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5 Best Photo Printing Shops in Edinburgh

5 Best Photo Printing Shops in Edinburgh

  • Photo Prints – We assessed the overall print quality offered by the photo printing shops. We also evaluated the range of products available.
  • Expertise – We considered each shop’s years of experience and the recognitions/accreditations they might have.
  • Prices – We examined photo printing shops with varying price points so that you can choose which ones can accommodate your budget.
  • Responsiveness – We looked at the level of customer support each shop provides. This may include assistance with ordering, resolution of issues, and customers’ overall satisfaction.

In a world of digital everything, sometimes a tangible photograph is like discovering a relic from the past. Join me as we review Edinburgh’s finest photo printing shops, where your snapshots transform into cherished keepsakes. 

Whether you’re an aspiring Ansel Adams or simply seeking pieces of nostalgia, these shops offer quality snaps and personalised photo products. Let’s dive into the world of photo prints, where even your not-so-flattering selfies can become charming mementos.

1. A + M Imaging

A + M Imaging's Homepage

Services: Photographic Printing, Digital Printing, Black & White Developing, C-Type Printing, Film Processing, Fine Art Printing, Imaging Services, Painting Reproductions, Printing Mounting, Restoration Services

Website: https://amimage.co.uk/

Address: Units 1-3, Stewartfield Industrial Estate, Newhaven Rd, Edinburgh EH6 5RQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 553 3548

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 9AM–6PM
  • Saturday: 10AM–3PM
Google reviews score4.7/5
Facebook reviews score4.3/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Photo Prints4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Range of Products5/5
Expertise5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Responsiveness4/5

Pros

  • Over 25 years of experience
  • Offers C-type digital printing process
  • Wide range of Fuji and Kodak wet process papers
  • Offers fine art printing
  • Uses 100% cotton paper
  • Also offers professional mounting and finishing services

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Reports of film being ruined
  • Comparatively pricier

A + M Imaging is a well-known photo printing shop in Edinburgh that has over 25 years of experience in the industry, which we found impressive. 

It uses the C-type digital printing process, which involves exposing digital files to light-sensitive photographic paper in a darkroom setting. This method is for those who want professional-grade photo prints.

They also use a wide range of Fuji and Kodak wet process papers, including matte, lustre, gloss, flex, and metallic options. The variety allows customers to choose the paper that best suits their specific printing needs.

In addition, they have fine art printing, suitable for reproducing artwork and producing colour and black-and-white photographic prints — ideal for those who have a diverse range of creative projects.

They use 100% cotton paper with a smooth surface texture and a premium matte coating for those who prioritise durability.

As a bonus, A + M Imaging offers professional mounting and finishing services. This is a valuable addition as it allows customers to prepare their prints for exhibitions, competitions, or home decor with ease.

Do note that they’re closed on Sundays, which may inconvenience customers who prefer to visit on weekends.

We also heard unfortunate reports from their previous customers of film being ruined and never developed at A + M Imaging. 

Also we noticed that the cost of printing at A + M Imaging, particularly for smaller prints like 6×4″ or 5×4″, is relatively high at £2.40. 

2. Kodak Express

Kodak Express' Homepage

Services: Digital printing, Posters, Black & White Printing, Digital Passport Photo, Digital Photo Prints,Large Canvas Printing, Photo Restoration, Express Service, Film Processing / Negative And Slide Scanning, Instant Print Service, Passport Photos 

Website: https://www.kodakoceanterminal.co.uk/

Address: 98 Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 555 0220

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Sat: 10AM–6PM
  • Sunday: 11AM–6PM
Google reviews score4.2/5
Yell reviews score4.3/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Photo Prints4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Range of Products5/5
Expertise5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Responsiveness3/5

Pros

  • Over 10 years of experience
  • Can print photos directly from smartphones
  • Wide range of film processing services
  • Offers large canvas printing
  • Prints canvases, photo books, calendars, and posters
  • Competitively priced

Cons

  • Isolated instances of low-quality photos
  • Reports of rude or unhelpful customer service

Kodak Express at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre is another solid photo printing shop in Edinburgh. In fact, it has been a go-to spot for photo printing for over 10 years. 

The shop makes it hassle-free to print photos directly from both Apple iPhones and Android phones without the need for cables. This convenient feature is particularly important in today’s digital age, where mobile photography is widespread.

They also provide a comprehensive range of film processing services, including colour C41, black & white, E6, and 120 or 35mm film. This versatility is essential for film enthusiasts looking for a one-stop shop for their needs.

Unlike other printing shops, Kodak Express offers large canvas printing, allowing customers to transform their favourite photos into stunning wall art. The same-day option is a bonus, ensuring a quick turnaround.

The shop’s expertise in photo restoration is invaluable for customers looking to revive old and damaged photos. 

Beyond standard prints, Kodak Express offers a range of printing services, including canvases, photo books, calendars, posters, and more. 

We’re also happy about their competitive pricing, with standard 6″ x 4″ prints priced at only 60p. 

Sadly, some customers have reported low-quality prints. When they showed us their pics, we agreed that the shop had issues with colour accuracy, cropping, and image distortion. 

Multiple reports of rude or unhelpful customer service experiences have also surfaced, which we felt was unfortunate.

