Which uk lab to use

[cdgaskin]

im trying to find a uk lab to handle my prints. do i try to get sample prints of my photos so i can compare to my screen? ive used photobox for my own pictures and found them to be very dark compared to my screen (especially b&W prints)

[Nathan deGargoyle]

Hi Chris, you've probably found an answer to this already (I'm going through the zero reply threads as Jiminy recently recommended) but I'd be interested to know your conclusion?

[candidrachel]

I use boots (photobox).

[theArchitect]

I stopped using Photobox a while ago, service and quality took a dive when they redesigned their site & product lines.

I've always heard good things about Loxley: http://www.loxleycolour.com
They are aimed more at the pro market and charge higher prices for smaller prints compared to Photobox, but they are actually cheaper for larger sizes. You need to create an account before you can download a price list.

If you're having problems with colour output, you might want to consider getting a screen colour calibrator which creates a colour profile for your screen. That way what you're seeing on-screen actually represents the colour data in the photo rather than a screen that might output with a colour cast.

Simiarly you might want to make sure you are using the same colour profile in Photoshop as the printer will use.

[Glayva]

I have not used them for a while but a lab that I used in the past who produced superb quality work are Profolab. They are based in Weymouth, Dorset. You could upload to their website or send CD. Fast response, personal service and nothing too much trouble. However, they were not the cheapest around - but you get what you pay for!

20/20 in Farnborough, Hampshire are also excellent and very reasonably priced.

[Robby]

Nathan I have just gone through your photos...they are brilliant. I have the same camera and lens...about to get the 55-200mm. Would love to know where they were taken. Europe somewhere I am guessing.

oh and I would also love to know of a lab to print pictures too.