wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Two Questions-

1) Considering having large prints printed by a commercial lab. Two have been recommended on UHH, Bay Photo and MeridianPro. Any opinions?

2) Noticed these labs offer color correction ( I assume they mean PP). It would seem reasonable to let them do it as opposed to calibrating my system to their equipment. Again, any opinions?

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi wlgoode: Noted author and photographer Scott Kelby, highly recommends Mpix.com. Indeed they do color correction at no charge, according to Scott their work is amazing and they deliver direct to your door. He mentioned in his book The Digital Photography Book #1, poster sized prints 20" x 30"for $25. Hope this helps.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Remember with some pro labs you will need to supply your tax id number to prove you are a business/professional. Mpix.com might be one of them, sorry I use a different lab for my prints (H&H, which is a professional lab and I did have to supply my tax id to set up an account with them)

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I have been using Aspen Creek Photo, sister company to West Coast Imaging. They are located in Oakhurst, CA. I have them do all of my larger prints which I sell at art festivals.

Aspen Creek does straight printing from your file. I upload my file in Adobe RGB color space. As long as I keep my monitor calibrated regularly using my iOne device, I get accurate prints. Very reasonable prices, good turn around time, and excellent service. The downside is that they do not offer a large variety of art paper choices. (gloss, luster, and matte prints on Fuji paper. Pearl, Moab Entrada Rag, Super-Gloss, and canvas are more expensive.)

Their parent company, West Coast Imaging, is a more complete service lab. They will consult with you, do post processing adjustments, etc. once the file is the way you want it to be, they will store it for you so you can make additional prints at later dates. They offer a variety of high quality paper options. Downside is they are more expensive, but not any more so than other labs offering similar services.

bhowdy Loc: Maryville, Tennessee

I use MPIX for all my large images .... tried others and settled on them. I've been very happy with the consistency. You do not have to provide a tax id #.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

American Color Imaging (ACI) in Cedar Falls IA is one of the best professional labs around. Started as American Professional Color back in film days. Captain C on UHH uses them for a lot of his work.

http://www.acilab.com/

photonutbob Loc: ME,CT,MA

Hi wlgoode: I have used Meridian Pro and was pleased with the results.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

Meridian also delivers to your customer or your door and as fast as you want it. Good stuff and reasonable. Do not need tax i.d. and they are also consistent.

Hiskid.58 Loc: Erie, PA

You should also check out WHCC (White House Custom Colour). They are out of Minn. You need to set up an account with them and give them a business name. That because many pros charge lots when you buy photos from them and they don't want just anybody knowing how much they're actually paying for them. They do a very good job and if you purchase over a certain amount, shipping is free and it's 2 day shipping. I'm thinking it's $20, but I don't remember for sure. I haven't used them in a while. I have also used Bay Photo and they are also very good and the prices are good also.

jackiewc Loc: PA

Does anyone know of a good photo processing company on the East Coast? I actually used Ritz for my photos but they are no longer in business. Thanks for any help.

ahanonymous Loc: Queens, NY

I have been using Alkit in Freeport, NY for all my large print needs.

Their service is excellent....

http://alkit.com/view.asp?gid=2461

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

If you have a STAPLES store near you, give them a try. I've had stuff done there and been vety pleased.

Dave

pigpen

I started with Mpix, but had a couple bad experiences. I've used Bayphoto ever since. There are 2 price charts for them. You can get your prints a little cheaper, but they are printed just the way you send them, and you can't return them. I've opted for the professional pricing. The images are a little more expensive, but they calibrate their printers and monitors frequently. If I'm unhappy with an image, I make a call and it's reprinted, usually sent out next day shipping for free.

I only have one issue, and someone mentioned it above about WHCC. If a client of mine should find out where I get my prints from, they can go to the website and see my pricing. If someone orders from my website, or I order something to be drop shipped to a client, there are no markings or paper work sent with the package. This way, your customer has no idea what lab was used. If you follow them on Twitter or facebook, every Tuesday they advertise a 24 hour sale on certain products. The products change weekly. They also give a 25% discount to anybody's first order. So, make sure you wait until you have a large order to place for your first submission.

Also, I have never heard anything negative about WHCC.

jackiewc Loc: PA

Thanks for all the information!

wjdonahue Loc: Kansas City

I have been using Mpix for years and could not be happier with their products. A collegue of mine uses Nations Photo Lab and swears by them. If you want high quality printed on canvas and mounted then Canvas People. Unbelievable quality for the price.