How to Create Hardcover Photo Albums

Gather your digital images into one location on your computer and begin editing each image for digital printing. Open the image in a photo editing program and go to the image settings dialogue box to check the image dimensions. Your photos should be at least 4 x 6 inches in size and have a resolution of 150 to 300 DPI. The DPI, or image resolution, refers to the amount of information present in your digital image file, represented by pixels. If the resolution is too low, or set at the digital screen output of 72 DPI, your prints will be jagged and distorted. If the DPI is too low, go to the image size dialogue box and enter the appropriate DPI or 150 or higher. This will adjust the width and height of the photo. If these dimensions become too small, you will need to use a different, larger image. An image can only be enlarged to a certain extent, as sometimes there is simply not enough data present to extend a smaller image for a printing size.

Select a print-on-demand service, such as LuLu or Blurb, which offers to print a hardcover photo book on demand, or when you order. LuLu and Blurb are self-publishing services that print only books, though Blurb focuses on photo books and LuLu offers both photo books and regular book publications. As of April 2010, a small photo book at LuLu starts at $9.95 and goes up depending on the number of pages, size of book and type of covers and bindings, and a hardcover photo book with Blurb of approximately the same size starts at $22.95. Research the user reviews and be sure they have positive feedback prior to ordering your book.

Open an account with your printing service and begin uploading the images to your account. The service will walk you through this step, but it is usually a simple and straightforward process.

Choose the layout and artwork that matches the theme of your book and displays your images in the appropriate manner. For example, if you are creating a book of your baby's first six months, choose a light pink or blue color palette with infant graphics, such as toys or flowers scattered throughout the book alongside your images. Be sure to show several of the best images in a large format on the page to enhance the visual variety of the book. Multiple-sized images will make the book more appealing to engage with. LuLu uses a book design program directly on its website, whereas Blurb offers a free book-building software program to download in order to create your book.

Each service will provide a multitude of layouts for each page, be it four square images per page or one large print, and as you build your album, the programs will walk you through your layout selection for each page. These layouts are adjustable at any time. You will see the book laid out prior to finalizing your order. The services allow you complete creative control, although each one will vary slightly in how much editing is allowed.

Finalize the layout and be sure there are no duplicate images and that the images are in the proper places throughout your book. If you are printing multiple copies of the book, it is a good idea to test the service by ordering just one book, reviewing it upon delivery and then ordering the remaining books at a later date. Your account should still have your layouts, so you will simply log in to your account and order a new book.