Jump to content

Where do you get your photos printed


Recommended Posts

Okay, let me clarify a little. If your interests and needs match up with the interests and needs of a big group of

customers patronizing a given store, chances are you'll do well with sending the film in there. If you're different, or more

independent or picky or something, than the main body of the store's customer base, you'll be outside the streamlined

version of their customer service model. So, the deal is, the best way to buy services is to fall in with a pack of people

like yourself (from a printing and processing perspective) and buy the services in the same way.

 

It doesn't matter which store you pick; you want to be in the middle of the pack of people buying those services; that way, they're ready for

you to come in to their store.

 

Those margins that are bothering you; I bet the main body of customers at that store doesn't care. I don't mean to hurt

your feelings, but I was the same kind of customer. For me, it wasn't margins, it was a problem with halation. They'd

judge the exposure wrong, and I'd get a halo glow from the white areas, where I should see a sharp line.

 

I suspect you are going to be more comfortable with doing the prints yourself. Good luck. J.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 51
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I used Costco in the past (when I was using film) because of the price and they did a decent job. However, the colors were usually off--I could take the same negative to Ritz Camera and the print would come back with better color consistency every time. However, Ritz is expensive and really not a pro lab. They are not consistent, either.

 

I just set up an account with White House (WHCC.com) and they sent 5 free 8x10s back, the color matched my monitor and the prints looked fantastic. They say that they send these 5 prints to test for color consistency but it also builds goodwill, I'm sure. They also sent a bunch of paper samples back. They were also fast to ship. I'll use them unless something forces me to go somewhere else.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use Costco quite a bit as well. They are near by and have great prices. The caveats with Costco are the same as

all chain stores, the quality has a lot to do with whose behind the counter. Downloading and using their posted

printer profile is ideal. You are morel likely to get what you are looking for. I have always had good luck when

there are mistakes. They have always re-printed them for free and fixed the error. Once the altered the order for

me even when the mistake was that I checked Glossy instead of luster. I actually like their paper quality better

than some online sources I have tried.

 

Good luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love Costco as well. Their customer service is great. They print on archive quality paper. If prints turn out unsatisfactory, they usually reprint at no cost. They're also very affordable. Just make sure to check "No Auto Correct" when submitting your order.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where can I get custom prints? I have a series of photos shot specificaly for a 10X24 frame. They are of a bridge over saphire blue water in Key west. Wonderful. But I have not been able to find a place to put in custom Print Sizes....even though I am sure its out there.

 

sorry kris for jacking your thread.

 

Thanks,

 

Dallas

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although I haven't tried it, Costco's web interface lets you specify a custom size, so you might want to try that.

 

Also, as I mentioned earlier, my local Costco advertised their ability to do 12"x36" in-store (submitted in-store as well - not sure if you can just hand them a CD or what, however). So, it might be worth talking to your local Costco photo lab and see what they can do for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I work for Walgreens, I'm the Head of the photo department and im here if anyone has any questions or concerns.

 

Someone mentions they come to Walgreens for their print and some where else for black and white, in case you havent been informed Walgreens does do black and white also

Link to comment
Share on other sites

if you haven't already tried Costco... you really should. hi end machines and color profiles all for a price that's a great value. i've tried some of the other places mentioned - just didn't care for the additional shipping time/cost to already a bit pricey, imo, prints.

 

i'm no pro, but do want and appreciate high quality prints - i was more than pleasantly surprised by the Costco experience - the color profiles were a bonus.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do not wish to be slanderous, and maybe it is only this one store, but the Walgreens by my house has printed a selection of terrible photos of mine. Similarly the CVS(What is the difference between the two anyways) by my work also does not do a good job. I must say though the 8X10’s the CVS did for me came out really well.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jamie, I've sent a few black-and-white shots to Walgreens to be printed — they've always come back unsatisfactory. I'm not sure whether it's because the shots are digitally-captured or because the equipment at the store isn't set up properly, but Walgreens-made black-and-white prints always end up with a queer blue/purple tint. For important black-and-white work, I still shoot film and make my own prints.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

West Coast Imaging (WCI) is my primary printer, although I have had good results at others, such as Calypso. Ninety-nine percent of what I print is done on Fuji Supergloss by either WCI's Chromira printer or Calypso's LightJet. WCI uses FedEX to ship, and it is a bit expensive, but I have never had a problem with them. Regards.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...