Digital cameras: Choosing the best photo printing service How to develop photos

Many photo processing services - particularly kiosk and online services - require you to upload and edit your own photos before they're printed. 

Don't be daunted - it's easy and the fact that many sites let you make tweaks to your images before they're printed means you can correct problems such as red-eye.

Photo kiosks

Step 1: View the images before you go to the store so you know of any problems, such as red-eye, that you want to correct.

You can either burn the image to disk or simply take along the memory card from your digital camera.

Insert the memory card into the photo kiosk

Step 2: Insert the memory card or disc into the kiosk and use the touch-screen to select the images you want to print.

Next, you can do basic image-editing, such as cropping and removing red-eye.

Step 3: Select the size, photo finish (matt, glossy or lustre, depending on the available options) and number of prints. 

The photos drop into a tray at the bottom of the machine and you usually pay at the till.

Online photo printing services

Step 1: Head to your chosen website and navigate to the digital photos/prints section - we're using Bonusprint in this example. 

Click Get Started, and download the software to make transferring images to the site easier. 

Follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 2: Select the images you want to transfer to the website - known as uploading your images. 

The more images you upload, the longer the process will take.

You don't have to print all the images you select for uploading.

Step 3: Choose the images you want to print, as well as the size, finish and quantity.  

Enter your address and card details when instructed. 

Your pictures will be posted and typically take around three days to arrive.

If you want to printer your photos at home, some printers can produce decent photo printer - check out our printer reviews to find the best printers.

For advice on using a compact digital camera, as well as editing and sharing your photos, see also our book Digital Photography Made Easy.