I have noticed in getting prints made from my digital files at local stores (Walmart, Walgreens, Ritz, and even privatley owned labs) that their computers seem to "change" my colors. They have some kind of automatic "optimization" and the prints sometimes look very different than the original files. The only answer the techs ever give me is, "sorry, the computer does it automatically, we can't change it". Has anyone else experienced this? Can anyone recommend maybe an online service that does not change the colors of the prints. Am I making any sense? thanks.
i could be wrong, but cant you ask the place where you are getting them printed for what printing profile they use and I think you can download that profile off the net then use that on your PC when you do your edits so the color you see will b the color that is printed out???
I have noticed in getting prints made from my digital files at local stores (Walmart, Walgreens, Ritz, and even privatley owned labs) that their computers seem to "change" my colors. They have some kind of automatic "optimization" and the prints sometimes look very different than the original files. The only answer the techs ever give me is, "sorry, the computer does it automatically, we can't change it". Has anyone else experienced this? Can anyone recommend maybe an online service that does not change the colors of the prints. Am I making any sense? thanks.
nick
Are you working and saving in sRGB? I had an 8X10 of this image printed at CVS Drugs Store and the colors were exact. It cost $7.95 plus tax @ 7% for a total of $8.51. From now own I will only order from DPC Prints because the same picture and quality [if not better] would only be $4.30 with shipping. A savings of $4.21 - almost half the cost.
I have had very satisfactory results with 8x10s from these two sources-
-when I need them fast:
BestBuy, $3.99 on Kodak paper, while you wait if they are not busy;
-and, if I have more time, from:
winkflash.com, $1.99 on Royal paper, posatage is $0.99 per order, and they are mailed (from Rhode Island) in 24 hrs or less.
MPIX is awesome. Their prints come out exactly as they look on my screen. The turnaround time and shipping are excellent. I would highly recommend them.
Dry Creek Photo has printer profiles for a few stores, including Costco (but not Sam's Club or Walmart anymore because they apparently changed theirs). That might help.
