Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I'm soliciting advice from those who have used professional photo printing services. For the first time, I have actually been asked to exhibit my photos and I want the most professional appearance of them possible, without breaking the bank.

I did some preliminary printing using a color laser printer in my office. It was from these that the invitation was generated. I know using stock printer paper is not a good idea, so I can only believe using quality paper will be better. So, as an experiment, I had several shots printed at my local Walgreen's. Sure enough, the paper improved the overall image quality, but I'm thinking my photos will be hanging on a wall, so they should have good paper, a matte, and a frame.

I can probably manage the framing, but the chief item is the print itself. I've looked at Bay Photo Labs, Simply Color Labs, CG Pro Prints, and even Costco (yes, I know I'm all over the map)!

So what do you -- the pros who actually show and sell your prints -- use? Any tips (like don't let Costco "autocorrect")?

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I’ve had great experience with Bay Photo. If you use them, then download their ap and their profile. If you calibrate your monitor, download their profile and soft proof, you can save almost half by choosing no color correction on your order. They ship 2-day FedX at a very reasonable cost.

fiat76 Loc: PA, MD, and SC

I am not anything close to a pro, but you might get some feedback from pros who use Nations Photo Lab and / or Mpix. I use both and have been very pleased!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I was using Adoramapix for photos and photobooks but recently they said my browser is not supported although I can get prints. I'm not about to change browsers (IE) so I tried Mixbook. Too soon for results but I found their format easier to use. Prices were good and if the results are at least as good as Adoramapix I'll stick with them.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Was recently dissappointed by an order from Mpix. I suggest using Bay Photo.

TheDman Loc: USA

Was it a metal print, by chance?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I am a member of Fine Art America and they do all my printing - with a 30 day MBG. Very satisfied !

d3200prime

DpiPRO.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

ProDPI or Adorama. The both have guarantees for their printing. Wide selection of papers. Never, Ever, let someone color correct you photos. For matting and backing I use BagsUnlimited.Com get the protector bags 1/4 inch larger than your matt size. I suggest to matt with backing and then sleeved to sell. It cost tons of money for Nice Frames and the frames get damaged very easily. If matted, backed and sleeved your prints can take lots of handling and be fine. Not to mention when buying a print, most folks want to buy a frame to Match their decor and taste......and this also keeps your prints a more reasonable price.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I most often print my own but have used Bay Photo as well. They do a great job. Very quick and very good.

Heather Eliza Loc: BFE :)Upstate, NY, Adirondack Park, Foothills

I always use Millers. I have tried both Nations and Color Inc, I found their quality to be less than stellar, and they muted some of my images that i intentionally made more vibrant. I ended up right back at Millers. they know me there :). Granted, the afforementioned nation's and color inc are less expensive, however the old - you get what you pay for - adage comes into play. We spend all this money to buy the best (or best within our individual budgets) lens glass, and sensors... why would we trust our images to an inferior printer. MxPro is a subsidiary of Miller's, they have slightly less costly prints, and the catalog of products offered is also a bit different.
I Would suggest that you contact a few different labs, request paper samples. They want your business, and will be happy to ablige. Then you can compare your samples and see what is the best for you. Also, almost every printer will allow you 5 free samples in 8x10 of your images - they will have some print in the corner "studio sample", or "color test", so the samples are not able to be sold(its always better to see your photos in print rather than, via a screen). If you do chose to order your photos in sample, make sure to order the same image from multiple labs for the best comparison.
Good Luck.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Good advice, @martinfisherphoto. I'm not trying to sell my photos, but I've said that if someone wants to buy one off exhibit, I'll agree upon a price and donate the proceeds. Thanks!

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Great tips, Heather. Thanks!

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

What kind of problem did you have ?? Thanks

Tom

tempaussie

I use Sharpprints out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Delighted with quality and service. If I get my photos uploaded in the morning, they are printed and shipped out the same day and arrive a day or two later. I print a lot of 20x30s for art shows and use ClearBags for backboards and protective envelopes.