Updated: 13 Jun 2024
During this article, I looked at the benefits of having your own images printed onto hard copy, particularly for filing, wall mounting or even selling the final framed product.
Amidst the thousands of photos you might make each year, how do you decide which photos to print? Developing an editing workflow is the essential first step in the printing process. First, determine if you are working on a long term project, portfolio or a client job.
Creating work prints is a helpful way to decide if an image will truly hold up and deserve the investment. You can print a bunch, lay them on a table or tack them to a wall without worrying about damaging a final product. It’s also helpful to print them at various sizes to test how large you want to go.
After you’ve made a stack of work prints, it’s time to get that edit down. Depending on the project, there are a number of devices you can use to help your editing process. Here are a few of our favorites:
Group by subject: Start by choosing two to three subjects and group the photos together. For example, create a group for portraits, landscape and interiors.
Remove redundant images: Start by grouping similar images together and selecting the best of the bunch. Continue and repeat until you have a tightly refined edit.
Make small, medium and large edits: Imagine you have 100 images to choose from: try making groupings of 10, 18, 30, and 50 images. These exact frequencies aren’t set in stone but can be a guide for thinking about a project in unique ways.
Colour calibrate your monitor
Check your files at 100% magnification for noise and remove any Dust spots or scratches from the image
Remove any other blemishes in post production
Choose the sizing of your image prior to printing
Use Hi-Resolution for better detailing of the image
Choose the right paper for the look of the printed photo
Match your borders and frame prior to printing
Use a quality printer or have your photo processed by a reputable printing company
Lustre:
It’s our most popular paper, the happy medium between glossy and matte, perfect for a range of uses, from weddings, portraits and commercial prints to fine art. It’s subtly reflective with a hint of sheen without being too shiny and its rich blacks and pure whites pull you in.
Glossy:
Smooth, polished and slick, glossy is perfect when you just need that extra shine. Whites are extra bright and colors pop most on glossy paper, with the widest range of tones. It’s slightly more delicate than our other papers and is vulnerable to fingerprints, so make sure to handle exhibition prints with some white gloves. Like Lustre, Glossy is great for portfolio prints, and also for landscapes, street photography and – because of its high tonal range – is perfect for small prints.
Matte:
For the refined printer, matte paper has excellent color reproduction with no glare, and a silky smooth texture. It has a subtle color range and is best for large portraits, still life and images without dense shadows or dark blacks.
Silk:
One of our newest additions to our standard printing options, Silk offers the refined textures of our other papers, with a vintage flare, a thicker weight and soft reflection similar to vinyl and works best for weddings, family photos and portraits.It’s one step closer to our specialty prints.
Printing your own photographic images offers several significant benefits that extend beyond merely having a physical copy of your work.
Here are some of the key reasons why printing your own photographs is important
Creative Control
Printing your own photographs allows you to have complete control over the final output. You can choose the paper type, texture, finish, and size, all of which can dramatically affect the perception and quality of the image. This level of control ensures that the printed photograph matches your artistic vision.
Understanding the Full Photographic Process
Printing is an integral part of the photographic process. By handling the printing yourself, you gain a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of photography, such as color management, resolution, and print profiles. This knowledge can improve your skills as a photographer and help you produce more consistent and high-quality work.
Enhanced Presentation
Printed photographs often have a more profound impact when displayed. They can be framed and hung, becoming tangible pieces of art. The tactile experience of a printed image can be more engaging for viewers compared to digital displays. Printed images also tend to have a timeless quality that digital files may lack.
Longevity and Preservation
Printed photographs, especially those made with archival-quality materials, can last for many years, even centuries, without significant degradation. Digital files, on the other hand, are susceptible to data corruption, technological obsolescence, and accidental deletion. Printing ensures that your images can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.
Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Seeing your work in print can be immensely satisfying and can provide a sense of accomplishment that digital images may not. For professional photographers, having a portfolio of printed images can be an impressive tool when meeting clients or presenting work in galleries.
Tangible Memories
Printed photographs offer a physical connection to memories and moments in time. They can be held, shared, and passed down through generations, creating a personal and emotional link that digital images cannot replicate. The act of printing and handling photos can make these memories feel more significant and cherished.
Unique Artistic Expression
The choice of printing techniques, such as using different types of printers, inks, and papers, allows for unique artistic expression. Techniques like cyanotype, platinum printing, or giclée can add unique characteristics to your photographs, making each print a piece of art in its own right.
Portfolio and Exhibition Preparation
For photographers looking to showcase their work, having high-quality prints is essential. Whether it’s for a portfolio review, an exhibition, or a sale, printed images are often more appreciated and valued by collectors and audiences. The ability to print your own work ensures you have the flexibility and quality control needed for professional presentations.
Printing your own photographic images is an important practice that enhances the creative process, provides a deeper understanding of photography and produces the final results in tangible, long lasting pieces of art.
It bridges the gap between the digital and physical realms, allowing photographers to present their work in a more meaningful and impactful way.
Linked pages:- About Mark Brion | Professional Photographer