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Daiso A4 storage containers of 8" x 12" photos

I grew up in the era of film photography, and when rolls of 35mm film were developed we would get a set of 3 1/2" x 5" prints. Eventually, the standard became 4" x 6" prints. I have a lot of 4" x 6" prints.

In the era of digital photography, I didn’t have to get prints for failed photos. I would select the good ones and get 4" x 6" prints. But once I had online photo galleries, I didn’t even have to get prints.

It’s bad, though, to not ever print photos. Digital, online photos will all disappear at some point. I do print photo calendars every year, but that’s only 12 color photos – and I’d like to think I have more than 12 worthwhile photos in a year.

So, for many years, I would have selected images printed as 8" x 12" color photos at my local Costco. Every Costco had a photo center with a huge, industrial photo printer. The printed photos were great, and it was easy for me to swing by the store and pick them up. I have a nice collection of large prints. Recently, I discovered that Daiso A4 (paper) storage containers are ideal for holding 8" x 12" photo prints. Cool!

In 2021, Costco sent a notification that all store photo centers would close on February 21. If we wanted photos printed by Costco, we would have to do so through an centralized Costco online photo center. Prints would then be mailed to us. Ugh. But it still was the cheapest way to go, and that’s what I did. It worked OK.

In 2023, Costco sent a notification that its online photo center would close on January 27. Costco would then outsource online photo services to Shutterfly. We would get a special Costco discount at Shutterfly. I already had a Shutterfly account, as long ago I used them to print calendars for one year and a few photo books. I hadn’t used their services in quite a while, so my account was idle.

Yesterday, I realized I needed some 8" x 12" photo prints. I logged into Shutterfly and uploaded a few photos. Then I went to order prints – and was stopped dead in my tracks. Shutterfly offers 8" x 10" prints and 12" x 12" prints – but no 8" x 12" prints. Showstopper.

I went over to Mpix, who I use for framed photos and business cards. They do 8" x 12" prints, so I placed my order there. Mpix is a lot more expensive than Shutterfly – but they are said to have better quality prints. I’ve never had a problem with them. I should get the prints in a few days.

Afterwards, I did a little research on online photo print services. Mpix is still rated highly. Sources also recommended Printique, and I might give them a try next time.

Also, I need to research local print services, such as Picture Perfect and Pro Photo Supply.

Getting good 8" x 12" prints is getting harder and harder. I don’t need them often; however, in the past I’ve done some printing in advance of calendar preparation. I was pretty spoiled by Costco – but things change. I guess most people nowadays don’t print photos at all, so I’m probably an old Boomer outlier. Oh, well.