Getting Your Digital Photos Printed
Let's suppose you don't print photos all that often and you don't have a color inkjet photo printer. Or suppose you want professional quality prints because you're entering a photo contest. How do you get your photos printed then?
As with anything else, you get what you pay for. Here are some alternatives for getting your photos printed.
One-Hour Photo Places. Virtually every pharmacy has a one-hour photo department, and in many of those same locations there will be a kiosk or machine where you can place your photo order by yourself. Simply bring the media card containing your photos - or a CD with the photo files - to the one-hour photo place. If there is a kiosk, follow the instructions (which will usually include inserting the media card or CD). If there is no automatic kiosk, just ask the photo technician on duty for assistance.
One-hour photo places have numerous options for getting your photos printed, from 3" x 5" prints up to 8" x 10" enlargements. Ask around for prices per print.
Some places like Walgreens even let you electronically send your photos to the store where you wish to have your prints done, so you can go pick them up at your convenience.
Camera Retailers. Some retailers like Ritz Camera/Wolf Camera have in-store printing available. If you need prints larger than 8" x 10", this is the best way to go.
Service Bureaus. This is the most expensive way to go, but if you need banner-size prints or special services (such as conversion to slides), this is your best alternative. In Houston, visit Copy.Com or Houston Photo Imaging. Anywhere, visit FedEx Kinko's or check Yahoo Yellow Pages for locations in your city.