Photo lab vs. Discount Store labs -- There is a difference!

I get asked all the time by my clients, "Where is the best place to have my prints done?".  My response is always "a professional photo lab".  There is a difference!

I work very hard to produce a high quality product, and I cringe every time someone tells me "I'm getting these printed at (insert discount store here)."  It's not because I don't like these stores, but the print quality of the final product is not going to match the quality of the finished file I provided, and that makes me sad. I've heard a lot of complaints of certain stores, including "the prints came out much darker than the file".  Now please understand that some discount stores have different printers than others, even different than their own chain stores.

A photographer that I follow on Facebook found this blog and reposted to her wall. It is by far the best comparison that I have seen, and I wanted to share it with you now.

http://www.amandajacksonphoto.com/2014/01/13/pro-prints-vs-drugstore-prints-it-does-matter/

Not convinced? Check out a few of these other sites by professional photographers who have done similar comparisons.

http://www.featherbluephotography.com/2014/01/08/lets-talk-about-prints/
http://coreyann.com/blog/corey-talks/corey-talks-print-comparisons-consumer
http://www.zemyaphotography.com/2011/09/where-should-i-print-my-photos-bay-area.html


Dazzle Design Graphics uses a professional print lab for prints on photo paper (the same ones used by professional photographers), and the output quality is far superior to any discount printer.  We print by hand (well, by machine!) the invites requested on card stock, and work hard to ensure that the output quality matches the quality of the file we create for you.

We understand that not everyone can afford the time or expense in having your creations printed professionally. We hope that these print comparisons help you in your printing decisions!

All About Boys!!

I've been busy, busy, busy this month working on new designs for Dazzle Design Graphics, and face painting for my other company, Omaha Masquerade (http://www.omahamasquerade.com).  Finally taking some time out to add to this blog...

My boys are older, past the need for birthday invitations (and birthday parties..sigh..insert sad face here), so I had been focusing on a lot of girl designs. I didn't want anyone to think that I've forgotten the little guys, so here are a few new designs we have available. Have a themed party coming up? Let me know what it is! I'm always looking for new inspirations =). No obligation to purchase.

As always, you can view and purchase any of these cute cards for your event from our Etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/DazzleDesignGraphics
Once you order, I can usually have a proof for you to look at within a few hours!

Blue Chevron Airplane "Attention All Passengers"

Multi Chevron Airplane

Under the Sea "Whale"

Sound the Alarm, Grab your Gear! Firetruck

Look Whooo's turning ...

Calling All Monsters!

Look Whooo's ... teal/dots

Start up your tractor, Get it in Gear, Red Tractor

Choo, Choo, All Aboard!! Train

Our Little Monster

Visit us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/DazzleDesignGraphics

Welcome to my crazy life!

I have avoided joining the "blogging" world for years.. did I really think anyone would take any interest in the craziness I call life? Probably not... But here we are =).  For the sake of retaining my sanity, I decided to "get it out" by blogging.

Today was a defining moment for me, being a mom of five. I am full of self-doubt when it comes to my parenting skills. My kids know I love them with all my heart, and would do anything for them (within reason, my kids are not coddled or spoiled). But I've never claimed to be a good mom, and they know this.

I was laying in bed this morning trying to get that last fifteen minutes of sleep before my alarm went off, and my bed is suddenly taken over by two of my kids. I finally get them out, and then another comes in.  I decided sleep was not going to happen, and sit up to listen to what this child is telling me. Apparently the day before, one of my kids took a bottle of pills from a friend who was distraught over a break-up and threatening to take the whole bottle and "end it". So I call my child up to discuss it, and have them bring me the pills.  While I'm listening to the story, I suddenly realized in that moment that maybe I AM doing an "ok" job. I'm teaching my kids to do the right thing, even if it hurts. When I told them that after I called the parents of this distraught child, they were probably going to be upset that my child "told" on them. The response? "That's ok, I just don't want them to die!"  The pride and the tears that came after.. indescribable.

I know I'm being "evasive" with her/him, etc, but I believe in privacy when the situation calls for it, and this one does. I contacted the parents, gave them the pills, and now it's up to the family and God. I'm not an incredibly religious person, which you know well if you know me at all, but I am a believer and I believe in the power of prayer. So while you're reading this, please lift them up in prayer today. I've traveled this road, and it's scary and confusing and down-right miserable.

Days like today find me hugging my kids a little tighter. I'm grateful for today.