Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

My wife and I are wanting to print some of our bird photos. It could end up that we are printing numerous copies of one capture. I've searched the annals concerning this but can only find outdated topics. If we were to peddle our wares what grade/type of paper and size and what other land mines should we be aware of. Quality is a priority.
Could you recommend either a printer/establishment....Thank you, Vic

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I haven't printed anything since they changed their name, but consider https://www.printique.com/ (formally AdoramaPix). If they still have it, get an initial 10x pack of 4x6 and test print your images before getting something larger printed. Although I have my monitor calibrated, there's still sometimes some slight adjustments when you get the print. The turnaround is excellent.

unlucky2 Loc: Hemet Ca.

To your title question, my cost 8 1/2" x 11" printed with Canon pro 100 printer on Canon glossy paper, $1.80 per page.
19 x 13 for less than $3.00. Some papers are much more expensive than others and some inks can get really expensive.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Aren't computer prints different then photographic prints? Quality and longevity?
Dont know the differences. Thanks

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Thanks...will check it out CHG!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Thanks unlucky!

unlucky2 Loc: Hemet Ca.

???? If I understand your question, there is a quality difference between computer generated prints printed by general purpose printers and those printed by photo printers. If the question was referencing the difference between prints from film and prints from digital, there is a difference but which is better is questionable.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I have printed on average 2-300 prints a year, none smaller than 8 1/2 x 11 (many much larger than that). I probably would have never been able to afford that, if I did not print at home. I have used an Epson 3880 pro for over 10 years and i was never dissapointed in the quality of the prints, so hell yeah, it is way cheaper to print your own photos!!!!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Even with the expense of the ink and paper?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider COSTCO. They use a Fuji Silver Halide wet chemical process. Quality is excellent and has a 50 year life.

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Thanks for the recommendation!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

That's where I have most of mine printed. Prices are great.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I've always printed my own prints, which I do sell. In general the size I use is 10 x 15, which is a digital format size. I can put this print into a mat and frame for a 16 x 20 finished photograph. My prints are high quality from an Epson R3000 photo printer. I've never compared the cost and I suppose it could be cheaper to print your own prints but the paper and inks are expensive. The more you can standardize the less costly paper, ink and mats will be as you can buy in bulk and take advantage of special prices during sale times. I print my own photographs because I like to have control and I like to be able to get the image printed at once when need be. One time someone called me for two prints of Venice, Italy just a few days before Christmas. I was able to print both, put them in mats I had on hand because I order in bulk, and stick them into frames from my frame storage. She picked up the finished product on Christmas Eve. Printing can be difficult for some reason, printers can be difficult to calibrate, photographs can turn out too dark and paper and ink are wasted, etc. It's a learning process so expect extra costs. I uses a mac and an epson printer and it works very well for me. You might consider using an outside printer at first, Bay Photo is good.

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Thank you for being detailed in your explanation of the steps of printing. My wife and I are planning on selling some of our work. I am a quick learner but know nothing of the process (steps) to getting the photo ready to put into a frame.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

The cost effectiveness of printing yourself vs having a lab print for you depends a lot on the volume of prints you plan to produce. The more prints needed the cheaper it becomes to print your own. The cost of an individual print is usually less when you print yourself, however you have to figure in the initial cost of the printer, paper, and ink which makes labs more attractive to those who only print occasionally.

“ If we were to peddle our wares “ - this is a huge if. Most people who consider selling their photos find out quickly that it is a much bigger enterprise than they expected. Like any other business, it takes time, investment, and a great deal of hard work. There is much more too it than just making up a batch of prints and going out and selling them. if you decide on selling at art festivals, You’ll need to secure a resellers license, have display materials such as a canopy, display panels, a means of taking payment using your phone or tablet. You need to find and apply to shows, and if accepted pay the fees. You will need to be prepared for 5:00 AM set ups and late night tear downs. All this in addition to the time and work of printing, mounting, matting, and possibly framing your work. Galleries have their own demands and expenses.

If quality is a priority, printing yourself will be the best choice in the long run. This is not to say you can’t get quality from labs. Most do very competent jobs. Even Costco prints can be nicely done. However, if quality includes using pigment inks on top weight papers of a variety of finishes, you might find printing yourself gives you more options. Many hobbyists who never consider selling their work still prefer to have the ability to print on special papers. (A few labs do offer premium papers, but usually at a premium price).

Just a few things to think about.