Can you recommend an Internet printer?

[GB1]

Have a relative that is looking for a good internet printer for her images. She tried a local printer in her area, but was disappointed that the print looked so less exciting that viewing it on a monitor.

Any recommendations?

GB

[Photo-John]

Most likely that's a profile / monitor calibration issue and not a printer issue.

[dbutler]

GB,

Is the image right to begin with? Is it that her monitor is showing it as great but the image really isn't as great as she thinks? One of my friends has her monitor contrast settings jacked up so high because "it looks better" but printing her images always leaves her deflated. She doesn't get the correlation.

If the image is good to begin with, can you help her out with a professional source, like Miller's? You're supposed to be a pro with them, but she can probably "fib" to get some done. Though I guess if she is ordering 20 4x6s, they will probably be on to her.

Of course, there's always places like Flickr. I've never used them but they seem to get good reviews. I think they use Target?

[mjs1973]

Mpix (www.mpix.com) is my go to printer for anything that is important. Mpix is the consumer devision of Miller's that Dee mentioned. Anyone can use Mpix without having to "fib" and from what I have heard, the quality is just as good as long as you have your files set up correctly.

White House Custom Color (www.whcc.com) is another very good option. They will give you 5 free 8x10's just for signing up.

Adorama also has a printing service that I have used in the past. www.adoramapix.com

If you're friend is looking for a more economical route they could try shutterfly or snapfish. I have used them both in the past but the quality isn't as good as the others I have mentioned.

I also use Walgreens for prints that I need in a hurry, but are not something I plan on doing anything with, other than sharing with my photo club. I'm not a big fan of the glossy finish, but for things that don't really matter, it's OK.

[GB1]

Thanks fellows. I shot here a link to this thread.

Dee, PJ, I don't think that's it. She is a graphic artist and her work monitors have been calibrated. I've also noticed that my spectacular photos (ha ha) don't look as spectacular when printed! Things just flatten out on digital paper, or at least the paper I've seen. Any recommendations on printing that 'pops?'

Mike, thanks too!


G

[mjs1973]

[QUOTE=GBAny recommendations on printing that 'pops?'[/QUOTE]


Mpix again, only this time, use their metallic paper. It really makes certain images pop off of the page. (I would stay away from images with really strong yellows) It's not something I would use for everything, but for certain images, it really makes a difference. It's not just for colors either, I love it for B&W photos.

[Photo-John]

Thanks fellows. I shot here a link to this thread.

Dee, PJ, I don't think that's it. She is a graphic artist and her work monitors have been calibrated. I've also noticed that my spectacular photos (ha ha) don't look as spectacular when printed! Things just flatten out on digital paper, or at least the paper I've seen. Any recommendations on printing that 'pops?'

Are you using printer profiles when you get your prints made? I assume you are but figured I should ask.

It's a good idea to get a feel for a printer and then stick with them. I usually get a test print made that I feel represents my general work. I can use that print to evaluate what to expect and make adjustments as I see fit to get the most out of that printer. That is, of course, on top of using the print profile provided by the printer.

The bottom line with printing is that it's a different medium from the computer monitor and it's going to have a different look/feel. Personally, I don't like metal prints. I think they look weird - too contrasty and, well, metallic