Photography: Hints For Prints

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By Newsweek Editors

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Once you figure out how to get images into your digital camera, the next question becomes: how do I get them out? Printing at home is one way to go, but the convenience may be costing you more than you realize. Industry experts estimate that a 4-by-6 print ranges from 50 to 75 cents--a calculation based on the amount of cartridge ink consumed and the price of paper. The high cost, plus the fact that printed photos can fade quickly, may explain why online photo-finishing services, such as Ofoto and Shutterfly, saw business double last year. Andy Wood, CEO of Shutterfly, says that despite the growth, consumer awareness is still a problem. "We're trying to make people understand they have options beyond home printing."

Online photo finishing can actually be easier than printing at home (no scissors needed, and you never run out of paper). The first step is to get online and sign up. You'll be walked through a simple registration process and then instructed to upload your pictures. (Tip: when transferring pictures from camera to PC, use explicit dated names like "0102Isabellabirthday" so you'll remember the image without having to view a thumbnail.) The upload process can be slow, but once that's done you just fill your online shopping cart with the prints you'd like, in any quantity and a variety of sizes. Your photos arrive in the mail in a week or so.

The advantages are clear: you get real photos, processed optically on heavy paper like ones from film--and prices keep dropping. Some services let you store pictures on their Web sites; friends can view your pics and order prints of their own. Want photos? Jump online.

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