Pictorial

Long gone are the days of running your film to the photo mart and having to wait a solid hour for their return. It's almost impossible to find a film camera on the market. We've all made the switch to digital, and now we're exploring all of the wonderful possibilities digital has to offer. One of the newest resources for digital photography worth taking advantage of is the online photo service Shutterfly.

Shutterfly offers the ability to upload and store your digital photos online. Your photos will never be deleted or altered from their full resolution. If you choose to, you will have access to Shutterfly's online community--a social network ala Facebook--where you can easily share your photos with family and friends.

Then, when you need them, they're at your fingertips. Shutterfly offline services are just as valuable. Have high-quality prints made and shopped directly to you when you want them. Basic 4x6 prints are available for 10 cents apiece, or take advantage of portrait packages which include a wide selection of sizes. If you're looking for something a little more special, create a collage poster of your pictures. Transform your photos into beautiful wall art by having them printed on canvas.

If you're shopping for the person that has everything, Shutterfly has a wide selection of photo gifts to choose from. Place your photos on calendars, mugs, and playing cards. Store your special moments in interesting ways...put them on puzzles, key chains or tote bags. Keepsake boxes with photos on the lids make great gifts as well, as do tee shirts and aprons--adorn a mouse pad with a family photo for parents to show off at work.

But perhaps the highlight of Shutterfly's many offerings is the Photo Book. Available in 5 sizes, from 5x7 to 12x12, Shutterfly's Photo Books are a beautiful way to display your photos. Choose to upload your photos and have Shutterfly automatically place them chronologically or customize your book yourself. Choose from 100s of backgrounds; personalize your font and cover.

I'm taking an idea from Shutterfly's online site this year for Christmas...I'm going to make my mom a recipe Photo Book! Using all of her well-used index recipe cards and digging up old photos of us baking and eating the recipes to present beside them. I think she'll really love it and I'll love that it's useful, beautiful and extra special.

Start slowly with Shutterfly's free online storage and image sharing...later take advantage of their photo printing services with Shutterfly coupons from ShopAtHome.com. i found great opportunities like free shipping on orders over $30, 30% off puzzles, posters and books, and 20% off cards.

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com