One of our MOST asked photography questions goes something like this:
“I have to order prints. Help!”
Its such a simple concept but leaves so many people absolutely stuck and overwhelmed when it’s time to get their photos off their camera. We’ve enlisted the help of one of our partnering professional photographers (Jen Daniels) to take some of the guess work out of it for you. Here are the tips from the pro!
1. GO BEYOND DIGITAL.
Go ahead and wrap your brain around the concept that the digital images your photographer sends you are NOT a final product.
Lets all say that out loud friends. Digital. Images. Are. Not. The. Final. Product. Get your images off your computers, phones and get them on your WALLS! They are only images you enjoy when they sit on your hard drives.
Let everyone enjoy them. Share the love! Print pictures, make albums, invest in that canvas….you won’t be sorry!
2. IF ITS GOING ON YOUR WALL, PRINT IT THROUGH YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS LAB.
Pro lab prints are not available to you unless you are professional photographer but you will NOT be sorry at the investment. Not all printers are created equal. Theres a time and place for quick and easy prints (I’m looking at you Walmart, Target and services such as Snapfish, Shutterfly and Free Prints.)
But if its going on your walls, it needs to be pro quality. First, the color calibration is more accurate at the labs. Need some proof? Check out the color tones that are cast on cheap printers:
Secondly, the pro labs use archival paper. This means it will stand up to light, both sun and artificial, finger prints, dust, and just daily life. Colors won’t fade. Kids touching prints won’t ruin them.
You don’t even need glass in your frames. The images are actually more stunning without them. This always throws our clients at first but theres a reason you don’t see glass in frames at museums, fine art galleries or any photo exhibition. Prints look better without the glare of glass over them.
Pro lab quality prints afford you the opportunity to have this quality of print. There are also a ton of finishes available with pro labs should you choose to get a little more artsy. We’ll get into some of those in another blog post, but just know that pro labs are absolutely worth the extra few dollars for their prints!
3. ORDER YOUR FRAMES FIRST.
The easiest way to order prints is to order your frames first! Order your frames, lay out the gallery the way it looks and fits best on your wall then go back to your gallery and find your favorite images based on what you’re working with. This takes the guess work out of “I don’t know what size to get.” Yes, you do! You need a vertical 8×10. Go forth and order one!
4. OUR FAVORITE LABS.
What are our favorite labs? For pro labs, its hands down Miller’s. Their quality, finishes and production time can’t be touched. You’ll need to ask your photographer if he/she prints through them.
There are other amazing labs out there so if they don’t print with Miller’s be rest assured the prints will still be very high quality. Miller’s is just our personal favorite! Other amazing NON-pro labs include Mpix and if you’re looking to do some super fun stuff with your prints, head over to Persnickety Prints!
If you don’t have a go-to photographer check out our list of partnering photographers – we work with some of the best that specialize in headshots, family photos, maternity and baby, weddings, and all the in-between moments. Got questions? Email us info(at)deltagirlframes(dot)com and we’re happy to help!
Bottom line-You don’t need to print ALL of your photos, but you DO need to print SOME of them.