Looking for Photo Book Examples? 7 Ideas For You

Did you know that globally we snap around 5.3 billion photos every day- that’s about 61,400 each second? Most of those pics live hidden on phones and drives. Turning them into a photo book means you can actually see and feel your memories.

That’s where photo books come in. And we're not talking about just any photo books, we’re talking about the kind of photobooks that feel like a story, not a slideshow.

In this guide we'll talk about real-life photo book examples for all kinds of moments: weddings, travel, anniversaries, even boudoir shoots. So, let's get started.

Not Sure What Kind of Photo Book to Make? Here Are 7 Photo book Examples

From celebrating weddings to capturing travel adventures to chronicling everyday life, these ideas make it easy to turn your photos into something truly beautiful and something you’ll want to revisit again and again.

1. Wedding Photo Book Examples: That Tell Your Love Story

Weddings are magical, and if you're like most couples, you probably ended the day with a phone full of photos, not to mention the ones your photographer took. But how do you turn all those memories into a photo book that truly tells your love story?

Here are some beautiful wedding photo book examples that people absolutely love:

The “Storybook” Wedding Album

Think of this as your very own fairy tale in photo form. You can start right at the beginning, maybe with pictures from your proposal, engagement shoot, or even those behind-the-scenes planning moments.

Then move through each part of your big day: getting ready, walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, the kiss, the celebration, and the final dance.

To make it feel extra special, add little quotes, short captions, or even snippets from your vows to go along with each section.

If you’re unsure how to incorporate text meaningfully, this guide on how to create a photo book with text offers plenty of ideas and layouts that help words and images work beautifully together.

The Minimalist Wedding Book

If your style leans more clean and modern, this one’s for you. Keep the pages simple with neutral backgrounds like white, cream, or soft pastels, and limit it to just one or two standout photos per page. Let the pictures do the talking.

Minimalist books are perfect if you had a professional photographer who captured those jaw-dropping, frame-worthy shots. You don’t need too much clutter, just the raw emotion and beauty of the day.

Pro tip: Want to make it even more personal? Include little details from the day that might otherwise be forgotten, like your handwritten vows, a picture of your invitation suite, or even a snap of your morning coffee before the chaos began. These small touches add warmth and personality that make the book truly yours.

2. Travel Photo Book Examples: That Capture Adventure

There’s something special about flipping through a photo book that brings back your favorite memories. Maybe it's the beach where you watched the sunset, a mountain you climbed, or that time you accidentally ordered something way too spicy in Bangkok. Travel photo books are a fun way to hold on to those stories.

Here are some creative travel photo book examples to turn your travel memories into beautiful photo books:

The “One Trip, One Book” Format

This is perfect if you want to focus on a single holiday. Pick one destination, like your Italy vacation or a solo adventure in Patagonia, and dedicate a whole book to it.

A fantastic real-world example is Will Elsom’s Nepal photo journal, which captures the raw beauty and spirit of a journey through powerful visuals. If you’re planning a similar book, consider using a timeline or map to help structure your story.

Start with a map or a simple timeline of your trip. You could include your itinerary or a list of must-visit places. Then arrange your photos by day or by city. Add short captions to highlight what made each moment special.

The Travel Journal Style

If you enjoy writing down your thoughts, this style combines photos with personal notes. Along with each photo, include short descriptions of what you did that day like:

• What did you eat?
• Who did you meet?
• What surprised you?

Even small details like the color of the sunset or a funny sign you spotted can bring the story to life.

You don’t need to write long paragraphs. A few lines are enough to capture the feeling of the trip. It’s a great way to make your book feel personal and full of personality.

Pro tip: Add little extras like boarding passes, train tickets, or screenshots from Google Maps. You can even include your favourite travel quotes or inside jokes from the trip. And don’t be afraid to show the not-so-perfect moments. Getting lost or caught in the rain often makes for the best stories later on.

Do you have your travel photos ready? If you do, let us know. We can create an amazing Photobook together.

3. Anniversary Photo Book Examples: That Celebrate Your Journey

Whether you’re celebrating one year or fifty, a photobook is a meaningful and personal way to mark the occasion. It’s thoughtful, custom-made, and a lot more memorable than another gift card or box of chocolates.

