“Why does her yellow shirt look orange?”
🤦♀️
That was my mom’s reaction after printing one of the high-res images I sent her… and UGH, I realized I hadn’t told her where to print it.
Lesson learned!
If you’ve ever ordered prints from a big box store only to find the colors look completely off, you’re not alone.
The truth is, the quality of inks, paper, and printing methods varies wildly from lab to lab—and it can make a huge difference in how your final images look.
So, let’s talk about where to print your digital images
if you want to preserve the rich colors, crisp details, and overall magic of your photos.
But first, a shameless plug...
There's a reason printing with me makes a difference.
When you book a session with me--even a 5 min school or Personality Portrait--you get more than beautiful digital images—you also gain exclusive access to professional print labs that aren’t available to the general public. These labs are used by photographers nationwide for a reason: their attention to detail, color accuracy, and archival quality is unmatched.
Every print, album, and wall piece I offer is backed by a professional standard of quality and consistency—you’ll never have to wonder if your print will come back looking dull, pixelated, or off-color.
If you choose to order through your gallery shop, you can rest easy knowing that:
- Colors will be true-to-life and match what you see on screen
- Materials are archival quality, designed to last for decades
- Each item is crafted with care, from prints to albums to custom frames
- If there is ever an issue, I'll see that it's fixed--even if it's on my dime
It’s a seamless, stress-free way to turn your digital images into tangible keepsakes you’ll be proud to display.
Places I Don’t Recommend
While convenient, I generally don’t recommend printing from places like Walmart, CVS, Shutterfly, Snapfish, or Walgreens. They’re fine in a pinch, but they simply don’t offer the quality I want for the images I’ve carefully created for you.
Inconsistent colors, low-grade papers, and fast-fading inks can all impact the final result.
This was what happened when my mom printed a photo of my daughter whose yellow shirt was changed to orange because of the ink quality.
Generally speaking, if the pricing is below a dollar per print, look elsewhere
(The same applies to canvas art. If it's super cheap, walk away!)
My Favorite Consumer Labs (If You're Ordering on Your Own)
If you're not ordering directly through me but still want better-than-average results, these four consumer-friendly labs are your best bet:
1. Artifact Uprising
Best for: Photo books and albums
From board books for toddlers to luxurious leather-bound albums, Artifact Uprising offers beautifully designed photo products. You can build your own or hire a designer to assist. Their style leans modern, clean, and timeless.
2. Mpix
Best for: Prints, wall art, and holiday cards
Mpix is closely affiliated with Miller’s Professional Lab (which I use for many of your gallery shop orders). That means you get near-pro-level quality on prints, greeting cards, and wall displays—great color, sharpness, and consistency.
3. WhiteWall
Best for: Gallery-quality wall art
Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, WhiteWall is a consumer lab that is a favorite even among professionals for large-format wall art. If you’re dreaming of a statement piece for your home, this is the place to go.
4. Minted
Best for: Holiday and greeting cards
Minted partners with independent artists for original card designs and beautifully printed paper goods. Their cards feel luxurious in hand, and bonus: you can upload your address list and receive free envelope addressing—a huge time saver!
Your photos deserve more than a quick upload and cheap print.
You’ve invested time, energy, and love into capturing these memories—so every part of the photo and print experience should feel luxurious in your hands and pleasing to the eye. From the texture of the paper to the richness of the colors, these images are meant to be seen, held, and cherished for a good long time.
Whether you’re creating an heirloom album, mailing holiday cards, or adorning your walls with framed prints, quality matters—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re not sure what to print or where to begin, just reach out—I'd be happy to help you bring your images to life in the most beautiful, meaningful way possible.
Happy printing!
— Naomi
