Photo Developing

There are many web sites where you can preserve your memories in digital format.  You can have your photos printed at many locations both at a store or online.  Some of the places to consider are:  warehouse stores (BJs, Sams Club, and Costco); drug stores (CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgrens); department/chain stores (Boscovs, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart); and with locations that are only online (Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Kodak Gallery).  Some allow you to upload your photos and have the order print out at their location, while others allow you the option of having the finished product delivered to your home.

Other than cost, here are some things to consider when ordering photos through an online website:

Size – what do they offer - wallet, 4x6, 5x7, or another size?  Do they offer any package deals?

Finish - matte or glossy?

Processing - color, black and white, or special toning like sepia?

Paper – Kodak, Fujicolor, or another?

Enhancement - does their site allow for editing such as cropping, adjusting red eye, etc.?

Shipping and Handling - what fees are charged and what service is used to ship to your home or to their location?

Taxes - will you pay tax for in store or mail delivery?

Fees - are there any hidden or membership fees?

Time - how long will it take to produce and receive them?

Upload photos - individually or in a cluster?

Packaging - are the pictures mailed in a sturdy package?

Photo storage - cellulose acetate (negative), photo CD, or print containing all photos?  Will they maintain your photo library on their site?

Return policy - how do they handle photos that do not print correctly?

Photo gifts - can you order a mug, calendar, or other specialty item with your photo(s) on it?

Scrapbook pages – can you order photo pages in 7x7, 8x8, 12x12, or anther special size?

No matter what you chose to do with your photo memories - always, always, back up your photos to another location such as an eternal hard drive or to an online photo storage location.  It's a tragedy when your precious memories are lost.

Seek out special offers and sales for photos you do not need to have your photos developed immediately.  Be nice, and share your finds with your family and friends.

Where do you have your photos developed?  Recommendations are always appreciated by your fellow readers because you may know of a place where we can all save money.  Now say Cheese and take some pictures this weekend!