I love photography however I am about to give it up over my frustrations with having my photos printed. Let me explain:
I take primarily portraits and weddings and take the time to make sure my exposures are just so, make corrections in either photoshop or bridge if needed and everything turns out wonderful on the CDs and web postings whether on my computer or anyone elses. I go to have prints made at a certified lab and they look like $%%$&&!!!!!. I know the first thing that comes to mind is that my monitor is not calibrated but it is. I also use a constant color space from taking the exposures thru editing.
I primarily print about 500 4*6s, 8*10(nothing over 17in) a day;color and B/W. I decided for complete control, I would try printing my own; I read specs,reviews and forums trying to make an educated buy. I tried the HP9180 and 1800 with mediocre results; so I thought maybe I did not invest enough money for a printer so I headed back towards the reviews. A month later I am even more confused; there are conflicting reviews within the same forum, even BUYER BEWARES. There is also mention of management sofgtware, RIPs, Profiles and so on. . Can anyone offer any advice on a complete (tried and true) printing system , including print management, profiles and hardware. All I want to do is get back to taken exposures not get a degree.
Thanks