I’m pretty good at remembering to print out my digital photos every few months so I can keep hard copies of my memories. However they do just sit in photo-sized boxes on a shelf so maybe I’m not making the most of them.
So when I was asked by Pixum to test out their photo-book software, I thought I’d give it a go. The software took a few minutes to download and the process was relatively straightforward. I don’t count myself as a techno whizz but then again, I have learned a bit about computers over the years. I suppose what I’m saying is that I was able to create a photo book but I wouldn’t ask my mother to give it a try.
The software is designed to give the user plenty of options and if you want to create something very special, all bells and whistles, then you can have hours of fun experimenting with templates, adding text etc.
I decided to create a book of my favourite Iceland photos. I uploaded my Iceland photo file onto the Pixum site, chose a suitable size and shape (small, landscape) and began to shuffle the photos around.
Here’s a screenshot to give you an idea of what was involved:
I decided to keep it simple with no text and a maximum of three photos to a page. If any of the photos were too grainy the system warned me that the quality wouldn’t be good enough so I was able to swap them around or make them smaller.
The best thing about it? Paying a little bit extra for a hard cover and realising the Pixum process allowed a photo to be used to wrap around the front and back.
The book I chose had 26 pages and cost £17.99. Postage was £3.99. There were special offers on the home page offering discounts, so it would probably have cost less than this but I was using a £25 voucher given to me by the company.
I was delighted with the result. Fast delivery, high quality paper and just look at that cover, using my all-time favourite Iceland photograph. Now I have the memories of a special holiday as a keepsake. It brought a tear to my eye when I opened it, soppy old thing that I am.
That looks really great. I use another company that's based in Spain (can't remember who for the moment but it begins with an H) and made a lovely calendar for my mum and a couple of mugs for my dearly beloved.
I'd like to do a book of the boys some time…
There's so much you can do with digital photos now. I must admit I was really pleased with this: the book makes my photos look professional!
You would have no problem doing one, if you've done a calendar.
I had this conversation with my mum a few months ago – that photo albums just sit there! For Mothers' Day last year I gave her and ma-in-law a hard-back photo book of me and the kids and they loved it. Will definitely keep this in mind too.
My mum was telling me she had seen your mum's photo book and that it was gorgeous. Didn't you have text in it? Poetry?
My gosh that's spectacular, particularly the cover. What a great gift that would make.
The cover is really good and very glossy too. I'm often stuck for gifts but I've got all sorts of ideas now for people, plus may save up and do a book for each country we've been to!!
I was initially skeptical but actually the finished product is rather handsome!
Oh ye of little faith!
When I look at the book I can't quite believe the photos are mine from my fairly bog-standard camera. The pages feel very silky too but you'll have to take my word for that!
I like this! I'm on a personal vendetta against photobox (long story but it involves them trying to rip me (and lots of other people) off, so anyone else who does nice photo things gets my vote!
Although not photo books… 'cos me, well, I still have albums. Interleaved and everything, with those little double sided photo sticker things to attach the pictures.
I know, I was basically born in 1950….
I'm very impressed you do the proper album thing. I do have a lot of baby photos in albums but only the simple plastic wallet variety, which isn't the same thing at all.
What a wonderful idea! I know I need to do something about our Thailand photos; maybe this is the answer.
Certainly worth a go; there's something about the photos being in a book which adds a different dimension to them. Can't quite put my finger on why that should be but it gave me quite a thrill.
Hello Trish,
Thank you for the lovely review. We are very pleased that you like your Pixum photo book. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to review some of our other products in the future.
Best wishes,
Nicole
Pixum.co.uk
Pleased you enjoyed the review, Nicole. I was very happy with the result.
Wow, that is really a great service. I wonder though if I am in the category of your Mum. I do worry that all our photos are not on hard drive or paper. I have commissioned the 14-year old to teach me the rudiments of photoshop. So far though suddenly he has become busy with homework…
I think Photoshop is too complicated for me. I just crop pictures and remove red-eye, using the basic Windows Photo Gallery, and that's my limit. That might give you an idea of the level I'm at and how this book wasn't too difficult!
Wow that's lovely! Will definitely be having a look! Emma 🙂
I've seen photo book websites but usually they show lots of people in the photos. It worked well having a mixture of faces and landscapes. Glad you like it, Emma x
Hey Trish, you've been tagged over at mine 🙂
http://www.sarahhague.com/2012/03/id-come-back-as-cat.html
Bugger 😉
(Actually it looks quite an interesting one)
I LOVE this! What an excellent idea. I have an endless (seemingly) number of pix I need to get organised and this sounds much better than printing them off and putting them into albums. Clever you.
If you really have the time and skill then for the same cost you can go to town with all the extras – text, background etc. Certainly worth considering for a specific group of photos.