photo labs vs online printing
05-02-2007, 04:07 AM
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Depending on which photo lab you go to, the quality can be much better.
I've ordered from several online places and they always seem to come on this really thin paper that sometimes isn't even cut correctly. If you get them printed at a high quality photo lab they will be nice and thick. I'm sure there are online places that have higher quality prints, but once you've paid for that premium, plus the shipping, is it still a much better deal?
Also, for more expensive jobs, like if you're printing 8x10+, I much prefer to pick up the photo in person so that if it looks wrong they can do it again right there. Once I had an 8x10 printed and it came out looking extra green all over (the photo guy had tried to correct something), so when I asked about it they reprinted it for me.
Of course, buying a high quality photo printer with high quality paper is the best way to ensure quality and consistency
I've ordered from several online places and they always seem to come on this really thin paper that sometimes isn't even cut correctly. If you get them printed at a high quality photo lab they will be nice and thick. I'm sure there are online places that have higher quality prints, but once you've paid for that premium, plus the shipping, is it still a much better deal?
Also, for more expensive jobs, like if you're printing 8x10+, I much prefer to pick up the photo in person so that if it looks wrong they can do it again right there. Once I had an 8x10 printed and it came out looking extra green all over (the photo guy had tried to correct something), so when I asked about it they reprinted it for me.
Of course, buying a high quality photo printer with high quality paper is the best way to ensure quality and consistency
05-02-2007, 05:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Liebernoodle,May 2 2007, 07:07 AM
Depending on which photo lab you go to, the quality can be much better.
I've ordered from several online places and they always seem to come on this really thin paper that sometimes isn't even cut correctly. If you get them printed at a high quality photo lab they will be nice and thick. I'm sure there are online places that have higher quality prints, but once you've paid for that premium, plus the shipping, is it still a much better deal?
Also, for more expensive jobs, like if you're printing 8x10+, I much prefer to pick up the photo in person so that if it looks wrong they can do it again right there. Once I had an 8x10 printed and it came out looking extra green all over (the photo guy had tried to correct something), so when I asked about it they reprinted it for me.
Of course, buying a high quality photo printer with high quality paper is the best way to ensure quality and consistency
I've ordered from several online places and they always seem to come on this really thin paper that sometimes isn't even cut correctly. If you get them printed at a high quality photo lab they will be nice and thick. I'm sure there are online places that have higher quality prints, but once you've paid for that premium, plus the shipping, is it still a much better deal?
Also, for more expensive jobs, like if you're printing 8x10+, I much prefer to pick up the photo in person so that if it looks wrong they can do it again right there. Once I had an 8x10 printed and it came out looking extra green all over (the photo guy had tried to correct something), so when I asked about it they reprinted it for me.
Of course, buying a high quality photo printer with high quality paper is the best way to ensure quality and consistency
05-02-2007, 06:21 AM
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I agree that a good photo quality printer will allow you to get what you want.
I purchased an Epson 2200 years ago and I am still happy with the quality of the prints. I will do up to 13" x 44" which is quite handy for banners.
Since I got this baby I have never used an outside shop to print anything.
I purchased an Epson 2200 years ago and I am still happy with the quality of the prints. I will do up to 13" x 44" which is quite handy for banners.
Since I got this baby I have never used an outside shop to print anything.
05-02-2007, 06:36 AM
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Originally Posted by SSSnakeSSS,May 2 2007, 09:21 AM
I agree that a good photo quality printer will allow you to get what you want.
I purchased an Epson 2200 years ago and I am still happy with the quality of the prints. I will do up to 13" x 44" which is quite handy for banners.
Since I got this baby I have never used an outside shop to print anything.
I purchased an Epson 2200 years ago and I am still happy with the quality of the prints. I will do up to 13" x 44" which is quite handy for banners.
Since I got this baby I have never used an outside shop to print anything.
05-02-2007, 06:37 AM
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ritz camera has pretty good photolab printing. i've ordered from winkflash.com before b/c they have really cheap prints but it was just for some point and shoot shots so i dno how good the quality was.
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05-02-2007, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by jtpassat,May 2 2007, 10:44 AM
tell me if i'm wrong here, but this is my assumption
photo labs are still for prof. photographers that want reliable high quality at a reasonable cost.
photo labs are still for prof. photographers that want reliable high quality at a reasonable cost.
05-02-2007, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Liebernoodle,May 2 2007, 02:08 PM
But is it a good investment?
I'm not so sure to be honest. I see a lot of photo shops around town closing. I would hesitate before buying.
I'm not so sure to be honest. I see a lot of photo shops around town closing. I would hesitate before buying.
I'm thinking of expanding the services
- catering more to the local prof. photographers and their needs
- people that aren't as web savy or still want personalized service
- SLR lens rentals
thoughts?