With digital photo prints being widely available at locations such as Fred Meyer or WalMart, one might wonder why professional photographers use professional printing labs (often located in other states) rather than just having their work printed at the local drugstore. Here are a few reasons why I send prints that matter to my pro lab:

• Paper options: Most consumer printers have a couple paper options. Pro labs offer several options that can provide the best finish for a particular image.
• Professional eyes on the print: At a pro lab, trained image technicians will review each print for correctness and can make adjustments to the print if needed. Unlike someone who is simply pushing a button and letting the printer figure out the rest, the pros at the lab will ensure that each image is as stunning as possible.
• Other-than-everyday sizes: If you want 5x7s or 8x10s you can get those anywhere. If you want big prints, square prints, or anything custom you’ll appreciate the fact that a pro lab can meet these needs.
• Other-than-everyday materials: Nice paper prints look good, but if you’ve seen a great photo printed on metal or on canvas then you know how awesome a photo can be on an alternative material. You won’t find stunning metal prints at WalMart.
• Consistency: Images printed by a pro lab will look the same regardless of when they’re printed. There won’t be variations based on the time of day, the humidity, the employee, or the like.
• Quality: Better ink, better paper, better chemical process. It’s just better.

The benefits of a pro lab are why that all of my print orders (whether they’re for a family portrait, special event, or a fine art print) are printed by a professional lab; I want to ensure that the print quality is as good as it can be.