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!

Photographs - Saving our Memories

As summer looms, many people will be attending graduations, weddings, cookouts, pool parties, and taking trips to the beach and mountains.  Don’t forget your camera so you can take digital photos.

This is a two part blog to help prepare you for photo opportunities.  Here are some tips:

1.      Remember to check your camera and accessories (tripod, filters, etc.) for working condition.  Have them serviced if necessary.

2.      Have two sets of fresh batteries – one as a back-up set.  Rechargeable batteries can be useful.

3.      Will your memory card hold enough photos?

4.      Think of taking different shots of the same scene.  Include family members in some of your shots, and make sure to put yourself in some.  Remember to take some close ups too.

5.      Is anyone else in your party taking pictures?  Coordinate with them to get different angles and to be in different places at the same time so that special events can be captured and shared.

6.      Back your photos up.  If something happens to the camera, you will have a way to recover them.  This can be done on your computer, an external hard drive, or on a web site that allows you to store your photos.

7.      Think about ways to use your photos as gifts.  Photos can be turned into mouse pads, coffee mugs, calendars, and scrapbooks.

8.      Is time a necessity in getting your photos produced?  This could be one determining factor in deciding where to get them printed.  There are many online locations where you can upload them and either have them mailed to your home or pick them up.  (More on this topic in the next blog in the middle of June.)

Remember to have fun and enjoy your summer while preserving your memories.