Printing Images?

[DacrimL]

Just wondering where most people get their images printed, whether it be someone like BigW or some other market chain or do you use a specialised printer.

Some of the smaller images I can print at home on my printer using the proper paper. However some of the larger type prints a bigger printer is needed.
Also I have found that the market chains do not nor will they allow the printing of any form of nudity, boudoir or anything even a little risque.

So am open to suggestions of who to use and where some of these may be found in or around my local area. I am a little sceptical to using online printers without being able to verify their work.

[Sargee225]

I just got caught out printing online, first time using this company and ended up with $75 worth of dark prints, still trying to find out why.
Just make sure you do your research on them first. I'm sure someone else will be able to point you in the right direction, but maybe speak to the printing company before sending any files for printing just to make sure your prints look like what they're supposed to

[horizon]

I only use Pro Labs for my large format prints, so look for one in your local city if you really want to see a proof print before you commit to the full sized print.

You may want to ask them about exposure and colour correction and what file types they accept and colour profiles (sRGB, adobeRGB, PrpPhoto).

I'm not wanting to promote any particular Pro Print Labs, but I have used ones in Brisbane and Adelaide. Both did a good job and the one in Adelaide were more than helpful and I uploaded a large tiff file of just under 2GB to their FTP server for printing which required no colour correction but a slight lift in exposure due to prints coming out about 1 to 2 stops darker than on screen (this may have been your problem with the dark prints) (I had made the exposure changes, but it needed an ever so slight adjustment to match the exposure of the link to the image online I provided them to exposure match), it could not have come out better. I got the Pro Print Lab to matt and frame as well as I didnt have the time to have it matted and framed locally after arriving, and they shipped them boxed, well protected and arrived ready to hang. The framing included UV protected acrylic (not glass), but I dont remember if it had non-reflective coating when I ordered it. The costs were affordable and competitive. Most pro labs will advertise in photography magazines and they will be promoted by the magazines if they do good work.

You will also want to ensure that your Display is correctly calibrated (Exposure and Colour and Contrast).

I did try contacting one of the AusPhotography sponsors here with no reply, so dont hold your breath waiting for them.

Google can be your friend if you ask it the right questions.

Would I use Officeworks or Hardly Normal or a retail chain to do prints, not on your life.

Hope it helps.

Regards,
Craig

Edit: terminology correction

[Mark L]

I'm not wanting to promote any particular Pro Print Labs, but I have used ones in Brisbane and Adelaide.

And based on what you've said you should promote them to the AP audience.

[KevPride]

I had prints done some years ago by Atkins in Adelaide (Kent Town), have actually had a tour of facility and the quality of work is outstanding. They even have a walk in retail area where you can discuss with a consultant. They are pro's with pro equipment.

Sent from my SM-P550 using Tapatalk

[teylward]

I've always wanted to get some of my photography on canvas or something, but always worry that they won't come back as I wanted them.
I suppose it's just about trying to find a good printer company and stick with them. Only one way to find out.