How to Make a Photo Book: Easy 10-Step Guide

TL;DR

• A photo book is shaped by its purpose, whether it’s a keepsake, wedding album, gift, or professional portfolio.
• The format matters, with softcovers being affordable, hardcovers more premium, and layflat best for panoramic spreads.
• Book size influences both budget and impact, with smaller books costing less and larger formats creating a stronger impression.
• Costs depend on format, page count, and finishes, with Ex Why Zed’s instant quote tool making budgeting in GBP simple.
• Turnaround times average 7–14 days, but Ex Why Zed delivers faster, with softcovers in 5 days and hardbacks in 7.

Scrolling through endless folders of photos isn't the same as holding them in a book. Yet for many people, figuring out how to make a photo book can feel confusing. When you start planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you make your own wedding photo book or turn your camera roll into a hardcover edition? What about the cost of photo book printing, and how long does a photo book take to print?

Creating a professional-looking photo book is easier than you might think. In this guide, we'll break down the steps so you know exactly how to make a photo book in the UK, from design, cover type, and budgeting to where to get a personalised photo book printed, with real examples from Ex Why Zed.

How to Make a Photo Book: Step-by-Step Guide

To simplify the process, we've broken it down into clear steps that guide you from your first idea to a finished photo book you'll be proud of.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Audience

Every great photo book starts with a purpose. Here are some of the most common ones to consider:

• Personal Keepsake: A memory book of a holiday, family milestone, or your child's early years, capturing those special memories.
• Creative Portfolio: For photographers, designers, or artists, a photo book serves as a professional showcase.
• Gift: Photo books make thoughtful, personalised presents for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas.
• Limited-Edition Project: Artists and self-publishers often use photo books to sell small runs of their work.

By clarifying the purpose, you'll make better decisions about the style, size, and level of customisation. A wedding album may call for a luxury hardcover, while a holiday memory book could be a more affordable softcover.

Defining your audience also helps set the right tone, whether elegant and polished for clients or casual and fun for family and friends.

Step 2: Decide on the Style of Photo Book

Once you know your purpose, it's time to choose the style of book that best suits you. This decision has the biggest influence on the overall feel of your project.

• Softcover Books: Lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective. Great for travel books or quick projects. Our small softcover photo book is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact option.
• Hardcover Books: Durable and premium-looking, perfect if you want to make your own custom photo books or a small photo book. They're ideal for portfolios and projects you'll use often.
• Layflat Photo Books: Printed on thick paper that opens completely flat, making them ideal for panoramic images and wedding photography due to their layflat binding. Our XXL Landscape photo books, which are considered large photo books, have plenty of space and are perfect for this.
• Wedding Photo Books: Usually hardcover or layflat, often with added finishes like foil stamping, embossed titles, or luxury papers. If you're planning to create your own wedding photo book to showcase your beautiful photos, this format will have the most impact.

At Ex Why Zed, both hardcover and softcover formats are available, along with options for lamination, foiling, and FSC-certified papers. That means you can tailor the style of your book to match your purpose without compromising on quality.

Step 3: Choose the Size and Orientation

When people ask how do I make a versatile photo book that looks professional, size and orientation are two of the first choices to consider. These decisions affect both the design possibilities and the overall feel of the finished book.

Here are some options to help you decide:

• Square Photo Books: Work well for Instagram-style images and balanced layouts.
• Landscape Books: Ideal for panoramic photos, weddings, or travel photo album.
• Portrait Books: Give a more traditional feel and are often chosen for portfolios or personalised photo albums.
• Pocket-Sized Editions: Compact and fun for gifting, while A3 photo books make an impressive statement piece.

If you want to make a photo book UK that is cost-effective but still impactful, smaller sizes are more affordable, while larger formats naturally increase printing costs. At Ex Why Zed, you can choose from a wide variety of formats, making it easy to match the design to your purpose.

Step 4: Select Your Photos Carefully

One of the most common mistakes people make when creating a photo book is trying to include too many images. The best photo books tell a story, which means editing down to your strongest shots. To get it right, follow these guidelines:

• Curate with Purpose: Instead of adding every photo from an event, focus on the images that capture key moments and emotions.
• Balance Quantity with Quality: A photo book with fewer but more powerful images will feel more polished.
• Sequence Matters: Arrange photos to create a narrative flow, whether that is a chronological story, such as a wedding day, or a thematic approach for a creative portfolio.
• Balance Wide Shots and Close-Ups: Creates contrast and keeps the design engaging.

