You have your DVD in hand, full-res digital files at your fingertips, now what? Print those babies! You’ll love them even more in a tangible form. Below I’ll take you through a step-by-step look at making prints and some things to consider along the way.
1. Decide which images you’d like to print. If you select images that I’ve already edited for you, and you like the edits, then proceed to step two. If the image you’d like to print isn’t edited to your liking, or at all, decide if you’d like to order a custom edit of that particular image. You can definitely print it as is, but edited files always look more professional.
2. Once your files are ready to go, next you’ll decide what size of print you’d like to end up with. This is easiest to determine if you know what you’ll be doing with that print. Is it going to hang above your fireplace for all to see and love, or will it be part of a picture collage at your wedding reception. Different needs call for different sizes. To make a statement or create a stunning work or art, GO BIG! Or if space doesn’t allow, but you still want that fine art feel, a generous white mat & frame will do the trick. If you’re loving the snapshot quality of a particular image, print it small and floppy to pass around with friends. Or once again, go big! and watch your snapshot get a life of it’s own.
Below you’ll find two charts showing you how various print sizes match up. An 8×10 looks tiny compared to a 30×40. And that won’t change when you hang it above your fireplace. Don’t judge a print size by holding it in your hand. Rather, hang the print (or a piece of cardboard cut to your proposed print size) where it will be displayed and then step back. Too small? Too big? It all depends on the look you’re going for.
Note that unless you’re looking into custom framing, or are printing a gallery wrap/standout which don’t require framing, you’ll want to make sure your print is compatible with the standard frame sizes available. For the most part, standard frame sizes are those found on the red chart, and will require some cropping of your images (read on to learn more about cropping). Most of the blue sizes will need custom framing except 4×6 and 20×30 (these are harder to find, but possible). For ready-made/standard frames I recommend checking out Michael’s or JoAnn’s. And watch for sales because they often have them on their frames which can save you a bundle. Both stores also offer custom framing. Masterlab of Salt Lake can provide you with superior custom framing options as well as the prints to go in them. So if you’re looking for one stop shopping of the finest quality, check into them.
[Now's where things get a bit tricky. If you're looking for a way out of this printing mess, you can order prints from me. I know. I bet you thought that option didn't exist. Well, it does. Just for you. I want your experience to be 100% professional from start to finish. So if you're not a DIY kind of person, email me what you'd like and relax.]
3. Now that you have your particular image matched up with the perfect size, double check that it’s really the perfect size. This requires a bit of mathmatical thinking. I know. No fun. But SO necessary. The trick is to remember that your files are in a 2:3 ratio as is. This means to print a 4×6, no cropping will occur. But if you take that same image and print an 8×10 with it (4:5 ratio), there’s a good chance you might lose a limb or head for that matter. The key is to do a custom crop when ordering. Most images can be cropped. Just don’t rely on the computer/printer to do it for you. Take control and confirm you crop before printing. The mechanics of this vary by printer, but don’t settle until you’ve figured it out.
Below you’ll find another chart showing you the different ratios and how they compare.
Once you’ve studied that, pull out your calculator and see how your print size matches up. Simply divide the smaller number into the larger (ex. 4/6=.666 or 16×20=.8) and then compare that to the ratios. I’ve done the math for you on the ratios above. It looks about like this:
2:3 = .666
5:7 = .714
4:5 = .8
1:1 = 1
4. Now that you’ve got all the logistics worked out, you just need an actual lab to do your printing. Decide if you’re computer savy enough to order online without too much frustration (or if you have a friend handy who can help) or if you’d rather drive to a lab and have them walk you through the process. What did you decide?
Printing online? Try Mpix for professional quality results and offerings + the best bang for your buck, not to mention doorstep delivery.
Need an in-person lab? Find your nearest Inkley’s/Ritz Camera or if you’re in Salt Lake and want the best of the best in service and hand-holding experience, take them to Masterlab.
Where you print your prints DOES matter. Make sure you use a lab that can offer you professional results and options.
Frustrated? Wish you could just tell me what you want and I’d magically do the rest, math included? Email me and your wish is my command. Professional print pricing/options found HERE. Custom editing of images included. Custom options available upon request.