quality of photos ordered online?

[Caroline]

Hey Guys,

I recently had some portraits done of my new baby. I got both prints and the digital images from the photographer. The prints are on what appears to be high quality paper (Kodak Professional Endura Paper). We also ordered some prints through Apple, which arrived on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper. It's hard to compare the two, since the photographer's prints are matte while Apple's are glossy. However, I really like the photographer's prints better. The blacks are deeper and the details a little more vibrant. I don't think it is simply a difference between matte and gloss. Does anyone know if there is a difference in quality between common online photo businesses - Apple, snapfish, target, kodak -- and professional studios? Is there an online service I can use to get high quality prints?

Thanks!

Caroline

[Pam]

I really like mpix. They do more of a professional job than the other sites you listed. If you read their faq's you can get the most out of their service.

[Jimmypoo]

How was the resolution on the digitals from the photographer? That's something of real interest.

If you open up Photoshop (or similar) - what does it tell you about pixels per inch AND the size of the shot?

As shown below.......

[Caroline]

Hey Jimmypoo,

The pictures are 300 ppi and size roughly 14 x 9.5 inches. My sister just bought a 20 by 30 inch print from apple and I have to say that it looks fantastic. This one came in a matte finish.

Thanks!

[andypie48]

don't go with Snapfish. the colors were way off and they were processed in that same photo lab in Parkersburg, W.Va.* that has been messing up snapshots for years.

*I'm from there.

[Marc Anthony]

PPI/size will affect detail but has little to do with print chroma, which is dependent on the output device and the image's color profile. The photographer probably didn't use a mass-marketed print service, but may have had the images output at a professional imaging house such as BWC; a pro shop like this would likely provide better/more consistent results, but would be more expensive than the online services.

[wowzer]

Print from Costco. Use their profiles in PS. Use lustre finish.

I print only from costco nowadays...and snapfish for large sized posters...which is different than their 4x6, 5x7 prints.

GL.