Making the Most of Film Processing Labs

Get great pictures and prints from photo processing labs

A film lab is used by many businesses to develop and print pictures. For these businesses, film processing labs produce pictures of company events, products and even occasionally employee head shots. A bad head shot can reduce a model's chance to land a job, while fuzzy company event photos can ruin an otherwise memorable event. That's why its important to put effort into making the most of film processing labs.

Photography developing labs can help your company show off its products, people and events to their best advantage. Some photography labs can even correct lighting, air-brush defects or restore ruined film. However, services like this often cost extra, depending on the type of film used and the amount of correction needed.

1. Always check to make sure the film lab can develop your type of film. Many companies may only develop the most commonly used formats, so obscure films are harder to develop.

2. Get a quote on film restorations or repairs before committing. This will help you avoid surprise bills and fees.

3. Some photo labs offer extra options. Some can even create a photo book, Christmas cards or other projects. These services can make photo compilations look polished.

Submit your digital camera film online to professional photo labs

Many film processing labs allow you to upload the image files from your digital camera online. This allows them instant access, and it's quicker and less hassle than delivering or mailing your film. Of course, this only works with digital cameras, so you'll still have to mail or deliver your traditional film. After submission, your photos are generally available for in-store pickup, or you can have them shipped to you.

Pick color film processing that sends the results to you online

If you don't live near a film processing lab, picking up your prints or waiting for the mail can be a pain. Some companies will let you mail in your film and get the results online. Film labs often do this by having you log into a website, or emailing you the photos. While this means you do have to print the photos yourself, sometimes it's much quicker than driving out to the nearest film lab. Some even offer additional options, such as separate print selection, retouching and the ability to order reprints online.

Get black and white film processing and old film processing

Some places specialize in old or out-of-date films, such as black white film processing. These places develop film that other places no longer service, such as disc film. Often, they can also repair damaged or wet film. This type of place works best if your company needs old photos or film reprinted. Items like old photos of the first company picnic or original advertising can come to life once again with the aid of an old film processing company.

• If you want a digital copy of your prints, many photo processing labs offer the option of adding a CD to your prints and negatives. This CD usually contains digital copies of all your pictures, allowing you to print, email and digitally alter your prints with ease.

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