I’ve been dabbling with online photo finishers for a while now. I’ve tried all the big ones, iPhoto, Shutterfly, Ofoto, Dot Photo; you name it and I’ve probably tried it. And they’ve all been okay and doing what I expected, but none of them really blew me away with their service, shipping or web site.

Then I found Mpix - a division of Miller’s Professional Imaging - and I’m hooked. I initially ordered a couple of 8″ x 10″ prints on their basic color paper. The shipping charges initially shocked me a little at $4.95, but then I received my first order. It was packed so well I think I could take it outside and run over it with a truck and the photos wouldn’t be damaged.

First, everything was flat packed. No more trying to unroll a large print and try to keep it flat and straight while mounting and framing it! Second, everything was sealed to a heavy cardboard backing with a foam pad between the print and the cardboard. And the photos were all placed in their own envelopes before being shrink-wrapped to the cardboard and placed in a box. The packing is truly wonderful after using Shutterfly and the like.

Mpix also uses Kodak professional paper. This isn’t much unless you’re trying to sell your prints and then the pro paper with it’s imprinted back - “PROFESSIONAL” - is nice because maybe those drug store photo clerks will think before helping someone duplicate my work. It’s not a problem now, but it might be one of these days.

Finally, the Kodak metallic paper is amazing. I had tried their E-Surface and Black and White paper and was very impressed with the prints. So I ordered up a batch of 8″x10″ and 11″x14″ prints - a combination of color and black and white prints - on their metallic paper.

One word…amazing! The slightly silvery surface has a wonderful gleam that really does make the colors pop. It gives them a unique look that you don’t often see. You know it’s a photo, but it’s just enough different that you’ll look at the picture more closley. On the black and white prints the light greys and whites have a creamy silver glint when the light hits them just right. They have a sparkle that’s just perfect. There are times you have to have real honest-to-God black and white paper, but you should really try putting some black and white prints on their metallic paper.

They have a place online where you can order a paper sample kit and can see what the papers look like side-by-side. They don’t even charge for shipping, so click over there and get yours ordered!

I’m a convert; I will only use Mpix for my print ordering from now on. If you’ve never used them check them out, and if you’ve never tried their metallic paper, go try it right now!

It’s rare to find a company like this, but it’s great when you do!