Working with digital images

[timinator]

What is an effective way to print larger size photos, lets say 11x14 and up? My camera is 6.1 mp.

Thanks
Tim

[Mike54]

Hi Tim, I'm not sure if you're talking about printing them yourself or by using one of the online photo shops. Personally I use an on line service and simply crop the image for the aspect ration I'm looking for. Most services provide resolution guidance (so you don't upload something that just won't print well at the requested size) but basically use the highest resolution possible. Also, some of the services allow for you to upload tifs so you don't have to worry about compression artifacts (though you can save as a jpg at 1% and not have a problem). I've had prints done as large as 20 x 30 from my digital rebel (6 mp) so I see no reason you should have any trouble at all with large prints (11 x 14 or more).

There are a number of online shops out there and I haven't tried them all but I've used  shutterfly,  dotphoto and ezprints among others with quite satisfactory results. Currently I'm using mpix. Mpix is a tad more costly but their quality is top notch (IMHO).

Oh, and if you want to try one of those 20 x 30 inch monsters try Elco, the price for their "internet special" is great at $9.95 for one (you have to buy two but even with shipping you can't beat it... ). I've been quite happy with them.

[timinator]

Mike, that is pretty much the answer I was looking for. Thanks a lot. Also, on those big prints, do you buy a mat and frame or do you recommend having that done by a pro?

Thanks again
Tim

[Mike54]

Assuming you stick with standard sizes (8 x 10 - 11 x 14 - 16 x 20) matting and framing can usually be purchased off the shelf locally (around here anyway). For the more, say "digital sizes" (odd aspect ratios), you could also go online and find services for matting and framing that will provide what you need (for much less than a pro might charge) but it depends on your purpose.
For the 20 x 30's I've stuck with poster style frames but be careful as some of them don't work so well and none are extremely flattering. It's all in what $$$ you want to put into it.

[Deb]

Not meaning to contradict Mike , but if you want to have some fun, go ahead and print your images yourself. There are many affordable photo printers out there (Epson, Canon, HP, etc.) that make setting up your own "digital darkroom" a snap. Some of these also use archival quality inks and papers so that print longevity is extended. You can also do your own mat cutting so that you don't have to stick with standard photo sizes. Be creative. Some images look esthetically more pleasing if cropped to out-of-standard formats.