Boudoir Photography: Picking Between Photo Book & Album for Memories
Updated: Jun 21
You did it! --And had a blast. Now that its time to start choosing your favorite photos from your boudoir session and deciding how you want them printed-- things can become a little uncertain for many women.
When it comes to preserving your boudoir photography, selecting the perfect format is an essential, but underestimated, step. Two popular options are professionally printed photo books and photo albums, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. I often (and always!) get the questions about what are the differences between these two choices... and which is better. Don't be surprised... most people do know know the difference! In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two options and help you determine which one is the right choice for your boudoir memories.
Photo Books: Sleek and Modern
Seamless Design
Photo books have a contemporary and stylish appearance, featuring seamless designs with pages printed on high-quality photographic paper. Most photo books these days have lay flat designs, which help eliminate the crease in between pages allowing for images to flow across the entire spread without interruption. They allow for creative layouts and can showcase your boudoir images in an elegant, artistic manner. Pages are bound together, forming a single, cohesive unit that lies flat when opened, making it easy to view and share your memories.
Durability and Customization
Photo books are designed to last, with covers typically made of hard, durable materials like leather, or terrific fabrics-- some even having photo cover, or acrylic upgrades. Photo books may offer different papers types as well, such as matte, glossy, or specialty styles like felt. Many professional printing companies offer a wide range of customization options, from cover designs to page finishes, so you can create a unique keepsake tailored to your taste. One of my go-to photo books over the years has been the Signature Book from Millers Lab-- you can't beat it for quality.
Price and Turnaround Time
Inch per inch, photo books tend to generally have a lower cost than traditional photo albums, while preserving a high quality look to your boudoir images. What's the trade off? They may sacrifice some of the bells and whistles in terms of cover options. Think of them as the "budget album." The turnaround time for a professionally printed photo book can vary, but it usually takes one to two weeks to complete the process of printing, binding & shipping.
Photo Albums: Classic and Timeless
Traditional Aesthetic
Photo albums are a classic choice, featuring beautifully printed images on sturdy, acid-free photographic substrate that let the images come to life. They offer a timeless and traditional look, ideal for those who appreciate a more conservative aesthetic. Photo albums are a particular favorite of brides, who are most likely getting a photo album from their wedding photographer to preserve the memories of that most special day, making them perfect for clients who are planning a boudoir session as a wedding gift.
Tangible Experience
A lot of the appeal of a boudoir album is in its construction. One of the key advantages of photo albums is the tactile experience they offer. Each page of a photo album is much thicker and studier than that of a photo book, allowing the product to feel much more substantial in hand. The photographic substrate also seems to enhance the quality of the images. This tangible aspect creates a more intimate connection with your boudoir photos.
Affordability and Design
Compared to photo books, photo albums are generally more expensive, making them an attractive option for clients with a larger budget, and who are looking to take a step up in their image presentation. They may also provide more cover options-- and not only that, more luxurious cover options, such as beautifully textured leathers and fabrics. One of my all time album producers is Finao. Taking a look around their website, you can see some of the amazing work they do in creating a beautiful boudoir album.
Making the Right Choice for Your Boudoir Memories
When deciding between a photo book and a photo album, consider the following factors:
Style: Are you drawn to a modern, seamless design or a classic, traditional aesthetic?
Durability: Do you want a keepsake that's built to last and can withstand the test of time?
Customization: Are you interested in tailoring your boudoir collection to match your unique style and preferences?
Budget: How much are you willing to invest in preserving your boudoir memories?
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between a professionally printed photo book and a professionally printed photo album comes down to your personal preferences, style, and budget.
I always explain it this way to my clients: A Honda Accord and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will both get you to the grocery store, right? --But yet people still go out and buy that Mercedes Benz. Why? A lot of it is an intangible. It's an aesthetic. A feel.
How often do you have a boudoir session? Not very often. It's a special occasion, so budget for it, as such.
Both options can beautifully showcase your boudoir images and become cherished keepsakes. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and you'll be on your way to creating a stunning collection of your boudoir memories.