I was wondering where all of you experienced Gather photographers get your photos developed.
I am playing around with the thought of getting some enlargements developed of some of my photos, so that I can frame themm and give them away for a wedding present to my brother and his soon to be wife.
To those of you, who are professional photographers, or who enter photo contests, get published etc., where do you get your photos developed, and how do you get the best quality developements?
Where do all of you get your photos developed, which places are your favorites and why? Do you use Internet developing companies, and have you had any problems with doing so?
I also have a question in regards to copyright. When you develop a photo to sell or give away, do you use watermarks? Which programs do you use? Or which other method do you use to show that the photo is taken by you?
Thank you for your help Gather friends.
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Comments: 31
I will also be watching to see what others have to say - I would like to find a more secure site that is also reasonable with their prices.
Then again, I'm no pro. LOL
If you take professional quality photos, I'd suggest avoiding Walmart. They're neurotic about "copyright" and really don't want to print professional looking photos. They will do it if you're willing to throw a fit but it's often a hassle. Same goes for the previously discussed testing. Some walmarts produce lovely prints while others produce crap.
If you are selling your photos, you NEED to check with your buyer re: watermarks. It is really up to your buyer.
If you're giving them as gifts, signing in a corner or on the back is acceptable. A watermark is tacky.
But mostly I keep them on CD.
Locally, I used a photo lab in town until the owner retired. They had the best prints and you could even get them on canvas for very little money. I miss them.
I like the idea of trying out a store before you do a large print - great idea.
I know that the quality at a store usually is far better than printing at home on an ink-jet, and the photos last longer too, and they are cheaper, so I hardly print anything at home any more.
I have been tempted to try out snapfish for our album photos as it seems they often have a promo with some free prints.
Tony, I did see they were offering 50 free prints through the CVS online site, and I might try that out for the album photos as well.
Laura, I was thinking about signing the photos in the corner, as if it was a painting, but I wasn't sure what was standard.
Cathy, I also like the idea about having it on the back with the copyright.
Thanks again everyone, as always you are so knowledgeable here at Gather.
If I am doing something that I really want to sell or treasure, I go do it myself at the darkroom they have at Cal Poly. (they give you a day pass for like $10)
Other than that, I go to CVS or Long's. I tried Rite-aid once and wasn't happy!
Marian thank you for your input. I think I will try snapfish for my next album photos.
Or I print them at home but I prefer getting them done somewhere else..
Go to any good photography shop where they have professionals working and know what they are doing. B&Ws you can do easily enough your self, and only need a 30 minute class, that some shops offer to learn.