The camera store a short walk from me charges 18 cents per 4'x6' print from a jpeg file. I basically want these photos to check print appearance before making my own 8 x10 s. Should I go that route or get the epson picturemate express, which is basically a mini-lab standalone that prints only 4"x6" but requires buying new paper, ink, and maintenance. I want the minimum number of hassles. Which of the two choices is the most cost & time effective? If the 4x6 has the right color balance, then the same image printed as an 8x10 will match. Usually the 8x10 will cost you under $2 per. If you print a 4x6 on your printer, it will probably NOT match the one from the lab. When printing, you should be printing from Photoshop to get the best color match, printer color management, gamma and be able to designate the kind of paper you are using.
Using your own printer. My actual cost for making a 4x6 on an Epson is over $.50 per print. This includes only the Epson ink and Epson paper. You have to use the ink and paper that matches your printer to be sure that you get accurate color reproduction and that the print is somewhat archival. This cost does not include my time which I bill at $150 per hour.
It ends up being much more cost effective for the client to wait a few hours and get "real" photos from the lab, than having me make them. I love taking pictures, so with it I print alot of pictures...
I've tried printing my own with specialty photo printers in my home.... but I find it more costly than just sending them to my local drug store to get printed there for like 19 cents....[walgreens].. I just find them to be more high quality and they last more... so it's up to you.... I just prefer sending them to the store via their website and picking them up few minutes later!!!! + from time to time they give you special coupons like buy 10.00 worth of photo prints and get free 8x10's soo that coooolll!! | 