Adorama is a company that few Photographers will fail to recognize, and AdoramaPix should be a name just as recognizable. The first time I decided to order prints, I decided to go with Mpix, simply because they had the more notable reputation. After a small test print, I found Mpix’s service to be good, but the images I got back didn’t really Wow! me at all. My Wow! came later when I made the switch to AdoramaPix.com.
A few months after my order with Mpix I was in need of some more prints. Having just purchased some gear from Adorama, they had hit up my Inbox with an email detailing their print service. I ended up ordering several prints on their True B/W Paper (Ilford) and Metallic paper (Kodak). All I can say is WOW. The prints were excellent, richly colored and the paper just felt better in the hands. Having a background as an Art Director in Graphic Design, I know paper quality when I feel it. No need for a caliper here! Overall, the only Con I have for AdoramaPix is their sizes in True B/W Matte paper are a little too limited in my opinion. I’d like to see a solid 11″ x 14″ and maybe even a 16″ x 20″.
My prints arrived via USPS (although faster methods are available) in seriously sturdy packaging. In fact, I often deliver my prints to buyers in this packaging (always be sure to recycle them once you’ve worn them out!). Each print job was individually wrapped and back boarded. Larger prints include corner protection “bumpers” to eliminate crushed corners.
Overall, packaging from AdoramaPix get a 5 out of 5. The boxes get a 6 out of 5, 1 extra for being able to reuse them.
Other than the one small issue of True B/W Matte print sizes, I have had no serious issues with AdoramaPix. If you DO need larger True B/W Matte prints, drop AdoramaPix a note asking them to carry bigger sizes, until then you’re stuck with going elsewhere. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend you try out AdormamPix. I use them as my primary source for prints and Im sure you’ll be happy with your results as well.
UPDATE: I’m getting some increased web traffic after being mentioned on AdoramaPix.com’s blog. I just thought I would update this review with my most recent dealings with AdoramaPix.com. Three weeks ago I placed an order which included a 20″ x 30″ print on Kodak Lustre paper.
In all honesty, this print was a bilateral test. One, I wanted to test just how far I could push some of my earlier, lower megapixel/resolution, shots. Two, I wanted to see the 20″ x 30″ quality from AdoramaPix prior to offering the option for a project that I hope will turn into some name recognition within my home state. When I received my order it was perfect, as usual, however the 20″ x 30″ print had been creased during shipping.
I was literally on my way out the door for a shoot in a neighboring state when I dropped AdoramaPix a quick email detailing what had happened. BEFORE I GOT OUT TO MY SUV, I had a response from AdoramaPix telling me they would reprint the image and ship it out, Rush Order, at no charge. By that evening I had a shipping notice and the print was sitting on my porch when I returned home.
I can’t begin to explain how impressed I have been with AdoramaPix. From quality prints, excellent color correction (by request), top notch paper (the Kodak Metallic is simply breathtaking), and now super customer service. AdoramaPix is an excellent choice for all those needing prints, from a mom needing prints for Grandma, to the casual photographer, and to the dedicated professional. Nothing from my original review has changed and I continue to highly recommend AdoramaPix.com for all your photographic printing needs, as well as Adorama.com for everything else. Cheers!
Tags: adorama, adoramapix, print, printing, prints
