This isn’t our typical “Why didn’t I think of that?” post but I feel it is important to share and it lays the ground work for next week’s :O)
Now that you are getting some amazing pictures from shooting in manual it is time to get them printed. No, I’m not talking about taking them to Walmart or Riteaid, I mean a REAL photo lab. When I first found out there were “real” photo labs that I could have access to I was super pumped!! Once I clicked on the web site I realized that I had to send in a request to become a customer. What?!? I decided to give it a go and submitted what information I had. I do not have a business or anything like that. I was pleasantly surprised that within a day or two I got an email saying I was a customer and they wanted me to send in some pictures to get 5 FREE, yes FREE, 8 x 10 or 5 x 7 depending on who you use. I was shocked! I recommend not just taking advantage of the free photos and submitting different ones but actually submitting the same pictures to each of the labs. The reason they offer these free photos is so that you will be able to see if your colors match what is on your screen to what they print. I have tested out two labs already and am glad I had the exact same picture to compare skin tones and overall color.
I have not yet been denied from a lab but I have heard of that happening to some people. Don’t take it personally, just try another lab. You do not have to submit a photo to become a customer. You just fill out a questionaire.
I wanted to share some of the most popular labs that allow people who are not “pros” to develop with them. I mean, COME ON, just because I don’t charge people for pictures doesn’t mean I don’t want the same quality the professionals offer.
I would love to know which are your favorites!!
(These are in no particular order)
Color Inc*
Bay Photo Lab*
WHCC*
Mpix
Miller’s Professional Imaging
CPQ
Simply Color Lab
Pro DPI
*Ship to APO’s
http://www.rrcolor.com/ is the lab here in spokane that my professional photog friend swears by. super nice family owners, too :). i’m inspired to get printing….
Thanks, Rachel! I forgot about them :O) I used them one time while we were in Spokane and I believe they do ship to APO’s :O)
and if you’re in a hurry… try kitamura. they’re located over by the foster commisarry gate. they have really good prices and the get you the pix in 20 min.
Thanks! I have yet to try them!
The labs that do prints in 1 hour or less make me nervous. What do you think, Courtney?
Seriously, do you keep reading my mind? I think the past few posts have been about things that have been on my mind! Thanks for the list, I’ve been looking to get some printed and didn’t know where to begin :)
Yay!!! So glad I’m such a good mind reader :O) Yes, these are all great and not a huge difference in price from places like Walmart and are SO much better!! Your photos deserve the best!
Have you heard of Meridian Professional Imaging? They were advertised in my Photography magazine. The website is meridianpro.com.
No, I haven’t…I’ll have to check them out! Thanks!
I also really like adoramapix.com. I send almost all of my work over there.
Thanks for the link and the recommendation!
What is APO`s?
When you are military and live overseas, you are giving an American mailing address. It is like a PO Box and the State is APO. I’m not sure exactly what it stands for.
Way too many military men in my family! LOL!
APO stands for “Army Post Office,” and is associated with Army or Air Force installations. FPO stands for “Fleet Post Office,” and is associated with Navy installations and ships.
Thanks, Teresa! You would think with me having an APO for almost 3 years now I would know what it stood for :O)
Just wanted to let you know that Simply Color Lab now ships to APO addresses! :) And thank you for your awesome website/blog!!
Thanks! I didn’t realize that!
Lately I have heard great things about Artsy Couture, have yet to get samples.
I’ve heard good things too. You’ll have to keep us posted when you get samples.
What is the benefit of a pro lab?
Great question. Maybe I need to do a post comparing a pro lab to the local drug store one hour drop off. Pro labs are better quality :)
Can anyone please recommend any uk photo labs
Thanks
I’ll ask this question on the FB page this week and see if we can’t find you a few options :)
I know this is an older article and comments but what about good quality canvases without the hug price tag???
I haven’t personally purchased canvases but I would stick with one of these labs if I did.
This is great to know and ive already signed up to one of these. But how can I know if a photolab is of professional quality without needing to rely on this list?
Test them out and see if you like the results :)
I’ve heard good things about Shutterfly and actually got a photo book from them. What is your opinion about them?