walmart photo centre
How do photo centers in stores like Walmart know if a picture that you want printed is professional?

How do photo centers in stores like Walmart know if a picture that you want printed is professional?

Oftentimes THEY REALLY JUST GUESS whether or not it was a “professionally” done photo, unless they see watermarks, of course, or the name of a studio stamped on the back of the paper photo. They rely not on the focus but on the exposure and portrait poses and the backgrounds (fancy backdrops, studio lighting with highlights on hair or professional props…) But, it’s going to get a little harder now with the popular use of digital cameras and use of PhotoShop and similar programs and digital backgrounds, since many skilled amateurs are churning out great quality images for reproduction at these popularly inexpensive places, even if many are also printing at home (which costs about the same as the commercial printing, really, and sometimes more if you ruin a few images during the printing process).

Let me tell you a funny anecdote, this happened a few years ago when my little cousin graduated from college in Florida and I visited her and took granduation photos and a few portraits. I took the exposed films to one of the large stores in a mall and came back in an hour and the clerk asked me to wait a minute. The manager was called and he came and asked me if I had taken the photos or whether they were taken by a professional. I chose not to reply. I simply informed him that there were no visible signs anywhere stating that they only processed films for amateurs. He asked me what camera brand I had and I said, “Nikon.” He said, “Well, that’s a professional brand!” and I pointed out to one of his displays where he had a few Nikon and Canon point and shoot cameras, and I asked, “Like those Nikons?” I crossed my arms and asked, “Are you saying that you’d sell me film but won’t process and print it?” He said, “No, I didn’t say that…” so I said, “Hold it, do you ask those ladies if they’re professional seamstresses before they buy threads?” And he said, “Hold it, let’s not get ridiculous…” and I said, “YOU’re the only ridiculous one here if you’re willing to sell me film but refuse ME services you render to others… and you’re leaving yourself and this store open for a lawsuit…” so he went over to the clerk and grabbed the packages of processed film and photos and handed them to me. I walked out and I was in the parking lot when I realized that I hadn’t paid so I went back in and called him and told him that in the confusion, I hadn’t paid and he laughed, and said, “It’s OK, it’s on the house… for the inconvenience and for the education.”

I’m STILL wondering what all of that was about…!