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So you've finished gathering the images for a photo book concept or an occasion that you adore. The photographs are amazing, the sequencing is ideal, and you are completely certain you'll achieve your ultimate, grand vision. There's just one problem: what printing option do you go with in order to bring your vision to life? Here comes the final, crucial step of creating your photo book—printing. Here are the three common options to consider if you're looking to print photo book pictures, and some of the pros and cons involved.
Print-on-demand
The print-on-demand approach, a standard service in the publishing industry, is possibly the simplest and most affordable way to publish and print your photo book. Additionally, it requires the least amount of involvement on your part.
Print-on-demand is exactly what it sounds like; you supply the finished content design, and a printer, publisher, or distributor prints a copy of the book every time one is requested. This is a brilliantly economical method for printing a few or many copies of your picture book with almost no waste. Printing only happens when there is an order for your photo book. This option also often comes with extra benefits, such as a free ISBN.
Traditional Book Printers
Even independently published photographers can have extremely high-quality photo books printed through traditional book printers, who offer enormous creative control over practically every aspect of the printing process. If you want to go big with your photo book project and have the financial (and marketing) resources to spare, this is the way to go. During the process. This means that you can typically choose the types of paper and binding materials you want for your prints, as well as physically proof them, to ensure that your pictures turn out exactly the way you want them to.
Unfortunately, those making their first picture book or those with limited resources for publishing their work won't necessarily find this to be the most forgiving option.
It entails being prepared to exercise your creative judgment on every aspect of your book, which could be incredibly stressful. Additionally, the bulk of these printing companies have rigid requirements for minimum printing runs for all printed books.
Therefore, this might not be the ideal course for your project unless you require more than 1,000 copies of your photo book. However, the per-copy price of large-volume printers like these equates to relatively attractive profit margins when you evaluate the quality versus the cost of the product.
Limited Quantity Printing
This is probably the ideal option for your photo book if you're seeking to strike a balance between precise creative control, pricing, and volume.
This printing technique is commonly referred to as "artisan" printing. It involves a small number of meticulously constructed books, frequently with carefully chosen materials and craftsmanship, which can be sold more as a statement of one's identity than as a commodity.
Limited quantity printing is ideal for face-to-face marketing, where the photo book itself can be likened to an art piece.
We hope you found this guide helpful in selecting a printing option for your photo book. Once you’re done, it's time to display your picture in a softcover or hardcover photo book, and voila! Your work is done and ready to be showcased.
