. The third lodge we stayed at was Arathusa, located in the Sabi Sands reserve, also backing onto Krueger. The lodge sits on the edge of a small lake so there is always something to see when the animals are passing through for a swim or drink. We again had individual bungalows.

 

We would not hesitate to go back to any of these lodges. The food was incredible, excellent game sitings, amazing hospitality and beautiful setting. I am like you and can not wait to return. Hands down the most relaxing vacation we have taken.

 

Our next trip to Africa will be Kenya and Zimbabwe to follow the great migration.

 

September was a great month to go. We never seen one mosquito, the animals were very visible because the trees had not leafed out yet, temperature was very comfortable and one 1/2 day of rain.

 

The photobook is 12X12 and I think about 420 pages. Blurb is one of the few companies that offer a book that large.

 

We were told by our Ranger that once we experience Africa it will be in our blood for ever and you will want to return many times......he was right!

 

Thanks for the info on where you went. We just came back (were there the last two weeks of Aug.) and had LOTS of mosquito bites. It was in the mid 30's (celcius). Very hot. We had been told we wouldn't really need anti malarials but we took them anyway so were glad we did.

 

We also stayed at Kapama. (Camp Jabulani). One of the best experiences of my life. The other lodge was Jackalberry (at Thornybush Reserve). What were the names of your lodges in Kapama if you don't mind me asking?

 

And thank you for the info on your book. It really was great and I'll be working on mine this weekend!

[Mountainveiw]

Thanks for the info on where you went. We just came back (were there the last two weeks of Aug.) and had LOTS of mosquito bites. It was in the mid 30's (celcius). Very hot. We had been told we wouldn't really need anti malarials but we took them anyway so were glad we did.

 

We also stayed at Kapama. (Camp Jabulani). One of the best experiences of my life. The other lodge was Jackalberry (at Thornybush Reserve). What were the names of your lodges in Kapama if you don't mind me asking?

 

And thank you for the info on your book. It really was great and I'll be working on mine this weekend!

 

We stayed at the River Lodge and Buffalo Camp. We did not get to Camp Jabulani, but were at the elephant back safari run by the camp. The elephant I rode was Jabulani. We purchased their foot prints that were printed on elephant dung paper. They are on my living room wall reminding me of, as you have said, one of the best experiences of my life. Camp Jubulani had nothing but rave reviews when I was reseaching our trip.Thornybush is beautiful, you must have have loved it there too. I read a blog from Motswari it mentions they had alot of much needed rain during their summer.

 

You may have already seen their website, but if not her is the link:

http://www.kapama.co.za/

 

They had not opened Karula yet when we were there, but it is open now.

 

Please share your book so I can see your photos too. I love seeing how people view the world through their camera. If you are using Blurb, I do not think you will be disapointed.

 

Enjoy creating a beautiful memory of your trip!

[Mountainveiw]

I did a book on Blurb.com. Really came out well. Great color and quality.

 

I made a slideshow of the contents here:

 

http://galleries.pptphoto.com/cruisebook/slideshow

 

Dave

 

I have enjoyed and learned from your photos on this blog for a few years now. Your slideshow/book is a great way of showcasing your cruise adventures.

 

Beutiful and inspiring photography, thanks for sharing.

[vegs1]

We stayed at the River Lodge and Buffalo Camp. We did not get to Camp Jabulani, but were at the elephant back safari run by the camp. The elephant I rode was Jabulani. We purchased their foot prints that were printed on elephant dung paper. They are on my living room wall reminding me of, as you have said, one of the best experiences of my life. Camp Jubulani had nothing but rave reviews when I was reseaching our trip.Thornybush is beautiful, you must have have loved it there too. I read a blog from Motswari it mentions they had alot of much needed rain during their summer.

 

You may have already seen their website, but if not her is the link:

http://www.kapama.co.za/

 

They had not opened Karula yet when we were there, but it is open now.

 

Please share your book so I can see your photos too. I love seeing how people view the world through their camera. If you are using Blurb, I do not think you will be disapointed.

 

Enjoy creating a beautiful memory of your trip!

 

Thanks for all the info. I'm making a note of different camps people stay at and will check them out for the next time we go.

 

Camp Jabulani was amazing. I would have a hard time explaining just how wonderful it was. It is incredibly expensive and was probably a once in a lifetime thing for us (a special birthday gift) and I'll never forget it. My daughter put in a request to ride Jabulani and they gave her a ride and a special meet and greet. She was honoured. Once I get my book done I'll try and remember to let you know. I am NOT creative at all so have a hard time doing these books and I have a terribel time picking out the pictures. I have 3,800 from our 10 days so it'll be tough.

 

Thanks again. Maybe we'll meet in Africa someday! :)