Buy prints from photographer?

LisaB26541

Hi everyone! I am trying to finalize our photography package with our photographer.  She offers prints at half off if you purchase them with the photography package, bringing 8 x 10 prints to $12.50 each.  The photography package includes a disk of all the digital images. My question is, is it worth it to buy any prints that we want directly from the photographer? or will prints that I order from mpix.com or shutterfly at a much cheaper cost look just as nice?  I don't know enough about photography and printing to make an informed decision on this one. Thanks for your help.

~mRm~

Will the images you receive on disk be edited/retouched/cropped, ect; ready to just upload to your favorite site and print? If you purchase prints through her will she provide those services for you? A shutterfly 8x10 usually runs around $4, but if you are unsure of the quality of the final print you may want to buy directly from her. IMO $12.50 is VERY reasonable for a professional print. Most photogs I've seen charge upwards of $30 for that size.

HaveAGoodDay

You should ask if the images are in their "raw" state or if they have been color corrected, retouched, etc.  Also, the quality of the paper will vary between budget printing services and professional quality labs.

If you are lucky enough to get your images on CD in their retouched format, try a few prints as suggested and if you are satisfied, then you can save yourself some money.  If you aren't happy with the quality, that photographer will be glad to sell you prints.

Also, if you are going to create your own album there are different grades of quality.  The one I have seen first hand is WeDesignAlbums.com.  They actually custom design the layout for you and then once you approve it, bind it into a top notch album.  There are several colors and sizes of albums available to choose from.  But the thing I like best is that these are hard pages with the photos mounted directly to them.  They aren't the thin magazine style floppy pages.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

TxMensan

It sounds like you're using a relatively inexpensive photographer... in which case, if you order prints from MPIX (about $1.99 an 8x10) and allow them to color correct, you may get the exact same thing she would be giving you if you ordered from her.  Many photographers use MPIX as their lab - just visit the MPIX forums. 

If you're paying for the hi-res disk, I'd skip the prints... there's little reason not to. 

LisaB26541

Thanks for all the suggestions

[Deleted User]

Just wanted to throw my two cents in... do yourself a favor and order from MPix, not Shutterfly.  MPix will have much higher quality pics/service.  I love Shutterfly's photobooks because they're a reasonable price for what you get, but for prints you can't beat MPix (a lot of professionals use them too).