Enter stage right: the self-publish photobook.

Keep in mind that this only works if you get rights to your photographs on a CD or some other digital format. If your photographer isn’t willing to give you digital pics, then you’re stuck with only getting albums that your photographer can make for you.

There are a bajillion easy to use options for album making. When going through a website, all you have to do is upload pictures, assemble, and voila! you’ve got a fabulous album that will make your grandparents eyes tear up. The album is easily made, although it can be a bit time consuming.

While it’s hard to tell what photobook service to use, since you can’t see the album in person, there are a bunch of websites that provide reviews of the different options. Tom’s Guide provides a very thorough analysis of different options. Another great one is here.

Here is a link to some options:
Blurb: great for picturebooks as well as books that are more text-heavy
Picaboo: has some higher end gorgeous cover options
iPhoto: although it seems like the program is free only if you own a mac
Shutterfly
Snapfish