How to choose a print lab

[Emily4Pres]

Hello there!

I have my FIRST job lined up and I need to find a photo lab. I have done some looking online and found a few that I'm going to check out in person but I need some advice on what to look for and how to choose the right lab for me. Where do I start?? Any advice? How and why did you choose your lab?

Thanks everyone!
Much love - Emily

[bharte]

Which ever photo lab you go with make sure they calibrate their machines and either give you a profile for their papers/set up or tell you wish profile to convert your images to.

You'll also need to be running acolour calibrated monitor otherwise what might happen if your screen is too red is that you remove red in the colour balance from the file (which was ok it was monitor that was wrong) and the photos come back lacking red (and the lab printed them fine!).

Clour calibration is key for both you and the lab, ask questions with the lab to get confidence that they know what they are doing and for you (if you haven't done so already) invest in a Datacolor Spyder or similar.

I the UK I can recommend ProAm imaging who supply profiles for their paper/machine combination and are spot on every time. Outside the UK I can't recommend however I am sure some other people will be able to.

[jojonac]

A lot of the high end labs will give you free samples. So I recommend doing a print taste test.

WHCC
Bay Photo
Millers
Nation

To name a few.

[Indigo November]

I use Mpix.

Been happy with them.
I am working a non-calibrated monitor (laptop actually, yeah I know... ) and my photos always come out looking wonderful.

[OsmosisStudios]

Using online labs is often a good idea, but I prefer finding a good local lab I can deal with face-to-face. They often cut me deals for large orders and are more willing to help out with anything should I be having trouble. They also have a satisfaction guarantee, so if I'm not happy, I can always have them re-done and I dont have to wait for any shipping: usually same-day turnaround

[Rentham]

I use MPIX for personal and family stuff. Easy, pretty cheap, and good results. I use Miller's for "work" stuff. Their prints match what I see on my monitor almost exactly. In my experience, Nations is like playing Russian Roulette.

[Emily4Pres]

Awesome =) Thanks so much for the feedback! I would really like to find a local place because I prefer to deal with people face to face...and I also feel like I'll be able to ask more questions with a live person hehe. I think I'll check out MPix though since a few of you have used and had success with them. Thanks again everyone!

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by Rentham

I use MPIX for personal and family stuff. Easy, pretty cheap, and good results. I use Miller's for "work" stuff.

Aren't they the same people?

[Rentham]

Yep, I'm referring more to books, albums, and stuff like that from Millers.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Yep, I'm referring more to books, albums, and stuff like that from Millers.

Ahh, ok. I know they're the same corp, I just didn't know if they used different print houses or equipment for the commercial vs consumer grade products.

How do you find their book/album production?