Print your work
August 19th is recognized as “World Photography Day”. Over on TikTok I made a video talking about why photographers should print their own work and what services I use. I thought I would write a blog about the same topic and what services/resources I personally use.
Firstly, there is something special to the point it’s nearly inexplainable about holding a physical print. For many of us older farts it reminds of “one hour photo” of yesteryear. Fun fact, my first on the books job was working at Walgreens in the photo lab back in 1999. As we barreled full steam ahead into the digital age printing photos quickly became rare. Now most of our photos are kept in the digital sphere and the most important ones might get printed. If you don’t already I encourage you to start printing your own work for your own collection. You do not need to sell any if you do not want to. I have a coffee table photo album that I am building that is for myself and guests to look through.
I love using this app. They’re basically a bargain Shutterfly. Not only have I printed postcards, made a photo book for my partner but my favorite feature is the free 100 4×6 prints you can get every month in their app (NOT ON THEIR WEBSITE. APP ONLY) just pay the shipping costs. To break that down each 4×6 print is.25 cents. So for 100 that’s $25. I usually pay about $15 for shipping. This is a great way to build a photo album.
They usually have deals on prints and photo gifts so I highly recommend them. Especially if you are on a tighter budget.
Printque is a printing service from Adorama. Photographers might recognize that name as an e-commerce site for cameras and camera gear. Well, they also have a printing business. Who better to know how to make great quality prints? They continue to add to their services like photo books and gifts. I love using Printque for prints that I want to blow up either for myself or others. You cannot beat an 11×14 print for only $5 and it will be significantly better than what you can get nearly anywhere.
I discovered this website from another photographer on social media. I can’t remember from who or where but I cannot gatekeep this website. I’ve had so much fun making these little zines. The layout is already made for you. All you need to do is upload the photos you want to use. You can even add captions for each photo if you desire. You can choose to have them printed on regular 8.5×11 inch paper, A4 or A5 sized paper. The folding of the paper can be a little tricky at first. Thankfully Dirty Little Zine included a Youtube video showing how to fold and cut the paper. I printed a few copies at library as practice and then had better copies printed at Staples. I can pass these out when I am on a photo walk or include them as part of a package whenever I sell prints.
Do you print your own work? What services or resources do you use? Do you have any other tips for photographers? Let’s hear ‘em!
