Trying Bay Photo Lab

[mendopix]

I figured since they are advertisers with CPF, I would check out Bay Photo Lab. So far, interesting, Java based uploading and ordering. They have more options than I've seen elsewhere. I ordered an 8X8 print on Canvas.

I'll report when the print comes in.

zz

[kostasphotopro]

yeah I am interested in them as well... they seem to have a very good system worked out and a lot to choose from at reasonable prices

[FerrisPhoto]

I looked at them, but ended up going with Natural Color Imaging. I have not been disappointed. You don't even have to be calibrated, and the prints are spot on every time

[kostasphotopro]

Ah nice to know Farris.... might have to check them out as well

[Abel]

let us know what you guys think...

[Silverstangs]

I am doing a couple of prints, two of cars, two of people and two of landscapes, all 16x20. One set from Bay Photo Lab, another from Adorama and third from Smug Mug.
So basically 6 images and 18 prints. I will upload the images next week to see how the look. The biggest thing I found already is that they all don't use the same paper options.

[Abel]

Very cool. Try all 3 in order to see which you like best. a little pricey to do but you find out for sure which you prefer more.

I recall doing that when trying to find a local lab to print my everyday 5x7 stuff...

[FerrisPhoto]

I guess I could save you a few buck if it's not to late. Smugmug's printer is probably the worst of the bunch. They do good here and there, but they aren't very consistent. They also don't have as many paper choices as a lot of the other pro labs. My website is hosted at smugmug, but I got tired of their printer, and went to natural color imaging.

[Silverstangs]

FerrisPhoto, I've heard the same thing, and one of my friends just did a couple of prints of the same image, and they were different brightness levels. I don't know if smugmug uses different printers or one. But I will find out. I like the web interface that smug mug uses, so it's mainly down to quality control. I really don't want to buy a large printer, but it is something I am considerings. I see several Canon printers that do 13x19, but I was looking for something closer to 16x24 which is the max I usually go.

[mendopix]

OK, I got my print back. The print quality was an 8 of 10. They mounted the canvas on the frame off center. I called them up and they gave me a UPS account number. So, print is on its way back....Stay tuned

[Silverstangs]

WOAH!.... that is not good, how can anyone make that mistake.

[mendopix]

It may have been my own doing. I created a black border so that it bled from the canvas-wrapped sides to the front borders of the image. I used my rulers in PS, so I know the measurements are acurate.

Maybe commercial labs just don't go for anal measurement stuff. Who knows. I guess I will know when I get the improved print back.

[Silverstangs]

Originally Posted by mendopix

It may have been my own doing. I created a black border so that it bled from the canvas-wrapped sides to the front borders of the image. I used my rulers in PS, so I know the measurements are acurate.

Maybe commercial labs just don't go for anal measurement stuff. Who knows. I guess I will know when I get the improved print back.

I wonder if the frame was built using the measurements that the lumber industry use... 2 inches is really not two inches...


** Side Note** Duhh that's Sarcasm people

[Abel]

ahh yeah... i am sure stretching and wrapping an image with a border will be tough order.

I love the look of white borders on my printed images but no matter what lab i send them to they never got printed and/or cut properly so that the border was identical all the way around. So my solution was to simply stop adding them to my images. hehee

[vpsteve]

FYI: I've been using Bay for about 4 years now and have been very happy with their work. I can only remember one "mistake" and it was corrected within 2 days. Their turnaround time never fails to amaze me. I have never tried any of the other srvices, so I can't compare, but I've also never felt the need to compare. Just the opinion of a new guy.

Steve