The Joy of Printing
Feb 10, 2016 11:14:35 #
StevenG
Loc: Long Island, NY
I have read several posts which ask which photo labs are best. I know that photo labs often do a very good job, and are generally modestly priced. And, I generally bring my own work to Costco when I need a bunch of 4x6s.
That being said, during the last year and a half, I have discovered the joy of doing my own printing. I purchased an Epson 3880, and I have tried out a number of their papers. I love their fine art papers, such as Hot Press Bright and Hot Press Natural. I love editing my photos, and then seeing them come to life, in print, just as I imagined them. If there are any aspects of the print with which I am not satisfied, I can make corrections. Holding the final version in my hands, on a good quality fine art paper gives me a feeling of satisfaction I cannot get from a lab. I know this can be a little pricey, and it is not for everyone. I am just wondering if anyone feels the same way. (Yes, I know I could have posted this in the printing section, but it would not get as much exposure.)
That being said, during the last year and a half, I have discovered the joy of doing my own printing. I purchased an Epson 3880, and I have tried out a number of their papers. I love their fine art papers, such as Hot Press Bright and Hot Press Natural. I love editing my photos, and then seeing them come to life, in print, just as I imagined them. If there are any aspects of the print with which I am not satisfied, I can make corrections. Holding the final version in my hands, on a good quality fine art paper gives me a feeling of satisfaction I cannot get from a lab. I know this can be a little pricey, and it is not for everyone. I am just wondering if anyone feels the same way. (Yes, I know I could have posted this in the printing section, but it would not get as much exposure.)
Feb 10, 2016 11:19:35 #
Actually, for the few prints I make, my monthly calendars, I do my own on my Canon printer, printing at home has never been more economical than sending out, even back in BW film days, but it is part of the process, wish I had room to display more shots and larger, Bob.
Feb 10, 2016 11:20:23 #
StevenG wrote:
Yes..... I am just wondering if anyone feels the same way. ...
Feb 10, 2016 11:22:36 #
Yes, I concur, 100%, totally agree, am in full support, wholeheartedly subscribe to this!
Any questions?
Any questions?
Feb 10, 2016 11:33:02 #
StevenG wrote:
.....I know this can be a little pricey, and it is not for everyone. .....
It only feels pricey when you buy an ink cartridge. If you work out the cost per print out of your printer and compare it to the prices of equal quality prints from a lab, you may actually be saving money!
Feb 10, 2016 11:39:21 #
I am just wondering if anyone feels the same way. (Yes, I know I could have posted this in the printing section, but it would not get as much exposure.)[/quote]
I've been at photography for a long time, had a darkroom with an enlarger with color head years back. Doing my own prints is part of the fun of photography for me. I too am running out of wall space to hang prints.
I have an Epson that will print 13 by 19, and I do use it, not very frequently but often enough to appreciate it.
I've been at photography for a long time, had a darkroom with an enlarger with color head years back. Doing my own prints is part of the fun of photography for me. I too am running out of wall space to hang prints.
I have an Epson that will print 13 by 19, and I do use it, not very frequently but often enough to appreciate it.
Feb 10, 2016 11:53:24 #
But this assumes you have a calibrated monitor and use the proper ICC profiles for your chosen paper/ink/printer combination. If you do, then you will inevitably only need to print one copy to achieve excellent results. If you don't then you may have to print 2-3-4 or more prints, along with the associated costs, to achieve those results.
If you only print sporadically then spending approx $500 for the calibration tools are not worth it but if you intend to do a fair amount I would strongly recommend spending the $$.
If you only print sporadically then spending approx $500 for the calibration tools are not worth it but if you intend to do a fair amount I would strongly recommend spending the $$.
bsprague wrote:
It only feels pricey when you buy an ink cartridge. If you work out the cost per print out of your printer and compare it to the prices of equal quality prints from a lab, you may actually be saving money!
Feb 10, 2016 11:53:44 #
bobmcculloch wrote:
.....wish I had room to display more shots and larger.....
ronwande wrote:
...I too am running out of wall space to hang prints.
I have an Epson that will print 13 by 19....
I have an Epson that will print 13 by 19....
My solution was to dedicate a single wall in my personal home office/study. I painted it museum gray and got some good track lights. I built eight matched 13x19 frames with a slot on the end that allows me to slide prints in and out easily. I get to have my current favorites where I can enjoy them!
(My DW has management control over all the other walls!)
Feb 10, 2016 11:59:45 #
But it would have garnished responses from those that hold an interest and are knowledgeable in the subject and not leave it open to every person in the world with an opinion, valid or not. Getting a response that starts with, "well I never print anything but....." does not help you, me or anyone.
StevenG wrote:
(Yes, I know I could have posted this in the printing section, but it would not get as much exposure.)
Feb 10, 2016 12:22:56 #
StevenG wrote:
I have read several posts which ask which photo la... (show quote)
I use a canon pro 100 and love it. you may want to look at red river paper out of texas for paper. they have a polar pearl paper that is fantastic for a print. they have many other papers as well and offer an excellent customer service for questions concerning their papers and printing in general. you can find them online, just google red river paper.
Feb 10, 2016 12:32:23 #
Printing to me is just the final step in creating that special image. A low percentage of my photographs get sent to the printer and when they do I want them to look their best. I have two printers, a Canon MX 892 for the little stuff and a Canon Pro 10 for the big stuff. My biggest complaint about the printers is I can't get a continuous ink system for them and good a set of Pro 10 cartridges runs between $55 and $130, depending on manufacturer. I'd like to know how to refill the Canon OEM cartridges. I've also never found a refillable cartridge for the Pro 10 that was any good. The cartridges for the MX 892 are cheap.
Feb 10, 2016 13:30:41 #
I absolutely feel the same way. For me the act of printing is an intregal part of my photography. Tweaking, refining, and producing a final print is an important part of the overall creative process which I am not comfortable handing over to an lab ( even a highly reputable one ) that has little or no emotional connection to the final image.
And, because I use fine art papers, producing the prints myself is more economical than relying on a lab which has relatively limited paper choices at greatly inflated prices.
And, because I use fine art papers, producing the prints myself is more economical than relying on a lab which has relatively limited paper choices at greatly inflated prices.
Feb 10, 2016 13:35:39 #
I use a HP Promaster Plus, HP Advanced Photo paper and HP ink to print most of my shots that are printed. These are in 8 X 10 size and gives me great satisfaction of taking a memory card out of my camera and doing what ever small amount of PP to it then print it. Then they usually go into a file folder after matting an into a drawer. I still know where they are and what they are so should anyone want to see them, I can just get them. The whole process gives me great satisfaction and therapy.
Feb 10, 2016 19:00:01 #
StevenG wrote:
I have read several posts which ask which photo la... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup: I absolutely feel the same, I have used the same printer for many years and believe it is much cheaper to do your own printing compared to using a lab and the prints are way better than what you get from a lab on top of that (I do not print anything smaller that 8 1/2x11), but a lot of times bigger!
Feb 11, 2016 07:16:32 #
It is true, and you all have said it better than I, but PRINTING is an integral part of the creative process. And though I print only a few, I still sit next to my Epson 1400, coffee cup in hand and watch the magic of a white piece of emptiness slowly turn into my art.
It is pure magic, and I so enjoy it.
It is pure magic, and I so enjoy it.
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