Choosing the Right Album Manufacturer
With so many album suppliers out there, finding the right fit for your studio can feel overwhelming. While StoryBook Design Co. will place orders on your behalf, it’s important to consider factors like materials, customization options, pricing, turnaround time, and what’s included in the base cost.
Some suppliers may seem affordable until add-ons and shipping are factored in. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted manufacturers and asked them the key questions to help you choose with confidence.
RedTree
Blacksmith
UAF
Freedom
Location
Customer Support
Turnaround Time
Base Album Cost
Available Upgrades
Onboarding Process
Customer Benefits
Duplicate Albums
Ideal Client
Not A Good Fit
RedTree
Location
Kentucky, USA
Customer Support
RedTree is committed to providing exceptional customer care. Our team is eager to help and committed to making your experience smooth and enjoyable—from the very start, through delivery, and long after your products are in your clients’ hands.
Turnaround Time
Through most of the year, we average a 7 business day turnaround on albums and a 2-4 week turnaround on all other products. Due to the handmade nature of our work, it is possible to see longer turnaround times. For the most up-to-date and accurate turnaround time estimates, unique to each product, please see the Current Average Production Time listed at the top of each order form. Guaranteed shipment in <7 days with overnight shipping available. Fees apply.
Base Album Cost
An 8×8 album with 10 spreads is $240. This price includes a cover option of Classic Linen, Fabric, or a Photo Cover.
Available Upgrades
RedTree has over 100 different cover materials ranging from leathers to linens to vegan products. Covers can be upgraded to have debossing, cameos, and custom debossing. We offer custom album boxes in both linens and walnut wood boxes. We also offer linen slipcovers for our albums.
Onboarding Process
Once a photographer creates an account with us, they will receive a personal email from someone from our team with an invitation to schedule a Welcome Call. Our goal is to provide as much information as we can, while answering any questions they might have, to ensure they have an easy and informed start with us. This is a great way to get to know our Customer Experience Team as well!
Customer Benefits
RedTree offers a Starter Kit to all new customers. This kit includes a paper samples, test prints, a full swatch kit, one free album design, and a 50% off coupon for a Sample Album.
Duplicate Albums
We are happy to apply a 15% discount to the duplicate albums in the order. The discount will apply to the duplicates only, and will not apply to the first (main) album in the order. If your duplicate album is a different size from the main album, the discount will be 10%. To receive the discount, please include a note on the order form to let us know that you’d like the duplicate discount, and we’ll process the savings as soon as the order is received.
Ideal Client
RedTree is a great fit for photographers who value archival, handcrafted heirloom products. We are passionate about print and giving your images a life off of the screen for the next generation. If you are a photographer that is intentional about product quality, design, and customer experience – we are a great fit for you. Our products are all made by hand in the USA.
Not a Good Fit
While we have a wide range of products varying in prices, we might not be a great fit for someone who is looking for a fast paced, low quality transaction. While we will happily serve everyone, more often than not we are working with photographers who are very intentional and detail oriented in the ordering process.
Blacksmith
Location
California, USA
Customer Support
Our CEO Brady Puryear works one-on-one with EVERY customer for ALL customer support.
Turnaround Time
90% of orders ship in less than 7 business days. RUSH production guarantees your product will ship within 5 business days. Fees apply.
Base Album Cost
An 8×8 album with 10 spreads is $299. Includes all cover materials, optional cameo, cover text, raised initials, black album display box and standard shipping and drop-shipping.
Available Upgrades
Upgrades are only Walnut Boxes & Custom Embossing. Everything else is include in the base price.
Onboarding Process
Owner does 1 on 1 Zoom session with each client, setting up their account, walking them thought the ordering process, explaining all tools and resources available in the dashboard and answering any questions new clients may have.
Customer Benefits
Clients first sample album up to $500 is FREE for Storybook Customers including physical swatch kits and marketing materials. Additional samples are 30% off.
Duplicate Albums
Duplicate albums are physically identical to the main album and can be ordered in the same size or smaller sized at 30% off up to 3 duplicates per full priced album order.
