I've recently started looking at photography more seriously and have upgraded my camera (to a 90D) and got some extra lenses, (Tamron 18-270 and Canon 10-22 USM). Previously I've used the like of Boots and Aldi for printing but am not impressed in some quite recent prints, colour is not quite right. I'm looking for recommendations for good quality, consistent processing that I can access on line. Recommendations please. Thanks Norman
Two part reply here: 1. Lab will generally print what you send them in the file so making sure you have the best calibration on your monitor is the idea. I'm guessing some of the color variations barely show on your monitor. Some displays are better than others at color consistency. 2. Any good lab will have color calibrated printers and displays they work from but as said they typically will only print what is sent to them in the file and not manipulate the photographers intent. You will find good consistency from large labs like DSColorLabs which is a UK example I was able to find. But your local boots/aldi should also be pretty consistent too, just not the best choice if your looking for really high end prints. In short I would look at your hardware as I bet some color variations are just not showing well on your display so you only see subtle shifts after printing.
XRite also makes a decent calibration tool. Either way you should be able to fine tune a profile to use for editing that shows off shadows and colors better. That is probably a better start to see if you can get more consitency out of your local lab. Also testing more that one location of Aldi for example may help, I could see one location maybe needing a tune up on calibrating their printer which would result in having muddy colors for example. If all else fails you could move up to a nicer print shop online, it probably is not necessary for your use however.
