Personal computing discussed
Moderators: renee, Dposcorp, SpotTheCat
ludi wrote:Where do you guys go to get professional prints? I've found some online services such as e.g. SmugMug, and their prices for artistic options such as gatorboard and canvas printing seem reasonable, but it looks like they require membership dues. I'm looking for an upload, pay, and ship type of option...any thoughts?
ludi wrote:Looks like the consensus is to start with Adorama and then branch out from there. Thanks guys!
SPOOFE wrote:I've ordered a couple hundred prints from Adorama and I think they have excellent quality, rapid response, and solid stock. Their photobooks are really good, too (although I ordered mine with a 50% discount, so the price was incredible). I love it, and feel no reason to try anything else. They regularly have sales; one order had me include a couple dozen 8x10s for $0.98 apiece (plus shipping, which was trivial per print). If it means anything, I've had several pro-photog buddies rave positively about the technical quality of the prints with envy........the results are top-notch and the prices are good for what's offered.
Skrying wrote:I've used Adorama and have been very pleased. The pricing is great, the quality was great and the pictures arrived quickly. I haven't used any other services so far, so take what I just said with that in mind.
mattsteg wrote:ludi wrote:Looks like the consensus is to start with Adorama and then branch out from there. Thanks guys!
Just to nitpick, the people who favor Adorama have said that they haven't tried anything else to compare to. I rank my experiences with Mpix and WHCC above that with Adorama (not a huge sample size). I'd rank all three as acceptable, but wouldn't put Adorama at the top.
I'd at least look into a "real" pro printer like WHCC. Setting up a WHCC account gets you 5 8x10 samples (or at least it used to) for evaluating print quality and the customer service is seriously great.
Another option that can be decent for convenience is Costco if you are a member. Quality depends on your local store, but they use decent stock and provide ICC profiles.
SpotTheCat wrote:mattsteg wrote:ludi wrote:Looks like the consensus is to start with Adorama and then branch out from there. Thanks guys!
Just to nitpick, the people who favor Adorama have said that they haven't tried anything else to compare to. I rank my experiences with Mpix and WHCC above that with Adorama (not a huge sample size). I'd rank all three as acceptable, but wouldn't put Adorama at the top.
I'd at least look into a "real" pro printer like WHCC. Setting up a WHCC account gets you 5 8x10 samples (or at least it used to) for evaluating print quality and the customer service is seriously great.
Another option that can be decent for convenience is Costco if you are a member. Quality depends on your local store, but they use decent stock and provide ICC profiles.
Costco is not so location dependent as you might think. I use them for day to day printing. They are very affordable for all sizes.
mattsteg wrote:SpotTheCat wrote:mattsteg wrote:Just to nitpick, the people who favor Adorama have said that they haven't tried anything else to compare to. I rank my experiences with Mpix and WHCC above that with Adorama (not a huge sample size). I'd rank all three as acceptable, but wouldn't put Adorama at the top.
I'd at least look into a "real" pro printer like WHCC. Setting up a WHCC account gets you 5 8x10 samples (or at least it used to) for evaluating print quality and the customer service is seriously great.
Another option that can be decent for convenience is Costco if you are a member. Quality depends on your local store, but they use decent stock and provide ICC profiles.
Costco is not so location dependent as you might think. I use them for day to day printing. They are very affordable for all sizes.
I think they're probably pretty reliably decent. Their pricing and materials would be standardized, as would general procedures, but any time you''re dealing with a large company with many locations there's potential for variation. They're not like WHCC, Mpix, Adorama, etc. where all of the printing, quality control, employees, and so on are under the same roof.
SpotTheCat wrote:My understanding is the guys behind the counter don't do a whole ton for digital prints. The machines are probably pretty self-diagnosing and nearly idiot proof. I would also guess that different locations use very similar or identical equipment.
My experience for cheap 1hr prints puts Costco ahead of others in price/performance.
ludi wrote:I gave Adorama a spin with a selection of about eight shots .........
Results were quite pleasing, and ......Adorama's service is sufficient.