I have been asked several times about printing photos and how to get the best quality prints from your photos, so I though I would spend some time and write out an explanation of your different print options.
Option #1- Buy the cd and print from any Walgreens, Walmart, etc. photo lab. Not something I suggest unless you are planning on printing a lot of your photos and they are mostly 4×6 to 8×10 print size. Reason being, though your images are high resolution and hours are spend editing and processing them, they are run through a 1 hour (or less) processing machine… quality has to be lost, but if your images are smaller you probably can’t tell. Your choice.
Option #2- Order from our ‘proof & order’ site (SmugMug) once your files are uploaded. This can be found at the TRU Identity main website. These files come directly from our computers where they were edited and go directly to a professional print lab. This site allows you to crop and pick out the print finish of your choice (metallic, gloss, lustre, or matte). Your prints are more expensive here but you get what you pay for. They are shipped directly to your door step so the photographer is not the middle man (…or delivery man).
Option #3- Order through your photographer. This is only done for large print sizes, print orders included in packages, or if you want the highest quality of photo development. They too, are ordered directly from the computer that edits them so they are the best quality. These prints come in a linen texture with UV coating. They must be paid for to the photographer, delivered to the photographer, and then to the client…. again, this is a professional photographers print lab only, not open to public printing.
Just remember with prints, you have spend several hundreds or thousands getting the photos taken, keep that in mind when printing as well… you get what you pay for ESPECIALLY when printing photos.