The Right Paper for Your Photo Album

To lay flat or not to lay flat?

This is the question that must be decided when ordering a photo book, because aside from the cover this choice is the most prominent. But what’s a layflat book, you might ask. Basically layflat is the name of a binding technique with which your photo book can be completely opened in a 180° angle allowing the readers to enjoy a true panoramic experience. Due to this unique binding layflat books cannot be made of ordinary materials: the pages are extra thick and they are often made of super-glossy, high-quality papers often with a silky touch.

Despite looking much classier than a regular photo book, the binding technique also increases the price tag of a photo book significantly. Furthermore, layflat books can never be ordered with soft covers, always preventing photo book editors from reaching the perfect cover–paper type pairing.

The non-layflat options

There are a few things you have to decide before going with a type of paper: the number of photos, the inclusion of text, what you want your book to be and many more.

The Standard, 100lb. paper is an ideal choice for those who fully trust photo book builder companies and want nothing else but high quality paper. Choosing standard paper reduces your costs drastically, plus you still get a nice, satiny touch and a semi-glossy appearance. The huge downside of these paper types is that they usually cannot be paired with certain book cover types (leather, for example) and there is a chance of bleed through. To avoid this either order your books with a black background or choose a thicker version of this paper type if available.