You could print out and laminate, but I don't know if the marker will stay on the laminated thing.

In my opinion, if you print it out normally, the colour fades after a while, so if you want to keep it for a while, you'd be better off getting it developed in Wal-Mart

A problem I would like to point out is it would VERY easy for it to get torn or damaged during shipment. If this is what works best for you, I would encourage you to you plastic protectors or something of the sort to keep it safe.

At the end of the day, it's your collection. If you're satisfied with the quality, and like you said if it keeps you from missing important venues, then it may be worth it. Personally, I print 4x6 postcards on matte paper on the 'standard' ink setting and i'm perfectly happy with them. Most of my collection is historical, so the photos are often black and white and of marginal quality to begin with. And 4x6 fits in the small envelope. SASE is always big just in case they send their own.

i print with regular paper ive never had a problem ,i have one very slight water mark on one pic its not noticeable at all unless you stare. it just a lot cheaper and easier since you can fold it gently to fit into your envelope. and also if you have a good quality printer then it willl look find. and it doesent matter what paper you use it can be watermared as well yes not as easy but theirs still a possibilty.

I wouldn't recommend printing on standard printer paper, for reasons above. Not very aesthetically appeasing to the person signing, or the collector either. What I do sometimes, when printing from home, is use high quality, glossy photo paper (quite expensive though).

I used to print them out on printing paper also and the bad thing is that if it rains and it goes through your envelope, it can ruin the photo. It's best to order them online, like trottersfan said.

In my opinion it doesn't look anywhere near as good.

If you don't like going to the shop to get them printed, then you could always try printing online, thats what I do and I find it cheaper and better! {thumb2}

i was wondering what is the harm in sending a color picture printed on regular printer paper. its just that its a hassle for me to go print from walmart and what not and i end up missing important venues because i can never print them in time. i was wondering if i wanted to just print it on regular paper, what are the disadvantages?

thanx in advance!