The Tuesday Ten | Using a Professional Print Lab

I'm super excited about today's Tuesday Ten post! I have been using a professional print lab for nearly 2 years... but clients only seldom use my print lab. This is completely ok with me. I love offering a CD and print release. Most of my clients actually prefer it that way. I do hope they actually print the photos for their beautiful home or office but where they print their photos is completely up to them. I always offer prints through me and occasionally clients will use my lab. Today, I'm here to tell you why I think ordering through me for prints is beneficial and why a Professional Print lab is worth it!

1.     Professional Prints are affordable! Professional Print Prices are really not that expensive. The lab I use also runs 30-50% specials ALL THE TIME! I've put in two Print orders on specials in the last month. And if you order within 1 week of getting you CD/Gallery (and you mention this when ordering) I'll even give you a 20% discount if you’re paying regular price. 

2.     Easy Ordering! You tell me what you want and I’ll let you know when it arrives! It’s as easy as that. You can order via email, text, phone, Facebook, and my website. 

3.     Color Calibrated Monitors. Not all labs monitors are calibrated or even calibrated the same. So what my computer screen looks like when I edit is not always what you get from your lower end print labs. With Professional labs I’ve gone through the sample process to ensure my colors look like the colors you are getting in your prints. This is super important! I found an example that shows this perfectly.  It’s from Feather Blue Photography in Boise, ID.

4.     Higher Quality. Professional Print labs use higher quality paper and ink. They hold up better, last longer and look stunning.

5.     Turnaround time. I know a lot of people love using Wal-Mart and Sam’s club because their turnaround time is quick. Going through me for your print lab will only be 2-3 days to get your prints to you. I think that’s worth the wait.

6.     Print Finishes! I love using different print finishes. Most professional print labs offer multiple choices on your finish. They aren't limited at Glossy and Matte like your local ones usually are. Here are some examples from ezprintsblog.com : Lustre lacks the glare of glossy, textured finishes make prints finger print resistant, metallic is similar to glossy but it looks like it is printed on Metal.  The two labs I use offer MANY photo finishes, I have examples of them you are welcome to look at!

7.     Albums! I love photo albums. I include an album in all my wedding packages and think they are a perfect keepsake of your session.

8.     Products / Accordion Books. I love accordion books. I have given an accordion book to my sister, I use this as an example in my studio, I have one in my office. They are a super fun conversation starter and they look fantastic. But it doesn't end just there. There are SO many options when it comes to Professional Print labs! Holiday Cards, Dry Erase boards, Image Folios, Wood photo boxes, Proof Boxes and Books, Business Cards, Rep Cards, Bookmarks, CDs/DVDs, Playing cards, posters, Stickers, Calendars, Note pads, magnets, and a huge variety of wall art! 

9.     Crop Factor! Have you ever noticed when you order prints from Wal-Mart, Costco or a similar location your photos are cropped or sometimes missing an arm, person, etc? That’s because those printers are typically based of the most “logical” crop and don’t actually look at the pictures before adjusting the print crop. When you use a Professional Print lab through Photography by Stacey Moss I work with your photo until the crop looks perfect. Did you know the way a single picture looks from a 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20 look different? And those sizes are just examples. Make sure if you print photos yourself you are checking the crop BEFORE submitting your order.

10. Personal Experience. When you work with me at Photography by Stacey Moss for your prints you get a personal experience, the best crop for the photos that I’ve taken, and you get to talk / work more with me! And let’s face it, I’m pretty awesome. J