|
Are you wanting to print photos of your wedding, family photos, Christmas photos or any other reason, but you have no idea where to go? Keep reading to find out what you should be looking for when selecting a business to print off you photos, and I will also review a bunch of in store and online options for printing in Waterloo Region, Guelph,. and surrounding areas. I have one request to everybody, but especially my clients. Please DO NOT go to Walmart for you photo prints! When printing enlargments (8x12 and larger), check with your photographer so they can properly size the digital image for the best printing quality. What to look for and things to think about when selecting a company to print your family and wedding photos.
I ordered the 1 hour print at Costco in Waterloo. I was told to come back on 20 minutes so I did, and the print was finished. It was pretty cheap and was convenient. I couldn't find hours specific to the print shop so I put up the store hours. I was impressed with the speed of the print as well as they did have a cardboard backing for the prints and a plastic bag to protect them. The quality was below that of BJ Photo Lab ,but so was the price. If you are looking for a cheaper and fairly quick option (and you need a membership, or ask me to get them for you as I have a membership :) ) then this could be an option for you.
I placed my order online. It was very easy and quick online; plus it was done in only a couple of days and ready for pickup at their location near Fairview Mall. The quality is good, higher than Wal-mart, Costco or Staples. Much better paper. Similar quality to BJ's with a similar price. A good option if you live closer to this location than going all the way to Waterloo to BJ's. Better prices the more you order as well.
BJ (a family owned business since 1984) has a good mixture of reasonable prices and good quality prints. The owner, Abdullah, is very friendly and always has a smile on his face, his father also works there. They provide same day and 1 hour service from 10am-4pm on weekdays but it does cost more. They provide a variety of photo sizes for all your needs. The more that you order the cheaper the prices are. This is my suggestion for getting a large quantity of prints. They have very reasonable prices, good quality photos and have been locally owned and operated for 25 years! They also have fine art printing and canvas giclee wraps. I will update with photo on Monday.
I found it easy to order this print from their online store, web address is above. I ordered my print on a Monday and received an email on the Friday of the same week that the print was ready for pick-up. I went to pick it up on the weekend but the price was slightly higher as well. I would say that you would be better off at Costco.
I went to the Wal-Mart on Ottawa St. in Kitchener. At this location they only have little kiosk's and so they only offer the immediate prints. I personally like the 1 hour prints as they are cheaper and usually they are ready by the time I am done shopping. At other locations this is an option, just not at this one I guess. I printed it out and went to the cash to pay. I asked for something to put the print into, like an envelope or something. I was offered a small grocery bag, which I declined. Service was poor in general. Nothing to keep the photos straight or from curling or bending. The quality was very basic. You get what you pay for I guess. This is usually the cheapest option, but since they only offered immediate prints in came out to be more than a couple other stores. The kiosks do offer good hours though, so if you need to print later in the day then I guess this would work. I personally wont go back. Conclusion I have a few favourites. If you are in Waterloo I recommend going to BJ Photo Lab on Phillip St. If you live in Kitchener or Cambridge I would recommend going to Henry's at Fairway and Manitou. I have not found a great place to recommend in Cambridge or Guelph, if you know of one, email me at photosfromthesoul@gmail.com and I would be glad to add it to this list and review it. If new places pop up I will try them out and let you know how it goes. If there are places not on this list that you like me to review for you, please let me know as well. If you are looking for statement pieces and enlargements that are very high quality and are printed by a local small business then I would recommend going to Big Leaf Print and Graphics.
Thanks for making it through this long blog! Have a great day and week! I will try to keep this page updated so look back for more reviews going forward. If you would like your photos taken Contact me. - Jen |
