Printing photos - do it yourself or send off to a photo lab?

[Raycer]

Hi Heather,
The only way I know is to ask the print shop if they do automatic corrections. If they don't know, assume they do. Some place advertises it as a good thing, but I see it as a negative.
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Sean has an excellent tutorial on colour management. He gives a much better explanation than I can. see
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...anagement1.htm
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]In short, with an ICC profile one can see what the print would look like on a calibrated monitor (or at least as close as possible).
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Here's the ICC profile for Costco printers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]cheers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]

[heather4279]

Hi Heather,
The only way I know is to ask the print shop if they do automatic corrections. If they don't know, assume they do. Some place advertises it as a good thing, but I see it as a negative.
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Sean has an excellent tutorial on colour management. He gives a much better explanation than I can. see
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...anagement1.htm
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]In short, with an ICC profile one can see what the print would look like on a calibrated monitor (or at least as close as possible).
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Here's the ICC profile for Costco printers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]cheers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]

I looked at a site that someone recommended (on this thread, I think). I looked under the help tab and they explained that they do correction and were pretty much boasting it is a good thing. I'm glad I read further because they do have an option to not have your photos enhanced. They also explained ICC and how to download their's and what not. Think I'm going to have a few pics developed to see how I like them. Prices are very reasonable.

[heather4279]

Hi Heather,
The only way I know is to ask the print shop if they do automatic corrections. If they don't know, assume they do. Some place advertises it as a good thing, but I see it as a negative.
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Sean has an excellent tutorial on colour management. He gives a much better explanation than I can. see
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...anagement1.htm
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]In short, with an ICC profile one can see what the print would look like on a calibrated monitor (or at least as close as possible).
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]Here's the ICC profile for Costco printers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]cheers
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]
[COLOR=#cfcfcf]

The link you posted for costco is exactly where the site I was looking at sent me earlier

I read the color management tutorial (okay, in all honesty most of it). In response I have a question for you. So what is it that I need to do when wanting to outsource printing?

[Raycer]

Hi Heather,
Depending on how big you want to print.
With 4x6s, I don't do all that much. - just make sure I calibrate my monitor and get a good preview .

With 8x10 or bigger, I start to zoom in closer to make sure the details are up to par. By that, I mean I'll check the noise level, sharpness (where I want it to be sharp) .
I save jpg with level 10 (in PS) or higher to avoid compression artifacts.

If I upsize the pictures for big prints, I'll spend even more time in PS to make sure all the little details gets cleaned up.

That's all.

Cheers
Ray

[heather4279]

Hi Heather,
Depending on how big you want to print.
With 4x6s, I don't do all that much. - just make sure I calibrate my monitor and get a good preview .

With 8x10 or bigger, I start to zoom in closer to make sure the details are up to par. By that, I mean I'll check the noise level, sharpness (where I want it to be sharp) .
I save jpg with level 10 (in PS) or higher to avoid compression artifacts.

If I upsize the pictures for big prints, I'll spend even more time in PS to make sure all the little details gets cleaned up.

That's all.

Cheers
Ray

But what about the ICC profiles and such?

[Raycer]

Some printers are warmer (red, yellowish) and some printers are colder (blue). Having a calibrated monitor with ICC profile of the printer will give you an almost exact preview of the image of how the print will come out.

That's all ICC profile does. So you'll never be surprised by the print.

[Alis]

Hi Heather,

I have been using Snapfish (HP) for a long time and it has been great. Recently, they have been trying to save on shipping and I guess that is why I get a lot of prints with bent corners and minimal packaging but I guess for general purpose printing of family pictures or as proof, Snapfish is perfect.

If you want a higher quality, Mpix.com is the more porfessional one. I have used them for larger prints and prints on canvas or photobooks and my experience have been great. They have a variety of paper options, and can do some editing for you if you wish to, but I have never used their service since it is expensive and I can do it myself and beside I come here and ask the expert here for help.

And I live close to you in New England

[heather4279]

Thanks Alis, checked out the website. Just might give it a try!