Photo Albums vs. Photo Books: The Breakdown
1. Paper type
One of the most obvious differences between Photo Albums and Photo Books is the paper type. Photo Album images are printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Digital Pro II Lustre photo paper, just like a traditional Photo Print. The Lustre photo paper (the industry standard for photo printing) has a matte finish with a slight sheen.
Photo Book images are printed directly onto your choice of press paper (semi-gloss, linen, or pearl). Although it differs from photographic paper, press paper is a much better option for printing photos than typical computer paper. Plus, since it’s easier to write on press paper, Photo Books are perfect for use as guest books and travel journals.
2. Construction
Photo Album images are printed on photographic paper that is reinforced by a premium substrate. This material makes the pages rigid, thus ensuring the finished product’s long-term durability. Once printed, all of the Album pages are expertly matched with a handcrafted cover to create an archival-quality heirloom Album.
Album pages are available in both a “thin” (approximately the width of a dime) and a “thick” (approximately the width of a penny) style.
The pages in a Photo Book are printed directly onto press paper and then bound with inimitable precision using our proprietary construction technology. The final steps in construction differ based on the chosen page style (which is discussed below).
3. Page style
All Photo Albums have what is called “lay flat” or “flush mount” pages, meaning there is no break or binding that disrupts the flow of a spread from page to page. This allows you to create striking panoramic spreads or to get creative with two-page layouts.
Photo Books are available in a Classic style (with traditional bookbinding) or a Lay Flat style. The Lay Flat Photo Book style differs from an Album in that there is a small “gutter” between the two pages in each spread.
When designing Lay Flat Photo Books, we do not recommend placing people or text across the center of the spread as it may not line up properly in the gutter of the pages when printed.
4. Cover options
Album options include:
- 7 types of genuine Italian leather
- 2 shades of cotton linen
- Custom Canvas Photo
- Custom Lustre Photo
Hardcover Photo Book options include:
- 2 types of genuine Italian leather
- 3 shades of linen cloth
- Custom Lustre Photo
*Cover embossing is available for both products. Our books and albums design supports up to three lines of text aligned in the center of the cover or on the bottom right.
Each line may not exceed up to 20 characters, including spaces, based on uppercase/lowercase usage. Please advise, we cannot emboss the following characters | , / , {, }, ( , ).
5. Pages Available
Album builders can include up to 40 spreads/80 pages (after choosing thin pages) or 25 spreads/50 pages (after choosing thick pages).
Since Photo Book pages do not include a substrate, more pages can fit into a Photo Book than an Album. You can include up to 60 spreads (120 pages) in a single classic-style book. For the Lay Flat style, you can include up to 30 spreads (60 pages).
6. Size options
Photo Albums are available in the following sizes:
- 8×8″
- 8×10″ / 10×8″
- 8×12″ / 12×8″
- 10×10″
- 12×12″
Photo Books are available in the following sizes:
- 5×7″
- 8×8"
- 8.5×11″
- 10×10″
- 12×12″
7. Price point
Besides the overall look and feel, the price point is one of the biggest differences between Photo Albums and Photo Books. Linen Cover Photo Albums in our Album99 collection start at $99.00, while Canvas Wrap, Genuine Leather, Photo Wrap, and Vegan Leather Covers start at $129.00. Photo Books start at $41.75.
8. Finished product
Photo Albums are a substantial, heavier option, kind of like a formal coffee table book.
Photo Books, however, are more lightweight and thinner, thus taking up less room on the couch or on the shelf.
Please contact us if you need further assistance or have any questions for our Customer Support team!
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