The weekend just passed and as you sift through the digital photos you took, you come across a few that you would like to have developed. Where do you go?
Developing pictures has evolved quickly over the past few years. The days of the Polaroids and even disposable cameras are long gone. People used to be able to drop off their film and pick it up later, hoping most of the pictures came out without a blur or blink.
Today, digital cameras are all the rage and an individual can actually review a picture immediately after taking it, allowing the photographer to pick and choose which shots to save and print.
A popular choice is to order prints online through Web sites such as “Snapfish” and “Shutterfly.” These sites are accessible from any computer and with just a few mouse clicks, digital photos can be uploaded, ordered and delivered to your mailbox in a few days time.
Weighing the options of printing and delivery time, image quality and price are what matters most when choosing which site is best for your purposes.
“I would definitely say Snapfish is the way to go,” said Annie Patch, a junior journalism major. “It is in my opinion the cheapest and it has the best quality. It is definitely convenient because you can get your photos mailed to you within 3-5 business days and you never have to leave the house.”
Shutterfly is another photo site that offers basic prints in addition to an array of items that can be personalized such as mouse pads and photobooks.
“I have heard of Shutterfly but not of Snapfish,” said Leigh Farrell, a senior public relations major. “Usually I order my photos online but through CVS.com. It is usually just easier for me to get them developed at CVS.”
Some students prefer to have their photos ready within the hour and do not mind taking a short drive to do so.
“I use Kodak at either Target or Wal-mart,” said Sarah Ahmad, a sophomore political science major. “That way, I can see the photos on a big screen and pick which pictures I want to print and it only costs me 18 cents a photo.”
While 18 cents is considered a bargain to some, a little research may reveal an even better deal.
“I originally used Snapshots but the pictures weren’t as clear as Snapfish and they charge around 20 cents a photo,” Patch said. “Snapfish only charges 12 unless you are a new member and its only ten. That’s a good deal even with shipping charges.”
