Professional Digital Printing Service

[Pioneer61]

My interior designer recently saw some of my digital photos and raved show some of her other clients would want some of my prints. My relatives always gush over some of my photos, but I wasn't really interested in trying to sell myself. But this opportunity came knocking, so I'm not refusing. :lol:

Now my problem is finding a good professional-grade lab for printing. From my research the Durst Lambda printer seems to be the state-of-the-art and will print very large sizes to boot (no lightjets printers please!). I also use PS CS3 and want ICC profiles from the lab so I can do soft-proofing.

I'd also like to find a good 'medium' quality place that is more economical for friends and family prints. I'm in San Diego, but I have no problems using a non-local lab for pro results.

So my research so far has yielded:

1. White House Custom Colour (WHCC). Uses Kodak RP30 for up to 11x14 and a Durst (not Lambda) for larger sizes. Provides ICC profiles, and seems like a great web site for uploading, creating orders, and management. Friendly staff, very economical prices, IMHO. Downside: No Durst Lambda printer.

2. Gamma Photo in Chicago. A friend who is a shuttterbug uses them for his professional-quality prints and says they are awesome. Minimal website for managing orders. They have the Lambda printer, but prints are skyhigh (8x10 $30). I called them and asked if they had ICC profiles and the lady had *no clue* what I was asking. :shock:

3. Chromatics in TN also has a Lambda printer, and costs about 60+% less than Gamma. They have ICC profiles, but web site is pretty basic for managing and submitting orders. They want files in 254PPI, which seemed a bit odd considering my research showed the Lambda is either 200 PPI or 400 PPI native.

I downloaded the WHCC ICC profile and soft proofing in CS3 showed a bit of clipping in some bright reds and oranges, but nothing too bad and the rest of the photo was untouched. The Chromatics ICC profile for the Lamda changed the whole color cast of the photo (towards the blue) and reduced the contrast. Not overly pleased with how the result looked.

So profile wise, WHCC looked better. But I'm wondering if their profile was just not as accurate, and they would also produce a color shift and contrast difference.

What lab would the pros recommend? I have a Canon 5D, L glass, and some very good shots (IMHO). So I want my first clients to be pleased, and provide them with pro level prints that are archival quality. Cost is not an issue. :) I'd go with Gamma since my friend says they are very good, but I *really* want an ICC profile so I can soft proof.

Update: I talked to a tech at Gamma and they refused to provide me an ICC profile. They "put too much work into them" to give to customers and insisted they wouldn't help anyway. The tech was very snobby and I really disliked his attitude. I don't really want to send any money their way!

[Lionstone]

You're going to get a lot of different opinions, as there are a lot of good labs out there. Obviously, there's no need to put up with a snotty attitude. ;)

For everyday printing, the folks I see mentioned most often are www.mpix.com, but I've never tried them myself. Your nearest Costco is often a good place for cheap prints, too. I use a local shop (www.photographictechniques.com) that's close to the house. They don't have the printer you want, but they do a really nice job.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[PhotosGuy]

Your nearest Costco is often a good place for cheap prints, too. Cheap & great prints from mine! :D

Costco & Sam's Club Digital Prints
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123887 Post #10 & #18.

[Thunder_cb]

I don't think Costco is near the quality desired. I've used Costco, and they are fine for the family album, but not something like this.

[PhotosGuy]

but not something like this.
1. Something like what?
2. Costcos differ, especially in Canada, so maybe yours sucks?

[urcunina]

Check out www.myphotopipe.com

They are my printer, many options, quick service.

Often have 40% of sales if you are on their mailing list.

-Joe

[Pioneer61]

I got my five test prints from WHCC and I'm blown away. The color, contrast and brightness match almost perfectly to my display. They also included samples of all their photo papers, and a nice 'Getting Started' booklett explaining their services and software.

I am going to try another shop that has the Lambda printer just to compare the differences. A friend of mine says he usually sees a 10-20% improvement with the shop he uses with a Lambda printer over his more economical prints like what I got. Although I'm not sure how they could look much better than WHCC.

[GPR1]

I've used WHCC for nine months. Their prints are excellent and the service and speed is exceptional. No regrets here.

Greg

[form]

I have excellent luck with Costco prints. If they don't come out right, it's because my photos lacked pizazz from the start and I failed to post-process them adequately. They're also extremely inexpensive. I like my 12x18" enlargement of the Death Valley salt flats from Dante's View, $1.49.

[PhotosGuy]

my 12x18" enlargement ... $1.49. How did you get them for half-price?

[Thunder_cb]

Ya, apparently the Costcos in both San Francisco, and Orange County in California and the ones in Arizona suck. Hard to believe any others would be much better. They are fine for the average person, but certainly not high quality. The colors and contrast are way off. The same digital file from other services have come out significantly better.