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Best Online Photo Books

By R. Anderson - 2/2009

Photo books are a product line that has advanced greatly in the past few years. The sophistication of layout and editing software has become much stronger, and the choice of book sizes, bindings, covers, and layouts make it possible to publish your own coffee table quality photo book for a reasonable price.

With the ability to vary page layouts within a given book, and the ability to add text and image captions, you can tell a themed story or memory in a very professional sort of way. Although they are called photo books, they can be made to be illustrated story books or history books, where you or other members of your family are the lead characters.

Although larger hardcover photo books are not cheap, they are quite reasonable when compared to the time and expense involved in creating traditional photo albums, or family history books. The ability to caption and title images provides a very professional looking finished product.

This ability to combine images, text, and captions can give additional meaning and personal color to a collection of images, and it becomes much easier to create a story that can be passed along.

Additionally, once the layout is completed, multiple copies can be made easily, while taking advantage of volume discounts.

If you have an online album or share site at Shutterfly.com,Snapfish.com by HP, or Kodak Gallery, you can create a photo book from images stored with each, or with additional image uploads.

My top choice for Online Photo Books is Picaboo. Picaboo is a niche website which only offers photo books and cards. The site's focus on photo books allows it to offer some additional and impressive layout features. Additionally, the relatively unique approach of Picaboo is to allow you to download their proprietary software, and to Create A Photo Book at your own pace, on your computer, and at your home. Only when you are ready to purchase, do you upload the finished layout and associated images.

Tip: If you do download Picaboo'sfree software to see what it is all about, the download does take some time, and you will be asked to create an account short of providing any credit card information. Note that "Heritage" themes are not included in this download, but can be accessed by a link to more themes at the website.