Pro Tip: If you are creating a wedding album and want to make your own wedding photo book, choose images that capture both the big events and the intimate, candid details. For travel or portfolio books, highlight a mix of landscapes, portraits, and detail shots to show depth.

At Ex Why Zed, many creators choose to order a proof copy first. This allows you to see how your photos look on paper before committing to a larger print run. Order your proof copy today and get complete peace of mind before you go to print.

Step 5: Plan the Layout and Add Text

The layout is where your photo book starts to come alive. Think of it as visual storytelling: how your images, page layouts, and words work together to guide the reader through your book.

Here are some layout tips to keep in mind:

• Keep It Simple: Avoid cramming too many images on a single page. White space makes photos stand out.
• Add Meaningful Text: Captions, short quotes, or even full stories can give context. For example, in a wedding album, add names, dates, or snippets from vows.
• Choose Fonts Carefully: Stick to one or two clean, legible fonts so the text complements your images rather than distracting from them.
• Maintain Consistency: Use the same alignment, spacing, and font style throughout to create a polished, professional feel.

If you've been asking how do you make a photo book that feels more personal, adding text is the answer. Even a simple caption can transform a collection of photos into a meaningful narrative.

Step 6: Pick Your Paper and Finishes

The paper you choose will significantly influence both the look and feel of your photo book, especially on the inside pages. High gloss paper enhances colours and adds a unique sumptuous depth, while matte photographic paper or uncoated finishes, including a deep-matte finish, create a softer, more sophisticated style.

At Ex Why Zed, we offer a range of quality paper options, including classic photographic paper for high-detail projects. A UV gloss coating can further enhance brilliant colour vibrance for books with bold, colourful images.

Here are some popular paper choices to consider:

• Gloss: Ideal for bright, colourful images, such as travel or holiday books.
• Silk or satin: Offers a balance between vibrancy and subtlety, perfect for a wide range of projects.
• Uncoated: Gives a more natural look, often favoured for art or minimalist portfolios.
• Textured papers: Add a tactile quality, making books feel more premium.

Finishes such as lamination, embossing, or foil stamping can further elevate your project. This is especially useful if you're planning to make your own hardcover photo book or create a wedding album with extra luxury.

The choice of paper and finishes also affects the cost of photo book printing. Premium papers and specialist finishes add to the expense but give your book a lasting, professional quality.

Explore Ex Why Zed's photo book portfolio to see real examples of paper types and finishes in action.

Step 7: Understand the Cost of Photo Book Printing

Budget is often the deciding factor when people ask how to make a photo book or how to make a photo book in the UK. The cost of photo book printing varies depending on several elements:

• Size and Format: Larger books or layflat styles cost more than smaller, simpler editions.
• Binding Type: Softcovers are more affordable, while hardcovers and wedding albums with custom finishes are premium options.
• Page Count: The number of pages can significantly impact costs, as more pages typically result in higher costs.
• Paper Choice: Upgrading from standard silk to textured or uncoated paper adds to the price.
• Finishes: Extras like lamination, foiling, or embossing also increase the overall cost.

When planning your book, set a realistic budget and decide where you're willing to invest. For example, you might choose a standard paper but upgrade to a hardcover if durability is your top priority.

Ex Why Zed makes budgeting simple with an instant quote tool that shows costs upfront in GBP. Try the instant quote tool now!

Step 8: Consider the Timeline

Another common question is how long it takes to print a photo book. On average, photo books take 7 to 14 days from order to delivery. This includes:

• Production time: Usually 4 to 7 working days for printing and binding.
• Shipping: An additional 2-7 days, depending on the courier and location.

The type of book also matters. A softcover can be ready faster, while a hardcover or layflat version takes a little longer due to the added finishing steps. Seasonal peaks, such as Christmas or wedding season, can also extend timelines.

Knowing this helps you plan. If your photo book is a gift or tied to a special event, order it early to ensure it arrives on time.

Step 9: Where to Get a Photo Book Printed

Once your design is ready, the next decision is where to get a photo book printed in the highest quality. The choice of printer has a significant impact on quality, cost, and the level of customisation you’ll have for your book.

in the highest quality. The choice of printer has a significant impact on quality, cost, and the right size of customisation you’ll have for your book.

