When you need photos printed quickly, same day print services like CVS photo prints seem like a convenient option. But when it comes to preserving your precious memories or showcasing professional photography, understanding the quality differences is crucial. We decided to compare Cvs Same Day Prints to professional prints to see if the speed of service compromises quality.
For this comparison, we printed two different photos using both a professional printing service and CVS same day prints. One photo captured a warm, golden hour scene in nature, while the other showcased cooler blue tones from a sunset beach session. Both images featured subjects wearing white clothing, which serves as an excellent benchmark for evaluating color accuracy and white balance in prints.
At first glance, the CVS same day prints might appear acceptable. However, placing them side-by-side with the professional prints reveals noticeable disparities in print quality. Professional prints exhibit clarity, sharpness, and accurate colors, faithfully representing the original image as intended. In contrast, the CVS prints display a degree of fuzziness, color inconsistency, and even patchiness in certain areas.
Golden hour professional print showcasing accurate color and sharpness
Golden hour CVS print showing color inconsistency and fuzziness
Examining the beach family session print further highlights these quality differences. The CVS same day print introduces an unwanted pinkish hue to the sunset, shifting the intended color palette. Moreover, a distinct blue tint is cast upon the white shirts in the photo. For those who value accurate color representation, especially photographers who meticulously edit for perfect white balance, this color shift is a significant drawback. Maintaining neutral whites is often a key element in achieving a professional and polished look in photographs.
Beach session professional print demonstrating true sunset colors
Beach session CVS print exhibiting pink sunset and blue tint on whites
The discrepancies become even more pronounced when comparing the couple’s golden hour print. The CVS same day print exhibits an excessive orange vibrancy, washing out details in elements like the wheat grass. Upon closer inspection, patchiness is also evident in the subjects’ skin tones. These imperfections detract from the overall visual appeal and fidelity of the photograph.
Ultimately, if you’ve invested in professional photography to capture high-quality images, it’s essential that your prints reflect that investment. Low-quality prints from services like CVS same day prints can misrepresent the time, skill, and equipment that went into creating those photos. Our comparison reveals that same day prints can often appear pixelated and struggle to maintain accurate colors. This can lead to an inaccurate representation of a photographer’s artistic vision and the quality of their work.
While CVS same day prints offer undeniable convenience for quick, everyday photo needs, they may not be the best choice when print quality is a priority. For preserving special moments or showcasing professional images, investing in professional printing services is recommended. The superior color accuracy, sharpness, and overall quality of professional prints ensure your photos are displayed in the best possible light, truly honoring the memories and artistry they capture.
