Calendars for Christmas Gifts! - Forums

Topic starter

Dec 10, 2024

Hello Everyone,
In the past there has been threads on holiday gifting our images whether it be on canvas, books, calendars etc… I just wanted to share with anyone that is maybe interested in doing something like this for calendars.

I just got my calendars this morning and I’m very pleased with them. I’ve been using this service now for several years. It’s called LifePhoto in Watertown, Wisconsin. Eric has been great to work with even to the extent of adjusting the brightness of my images more on his end for the final print.

FYI: they are $12.75 + shipping but I bought 30 of them and got a price break at $11.00+ shipping.

https://lifephoto.com

FULL DISCLOSURE: I AM NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THIS COMPANY AND AM ONLY SHARING FOR THOSE WHO MAY FIND IT USEFUL.

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Monty Chandler

Dec 10, 2024

I print a calendar every year for the family.

starfield

Dec 10, 2024

I've had mixed results printing calendars with different services. I'll add this one to the list. Astrophotos are really challenging for some of the larger services. I just had to have Mixbook reprint a run of calendars. They had an auto contrast adjustment at their printer that messed everything up. If anyone else is creating one of these I strongly recommend printing one sample with the provider first to see what you get.

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Dale Penkala

Topic starter

Dec 10, 2024

I've had mixed results printing calendars with different services. I'll add this one to the list. Astrophotos are really challenging for some of the larger services. I just had to have Mixbook reprint a run of calendars. They had an auto contrast adjustment at their printer that messed everything up. If anyone else is creating one of these I strongly recommend printing one sample with the provider first to see what you get.

YES always print just one for a proof before placing an order for more then 1! Saves time and money!

In my case I alway leave my images as is and tell Eric to print 10%-15% brighter. Astro images are always dark and will print darker so it’s been my experience to tell the printer to print slightly brighter. I always start at 10% and move up from there. Eric has always been great in that regaurd!

You just have to email him prior to placing the order or at the very least just after so he has a heads up.

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David Kreiton

Dec 11, 2024

I just had Mixbook print 8 1/2 X 11 calendars for me. They printed a proof at the bulk rate and shipped it free. I chose no enhancement or retouching because astrophotographic images are very different from the standard people/scenery types of images.

What I liked:
     Mixbook had an easy way to add desired holidays from a standard list provided by them.
    Other events such as moon phases or birthdays could be manually added.
Text boxes are easily placed anywhere on the calendar (or on the images if you prefer) leaving the image free of potentially distracting text. This was very important to me as I wanted to provide astronomical and astrophysical information about the object.
The web editor was reasonably easy to learn and use.
The paper is a very heavy weight. The calendar has a good "feel."
   The service was excellent as was the assistance I received via both email and chat.
   Bulk prices are available depending on the quantity ordered.

What I wish was better:
     The paper has a matte finish. I think the contrast would be much better with a gloss or semi-gloss finish.

And full disclosure: I have no affiliation with Mixbook. I'm just a customer who found them by doing a web search.

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starfield

6 days ago

Just adding to this thread as I just finished my annual calendar. This year I selected Lifephoto based on the recommendation of the original poster and was really happy with the final result. The quality of the final result turned out excellent, and the price is very reasonable as well. In the past I’ve run into problems getting the contrast right with some of the other services.

The owner Eric is easy to work with and is quick to respond by phone or email.

If you’re making a calendar, I’d definitely check them out. As with any of these services, it is really important to order one proof before you order the big lot to make sure you are happy with the result.