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Guidance on getting the best photo prints
Online photo printing services allow customers to share photos with family and friends (without sending multiple emails with large attachments) as well as order prints, gifts and novelty items with images printed on them. Many websites offer comparison charts that provide easy reference for users looking for specific features.
BobAtkins.com, a photography-enthusiast website, offers a general tutorial on photo printing with an analysis of the standard options: printing at home, using an online photo printing service, or printing at a local store. Atkins offers tips for getting the best results from online photo printers.
Experts say it's best to calibrate your monitor to match the color output of a printing servicer to achieve the best results. Jacci Howard Bear, About.com's guide to desktop publishing, offers a how-to guide for calibrating your monitor. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
ConsumerReports.org's Electronics Blog features an article warning consumers about the risk of losing photos with online photo-sharing sites like Kodak Gallery and Snapfish. Editors warn that some sites delete photos after a period of inactivity, and others may shut down altogether. They suggest backing up your images in another safe location.
DigitalPhotographyWebsite.com provides a detailed comparison chart that breaks down the services and features offered by nine photo sharing and printing services. This chart is an easy reference for determining storage limits, printing options, membership fees and other requirements of the major photo printing and sharing services.
Photography.com compares free and subscription-based photo sharing and storage services and also discusses tips for storing photos online safely.
The Los Angeles Times profiles the family that owns and operates SmugMug.com.
Jon Fortt, senior writer for CNNMoney.com, discusses the so-called "photo recession" and its impact on online digital printing services.
ReadWriteWeb.com posts a review of the top 10 photo sharing sites and also includes a useful comparison chart. The article reviews sites in terms of social photo-sharing features and capabilities, rather than printing services.
The most helpful websites we find are the online photo printing services themselves. Most let you view their services, prices and additional merchandise offers without signing up.