Online Digital Photo Developing
Developing your digital photos online is convenient because you don't have to leave your home or office to put your photos on paper. You upload your images and receive photo-quality pictures in the mail.
If you are not sure what I mean by "developing", and how that may be different from "printing" your own photos at home, please see my Should You Print or Develop article.
A word of advice: Digital photo files can be large. If you connect to the Internet over a slow connection, such as a 56K dial-up or wireless, your uploads will be very slow and frustrating. Unless you have the patience of Job and are uploading just a few pictures, I suggest you find a friend with a fast Internet connection. Uploading your images over a DSL or cable connection will provide the best experience.
I have recently reviewed a number of online developing services and distilled them down to three choices that should meet the needs of most new and amateur photographers. All of the recommended services offer these basic features:
- Digital photo developing (which they may call "printing")
- Free web photo albums so you can share online (see Sharing Photos with Free Web Albums)
- Basic image editing tools such as red-eye removal and cropping
- Friends and family can order prints from your shared web album
In the table below, I have listed my recommendations for the ideal service based on your primary goal. Clicking on the links will take you to their web sites, where you can sign up for your free account and start uploading photos.
| Goal | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| Lowest Cost |
Offering 20 free prints with your first order. Why I recommend it:
Snapfish is not always the cheapest among all online developers, however, it is the most inexpensive well-established developer that I use and trust. For the absolute lowest print prices, see Cheapest Online Photo Developing. |
| Quality Prints |
Kodak EasyShare Gallery
Offering 20 free prints with your first order. Why I recommend it:
|
| Web Album |
PhotoWorks.com (now part of Shutterfly)
Offering 50 free prints with your first order. Why I recommend it:
|