• Giant Online Services: Companies like Photobox or CEWE are convenient and offer fast, template-based design tools. They're a good fit for casual projects, but can feel limited if you want more control over the process.
• Specialist Printers: If you want a professional finish, especially for portfolios, art books, or wedding albums, working with a specialist gives you more choice in paper, binding, and finishes.

For example, Ex Why Zed offers both softcover and hardcover photo books, as well as FSC-certified papers and extras like foil stamping and lamination. Every file is given a free preflight check, helping to ensure your book is print-ready before production starts. This mix of flexibility and attention to detail makes it easier to create a book that feels uniquely yours.

Step 10: Prepare Your Files and Place the Order

The final step is to ensure your files are ready for printing. This is where a little preparation saves a lot of frustration later.

• Export Correctly: Save your final design as a high-resolution PDF. Check margins, bleeds, and image quality to avoid blurry or cropped results.
• Check Colours: What you see on screen may differ from print. Use CMYK colour settings for more accurate results.
• Proofread Carefully: Review every page for typos, layout issues, or missing images before submitting.
• Submit to Your Printer: Once your files are ready, upload them to your chosen service. Some providers, including Ex Why Zed, offer free file checks before printing, which gives peace of mind.

After that, it's just a matter of waiting for your book to be produced and delivered. With the proper preparation, you'll receive a photo book that looks professional and preserves your memories for years to come.

Why Creators Prefer Printing with Ex Why Zed?

Many photo book printers offer limited options, slow turnaround times, or unclear pricing. Ex Why Zed provides a specialist service with professional quality, fast delivery, and transparent costs in GBP.

Here are the main types of photo books we create:

• Softcover Photo Books: Perfect-bound with a durable square spine and modern look. Usually ready in 5 working days.
• Hardcover Photo Books: Premium finish built to last. Ideal for wedding albums, portfolios, or coffee table books. Produced in about 7 working days.

Tested Specifications for Cost and Quality

This mix of quality, flexibility, and support is why designers, photographers, and self-publishers across the UK choose Ex Why Zed for their photo books.

Start your photo book today with Ex Why Zed. Get an instant online quote and see how simple professional printing can be!

Final Words

Learning how to make a photo book doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear purpose, the right format, and thoughtful photo selection, you can choose from different formats, add your own photos, and create something that feels both professional and personal.

From wedding photo albums to creative portfolios or perfect keepsakes, each decision, from layout to finishes, shapes the final result of your unique photo book. A well-planned photo book not only preserves your favourite moments but also tells a story that lasts for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much text should I include in my photo book?

Though there's no fixed rule, moderation is essential. Your text shouldn't overshadow your images. Instead, it should amplify the story your photos are telling. While some pages may require lengthy narratives, others can be conveyed with a few lines or a single word; it's all about balance.

How do I choose the correct font size and style for my photo book?

Choosing font size and style primarily depends on the overall theme, layout, and intended readability of your photo book. Keep the font readable, complementary to your images, and consistent throughout the book. Also, balance decorative fonts for headings and simple ones for body text.

Can I add text to an existing photo book design?

Yes, most photo book maker allow you to add or modify text on an existing design via a mobile app. The software often provides an 'Add text' button or similar option, which you can use to insert new text boxes into your layout.

What options are there for printing a photo book with a discount?

You can save on photo book printing through bulk orders, seasonal sales, promo codes, or student discounts. Many online providers also offer discounted proof copies or loyalty rewards, helping you cut costs without compromising on quality for your favourite photos.

What options are there for printing a photo book with a discount?

You can save by ordering in bulk, using seasonal promotions, or checking for student discounts. Ex Why Zed also helps reduce costs with competitive bulk pricing and clear quotes upfront.

What's the best platform to create personal photo books?

The best platform is one that offers flexibility, quality, and easy customization. Ex Why Zed is a trusted choice in the UK, giving you professional finishes, multiple formats, and fast turnaround times.

What is the best company to make a photo book?

If you want high-quality printing, a wide range of options, and reliable support, Ex Why Zed is one of the best companies to make a photo book in the UK.

Can I make a photo book directly from my phone or tablet?

Yes, you can upload and design your photo book straight from your mobile device. It’s a quick and convenient way to create without needing a computer.

How do I organise my photos by events or dates in a photo book?

Group images by occasion or timeline and arrange them in sequence for a clear story flow. This helps your book feel more structured and easy to follow.