WHCC printing - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/01/2010 10:36:29 PM · #4

I think they're great as well. Great service, prices, and most importantly, PRINTS.

My only complaint at all is that they are a bit overzealous in packing the prints...you need a degree in logistics to extricate the prints from the loving womb they encase them in. It takes me a long time to carefully unwrap prints wrapped in plastic and taped to cardboard, worried that pulling off the tape will bend the prints (you'd have to see the way they pack to understand that). Also, with all that packing tape, the other concern is that I'll miss an exposed piece and my print will get stuck to it as I remove it.

Now I'm sure they must base this on experience, because it's not a shortcut for them, or cheap to do, so I'm sure they have their reasons. I just think there "might" be a better way.

But that's minor, and I ALWAYS recommend them, and will keep on using them.

I've also tried BlackRiverImaging because of all the freebies they gave away for trying them. And I have to say they're pretty good too. They both use ROES, and BRI offers some mounted size combinations WHCC doesn't. (Mounted prints are the best!) But I still think WHCC is the best. BRI has some issues with their logistical system...if your filenames are more than 22 characters, they take your order but cannot fulfill it. They call you and ask you to redo it. Right. Your software should not allow an order you can't fulfill; it should be able to rename the files if that's the case, or for that matter, the person who called me would have better spent their time just changing the file names, because I just cancelled the order and sent it to WHCC, which has no such problem with that.

EDITED. I also need a degree in fast typing posts and not mixing up they're and their. Corrected...at least where I saw it.

Message edited by author 2010-12-01 23:06:17.

PGerst

Canon EOS-20D

12/01/2010 10:59:53 PM · #5

Quite agree. I'm always afraid I'm going to damage large prints.

But, at least you get a tootsie roll pop.

Originally posted by nshapiro:

you need a degree in logistics to extricate the prints from the loving womb they encase them in.

Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7

12/01/2010 11:14:15 PM · #6

While we're on the subject of prints, what do you think of Metal versus Lustre?

I ordered the same print in both formats recently to see if metal is better. My conclusion is that it's "interesting", but not better. I sort of like the 3D effect, but the Lustre prints just are plain beautiful. What's your take?

Also: my wish list for WHCC if they are reading:

1) To be able to print smaller than the print size from ROES. In other words, I'd like to take a 3:2 aspect ratio, and print to an 11x14 from ROES. So I can generate portfolio shots with different aspect ratios but print at 11x14 without having to prepare them first in Photoshop.

2) To be able to have a print mounted to backing board per my framing size rather than the print size. In other words, I want a 10x15 mounted on a 16x21 size board, or whatever I specify. Otherwise, how can I put a mounted print in a frame? If I don't mount it, you still see "bends". If I do, it doesn't quite fit in the frame between the backing board and the mat. So what I want is to have them mount it to the backing board for me! (Note that if they did #1, I'd be able to fake #2 just by ordering a backing board size print but making the actual photo smaller than that...but then I'd be paying for a mondo sized print as well as the larger backing board).

Then I'd be a real happy camper. And yes, those tootsie rolls are good, but I always give them to my wife. :)

Message edited by author 2010-12-01 23:16:15.

briantammy

Olympus PEN E-P3

12/01/2010 11:27:18 PM · #7

Originally posted by nshapiro:

1) To be able to print smaller than the print size from ROES. In other words, I'd like to take a 3:2 aspect ratio, and print to an 11x14 from ROES. So I can generate portfolio shots with different aspect ratios but print at 11x14 without having to prepare them first in Photoshop.

2) To be able to have a print mounted to backing board per my framing size rather than the print size. In other words, I want a 10x15 mounted on a 16x21 size board, or whatever I specify. Otherwise, how can I put a mounted print in a frame? If I don't mount it, you still see "bends". If I do, it doesn't quite fit in the frame between the backing board and the mat. So what I want is to have them mount it to the backing board for me! (Note that if they did #1, I'd be able to fake #2 just by ordering a backing board size print but making the actual photo smaller than that...but then I'd be paying for a mondo sized print as well as the larger backing board).

so you would have various sized white spaces around the image depending on the aspect ratio?

also, have you ever had a "competition print" done? if so what did you think of it?

