With hundreds of photo labs to choose from, and access to
virtually any lab in the country, how do you choose a photo lab? A good place
to start is by asking a friend or trusted advisor. This is the logical place to
begin but if you end your search at this point you are making a big mistake.
There is a photo lab to fit everyone’s needs but not all needs are the same.
Here is a list of questions that will help you choose the right photo lab and
maybe even help you become a better photographer.
Who is my ideal client?
If you are a portrait photographer is your ideal client a
family that wants a portrait for their living room and prints for family? Are
you a fine art photographer and that ideal client is a gallery or museum?
Perhaps you are a commercial photographer and your ideal client will need a
large image for a retail display? Your “ideal client” will help you determine
the services and orientation of the photo lab you need. Investigate the lab’s
website. The language they use and
the testimonials they post should speak to photographers doing your kind of
work. A lab that appears to be oriented toward making photo books and canvas
wraps is probably not the right choice for your next gallery show. The best
labs know what they do well and they market their services to that type of
customer.
Can this photo lab be my business partner?
A good photo lab is essential in the success of your
business and your art. You must choose a lab that can work with you and your
business model. Pick up the phone and start asking questions. Nothing tells you
more about a business than how they respond to their customers. Ask if they
have any special offers for first timers. Let your perspective lab know you are
interested in using their services and see how they respond. They should sound
like they want to be part of your team.
Can I work with these people?
What is your working style? Perhaps the best way for you to work with a lab is online.
If this is true, do they have a good online print ordering application or web
interface? You may like or need a higher level of customer service. Does the
lab have knowledgeable people you can reach on the phone or by email? The bottom line is that it’s all about
service. In photography eventually something will go wrong. Choose a lab that
is willing to help you fix problems, but be reasonable.
Do I need more than one photo lab?
Maybe you shoot both digitally and with film. In this case
you may want to use a local lab for your film and proofing and another lab for
printing. Sometimes one size does not fit all. Don’t be afraid to seek out just
the right lab for each workflow or project.
What kind of value does this photo lab provide?
Notice the question is not, “how much does it cost.” Value
as stated in the question is a measurement of all factors involved. For
example, two different labs make you a print. Both prints are identical in
quality, and quality always comes first.
But lab “A” rolls the print and puts it in a tube for shipping. They are
slow to respond to questions and have a hard to navigate website. Lab “B”
charges 20% more for the same print but they ship the print flat, have a great
website and always respond promptly. If lab “B” saves you time and frustration,
allows you to bill more work, then “B” is the better value and actually cheaper
in real terms.
Finally never forget that it’s your image and you need to
make sure it looks fantastic. Run a test with any lab before you start to use
them for paying jobs. Find out about profiles and calibration so you can give
the lab the best possible image file. Good files make good prints. And remember
that what you receive from any lab is your “wholesale” product. Never resell it
to a client without the appropriate markup. Simply giving away your image files
allowing clients to do whatever they wish says that your talent is of no value.
Protect our creative rights it’s the only way to make money as an artist.
Posts
