Scrapbooking has been the preferred method of photo and memory preservation for centuries. In fact, the practice has its origins all the way back to the 15th century! Many people still make scrapbooks today, and these cherished pieces of artwork and nostalgia can help bring friends and families together to appreciate the precious times spent in the past.
Today, many people are choosing to create photobooks instead of scrapbooks to preserve their memories. A photobook is similar to a photo album, but it is created digitally. All the pictures are printed onto the pages of the book, and there are often multiple templates and formats of pictures, words, borders, and text to choose from to decorate each page. The photobook is essentially a digitally produced scrapbook!
Of course, many people are still choosing to create scrapbooks instead of moving over to the newer photobook format. There is a ritualistic element to creating scrapbooks that many people enjoy, and creating a photobook online is not always a good substitute for that creative process.
So what are the pros and cons of scrapbooks and photobooks? Let’s break this down and see which format comes out on top.
Photobook Pros:
- Easy to make
Photobooks can be made in the comfort of your own home using online templates, or you can make them in a store like Walmart or Walgreens. The online templates are fairly simple to use if you’re savvy, and the whole process of uploading photos and designing the book is very fast.
- Inexpensive
Photobook prices vary from website to website and store to store, but in general, you can create a nice photobook for $10-$20.
- Make copies
Photobooks are easy to duplicate. Usually you can select how many copies of your photobook you want to be printed during the design process, and you can also save your photobook design online and print copies at a later date with some websites.
- Sleek and slim design
Photobooks are slender and easy to transport or store on bookshelves or in gift wrap. They often look professionally designed and modern, despite the inexpensive cost and easy to use templates.
Photobook Cons:
- Design choices are limited
In some cases, template choices are limited when making photobooks. It is important to do your research and choose a photobook printer that has templates and designs that fit your style.
- The design process may be complicated
If you have never made a photobook online before, it may be difficult to get the hang of the software at first. However, this hurdle is generally easy to overcome, and the more experience you have with creating photobooks, the easier it becomes to make them.
- Less creative effort
Because creating photobooks is simple, easy, and fast, some people dislike them and prefer the drawn out and creative process involved in making a scrapbook. Some individuals may feel that photobooks are less personalized than a scrapbook.
- Photos must already by digitized
If you have lots of print photos that you want to use in a photobook, you will need to get them digitized first. Digitization is a simple and easy process with Southtree, but this is an extra step you’ll need to take in order to get to work on your photobooks.
Now let’s move on to the scrapbook.
Scrapbook Pros:
- Creative freedom
The best thing about making scrapbooks is that the design choices are entirely up to you, and the sky’s the limit!
- Accessibility to materials
Any craft store or even most superstores will have scrapbooking materials available. Today, you can even pick out scrapbooking materials online and have them shipped to your home.
- Can use print photos
If you have a large collection of print photos, making a scrapbook is a great way to use those photos creatively and to make something that you and your family can look through for years to come.
- A unique way to preserve memories
When you make a scrapbook, it is incredibly unique and personal. Some people prefer the uniqueness of scrapbooks over the already-made templates and designs on photobook websites.
Scrapbook Cons:
- Bulky
Scrapbooks are generally large and bulky items that take up lots of space in your home. If you don’t have extra storage options and your space is already cluttered, a photobook may be a better option for you.
- Can be expensive
Scrapbooking requires a significant investment into all the materials required. Depending on how you want to design your scrapbook, you could need to purchase special scissors, paper, pens, stickers, and more. The cost adds up quickly!
- Cannot make copies easily
A scrapbook is a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that is not easily duplicated. If you have doubles of your print photos, you could make a second scrapbook, but it would not be identical to the original you made.
- Usually takes more time to create
Scrapbooks can take hours or even weeks to create, and it is a laborious process. Some people enjoy scrapbooking as a hobby, but if you would like to save time and energy, a photobook may be a better option for you.
Depending on your needs, you may prefer to create a scrapbook or a photobook. Both are great options for preserving memories and can be beautiful additions to your home. In general, photobooks are easier to make and are less expensive, but scrapbooks are one-of-a-kind and allow the maker to express their creativity. Which would you prefer to use?
