Why You Should Start Printing Your Photos

Since the birth of digital cameras, there has been less need to print your photos. Many of the newer photographers have never printed or even sent their photos to be printed at a lab. Why should you if your audience is all online?

Over the past few years, my prints have decreased, and I am sure I am not the only one for whom this is the case. However, when you actually have one of your photos printed, whether at home or from a print lab, there’s  magic that happens, and you discover a love for you art all over again. Once you hold that tangible beautiful print, you experience different feelings rather than simply viewing it on your computer screen. Fellow staff writer Paul Ashead recently wrote about how printing photos could make you a better photographer and save you money in this article. Try printing out your photos for clients and see how these might be different with prints in hand as opposed to looking at a screen if you are able to meet in person.

There are several benefits in printing your work, some of which which Peter McKinnon’s latest video explains. McKinnon enjoys printing not only for a new experience, but also for a great chance to see things that may need to be corrected that you may of not see from viewing it on-screen.

So try it out and see what you discover by printing out some of your photos. For those of you out there that are printing your work, do you print at home, send to a print lab, or both? How does printing effect your work? If you decided to print out one of your photos after reading this article or watching the video, comment back on how it changed your work.

Alex Ventura's picture

Staff writer Alex Ventura is a professional photographer based out of the Houston area that specializes in automotive and glamour with the occasional adventures into other genres. He regularly covers automotive related events for Houston Streets & Spekture with some publications in the United States.

Log in or register to post comments
12 Comments

I actually send prints as gifts to the models I get to shoot as a thanks. Like you said, since it's not done as often anymore, they really appreciate it and they tell me that the print looks better than seeing the photo on the screen.

Same! Although I shoot events mainly [weddings and such], as soon as I get back, I would pick 2-5 photos, edit them quickly and send to print. In 1-2 days after the ceremony, bride and groom will have tangible, nice photo and they will have it quick. It often makes them less prone to ask me every 2 days if the photos are done yet :)

I'm a newbie to photography and dabbled with it for a few years. Now that I am approaching retirement I will be getting more involved. I have been thinking about printing my photos and selling them at shows. Your article has moved me in the direction of printing them at home. I enjoy landscape and nature photography and would enjoy your photo in my living room. Thanks for your tip...

So important!! Your article brought back memories of when my dad was teaching me to darkroom. Holding a tangible item that you create is so much more satisfying than posting to the ether.

Would totally love a print to hang in the living room!

I've printed 2 pictures and one was okay, but the other was great! I never heard of Peter McKinnon before, but I liked the video. Off topic, but I also watched his 9 camera hacks in 90 seconds- loved that also. Great article and thx for bringing this to the attention of so many folks (who might be like me).

Great post, I have printed stuff out and love when it comes in from WHCC. I do want to invest in my own printer by the end of the year, I am afraid that I will be trigger happy with printing lol

Either way, If I win that image, its going to sit right above my office desk alongside some images I am getting printed and framed.

Great post! I print and mat a few of my photos for my clients. I never do it at home since I find the results from prodpi far superior. If I win, this print is going in my office! Thanks!

Nice post! I was just wondering what are you doing with those prints mostly? Are you framing them? How are you present paper prints? I would love to print myself but fraiming with a cheap frame just looks bad! All my prints were on aluminium or other materials.
I woul love to print for myself but i have no idea how to present them properly...

I agree for the most part, because I still find prints to be the simplest and cheapest way to get a very colorful image when monitors come down maybe that will change, i have a question The pic in your article shows a large format printer could you make a suggestion for a large format printer that would allow metal prints also? Thank you

Nice post. I started printing my own work as well after buying a Canon pixma pro printer. Best thing! Nothing like seeing your work on paper. That print would go perfect in my new home office. Need to bring it to life with prints.

Yes I am guilty as charged, shoot lots rarely ever print anything. :( Got to start doing that.

Omg that was such a cool video. Got me back inspired to do my fine art photography & start printing again... love your work. That print would look seriously cool in my office with my growing collection of photography prints...if you felt like sending it to NZ 😉