Your newly digitised analogue photos are safely preserved for posterity – now what? Happily, here comes the fun part: celebrating and sharing them. In a time dominated by fleeting digital images, a photo book offers a joyous and heartfelt way to share special moments from history with the wider family and friends, a treasured keepsake that can be printed in multiple if necessary and will be cherished by future generations too. What could be a more special gift than a carefully compiled collection of precious special photos, replicated albums, letters, scrapbooks and print memorabilia.
Research shows that revisiting old photos can boost your mood, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection with your roots, and it goes without saying that flicking through a book together beats sitting at a screen.
With this in mind, selecting the right photo book company becomes all the more important, but so many out there where do you start? To help, here’s our review of our favourite photo book companies in the UK for 2024.
1. Bob Books
Best for: High-quality, professional-grade photo books, independently owned
One of the first UK-based platforms for designing, printing and publishing photo books Bob Books was founded by the publisher John Brown and graphic designers Mireille Burkhardt and Lexi Burgess in 2006 with a mission to create an intuitive platform allowing everyone to make beautifully crafted, customised photo books. Based in Notting Hill, London, Bob Books has since established itself as one of the leading photobook providers in the UK, renowned for its premium materials and professional-quality printing. A favourite of both amateur photographers and professionals alike.
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Pros:
- Exceptional print quality with accurate colours and sharp images
- Wide range of customisation options
- Available in hardcover, softcover, and premium lay-flat formats
- Minimal branding, with an option to remove logos entirely
- Monthly photo book competition and a bookshop where customers can sell their own photo books
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Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other options, although this reflects the quality
- Longer production time
- Support (for advanced technical issues) could be improved
2. PhotoBox
Best for: Budget-friendly photo books with frequent discounts
PhotoBox is a popular choice for those looking to create a photo book without breaking the bank. With a straightforward online editor and frequent discounts, PhotoBox provides a reliable and cost-effective option, especially for those looking to create multiple copies.
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Pros:
- Affordable pricing with regular promotional offers
- Easy-to-use online editor
- Fast turnaround time
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Cons:
- Print quality is good but not as high-end as some competitors
- Limited customisation options
- Visible branding which cannot be removed
3. Papier
Best for: Stylish and personalised photo books
Papier is renowned for its chic and modern stationery, often collaborating with illustrators and designers to create popular letter writing sets and invitation cards. Its photo books reflect their fresh and fashionable high-end aesthetic. The company uses quality materials, and unlike some competitors, Papier does not add any branding to their photo books, making them a clean and stylish choice. While the design options are beautifully curated, they are somewhat limited, and there is less flexibility for those looking to heavily customise their photo book.
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Pros:
- Elegant and modern design templates
- High-quality paper and binding
- No visible branding on the photo books
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Cons:
- Fewer advanced customisation options
- Limited size and format choices
4. WhiteWall
Best for: Gallery-quality photo books and prints
WhiteWall is the go-to choice for those looking to create beautiful, gallery-quality photo books. The company is highly regarded for its precision in colour accuracy and the impeccable quality of its materials, including options like acrylic covers and fine art paper. WhiteWall does not include any branding on its photo books, which may be important for those looking to create a professional presentation. However, the premium pricing and longer production times are considerations for those working within a budget or tight timeline.
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Pros:
- Museum-grade printing and archival-quality materials
- Exceptional colour accuracy and detail
- No branding on the photo books
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Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Longer delivery times due to high-end production
5. CEWE Photoworld
Best for: Versatile photo books with extensive customisation
CEWE (pronounced ‘see-wee’) was founded by Heinz Neumüller in 1961, who named the company after the initials of his father-in-law, Carl Wöltje. Whilst the group’s headquarters are located in Germany, its UK production, customer service, sales and marketing teams are based in Warwick, UK. Cewe Photoworld offers a comprehensive service catering to a broad range of needs, from simple photobooks to more elaborate creations with extensive customisation options – and it’s a popular choice for photographic professionals. That said, their design software may be overwhelming for those less tech-savvy or who would like more guidance with their choices.
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Pros:
- Offers a wide range of sizes, formats, and finishes
- High-quality print options, including lay-flat binding
- Comprehens