3. Crescent Print Edinburgh Ltd

Crescent Print Edinburgh Ltd Homepage

Services: Photo Printing, Photographic Prints, Photographic Paper, 3D Printing, Instant Passport Photo, Digital Printing, Artwork Print

Website: https://crescentprint.co.uk/

Address: 301-303 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 556 3582

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:15AM–5:15PM

Google reviews score4.7/5
Facebook reviews score4.3/5
Score consistency4.7/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Photo Prints5/5
→Quality5/5
→Range of Products5/5
Expertise5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Responsiveness3/5

Pros

  • Over 60 years of experience
  • Last-minute printing specialists
  • Same-day delivery to your venue
  • Notable clientele
  • Uses modern Mitsubishi sublimation printers
  • Quick turnaround times for photo prints

Cons

  • Closed on weekends
  • Negative customer service experiences

Crescent Print Edinburgh Ltd is another prominent player in the Edinburgh printing scene. We’re quite impressed with their collective experience of over 60 years. 

Unlike other printing shops, they’re specialists in handling last-minute printing jobs. This is great for those with urgent projects.

As a bonus, they can deliver your printed materials to your venue on the same day, a crucial advantage for time-sensitive events. 

Speaking of events, Crescent Print is a trusted name for various institutions, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the University of Edinburgh, and more. This demonstrates their reliability in providing printing services for high-profile events and exhibitions.

Their commitment to quality is evident through their use of modern Mitsubishi sublimation printers. These advanced printers guarantee sharp definition and vibrant colours, allowing quality photos and prints to come out.

Moreover, the photographic printer offers quick turnaround times, often allowing you to receive your photo prints while waiting in-store.

Crescent Print goes beyond standard photo printing, offering services like printing and stretching photos onto wooden canvas frames. This personalised touch is ideal for creating wall art or unique gifts.

However, it’s worth noting that they’re closed on weekends, so you need to plan your printing trips accordingly.

Additionally, some customers have reported negative experiences with customer service, with one citing an incident of an employee shouting at a customer. Hopefully, these incidents are far and few in between.

4. The Art of Print

The Art of Print's Homepage

Services: Digital Printing, Fine Art Printing, Photo Printing, Fine Art Giclée Printing & Reproduction Studio – High-Resolution Photography, Scanning And Printing, Artwork For Print, Artwork Scanned, Colour Corrections, Colour Matched, Colour Matching

Website: https://www.theartofprint.co.uk/

Address: 106 Clerwood Park, Edinburgh EH12 8PS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 538 5265

Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 9AM–5:30PM

Google reviews score5/5
The Stackhouse reviews score5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews5/5
Photo Prints4.5/5
→Quality5/5
→Range of Products4/5
Expertise5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Responsiveness5/5

Pros

  • Artist-led studio that caters mostly to artists and professionals
  • Handles small and large-scale photo print runs
  • Specialises in Giclée or pigment printing
  • Uses high-technology
  • Prioritises environmental responsibility

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Expensive

The Art of Print is a bespoke artist-led studio in Edinburgh that provides digital archiving, art printing, and scanning of artworks. They’re known to cater particularly to artists, photographers, interior designers, theatres, and commercial companies.

They strive to give the same level of expertise and technology, whether you’re working on a large limited edition photo print run, a treasured image, or a specialised creative project. You’ll be given the best effort no matter the scale of your work.

The Art of Print specialises in Giclée or pigment printing, a technique known for reproducing fine art to archival museum quality. This covers a wide range of artworks, from original paintings to digital creations, making it versatile for various artistic needs.

They use medium format cameras, professional scanners, high CRI LED lighting, and 12-colour pigment ink sets, allowing them to capture incredible detail. 

Moreover, The Art of Print prioritises environmental responsibility. They source papers with tree replanting schemes and offsetting measures, showcasing their efforts to lower their ecological footprint.

However, keep in mind that they’re closed on Sundays, which might affect the convenience of visiting or contacting them on weekends. 

Additionally, it’s worth considering that their pricing, starting at £7.55 for an A4 PF Gloss photo quality print, may be on the higher end for some customers.

5. PrintSponge

PrintSponge's Homepage

Services: Photo Printing, 3D Printing, Brochure Printing, Large Format Printing, Colour Printing, Custom Printing, Digital Printing, Document Scanning, Fine Art Printing, Flyers & Brochures, Form Printing, Black And White Printing, Digital Printing, Cards, Posters

Website: https://www.printsponge.com/

Address: 109 Brunswick St, Edinburgh EH7 5HR, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 261 5015

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 9AM–5PM

Google reviews score4.4/5
Facebook reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Photo Prints4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Range of Products5/5
Expertise5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Responsiveness5/5

Pros

  • Over 30 years of experience
  • Also offers graphic design
  • Offers instant in-store photo printing
  • Specialises in the food and drink industry
  • Caters to artists and illustrators 

Cons

  • Closed on weekends
  • Reports of dark and poor-quality prints

PrintSponge brings over 30 years of experience to the table, making them a seasoned player in the photo print solutions arena. We think their extensive experience is reassuring for customers seeking reliable printing services.

With roots in the graphic design and advertising industry, they also offer graphic design, adding a valuable layer to their services. For customers, this means having the option to work with professionals who understand photo design intricacies.

For those who prioritise convenience and quality, they offer instant in-store photo printing and photocopying for A4 and A3 sizes, both in black and white or colour. Moreover, they provide a choice of high-quality paperweights (120gsm or 300gsm silk).

Their specialisation in serving the food and drink industry is another plus. From photos to menus and posters, they understand the specific requirements of this sector, which can be a valuable asset for businesses in this field.

Artists and illustrators will also find PrintSponge to be a reliable partner for bringing their creations to life. Their commitment to vibrant and richly detailed art prints, using top-quality materials and processes, helps ensure that artwork is presented at its best.

However,PrintSponge is closed on weekends, which may impact accessibility for some customers, especially those with weekend printing needs.

Furthermore, there have been reports of dark and poor-quality prints. While these reports are concerning, it’s essential to consider that individual experiences may vary, and quality issues should be addressed directly with the service provider.

FAQs on Photo Printing Shops

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