Tips for Saving Money on Photograph Prints

We all go a little crazy when it comes to taking photos of our loved ones. If you are an avid scrap-booker, the cost of your photo habit may easily become astronomical.

There are ways to trim the cost of picture development, though. By utilizing the following strategies you'll be a frugal photographer in no time.

Use overnight development services instead of one hour photo. If you make frequent trips to your local store, consider using overnight development services instead of one hour photo services. While you may have to wait a little longer for prints, you'll save an average of $3-$5 in development costs.

Select only the best photos. Most store photo services will buy back prints you are not satisfied with. Unless the picture is one you must have, be sure to reject all your grainy, dark, or underdeveloped photos. Don't pay for inferior quality photos you won't use.

Watch for sales and develop photos in bulk. Many retailers run monthly specials on photo development. Rather than paying full price throughout the month, wait for the sale and take in all your rolls at once to capture the best price for development.

Skip the extras. Unless you frequently utilize CDROM digital prints for sharing or indexes for reprints, these extra services aren't necessary. Save your money and use it towards purchasing film instead!

Consider purchasing a flatbed scanner. If you do purchase and use CDROM digital prints on a regular basis, the cost adds up quickly. At $3 a disk, if you develop an average of two rolls of film a month, you are spending $72 a year on CD's. For the same cost or less, you could purchase a flatbed scanner for your computer to scan your own photos for many years to come.

Invest in a Digital Camera. Along the same lines as a scanner, a digital camera will allow you instant access to digital photos. Additionally, you'll be able to pre-screen all your photos and pick and choose ahead of time which ones to develop. Other cost-saving features include the ability to print single and double prints selectively, the ability to develop prints using online services, and of course, no costs for film. When you analyze the savings over time, if you are a photo buff you may more than pay for the camera in the first year alone.

Try out store/generic photo services. Some store photo development services will return as equally fine prints as the name brand development services. Try a variety of services to find out which results are the best for your needs. With savings ranging from $3 to $10 a roll, it's well worth investigating.

Stock up on film. Watch for sales and coupons for film and stock up accordingly. Most film packages have a liberal expiration date you'll be able to work within. Having a plentiful supply on hand will save you from paying high prices at vacation time or when other important events arise.

For other ideas, check out product companies such as Kodak who may offer free software, coupons, and tips for taking great pictures on their websites.