PGerst

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/01/2010 11:33:02 PM · #8

My daughter takes mine...as soon as she sees the box!

I haven't tried the metallic yet. It looks interesting. It seems though, you need the right photo for it to make it worth the while.

Originally posted by nshapiro:

And yes, those tootsie rolls are good, but I always give them to my wife. :)

12/01/2010 11:36:50 PM · #9

Originally posted by briantammy:

Originally posted by nshapiro:

1) To be able to print smaller than the print size from ROES. In other words, I'd like to take a 3:2 aspect ratio, and print to an 11x14 from ROES. So I can generate portfolio shots with different aspect ratios but print at 11x14 without having to prepare them first in Photoshop.

2) To be able to have a print mounted to backing board per my framing size rather than the print size. In other words, I want a 10x15 mounted on a 16x21 size board, or whatever I specify. Otherwise, how can I put a mounted print in a frame? If I don't mount it, you still see "bends". If I do, it doesn't quite fit in the frame between the backing board and the mat. So what I want is to have them mount it to the backing board for me! (Note that if they did #1, I'd be able to fake #2 just by ordering a backing board size print but making the actual photo smaller than that...but then I'd be paying for a mondo sized print as well as the larger backing board).

so you would have various sized white spaces around the image depending on the aspect ratio?

also, have you ever had a "competition print" done? if so what did you think of it?

Yes, the print would just have a variable size border, but be centered. I did that manually for 40 or so 11x14's I put in a portfolio. I would print a lot more of them too as portfolio keepers and printing proofs if I could do that. When I print final size (say, 10x15), then I can't do anything with them except frame them (which I do, but I'd like a copy of all my prints in a porfolio book too.)

No, I've never tried the competition prints (yet). I think they are pretty pricey!

Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7

12/01/2010 11:37:30 PM · #10

Originally posted by PGerst:

My daughter takes mine...as soon as she sees the box!

I haven't tried the metallic yet. It looks interesting. It seems though, you need the right photo for it to make it worth the while.

Originally posted by nshapiro:
And yes, those tootsie rolls are good, but I always give them to my wife. :)

Teach her to unwrap the prints from all that tape, then she can have the tootsie pop :)

briantammy

Olympus PEN E-P3

12/01/2010 11:46:08 PM · #11

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Originally posted by briantammy:

Originally posted by nshapiro:

1) To be able to print smaller than the print size from ROES. In other words, I'd like to take a 3:2 aspect ratio, and print to an 11x14 from ROES. So I can generate portfolio shots with different aspect ratios but print at 11x14 without having to prepare them first in Photoshop.

2) To be able to have a print mounted to backing board per my framing size rather than the print size. In other words, I want a 10x15 mounted on a 16x21 size board, or whatever I specify. Otherwise, how can I put a mounted print in a frame? If I don't mount it, you still see "bends". If I do, it doesn't quite fit in the frame between the backing board and the mat. So what I want is to have them mount it to the backing board for me! (Note that if they did #1, I'd be able to fake #2 just by ordering a backing board size print but making the actual photo smaller than that...but then I'd be paying for a mondo sized print as well as the larger backing board).

so you would have various sized white spaces around the image depending on the aspect ratio?

also, have you ever had a "competition print" done? if so what did you think of it?

Yes, the print would just have a variable size border, but be centered. I did that manually for 40 or so 11x14's I put in a portfolio. I would print a lot more of them too as portfolio keepers and printing proofs if I could do that. When I print final size (say, 10x15), then I can't do anything with them except frame them (which I do, but I'd like a copy of all my prints in a porfolio book too.)

