Hi qunatums,
The bottomline is: If your complete workflow (camera, monitor, printer) aren't calibrated, the chances of you receiving a print that matches your monitor images is virtually zero. This is true whether you make your own prints or send your corrected digital files to an outside photo lab.
I've written several articles for photographers who are new to color management and looking for answers. You might want to take a look at four of these articles. Beginning with part one of four at:
http://hubsidarkroom.blogspot.com/2008/08/...g-color-in.html
You might also want to consider investing in Harald Johnson's
"Mastering Digital Printing" book as a reference book that you can sit next to your computer.
Although camera, software, printer and computer manufacturers have done their best to provide technically accurate digital imaging products, [b]EACH manufacturer works from the assumption that you understand at least the basics of
color management and that your system is color managed.
Hope these articles help in your basic understanding of color management.
Good luck.
Hub
www.hubbardcamera.com