Once you pay for the camera and memory cards, your costs are virtually none. That is true until you actually have a picture you want to print. You can take 40 pictures and if only two good shots came out of that, then you only pay for those two.

So where should you print those two photos? Printing from your own photo quality printer is definitely faster. There are even people who take a small printer with them and make prints for other guests on the spot.

Wal-Mart, Blacks, Business Depot, and many other big chains have decided to offer printing services. With all this competition comes low pricing. A typical 4x6 print from a big chain is cheaper than the retail cost of the do-it-yourself paper that the same chain sells in their photography center. Do not forget that at home you still have to pay for the ink.

Here are some things to consider when getting a photo lab to print your digital pictures.

- Almost all the major players have priced their 4x6 size very competitively. The larger sizes though, like 5x7 or 8x10, are usually higher in cost than what you can do it for at home.

- Can you conveniently upload your digital pictures to them via the internet or do you have to deliver them on a floppy or CD?

- Does your photo lab let you pick them up in the store, or do you have to wait for the delivery? Picking them up at the store should no cost you anything. If you can pick them up, is the location easy to get in and out of?

- How fast can they have your photos developed? One photo lab has a reputation of having most orders ready in one business day. Another is a bit cheaper, but takes a week.

- You may have to talk to relatives, friends and even the internet forums about the quality. Find others who have already tried various printers. One photo lab's web site states that they will not print a picture with too low a resolution. This can be inconvenient, but assures you of a good quality print out.

Memory cards for digital cameras is so cheap now, so go ahead and take lots of pictures, and print out the ones that turn out well. Happy shooting.