I’m in Canada, but I think some of the options are similar... I’ve had decent results with shutterfly and I’m told that blurb is really excellent... I’ll be interested to hear about other options though...
I, too, have used Shutterfly and been happy. I've also gone to a local (local but a time consuming drive since it's south of the airport) camera store that does very nice printing. I'm thinking of investing in a canon pixma 100 (or the 10 if I can come to terms with the cost) so I can have immediate gratification without driving anywhere.
I have used Mpix, Adoramapix.com and Nations Photo lab. I have been happy with all of these companies and will continue to use them. Years ago, I used Shutterfly and had decent results.
I print a lot of quality from mpix - loving the standouts. I've gotten metal prints from shutterfly and they were good. I recently got a book from blurb and it was good quality.
Was curious to see what the others liked... I, too have used Shutterfly from the outset and generally am satisfied with their work. I then discovered Photobook. They have sites worldwide, so I use "Photobook Canada" when I'm up here and "Photobook America" in the states. Their books are amazing with lay-flat books and heavy stock paper...good color-quality, too! And they're fast to ship! The offer many nice discounts, so I think the price point is excellent as well. Wanted to add a new name to this list for your consideration. ***I'm going to add that it's not easy to find their contact information, but at the moment I have their number (for Canada) in front of me! It's a jumping off point if you need to be in touch... (647) 559-2496
Costco Photo for print when I really need them (not often) Prints on metal plate after several iterations of prints
I have been using Blurb, but I haven't check anyone else in a long time. Blurb because of software on my big machine and can be used when no internet connection.
My Costco (Maryland) does very nice prints and most people in my photo club use them. I think there was a dpreview of printers a year or so ago and they came out on top. For books I use Shutterfly and have been very pleased with the results. I have not compared them to anyone else, though.
I send prints to Walgreens from my computer and they are Ok but sometimes cropped too close. I have done two books with blurb and am very satisfied with the quality AND the customer service
Thank you so much for your input! Believe it or not, I haven't printed any of my pictures for many years - I am one of those who just herds them on the hard drive out of sight. But I wanted to have something printed for this Xmas. This is a great list to start - comparing prices, times etc. Good to have feedback from you guys before ordering prints!
@vera365 I hardly print any. It's sad. Only ones I have printed in years were for photo contests. Just bought a digital frame to get photos of us in the house!
@vera365@alophoto I say set your pixels free and give the future generations something to look at! Who knows what technology will bring for these archives. :) I need to print more for sure, so thank you for the inspiration!!
UpDate on printing: Canon is having a sale until the end of the year - at least in the US. Part instant rebate and part mail in rebate where you receive American Express giftcards. I bought the Canon Pixma Pro 10. Printer weighs nearly 45 lbs so you need 2 people to lift it and of course paper and replacement ink will be a continued expense, but that's life. And it's all something new to learn - photos that I thought looked fine came out way too dark when printed - but really quite satisfying.
Vera, By accident, I found https://www.frameiteasy.com/ when I had a back injury and couldn't frame some photos I entered into an exhibition. The beauty of this website is that your photo is printed on quality paper, then custom framed to the shot as it is (if you cropped it, etc.). The frame choices are simple, but you can add mats, and do some very nice selections. The owners are very helpful in case you have additional questions.
The "glass" is high grade plexiglass (which I've turned to more and more to save cost and prevent breakage), and they prepare it within days of receipt (shipping is minimal). It comes "ready to hang" with nice bumpers to protect walls, and with the hooks to put on the wall!
At my show, two of the works won awards, including 1st in category! I use them now to take orders for clients and Frameiteasy does the rest. Definitely start printing and hanging your work!
Oh, and Vera, Sam's (probably Costco's) and Walgreens do pretty inexpensive books. I started making cards of my works to sell (and for xmas) and I used a local digital printer who does high yield for businesses in their corporate publications (think booklets, postcards, etc.)--I found that producing my cards with them really cut the costs vs. doing it through traditional photograph sites. Without sacrificing quality. :)
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Costco Photo for print when I really need them (not often) Prints on metal plate after several iterations of prints
I have been using Blurb, but I haven't check anyone else in a long time. Blurb because of software on my big machine and can be used when no internet connection.
Thank you so much for your input! Believe it or not, I haven't printed any of my pictures for many years - I am one of those who just herds them on the hard drive out of sight. But I wanted to have something printed for this Xmas. This is a great list to start - comparing prices, times etc. Good to have feedback from you guys before ordering prints!
The "glass" is high grade plexiglass (which I've turned to more and more to save cost and prevent breakage), and they prepare it within days of receipt (shipping is minimal). It comes "ready to hang" with nice bumpers to protect walls, and with the hooks to put on the wall!
At my show, two of the works won awards, including 1st in category! I use them now to take orders for clients and Frameiteasy does the rest. Definitely start printing and hanging your work!