Ideal Client
Photographers focused on print who’s top 3 values for their suppliers are Quality they can Trust, The Simplest Process, & 1-on-1 Customer Service with the owner for ALL your needs.
Not a Good Fit
Clients who want a large amount of cover materials, sizes, paper types, etc…
UAF
Location
Toronto, Canada
Customer Support
Our products are guaranteed for life. We make everything by hand and although sometimes we do make mistakes, we stand behind our products. If there is ever an issue with workmanship, don’t hesitate to contact us customerservice@uafimaging.com
Turnaround Time
Average is 5-7 business days; Guaranteed is 9-12 business days.
Base Album Cost
An 8×8 album with 10 spreads is $179.
Available Upgrades
Leather, Specialty leather, double thick, gilding, deep matte paper, pearl paper, custom embossing, matching album box.
Onboarding Process
Easy!
Customer Benefits
All samples are 50% off
Duplicate Albums
$165 each
Ideal Client
Anyone that wants to output their work to print and values artesian hand-crafted albums and direct customer service.
Not a Good Fit
Commercial photographer
Freedom
Location
Canada & Europe
Customer Support
We have a dedicated team of support that will help & guide you along your album & print lab journey. Not only we help you with printed products, we will help and teach you how to sell them effectively.
Turnaround Time
Your album will ship out of our lab within 10 working days or it’s FREE!
Base Album Cost
An 8×8 album with 10 spreads is $159. We are all inclusive which means, free cameos, free laser engraving, free standard embossing, free kraft shipping box, free shipping, and free drop-shipping.
Available Upgrades
Custom Embossing, Premium Fabrics, Lux & Signature Boxes
Onboarding Process
Sign up for an account at www.freedomprintlab.io and we will hop on a call with you to answer any questions you may have.
Customer Benefits
All StoryBook Design Co photographers get our VIP Starter Pack for only $349, which includes $550 in album credit, a swatch kit, and other exclusive swag to help get you going.
Duplicate Albums
We offer duplicate albums! One 8×8 duplicate is $159, two 8×8 duplicates are $239, and four duplicate albums are only $369!
Ideal Client
We serve every type of photographer whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. We are built by photographers for photographers! Our all-inclusive pricing allows you to up-charge to your clients but put 100% of the profit into your pocket. Finally, our super thick covers are amazing. We’re all about first impressions and want your clients to be blown away!
Not a Good Fit
Someone looking for a US made product
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I prefer a manufacturer not listed?
No problem! We work with many companies and are happy to honor your existing relationships. Our goal is to support you and your couples—not disrupt your brand.
If none of our featured partners feel like the right fit, schedule a call and we’ll help you find the best match based on your studio’s priorities.
Note: If your manufacturer is new to us, a setup fee may apply.
Does it really matter which manufacturer I choose?
Yes, it does. The best choice depends on what matters most to your studio. If you value consistency, heirloom quality, and exceptional support, we’ll recommend one type of company. If you’re after a wide variety of materials, paper types, and sizes, we’ll suggest another.
There’s no single “right” option—just the one that’s right for you.
Who handles communication with the manufacturer if something goes wrong?
We do. Most photographers rely on us to manage any issues directly with the manufacturer—we know how to troubleshoot and resolve problems efficiently.
You’ll always be kept in the loop, but our goal is to save you time and let you stay focused on your business.
Is there anything I should know about album pricing that isn’t listed?
Yes. While not specific to the manufacturers above, it’s crucial to understand what’s included in a base 8×8, 10-spread album—our typical starting point when you onboard.
This helps you plan for the “worst case” if a couple doesn’t upgrade from the base option, and ensures you’re pricing upgrades and duplicate parent albums accurately.
Do I need to set pricing for every product I offer?
Not at all. In your onboarding call, we’ll help you find the ideal pricing for albums and wall art based on your average client spend, booking volume, goals, and more. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Can I update my pricing later on?
Absolutely. Pricing is an ongoing process. We’ll regularly review your sales data and make adjustments as needed. You won’t be on your own—we’re here for the long haul.
Schedule a Call
Ready to find the perfect album partner for your studio? Let’s discuss your needs and help you make the best choice.
Schedule a call with us today!
