In the not-so-distant past, getting photographs printed was a regular errand for most households. You would drop off your film canisters at the store, eagerly await their development, and then pick up your prints a few days later. Oh, how times have changed! In today‘s digital age where smartphones have become ubiquitous cameras and social media has turned everyone into amateur photographers, the demand for physical photo prints has undeniably diminished.
However, as a professional photographer and self-proclaimed picky shopper when it comes to retail consumer services, I know there are still many scenarios where having printed photos is desirable or even necessary. From thoughtful personalized gifts to nostalgic keepsakes to tangible backups of your most precious memories, photo prints still have their place. The question is, where can you go to get them in 2023, and more specifically, does Costco – the membership-based retail giant known for its wide range of services – still offer photo printing and film developing?
The Current State of Costco‘s Photo Services
Let‘s start with the most pressing question: No, Costco does not develop film anymore, and their in-store photo centers have permanently closed as of 2021. This applies to 35mm film, disposable cameras, and any other type of analogue film – you can no longer get it developed through Costco.
However, Costco does still offer digital photo printing services through their online photo center at Costco.com. Here you can upload your photos from your computer, smartphone, or social media accounts and order a range of prints and personalized photo products.
Some of the items you can create include:
- Photo prints in sizes ranging from wallet to 20×30 inches
- Photo books with customizable covers, sizes, and layouts
- Canvas, metal, and acrylic wall art
- Photo greeting cards and calendars
- Mugs, blankets, and other photo gifts
In terms of pricing, Costco remains one of the most affordable options for photo products, especially for bulk orders of smaller print sizes. For example, 4×6 prints start at just 11 cents each (or 10 cents each if ordering 100+), while competitor Walgreens charges 34 cents per print.
Here is a comparison of starting prices for some popular items:
| Product | Costco | Shutterfly | Snapfish | Walgreens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4×6 print | 11¢ | 15¢ | 9¢ | 34¢ |
| 8×10 print | 59¢ | $3.99 | $2.99 | $3.99 |
| 20-page 8×8 photo book | $19.99 | $29.98 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| 16×20 canvas print | $34.99 | $77.98 | $64.99 | $59.99 |
Prices current as of March 2023 and subject to change. Shipping and tax not included.
As you can see, Costco beats or matches most competitors‘ prices, making them a solid economical choice for photo products. They also frequently offer coupon codes for free shipping or bonus prints with qualifying orders.
The Decline of In-Store Photo Services
So why did Costco close all their in-store photo centers after operating them for over 30 years? The company cited the rapid decline in demand for many of their services, driven by the mass adoption of digital photography and smartphone cameras.
"Since the introduction of camera phones and social media, the need for printing photos has steeply declined, even though the number of pictures taken continues to grow," Costco said in a statement. Indeed, it‘s estimated that over 1.6 trillion digital photos will be taken worldwide in 2023 – but only a tiny fraction of them will ever get printed.
To put this into perspective, let‘s look at some key data on the seismic shifts in photography in recent decades:
- Global film camera sales dropped from around 40 million units in 1999 to under 1 million by 2020
- Digital camera sales peaked at over 120 million units in 2010 but have since declined to under 10 million as of 2021 due to smartphones
- The percentage of photos captured on smartphones grew from 50% in 2011 to over 90% in 2022
- The total number of digital photos taken per year has grown exponentially, from around 80 billion in 2000 to over 1.6 trillion in 2023
- However, the number of images printed has drastically declined, from a peak of around 50 billion in 2004 to less than 15 billion in 2022
Given these staggering changes in technology and consumer behavior, it‘s understandable why most retailers like Costco have phased out their in-store photo services in recent years. Maintaining the photo equipment, supplies, and labor has become cost-prohibitive as demand has waned.
The Environmental Impact of Photo Printing
Another factor to consider in the decline of physical photo printing is the environmental impact. Traditional photo developing processes involved harsh chemicals and generated significant waste, including millions of used film canisters that ended up in landfills. A single roll of developed film left behind a gallon or more of contaminated water.
