OK, so you’re ready to print your photos but you’re overwhelmed by the options available. Kiosks, online printers, your local big box store, professional print labs… Does it really make that much of a difference where you choose to print your photos? Is a professional print lab really that much better than a consumer lab?
Truth? Yes. Yes it is.
Photographers are trained to see variations in color and contrast much more than the average person. But in this experiment, I wanted to show that the difference between a pro print lab vs. a consumer lab is obvious to anyone when compared side by side. So, I printed a favorite image of my daughter from my lab of choice, Miller’s Professional Imaging, to compare with prints from consumer print labs: Costco, Walgreens, Target and Walmart. I think you’ll see that, as much as we may love shopping at these stores, you’ll want to do your photo printing with vendors that specialize in professional prints. It is truly amazing to see the difference a pro print lab makes!
First, this is the original digital file I used to make each print:
Here’s how a pro print lab compared with four consumer labs:
Each print was made directly from my original file with the automatic adjustments and corrections turned off. I printed all five images as 5 x 7-inch prints, with the exception of Target (they did not offer that exact size and the closest was 6 x 8 inches). I ordered a matte or lustre print when I could, but Walgreens and Target only printed with glossy paper.
Miller’s Professional Imaging
The Miller’s print was hands down the most accurate print of them all. It was perfect! Miller’s printed my image exactly how I saw it on my screen. I wasn’t surprised with the quality of what I received from this pro print lab, as I’ve used them exclusively for years. I love knowing I can order from them and receive a consistently beautiful print each and every time.
Note: I wanted the photo paper from each print lab to be as close as possible so I printed on Miller’s e-surface photo paper instead of my usual metallic paper.
Walmart
The photo print from Walmart was one of the prints that was dramatically different than my original. There is a very obvious pink/magenta tone and the contrast was increased so much that my daughter’s legs look extremely dark and her dress has lost the details. I can also see the added contrast in the color of water as well. The focus is blurred just a bit and the reflection is muddy and not very clear.
Walgreens
Walgreens print lab also added more contrast to my image but it is not quite as dramatic as the Walmart print. The shadows are darker and the highlights are brighter. Her skin and hair are warmer with the added contrast and color. Glossy paper was the only available option, which magnifies the difference between this print and the Miller’s professional print even more.
Costco
Costco did the best job of not changing the colors of the print too much from my original file. But, instead of adding contrast, the contrast from this print seemed to be removed. The colors are very muted and the image has lost some of its sharpness. She looks out of focus compared to the other prints. Walmart had some sharpness issues as well, but not as extreme as Costco.
Target
I was very surprised at just how much the color was off in my print from Target. The blue in the water is neon blue and the overall image is lighter than the Miller’s print. There also seems to be more yellow in the photo — in her hair and parts of the white clouds. It doesn’t look like a ton of contrast was added but the brighter neon colors are just too bright to ignore. I adore Target for lots of photography-related purchases, but not for printing photos.
As each new image was printed, the importance of using a professional print lab became more clear to me. Using a pro print lab that specializes in working with professional photographers and making our prints look their best truly makes a difference, whether the images are for your clients or for your own home.
Which photo paper is right for your print?
There are so many photo paper options out there — glossy, matte, metallic — that it can be hard to know which paper will work best for you. Your style is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all option out there. But lucky for us pro photographers, there are a bunch of great photo papers available from pro print labs. Read my photo paper comparison here.
The answer for me is neither. I own an art gallery where I sell my landscape photographs. No lab can compete with printing your own images because you get exactly what you want. Occasionally I do use a lab for very large prints but I always provide them a guide print. The number one criteria for selecting a lab is location – are they close enough to hand deliver the file and guide print. Note that the big labs do not accept guide prints.
When you sent your print to Miller’s did you have them retouch it any and did you edit to their ICC profile?
Fabulous article! I would also suggest Nation’s Photo Lab, impeccable customer service, and always consistent.
I have the same question as Lynda^ Would you recommend Mpix?
Mpix is a great option! Miller’s is their parent company. I believe you can also use WHCC without being in business. 🙂
Yes, Mpix is a great option Peggy!
So, if you do not have access to a professional print lab (…a serious hobbyist), which lab do you recommend? I’ve used Mpix. Thanks for your article and this image is beautiful!
Thank you all so much! <3
Hilary, from printing at many labs to see which one I liked the best, I just fell in love with Miller's. I especially love mounting my prints on their masonite and their Signature Albums. Everything they do is just beautiful!! They have also been so amazing with their thoughtfulness and customer service. I couldn't recommend them more! 🙂
Rachel, how did you decide on Miller’s over other professional print labs?
Yes, I’m sharing with clients, as well. I was JUST encouraging a consumer to do a print test for the local consumer labs for her own prints (not our studio’s) to see the difference. It’s worth the time and effort.
Excellent article. Also shared and appreciate such a thorough side-by-side comparison.
This is awesome Rachel- thanks so much for putting this together!
Wonderful article! I’ve shared it with my clients. Thanks so much for the great write up!
I know this is an article about pro vs. consumer print labs …. but I cannot leave this page without commenting on what an absolutely serene image that is! Stunning!