Here are two lovely anniversary photo book examples to help you create an anniversary photo book that really stands out:

The “Then and Now” Book

This idea is perfect for capturing how far you’ve come together. Start by digging out an old photo from early in your relationship. Then, try to recreate it with the same pose, same place if possible, or somewhere close. Put the original and the new photo side by side on the page.

You can do this throughout the book, comparing moments from the past with ones from the present. It could be your first trip and your most recent holiday, your first home and your current one, or even everyday moments like cooking dinner or walking your dog. It’s nostalgic, fun, and often pretty funny too.

The Love Letter Album

This one combines your favourite photos with little notes or letters to each other. You might write one message for every year you’ve been together or simply include thoughts about your favourite memories.

You don’t have to be a poet. Even a few simple sentences like "I loved this day because..." or "This moment made me feel..." can be incredibly powerful. Add personal touches like inside jokes, quotes you both love, or even song lyrics that remind you of each other.

Pro tip: Start a small anniversary photo book tradition. Make one every year, even if it’s just a few pages long. Over time, you’ll build a beautiful collection that tells the story of your relationship, year by year.

4. Family History Photo Book Examples: That Preserves Legacy

If you’ve got boxes of old family photos tucked away, or relatives who do, a family history photobook is a beautiful way to bring those memories together. It’s more than just a collection of pictures, it’s a way to honour your roots and preserve your story for future generations.

Here are some popular and meaningful family history photobook examples to create one:

The Generational Timeline

This format takes you through your family tree step by step. Start with your grandparents or great-grandparents, then move through each generation. You can dedicate a spread or two to each branch of the family, showing how everyone is connected.

Along with the photos, include names, birthplaces, and any little stories or interesting facts you know. It could be something simple like where someone worked, how they met their partner, or a funny family habit that’s been passed down. Even short details add richness and depth.

The Decades Book

This is a great way to show how your family has changed over time. Divide the book into sections by decade, for example, the 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, and so on. Then fill each section with photos from those years. You’ll be able to see shifts in fashion, hairstyles, homes, celebrations, and everyday life.

And if this sounds like a big project (especially if it’s your first photobook), don’t worry this step-by-step photo book guide walks you through everything from organising your photos to choosing layouts and printing. It’s especially useful for personal or legacy projects like this one.

Pro tip: Don’t stop at just the photos. Scan and include things like handwritten letters, favourite family recipes, postcards, or even old newspaper clippings. These details can turn your book into a true keepsake.

5. Boudoir Photo Book Examples: That Empower and Inspire

Boudoir photo books are becoming more and more popular, and they’re not just for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. These books can be powerful, personal, and artistic way to celebrate yourself, your body, or a special chapter in your life. Here are a couple of beautiful boudoir photobook examples that really stand out:

The Monochrome Editorial

This style is all about simplicity and elegance. Stick with black-and-white photos, soft shadows, and clean, minimalist layouts. It creates a timeless, editorial feel that focuses on mood and movement rather than color or decoration.

You don’t need too many extras here. Let the photos speak for themselves. Choose images that highlight expression, lighting, and shape. This style works especially well for people who want something subtle and classic, but still deeply personal.

The Celebration Book

This one is full of heart. Use it to mark a moment of change, growth, or joy in your life. It could be a birthday, a body transformation, a fresh start after a breakup, or even just a decision to celebrate yourself for no reason at all.

Along with the photos, add empowering touches like quotes, affirmations, or a personal message to yourself. These little words can be just as powerful as the pictures and help turn the book into something you’ll treasure for years.

Pro tip: Ask your photographer for high-resolution images, especially if you’re planning to use a lay-flat photobook. These books open fully across the centre without bending the pages, so your photos won’t get lost in the middle fold. It makes a big difference, especially for full-page spreads.

6. Pet Photo Book: That Celebrate Your Furry Friend

Your pet is part of your family. They’re by your side through lazy Sundays, morning walks, messy meals, and everything in between.

A pet photobook is a lovely way for you to capture those everyday moments and milestones, especially since their time with you always feels too short. Here are two popular pet photo book examples that pet lovers absolutely adore:

The “First Year” Puppy or Kitten Album

Just like baby books, you can document the journey from day one. Start with the day you brought them home, maybe a snapshot of those curious little eyes or tiny paws, and then follow their growth month by month.

