Print Service Quality

[LAXDAD]

I just received my first order of prints (8" x 10") from a major online company and was quite disappointed by the results. My problem is that they are all very underexposed. I would blame myself or my computer monitor if not for the fact that I had some 4x6 copies made of each image before ordering the more expensive larger prints.
The 4x6's were all properly exposed. Is this a common problem or did I just run into a bad processing job? Thanx LD

FACTS:
1) on monitor... exposed properly
2) from CVS... 10- 4x6, exposed properly
3) from *"major on line processor"... 10-8x10 all underexposed though otherwise excellent
*I have kept the name private in case this was not their mistake

[Hellashot]

Printing of digital images correctly is a common struggle. What might help, if you don't have a calibrated monitor would be to send those properly printed 4x6 to whereever you get your 8x10 so they can see what the finished result should be.

[DavidW]

The usual recommendation is to calibrate your monitor, and tell whoever prints your images to turn automatic corrections off.

If you're not happy with the prints you received, talk to the lab about them. They may offer to reprint for free.



David

[xiphoid]

I would send in a copy of the 4x6s, as mentioned - I'm sure they would offer to replace the copies that you're not satisfied with.

[jj1987]

Remember that the drug stores usually use i2e inteligence software or something of similar nature when doing prints.

Post the pictures if you wouldnt mind so we can see what they look like on our monitors.

[gpocock]

Just a thought
Do they use a different printer for the larger prints. In the UK, Photobox use different printers and suggest that for small prints the color profile should be sRGB and for the larger Adobe.

Best wishes

Geoffrey Pocock

[redbutt]

If I'm reading this correctly...you did NOT get the 4x6 prints at the same place as the 8x10s. So, sending the 8x10 printer the 4x6 prints as a reference won't really do much. The difference in the prints probably lies in that the CVS job (4x6) was done using their default print scheme which does auto-correct the prints. The "major online printer" you used for the 8x10 probably applied no encancements at all. And if your monitor is not calibrated, you are seeing a false representation of what will be printed.

Most reputable online printers provide their printer profiles for you to use in "soft proofing". I suggest you look into that. It will show you any color and tone shifts the printer is likely to cause. Also, as a test, get a 4x6 from CVS and explicitly ask for the auto-correction they apply to be turned off.

[RedWingNut]

Rebutt is thinking along the same lines I am. It is a secret what online place you used, but most will NOT color correct for you, and some will if but you have to ask them to. Places like MPix will color correct if you enable the option. Places like WHCC (white house) will not color correct and will give a profile to use. Other places will give you a profile too, like RedButt said.

The question you have to ask yourself is, do the 4x6s look just like your monitor looks.