Preparing an image for lab printing

I've never done this.

What color profiles do I need to save (Windows RGB, CMYK, etc)?

What format does the file need to be in (.jpg, .tif, etc)?

What resolution (pixels/inch)?
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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

Your lab should have specifics if you need it.  I use White House and they ask for RGB files saved at 300dpi as a level 10 JPG.  My assumption is that that's pretty standard, but each lab may be a little different. 
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I don't know what to do with this latest shoot. All print labs are wanting you to do a test image, but I need these done by this week, and in various sizes including wallets, 3x5s, and 5x7s. No local lab will do them those sizes. The reason for my turmoil is this is my VERY FIRST totally non-word of mouth client. This is someone who saw my ad and came in. I've done tons of paid shoots for people at work and their family, but this is my first "stranger" shoot, and I can't get it to print right. I guess this is a good lesson to us all. Always have a backup, sigh. Tongue Are there ANY online places that don't require a test print before you can get started??
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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

That's weird you don't have a local lab that will print those sizes.  Those are standard sizes.  Someone here is bound to know of a good online place.  If all else fails you can send them to my lab, they take uploads via the web, turn around prints in a day or so and can mail them.  The bad news is that I think it costs $7.95 to ship.  They use UPS.  You will have to wait until Monday to call them.  This is Utah, Mormon country, NO ONE is open on Sundays.  I can get you the phone number and name of the person to call if you want to go that route.  I believe they print for a lot of photographers in other states. 

OH and congrats on the "stranger" client.  I remember our first one.  After we booked the wedding at the consultation my husband and I went to eat at a very expensive steak house to celebrate and probably spent half of what we made on that job, but we didn't care.  We felt like we had made it. 
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What about a place like MPix?  They are geared more for the consumer customers, but they're supposed to do a pretty good job.  I can't imagine they'd require test prints, although I've never used them.
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Oh yeah, Mpix should be good.  Just don't go to Inkley's, please.
However, on the other thread it looks like you got your printer working. 
Maybe you should pick a place and send in a test print now, just so you are prepared for next time.
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Oh yeah, Mpix should be good.  Just don't go to Inkley's, please.
However, on the other thread it looks like you got your printer working. 
Maybe you should pick a place and send in a test print now, just so you are prepared for next time.

I think I will. I want to be prepared for the next time I have a mental meltdown, LOL! Grin
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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

I use ProLab Express
Orders over $15 are shipped free via UPS, if prints are 11x14 or smaller.   Wonderful cust service.

Same file requirements as Ryann stated.  Competitive pricing, even with color corrected files.

And no test prints required, but you do have to apply for an account, which is usually quickly approved. 

Their in MI, and I get my prints in 2 days, in MD.
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Thanks, Jacque! I'll add them to my list of those I want to check out. Smiley
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Comments and Harsh Critiques gladly accepted. My photos are ok to edit.

My photos and art: http://wildmaven.org

Well, because they are friends of mine, and I know they can do a stellar job for you, I am going to drop in a plug for Nichols Photo Lab.  They have a great upload/order system that can be integrated into various proofing sites, they can print your files straight or lab corrected, and they also have good service and will mail to you.  BTW, I have never worked with anyone that I trusted so much to package my prints to perfection for mailing.

Travis
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I use Mpix. I've seen comparison shots between MPIX, AdoramaPicx and an epson 4something high end printer

Mpix shots looked better (16x24)

I use MPix for every print I have the extra few days to wait.

if I have to have the prints in a hurry I use one hour Wal-Mart. I have two "good" printers but the $10k+ fuji printer at wal-mart is way better than my ink jets. 

(always use the one hour, the "instant" booths are dye sub printers that aren't very good)
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"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one heck of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. "- EB White

Chattanooga Photographer www.BobEdens.com

Just don't ever use Inkley's under any circumstance.  I have NEVER had a good experience there.  I had to go there with an emergency the other day and when I walked in and asked how to get the best prints the lady at the counter goes "oh just use the kiosk over there".  I hesitated and said "it's not that machine that will print them, right?" and she goes "oh what's the matter, are you afraid of using the touchscreen?" and I said "no, I am afraid of the printer, I was just wondering if this is equivelant to a kiosk printer I would find at Wal-mart, or if I am just ordering them here and they are being printed in the back?"  She said "I am a professional photographer and I use the kiosk all the time"   I wanted to say "yeah right, you are an INKLEY'S photographer, big difference sweetie"  but I didn't, I just pointed out that she didn't answer my question.  They were printed in the back.  After two days worth of hanging out in their dumb store they finally told me they couldn't print a 5x10 (it took them that long to figure it out), so I ran home and cropped them in PS (since they would be cut in half for a mini album anyway) and when I went back and waited another two hours to have them print them in 5x5 I was SO SO SO dissapointed and I cursed my lab for taking an extended vacation around Christmas.  The only consulation was that the idiots at Inkleys undercharged me.  I tried to point it out, but they didn't understand, oh well.
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