Photo Book Site Reviews by Kelli Regan
In the November 2010 issue of ParentLife, Kelli Regan wrote about how to create an online photo book. Here are her extended reviews of specific photo sites.
Shutterfly
Shutterfly is the top-rated online photo processing site with consumers and reviewers. Besides photo books, they offer a full line of photographic products like prints, Christmas cards, and gift items like coffee mugs, T-shirts, and more.
Why I Like It:
- Web site is intuitive and remarkably easy to use
- Hundreds of themed templates and backgrounds
- “Simple Paths” feature allows you to create a photo book in minutes
- High-quality output with satisfaction guaranteed
- Plentiful tutorials and online help
- Excellent choice for beginner and advanced users
Mixbook
Launched in 2006, Mixbook is a relative newcomer but has quickly become a top-rated site. Mixbook offers only photo books, so you’ll have to go elsewhere for prints and other photo services.
Why I Like It:
- Easy-to-navigate Web site
- Highly customizable layouts
- Strong online community
- Allows friends to add their own photos and pages to your book.
- Integrates with popular photo storage sites like Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, and Facebook
- “AutoMix” feature builds a complete photo book in minutes
- Excellent choice for experienced users who want lots of customizable options. (These choices, however, may overwhelm novice photo-book creators.)
Snapfish
Owned by Hewlett-Packard, Snapfish is one of the most popular photo processing Web sites. In recent years they’ve added sizing and binding options and additional customization features to their photo books.
Why I Like It:
- “Express Photo Book” feature auto-fills photos into a complete layout in minutes
- Plentiful theme and embellishment options
- More sizing and cover design options than most other publishers
- Offers a complete line of photo products including personalized board books that feature your little ones
- Good choice for beginners and experienced users. (Advanced users and professionals may want a higher-end provider.)
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Do you have a favorite online site from which to order prints, gift, and photo books?
