Where to print your pictures:
Many people take pictures with their own camera and then make prints from them using their home printer, and for many purposes, that's fine. However, the pictures I provide you with are intended to be printed on high quality printers, and you may not get the results you expect from your home printer. If you want to get the best quality prints, consider using print labs.
What Print Labs Do That Your Basic Printer Doesn't:
First and foremost, many print labs output high quality prints on durable, long-lasting professional photo paper. The output of your own home printer usually can't compete because it is not professional grade equipment designed to output accurate colors and fine details. In order to come close to a lab print, you would have to spend at least $300 on a printer, and it will still output ink-based pictures.
What's Wrong With Ink-Based Pictures?
Nothing, as long as you don't expose get them near water or expose them to too much light. Ink-based pictures don't like water, and they can be smeared and ruined very easily. They also tend to fade much more quickly than a lab print. Lab prints use a Dye-Submission process that is much more permanent, does not smear with water, and lasts longer without fading.
What About Price?
It is typically less expensive to use labs than to use your own printer for prints. Labs charge less for each print than you would otherwise have to pay for photo paper and to feed your ink-hungry printer. The average 4x6" photo printed from your own printer on high quality photo paper costs you between 50¢ and $2.00 after ink and paper are considered, while you can get the same print at Costco, Sam's Club or even Wal-mart for around 20¢ or 30¢.
What Labs do You Suggest?
Professional Labs near you are a great option. In their absence, the next best options are Costco and Sam's Club. Wal-mart is a distant third (use their 1-hour service, not their prints in minutes service), but their output will still last much longer than your own printer's prints and generally be of a higher quality. Other less preferable options are Walgreens or your local supermarket. Some online print labs are also excellent choices. You have many options.