Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

As was mentioned in another recent thread, MPIX doesn't publish ICC profiles for their printers. Their pro side, Miller's, does.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

I have done 8 books that range in size. I've settled on designing in Aperture and printing thru Apple. Only once was I not pleased with the brightness of the colors. After speaking with them, while they reviewed my uploaded file, they agreed the resolution and colors should have been better. They reprinted and sent to me 6 copies of the book of 80 pages. I have looked at other online services and found the software inflexible. The Aperture software allows change of format and colors. I have just received a family calendar with photos from our trips to Asia. Size is 11" x 13" (folded) and twice that hanging. Photos look great.

Gal on the Go Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

I have also used both Shutterfly and Snap Fish with mixed results. Photo books from both were very good quality and the photos were printed beautifully - I only use matte or luster finish. I discontinued using Shutterfly because of difficulty uploading a large number of photos for my last book. Of course, I think Blurb prints the ultimate book, but they are expensive. I had my Christmas cards done at Snap fish, using their better quality card stock and again, in a matte finish. They seemed to have a better selection of designs than Shutterfly. Now, prints have been a different story - neither company printed satisfactorily! When I need prints quickly and quality is not a major issue, I use Costco, and I do turn off the auto correct feature which makes a difference in the results. For professional work, I have good
results with Adaroma. They recommend that you let them adjust color as needed and I always let them. I have not calibrated my computer to their printers so I have learned to trust them. The prints are always great. The canvas prints look realistic and are much better than other companies advertising on Groupon, etc. and their metal prints are beautiful. Their technicians seem to personally monitor the jobs assigned to them and they even have their name listed on the packing sheets, so if the work is unsatisfactory, you have a name to complain to. Their pricing is somewhat higher than Shutterfly and Snapfish, but I guess you get what you pay for.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Interesting............ I had some 8x10's printed at Costco for the first time and wasn't aware of the auto correction option.... I noticed on the envelope with my photos (which came out great) that it stated that auto correction was not used. I had no idea what the significance of that statement was....but now I do and I will make sure that I continue to have photos done without it from now on.

Thanks!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Check out Adorama and its photo books, you might be pleasingly surprised.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

As I had previously stated, in the "Edit" drop-down, under "Apply Effect", there is a button that must be checked to tell them "Do Not Make Corrections.." This has nothing to do with unapplying edits. The customer service representative clearly stated that they make corrections before printing unless the box is checked telling them not to. When I did as told, and they re-printed the image in question, it came out fine. The problem in my case is that I have several previous poor prints and re-prints because their customer service failed to tell me this in the past. That's why I thought to bring it to the attention of other Hoggers.
I have never used Shutterfly to edit any of my pictures--I do that in Lightroom before I ever upload to Shutterfly. Also, as stated previously, most of my books have been fine. It's images that have a high dynamic range which suffer from Shutterfly's unasked for adjustments.
And yes, my 24" monitor is calibrated specifically for photo work. Now, the laptop, that's a whole other story. I never edit on a laptop.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

You seem to be missing the point of my post. I have nothing against Shutterfly books, calendars, etc. As I said before, most results have been fine. But my point is that something as important as their making 'corrections' to pictures I have already post-processed in Lightroom because they have hidden a check box in THEIR edit drop down under a sub-catagory is a dis-service to serious photographers. And, with certain lighting situations, it can make a huge difference in the final print.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

This is exactly what I have been warning for everyone who think Walgreens is OK - all the consumer labs apply the auto correct by default and you have to tell then to turn it off. I have checked with my local Walgreens and they had no idea HOW to turn it off!

An Wall-E, the pro labs do not charge for autocorrect, they charge for color correction and that is not the same as the consumer autocorrect. Consumer autocorrect is a default application of contrast and sharpening - not a color correction.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I've never looked into Aperture, but keep seeing it mentioned on UHH. I think it's time to check it out.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Sounds like we've had very similar experiences. In all, I have liked Shutterfly's books and calendars--it's only been the prints that I've had repeated issues with.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

There are no Costco's near me, so I am not familiar with their photo services, but glad they printed your pictures the way you submitted them with great results!

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

The one time I looked at Adorama for books, the pricing was rather high. I didn't check on prints, though. And I would guess they offer discounts from time to time? I'll have to take a second look. I like them as a company.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

You're right, but, it's still a 'correction' that the pro lab *can* do, where the consumer grade corrections are on unless explicitly turned off.