While modern digital photo printing does not have the same chemical processes, there are still environmental considerations in terms of the materials, energy, and shipping involved. Many photo product retailers now offer recycled paper or sustainable material options, but the greenest approach is ultimately to be judicious about what you print and limit production of excess photos that may get thrown away.
As a professional photographer, I advise my clients to print only their absolute favorite and most meaningful photos for display or safekeeping and let the rest live in the cloud. Not every shot belongs on paper anymore in this digital era.
Creative Ideas for Displaying and Gifting Photos
That being said, I still believe printed photos play an important role in preserving memories and bringing joy to our lives. In a world where we are inundated with digital images that can feel ephemeral or get lost in the shuffle, having tangible prints of the moments and people most precious to us can be grounding.
Here are some of my favorite creative ideas for getting photos off your phone or computer and into the real world:
- Create a gallery wall in your home with a curated selection of your best prints in matching frames
- Compile a photo book for each year or season as a time capsule to look back on
- Get an oversized canvas of a favorite landscape or family portrait to make a statement
- Make a personalized calendar with photos and special dates as a functional keepsake
- Give framed prints to family members as meaningful gifts for birthdays or holidays
- Use photo tiles or magnetic prints to easily update and rearrange displays
- Get creative with substrates like wood, metal, or acrylic for unique decor pieces
- Create a photo blanket or pillow as a cozy and personal touch for home
- Feature photos on practical gifts like mugs, mouse pads, or playing cards
- Make your own greeting cards or postcards to send a personal touch in the mail
If you use your imagination, the possibilities are endless! And Costco‘s online photo center makes it easy and affordable to try out different products for yourself or to give as gifts.
Tips for Taking and Choosing the Best Photos to Print
Of course, getting great prints starts with taking great photos! As a professional photographer, here are some of my top tips for capturing print-worthy shots:
- Prioritize good lighting. Natural light is best, but avoid harsh midday sun and opt for golden hour or open shade for more flattering light.
- Pay attention to composition. Follow the rule of thirds and look for leading lines, symmetry, and frames within the scene to create compelling images.
- Keep it candid. While posed portraits have their place, candid shots that capture real emotion and moments often make the most treasured prints.
- Incorporate context. Wide-angle environmental portraits that show a person in a meaningful place can tell a richer story than a close-up headshot.
- Shoot in the highest resolution possible. The more pixels your photo has, the better it will look printed large.
- Edit judiciously. A little post-processing can go a long way, but avoid over-filtering or manipulating the image beyond reality.
Once you have a selection of photos you are proud of, it can still be overwhelming to decide which ones to print and in what format. Here are some factors I recommend considering:
- Emotional impact. Print the photos that make you feel something every time you look at them.
- Timelessness. While trendy poses or editing styles may be fun in the moment, consider which images you will still want to look at years down the road.
- Storytelling. A series of prints that captures a narrative arc can be more meaningful than a bunch of disparate individual shots.
- Reproducibility. Photos with a lot of fine detail or subtle color gradients are better suited for printing large compared to images that rely on a shallow depth-of-field or extreme contrast.
- Practicality. Let your intended use for the print guide your choices – a 20×30 inch poster requires a higher-resolution file than a set of wallet prints.
Conclusion
In summary, while Costco has discontinued its in-store photo services including film developing in the wake of industry-wide shifts to digital photography, they remain a top choice for affordable printing of digital photos online. Though the days of 1-hour film processing may be gone, there are still plenty of creative ways to turn your favorite images into permanent keepsakes through their user-friendly website.
As someone who has navigated the transition from film to digital and witnessed the evolution of photo products over the decades, I encourage you to be intentional about which photos you choose to print. In this era of virtually unlimited cloud storage, a carefully chosen, beautifully printed photo displayed in your home or gifted to a loved one can be even more impactful.
If you do opt to use Costco‘s online photo center, know that you are getting good value for a high-quality product from a reputable retailer. And if you are like me and still get a little thrill from taking photos on film just for its nostalgic and unpredictable charm, there are still some speciality photo labs that will develop it for you – just don‘t expect to drop it off with your groceries at Costco anymore.
With a little creativity and an appreciation for the power of print, you can ensure your most treasured memories live on in the physical world for generations to come. Happy snapping!
