A mechanism is disclosed for managing delivery of digital image files to
image processing labs for printing. The mechanism involves marking a
digital image file with metadata that indicates a processing lab at which
an image in the file should be printed. In turn, the mechanism involves
reading the metadata indication from the file to identify the processing
lab where the image should be printed and responsively sending the image
file to that designated processing lab. Such digital image files could be
sent to an image hub, which could then read the metadata indications from
the files and responsively route the files to designated processing labs
for printing.