Seattle digital photo printing options

May 5, 2009 11:05 AM

I'm looking for (non-Kinko's) recommendation in Seattle for printing digital, 3x5 photos that meet all of the following impossible criteria: reasonably good quality, reasonable price-per-photo, reasonably fast.

Caveat: This is going into a photo album that I'd like to send tomorrow or Thursday, so self-serve is preferable and I'd compromise on the cost criterion, if need be.

posted by Blazecock Pileon to media & arts (11 comments total)

I've been very happy with Ritz's service. You can upload your pictures and pick them up at one of three locations in an hour. Also, they sometimes have promotions going on for free prints.
posted by halogen at 11:25 AM on May 5

Target does same-day printing. I've gotten decent results from them.
posted by zippy at 11:28 AM on May 5

Are you a Costco member? You can upload the images from home, then just drive over and pick up the prints. I've been happy with my prints from there.

(And unhappy with dealing with CVS, for what it's worth.)
posted by inigo2 at 11:29 AM on May 5 [1 favorite]

I use Bartells and while the quality might not be the best available (I have nothing to compare to), the price is right and you can pick them up immediately/print them out in-store.
posted by tristeza at 11:30 AM on May 5

The most difficult part of your question, which I think people have so far been overlooking, is the 3.5x5" specification. Nowadays 4x6" is generally the smallest print size you can get at most standard photo-printing places, including Target, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, etc. I tried to get 3.5x5" prints a year ago and couldn't find a single chain place that did it, although maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. It appears that halogen's got it, though: Ritz camera does indeed seem to say on the website that they do 3.5x5" prints.
posted by pluckemin at 12:31 PM on May 5

You might want to give Ivey a try. they may be expensive though.
posted by Artw at 1:23 PM on May 5

The most difficult part of your question, which I think people have so far been overlooking, is the 3.5x5" specification.

Crap, you're right. My eyes saw 3x5, but my head saw 4x6. Sorry, ignore me please.
posted by inigo2 at 1:51 PM on May 5

Actually, 4x6 is fine. Thanks to all for your numerous suggestions.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:52 PM on May 5

Walmart works wonders for me for cheap 4x6s. If you have one handy in your urban location.
posted by mrmojoflying at 2:07 PM on May 5

> You might want to give Ivey a try. they may be expensive though.

Ivey has moved their printers to Portland last I checked, the Seattle office is open, but I don't think you will be getting same day service.
posted by mrzarquon at 4:39 PM on May 5

I think I had 3.5x5 photos printed back in the late 1990s, which was the last time I've been to a photo shop. Normally, I'd print them myself, but I don't have access to a color printer any longer.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:39 PM on May 5