tmiller
Registered: Sep 05, 2005
Total Posts: 4143
Country: United States
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Ok, here's my mini review... after receiving my samples today. The order system was backed up and I got one of the first sets, since I picked it up locally.
They included samples of their new leathers (thinner, but still polished nice leathers). Quite rich in colors, photos are online under the Tuscany section I believe. On the final infocard they included outline and reference numbers of the template designs for the albums/leathers. Very cool to show when selling to a client if you don't have a design they want.
Leatherette samples aren't available due to the suppliers. They don't deal swatches, but it's no loss, I see no reason to use them ever again. Of the photos above, I will detail each color and it's real life counterpart.
All leathers below are refered to as "PREMIUM GRADE LEATHERS" meaning, they're thicker than than the "new" thinner leathers.
Artic White: Not as "blown out white" as the photo, but it's a very brilliant white no doubt.
Artic Zeal - A teal type color, exactly as pictured above.
Cold Air - It appears more blue/silver, than pure silver as shown in their photo.
Dark Chocolate - Dark and brown... as shown.
Deep Olive - As shown
Dusty Taupe - As shown
Elettic Lime - Very eye catching and lime colored!
Jet Black - Is truly black with no variations.
Pumpin Spice - Love this color, orange is in!
Saddle Brown - Not a distressed leather, just saddle brown colored, as shown.
Scarlet - Less rich in color than what's shown in the photo. It's more brilliant and vibrant in person.
Sunburst - As shown and my new favorite. I want a Charlie brown album... Bright yellow with brown stripes!
And now the "accent" leathers, two tones, whatever you want to call them. I believe you can order a full album in any of these finishes, but they really stand out as accenting a color.
All above are exactly as shown. The polished looks appear to be like a mens polished crocodile shoe. Thin, shiney, with a little give. Nothing too remarkable on it's own, but coupled with a great color, and they really shine (no pun intended).
Vintage black tool is a standout here, with a really cool looking tool pattern pressed into the leather when it's made, that gives a really great look to any album.
Now, as a Fiano Album user and Black River Imaging book/album user over the years, I feel led to chime in on the Fiano samples.
Hands down Finao wins on options, templates, and softer, fully leathers. Now many of Finao's options just aren't used by many people (Sunday shoes = white patent leather), but it's nice to have options.
I feel that Black River Imaging is trying to be a kinder, gentler, easier, Finao type option. Finao still has Armour covers, color imprinted metal colors, black and white imprinted metal covers, wood covers, and silk tones, and like 30+ non-animal fake leathers (vegan line).
Is is overkill for most, yes... but for some people like me, I dig the options.
Now many here have been talking prices, and cost, etc.
Finao's 10X10 20 page (10 spread) album is cheaper, up front, before shipping, but it's also Fuji film paper.
All BRI albums are printed on Kodak papers, as they are exclusively a Kodak lab.
Pro DPI is a fully Fuji film paper lab.
WHCC (an option at Finao), brings the cost up, and finally with two tones selected and shipping added, becomes about 20-30 more than a BRI album.
It just depends what's easier for you. BRI has a fully integrated and easy to use ROES system.
Finao has you upload designs directly to them or mail them on DVD or CD.
Finao takes 3-4 weeks... BRI takes 5-7 days.
Apples to Oranges I say... offer both! =o)
Hopefully this helps... sorry that it's a bit rambly, but I'm packing for a trip to Kentucky in the morning for a wedding.
Talk to you all later!
-Tim
Red Vine Studios
http://redvinestudios.com
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I am so happy that they now have options that match my tagline of being modern and fresh. Their Tuscany albums did not look modern or fresh at all.
