This means the size of the photo paper upon which the photo is printed. Standard paper sizes are (shown here in inches): 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20,  20x24 and 24x36 and the infrequent  hold over from the olden days: 3 1/2 x 5. We charge for prints based on the size of the piece of photo paper we print your image on. With custom prints we can print your image any size you want, on any paper size you want, as long as the image size is no larger than the paper, obviously.  For an extreme example we can print a 2x2" square image centered on a 16x20" sheet of  photo paper. We would charge you for a 16x20 custom print!

Special note on paper sizes for enlargements: as noted on our price list, the smallest paper size for  enlargements is 5x7. We can print any size smaller than that and you will pay for a 5x7.

For 35mm film use the frame number closest to the center of the frame. If the number includes an "a" as in 15a please indicate the frame as 15a (not 15). Sometimes you may have frame numbers printed on the back of the proof prints. Many labs provide backprinted frame numbers but you should not rely on their accuracy. Verify frame numbers by looking at the negatives. Again, double check frame numbers selected by clients.

Well, that means how many, but you knew that already!  We want to know how many of each and every frame+size combination you order. 

Glossy is that shiny one. Really shiny and shows finger prints. But it has the advantage of appearing to be slightly sharper. Promo photos are usually glossy.

Matte black & white is our name for Ilford Pearl in black & white RC paper. Photographers may know this soft sheen that lives up to its name and it's very popular for portraits and wedding work. A really nice choice when sepia toned. Matte is also Ilford Semi Matte fiber paper with it's very smooth surface with absolutely no sheen or reflectance and continues to be a popular paper. By the way, the Pearl surface mentioned above is not available in fiber paper.

Matte color surface is Kodak Supra Endura N surface. It is a close match to the Ilford pearl surface.

For machine prints please see our borders options page. Remember that the 4 options are only available for 35mm in matte or glossy. If you order lots of different borders in one order expect to add time to your turnaround. For custom enlargements we have 1/4" borders or borderless. Please note that there is no "soft borders" for custom enlargements (only on machine reprints)

Call us for information on printing 35mm full frame on 8x10. We can also do a sloppy or keyline black border: call for details.

Custom enlargements can include cropping instructions. We prefer drawn crops or written instructions, for example: "crop the left side to center the subject but don't crop hands or feet" or "crop out person on the right, ok to crop woman's right arm (to elbow) to get out all of person on right". Many people simply send us a paper printout with the correct crop already done or drawn on. Simple and unambiguous are your guidelines here.

If you (or your client) already have frames you have some more work to do to make sure everything fits. Try a borderless print in the frame to see if the image will fit correctly. If not, you can instruct us to print your images to an exact size and there may be an extra charge. Exact sizing can result in a new shape. You are responsible for the measurements, of course, and for any special cropping instructions. We are very familiar with this process but it can be tricky so please ask us if you need guidance. We take advice from our carpenter friends: measure twice, cut once!

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No, we can't dodge eyelashes to lighten them! Our custom prints include dodging and burning to make them look better (and even great!) and we can work with some direction and even hints when you send them along. Even if you don't have specific instructions you still get a fine custom print, hand made by a printer who enjoys her / his work.

We proudly offer: fiber based printing to 24 x 36, exhibition printing, lith printing, archival processing, selenium toning, sepia toning, special toning formulas, edition printing services, HABS printing, and optical contact sheets.

Photolab can provide complete HABS/HAER/HALS processing services for film and paper. We have extensive experience with meeting Library of Congress & NPS standards.  We can assist you with getting your project completed correctly and on time.

The ultimate in fine art materials and processes. Fiber paper surfaces: Ilford Classic, Warm-tone and air dried glossy or matte. Additional discount prices for same negative only.

Because Fiber based papers are archival and produce beautiful silver gelatin imagery they are the standard in museum and gallery exhibitions. This paper is the most archival form of photographic paper and for this reason is also used for historical preservation. Genuine high quality Black & White prints are still highly sought after for the distinctive look and interpretation they bring to a subject, enhancing its merit artistically and infusing it with a higher intrinsic value.

Fiber based paper comes in glossy which is air dried for a lustrous finish and matte, which is a deep paper with no sheen. We print exhibition prints and editions and we are happy to discuss your needs.

Silver gelatin papers offer richness of tonality and lustrous finish that is unlike any other photographic medium. In fine art black and white, the choice of film and paper, combined with darkroom techniques and chemistry, take advantage of the wide range of grey tones and dramatic extremes of dark and light.

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe is a premium quality paper with a standard 190g/m2 weight and a resin coated base. We print on glossy and pearl surfaces. Additional discount prices for same negative only.

B&W custom enlargements from black & white film of any size up to 4x5. 
Additional print prices are for the same frame.

Add 25% for Warmtone papers. (May require special order)

Please allow 8 to 15 days for most jobs.

Custom black and white enlargements are made by hand with true silver papers. Our prints include dodging, burning and cropping as needed or as specified. Specific sizing is available. Consultations with a darkroom technician are available by appointment to well behaved clients.

PLEASE NOTE: Our suppliers are sometimes unable to ship photo supplies to us in a timely manner. Some chemistry and related materials can be back ordered or not available

Tight deadline? Please let us know if you have a project with a hard deadline and we will find a way to expedite your project.

We thank you for your patience

Please let us know if you have a project with a hard deadline and we will find a way to expedite your project.

Custom black and white enlargements are made by hand with true silver papers. Our prints include dodging, burning and cropping as needed or as specified. Specific sizing is available. Consultations with a darkroom technician are available by appointment to well behaved clients.

B&W custom enlargements from black & white film of any size up to 4x5. 
Additional print prices are for the same frame.

Add 25% for Warmtone papers. (May require special order)

Please allow 8 to 15 days for most jobs.

PLEASE NOTE: Our suppliers are sometimes unable to ship photo supplies to us in a timely manner. Some chemistry and related materials can be back ordered or not available

We thank you for your patience

Photolab offers various custom framing options. When you order prints and framing we will make sure your prints fit your mats and frames. If you are making prints for existing frames you already have, please discuss your sizes with us carefully. We researched several  local frame shops offering pre-made frames. We found no consistency in how much an off the shelf frame or mat may crop into an image: some crop a lot, some hardly at all. Whenever possible, we highly recommend fitting the mat and/or frame to the completed print.