No, I've never tried the competition prints (yet). I think they are pretty pricey!

what about enlarging the canvas in photoshop? couldn't you make an action or something to speed up the process? (i really don't know much about actions but there has to be a way to do it)

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

12/01/2010 11:59:39 PM · #12

Originally posted by briantammy:

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Originally posted by briantammy:

Originally posted by nshapiro:

1) To be able to print smaller than the print size from ROES. In other words, I'd like to take a 3:2 aspect ratio, and print to an 11x14 from ROES. So I can generate portfolio shots with different aspect ratios but print at 11x14 without having to prepare them first in Photoshop.

2) To be able to have a print mounted to backing board per my framing size rather than the print size. In other words, I want a 10x15 mounted on a 16x21 size board, or whatever I specify. Otherwise, how can I put a mounted print in a frame? If I don't mount it, you still see "bends". If I do, it doesn't quite fit in the frame between the backing board and the mat. So what I want is to have them mount it to the backing board for me! (Note that if they did #1, I'd be able to fake #2 just by ordering a backing board size print but making the actual photo smaller than that...but then I'd be paying for a mondo sized print as well as the larger backing board).

so you would have various sized white spaces around the image depending on the aspect ratio?

also, have you ever had a "competition print" done? if so what did you think of it?

Yes, the print would just have a variable size border, but be centered. I did that manually for 40 or so 11x14's I put in a portfolio. I would print a lot more of them too as portfolio keepers and printing proofs if I could do that. When I print final size (say, 10x15), then I can't do anything with them except frame them (which I do, but I'd like a copy of all my prints in a porfolio book too.)

No, I've never tried the competition prints (yet). I think they are pretty pricey!

what about enlarging the canvas in photoshop? couldn't you make an action or something to speed up the process? (i really don't know much about actions but there has to be a way to do it)

It's not hard to do, but it's an extra step, and extra file to save, and it would be soooo simple for them to just allow it in their interface. They already let you zoom in and print a crop...they just need to let you zoom out.

Louis

Nikon D800

12/02/2010 03:16:54 PM · #13

More evidence of the superior service at WHCC... I downloaded their account management iPhone app, released just today. I couldn't log in using it even though my credentials were correct. I contacted them using their web form. Just heard back acknowledging a bug reading passwords, so they promptly fixed it, and I can now use the app. Wow.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/02/2010 04:03:21 PM · #14

Originally posted by PGerst:

I haven't tried the metallic yet. It looks interesting.

I printed a bunch of samples on metallic paper from Kodak, and you are right that it really depends on the subject. Shots with bright colors (including some sunsets) can look pretty good, but metallic subjects like this locomotive look outstanding:

Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7

12/02/2010 07:27:02 PM · #15

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by PGerst:
I haven't tried the metallic yet. It looks interesting.

I printed a bunch of samples on metallic paper from Kodak, and you are right that it really depends on the subject. Shots with bright colors (including some sunsets) can look pretty good, but metallic subjects like this locomotive look outstanding:

That sounds right. But I did my ships bell as one of my test shots, and it's very close, but I still prefer the lustre print. But I can see that the locomotive would be very cool that way.

This is what I printed both ways (in addition to having numerous older prints of it!)

briantammy

Olympus PEN E-P3

12/07/2010 03:16:19 PM · #16

thanks to this thread i gave WHCC a try. I don't have experience with other printers but i'm impressed beyond belief with the results i got with these guys. I sent a variety of samples to them for my free test prints to see what i'd get. one was even shot with my 3 megapixel camera and on the 8 x10 i can't see any less quality than with my others.
anyway, the colors are great, the paper quality is amazing. they also sent me a pack of samples of all the types of paper they use. I'm glad they did because there are some that i may not have considered but now that i've seen them i'm getting all kinds of ideas about getting some prints made.

so glad i tried them.

Message edited by author 2010-12-07 19:03:05.

grahamgator

Nikon Z7II