Hi, I'm a lurker and never a poster, but I have a question and I don't know who else to ask.  My family and I recently had our pics taken and the photog emailed me afterwards with a link to view our gallery and some information about ordering prints.  She also mailed me a cd with all of the pictures and inside was a note that said that I have permission to print the pictures and recommended a print lab.  So i'm a little confused.  Why would I order from her when the print lab is much cheaper?  She did a really great job and I don't want to look like an unappreciative customer by not ordering from her.  What is the etiquitte when it comes to this stuff?  Thanks!

Ordering from her will help her to make a living and support herself and her family.  I will always order a good portion of prints from my colleagues even with the disc in hand. Also, ordering from her insures that you will receive quality prints as it's likely she uses a professional lab.  You can order from a cheap lab but they will not guarantee the quality - she likely will (I do, I have a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back).

Sharing the link with your friends and family is also a helpful way to get her some orders rather than being responsible yourself for printing for everyone.

Figure a dollar amount you are comfortable spending with her and any amount will likely be appreciated.You're not obligated but know that every bit helps nowadays with our services and respect for what we do is being put on the back burner.

I was being cheap and didn't order through my photographer, and now I really regret it.  I didn't realize that different labs have slightly different colors.  Her monitor is calibrated to her lab to perfection. Don't mention how much easier it is to order from her, than to find a pro lab myself, opening an account (quite a hassle) and color calibrate prints.  I also had to deal with my relatives and moms friends' orders.

If you really don't care about the color or quality, you can get them printed at costco or wherever.  But if you are picky, ordering from your photographer is the best bet.