~ User ~ re: mpix

uppereastgirl

Hi! 

I'm going to have mpix print out some photos I took.  I plan to put them in collage frames (under glass).  Some are color (of landscapes, cities, and a few are of Coney Island so they have a lot of color -- but none are portraits) and some are B&W.

Their professional papers are listed here:

http://www.mpix.com/Papers.aspx

I should have the B&W photos printed on their True B&W paper, right?  How do I choose between the e-surface paper for the color photos?

And what is your opinion on luster finish?

Thanks so much!

Peacefield

I use Mpix when printing some of my own enlargements and they do a very nice job.  Mpix is not a true professional lab like your photographer may use, but they're 100x better than getting prints at a retailer or a place like Shutterfly.  A little more expensive, but very reasonable.

You should print B&W's on either their B&W or Metallic paper.  For color, the difference between e-surface and metallic is hard to describe.  Metallic is very glossy while e-surface is more matte, but each also handles different colors differently.  All I can say is that metallic images look like they have more depth.  If you're uncertain and don't want to order a test print, you can't go wrong with e-surface.

Lustre doesn't change the look of the image at all, but if you're going to display them on a wall, lustre is just a few $'s and money well spent to protect the images from UV, etc.

Hope this helps.

USER876

I don't use MPIX anymore, I use Miller's which is their professional division.  They offer even MORE paper choices....LOL

I have samples of each paper choice.  I would go with the B&W paper for all B&W picdtures.  For color prints, both are nice but I prefer metallic.  The Metallic paper has a shimmer to it in the light, it's glossy, but also has a pearlescent finish.  I like it for landscapes and portraits.  If you want a more traditional matte look, go with E-surface.

The lustre coating is nice.  It adds more gloss, but is hardly noticable.  It adds some protection against finger prints and UV, but if you are framing this for wall hanging, you should be ok without the coating.  What size prints are these?  For something expensive I would get it (over 16"x24")

Another option to pay attention to is the color correct function.  They will color correct your pictures by default unless you tell them not to.  I calibrated my monitoir to their printer profiles and do a soft proof before each order so I don't check this box.  I don't want them messing things up.  If you are unsure, check it, at least they have a  reprint policy if you are not happy with skin tones,etc.

Miller's inks / papers are a bit richer in detail, The papers are thicker and the printers have a wider color space.  I made test prints and the millers showed more levels of blacks and highlights compared to MPIX, but this is something you won't miss unless you saw the two side by side.

Hope this helps

uppereastgirl

Very helpful, as always.  Thank you very much.  I'll check Miller's out!

USER876

I wouldn't recommend millers if you don't have the capability to change your color space and soft proof on your PC.  They don't offer color correction like Mpix does, and it's a bit of a hassle to join because you have to prove that you are running a business.

You can also look into MPIXpro....similar to mpix but they offer more products.  Again, supposed to have a business, but you can get around that if need be.  If you need the color correction, mpix regular is the way to go.

uppereastgirl

Mpix regular it is then, thanks  (I'm sure I could use the color correction!)

USER876

Let me know how your pics turn out.  You may want to oversharpen them a bit......as they look on the screen sharpen them to taste and then go just a bit more.  On prints, the ink bleeds a bit so you can do this.