Include firsts like their first toy, first bath, or first time at the park. You could also add short notes about their habits, like "loves belly rubs" or "terrified of cucumbers." These tiny details are what you’ll want to remember years from now.

Photos can be arranged in a timeline. If you want to go all in, include vet visit dates, favorite treats, or a little paw print section made with ink or scanned art.

The Personality Portrait Book

This one is all about celebrating your pet’s quirks and character. Dedicate each page or section to a different part of their personality or routine like “Nap King,” “Squirrel Watcher,” “Zoomie Master,” or “Snuggle Pro.”

Use candid shots, close-ups of their eyes, tails, and funny sleeping positions. Add short captions or speech bubbles to give your pet a voice. It’s fun, creative, and makes for a photo book that feels like a love letter to your best buddy.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to include yourself or your family in some of the pages. Action shots of you playing, walking, or snuggling together make the book feel extra special and tell the full story of your bond.

7. Bonus Section: Creative Photo Book Ideas You Might Not Have Tried

Want to shake things up a bit? If you’re looking for photo book ideas that feel fresh and unexpected, here are a few creative twists that go beyond the usual holiday or wedding albums:

• Colour Theme Book: Choose one colour and build your entire book around it. Whether it’s calming blues, sunny yellows, or earthy tones, this kind of photo book looks stunning on a coffee table and adds an artistic touch and enhancement to everyday moments.
• “One Day in the Life” Book: Capture a single day from start to finish morning routines, meals, work, play, and winding down at night. It’s a great way to freeze a moment in time, especially for kids, pets, or even yourself during a special season of life.
• Milestone Tracker: Use your photo book to document a journey. It could be a baby’s first year, a fitness transformation, your pet growing up, or a home renovation. Add notes, small wins, and progress photos to bring the story to life.

Why Choose Ex Why Zed for Photo Books?

Ex Why Zed is a printing platform known for its high-quality, fully customisable photo books. Unlike cookie-cutter platforms, they give you total control over every detail from page sizes and paper finishes to binding styles, cover textures and photo book shipping information.

Whether you’re designing a hardcover photobook for your wedding album, or a light weight soft cover travel journal, Ex Why Zed helps you turn your vision into something tangible and beautifully made.

Want to see your photo book done properly? Get your quote with Ex Why Zed.

Final Thoughts: Your Photos Deserve More Than Just the Cloud

Whether it’s a wedding day, a backpacking trip, or your grandmother’s legacy, the right photo book helps you tell the story in a way that scrolling through your phone never could.

So go ahead explore these photo book examples, get inspired, and start building something beautiful. What matters is that it reflects you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a photo book?

A great photo book usually includes your favorite photos, arranged around a theme or timeline. Add short captions, dates, or titles to give context. You can also include extras like quotes, scanned tickets, letters, or other memorabilia that add a personal touch.

What to write on a photo book?

You can write short captions describing the moment, add meaningful quotes, personal notes, or funny memories. For travel or event books, include dates and places. For family or baby books, you could note milestones, inside jokes, or messages to the people featured.

How to create a good photobook?

Start by choosing a clear theme like a wedding, holiday, or year-in-review. Select your best-quality photos and organise them in a way that tells a story. Use clean, consistent layouts, add short captions, and don’t overcrowd the pages. A mix of wide shots, close-ups, and candid moments works best. Lastly, choose whether you want a softcover of hardcover photo book.

What is the easiest photobook to make?

The easiest way is to make a photobook from Google Photos. Or you can also use Shutterfly and Snapfish to group your photos by date, trip, or event. Just pick a size, select your photos, customise the order or layout if you want, and place your order. It’s fast, simple, and requires no design experience. However, if you're looking for a more professional touch, you can consider Ex Why Zed.

What Makes Mixbook PhotoBook So Popular?

If you're looking for a super simple way to create a beautiful photobook, with free shipping, Mixbook is a favourite among many. The platform is user-friendly, the templates look professionally designed, and you don’t need any graphic design experience to make something that feels personal and polished.

How to make a photo book with Google Photos?

Go to Google Photos on your Apple or Android device, open the “Print Store,” and choose the photobook option. Sign in to your Google Account from your tablet or phone to get started. Google can suggest photos or you can pick them manually.

Once selected, you can rearrange them, add captions, and preview the book. After that, just choose your cover type and place your order. It’s a smooth and beginner-friendly process.