Preserve Your Memories: My Top Photo Printing Recommendations
Finding the perfect photo book can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, from highly customizable platforms to clean, minimalist designs. Over the years, I've used several services for different projects, each with its own strengths. I’ve created sentimental books for my family, gifted books to my in-laws, and even printed simple photo sets and holiday cards.
Through all this, I've found that the "best" company really depends on the project. In this guide, I’ll share my honest review of Mixbook, Shutterfly, and Artifact Uprising, so you can choose the right service for your next memory-keeping project.
Mixbook: The Best Choice for Custom, Sentimental Projects
If you love to get creative and design every detail, Mixbook is my top recommendation.
When I wanted to create a special photo book for the birth of my baby and a keepsake to remember my senior dog that passed away, I knew I needed a platform that would allow me to be truly creative. This is where Mixbook shines. It was also my choice for my most important wedding photo albums—one for my tea ceremony and a second for my Hawaiian ceremony.
Top Reasons to Choose Mixbook:
Ultimate Creative Control: Their incredibly intuitive and powerful editing tools allow you to customize every single page with different layouts, backgrounds, and stickers.
High-Quality Results: The paper and print quality are excellent, with vibrant colors that make your photos pop.
Perfect for Cherished Memories: For projects where every detail matters and the memories are deeply personal, Mixbook is my go-to choice.
Shutterfly: The Best Choice for Affordable, Convenient Gifting
While Mixbook is perfect for my personal keepsakes, there are times when cost-efficiency is the top priority. This is why I've often used Shutterfly for my holiday cards and for gifting. I’ve made several photobooks with them to give to my mom and mother-in-law, and I also created a durable board book of our son for him to play with.
Top Reasons to Choose Shutterfly:
Budget-Friendly: Shutterfly has frequent sales and deals that make their products a very cost-effective option.
Quick & Easy to Use: The platform is straightforward, making it easy to create a product quickly.
Great for Everyday Prints: While the customization isn't as robust as Mixbook's, the quality is still great for everyday prints, gifts, and fun projects.
Artifact Uprising: The Best Choice for a Minimalist, Premium Look
If you're looking for an ultra-clean, minimalist design, Artifact Uprising is an excellent option. This service focuses on high-end materials and an elegant, professional aesthetic. Their books feel less like scrapbooks and more like fine art.
Top Reasons to Choose Artifact Uprising:
Elegant & Premium Feel: This service is all about high-end materials and a professional, minimalist design.
Effortless Simplicity: The editing tools are very simple, which is perfect if you want a clean, no-fuss look.
Ideal for Display: Best suited for those who appreciate simplicity and are willing to pay for a luxurious product that will sit beautifully on a coffee table.
The Final Verdict: A Quick Summary
Here's a quick look at each service to help you decide which one is right for your project:
Artifact Uprising
Best For: Premium, minimalist photo books for professional use or display.
Price: Premium (more expensive than competitors).
My Top Pick: Yes, for a luxurious feel.
Mixbook
Best For: Highly customized, sentimental projects like wedding and baby albums.
Price: Mid-range, with frequent sales.
My Top Pick: Yes, for my personal, high-quality projects.
Shutterfly
Best For: Affordable, everyday projects like holiday cards and gifts.
Price: Budget-friendly, with frequent promotions.
My Top Pick: Yes, for holiday cards and gifts.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to get your photos off your phone and into your hands. I encourage you to turn your digital files into beautiful keepsakes that you and your loved ones can cherish for a lifetime.
Ready to tell your story in prints?
Now that you have the details, you're ready to start. Take your favorite photos and transform them into a beautiful photo book, a custom card, or a unique gift. Just click the button below to get started.
(Full disclosure: I am a proud affiliate partner with Mixbook and may earn a commission from purchases made through the links in this article. Your support helps me continue to share these resources!)
