Printing Your Photos

Guidance on getting the best results—whether you print yourself or have me handle it..

 

Your Printing Options

Your final gallery includes high-resolution digital files that you are welcome to print yourself. You are not required to order prints through me.

That said, I am happy to handle printing for you if you would rather not sort through print labs, upload files, choose paper types, or worry about whether the final print will look right.

Option 1: Have Me Handle the Printing

I can order professional-quality prints on your behalf through the photo labs I use as a photographer.

Pricing is based on:
The cost of the print + a 15% print-handling fee (minimum $15 per order).

This fee covers file preparation, lab selection, basic quality review, ordering, and communication about the finished prints.

Specialty items, large-format prints, albums, framed pieces, canvas, metal prints, or rush orders will be quoted individually.

Are Professional Photo Labs Better?

Usually, yes — but the difference is often subtle.

The labs I use generally offer better consistency, more accurate color, higher-quality paper options, and stronger quality control than many consumer printers. That matters most for:

  • Larger prints
  • Wall art
  • Important portraits
  • Artwork or archival pieces

For casual prints, small snapshots, gifts, or everyday photos, many consumer print services can still do a perfectly acceptable job.

In other words: professional printing is not always necessary, but it is usually the safer choice when the photo really matters.

Option 2: Print the Photos Yourself

You are welcome to download the high-resolution files from your gallery and order prints yourself.

For best results:

  • Download the full-resolution file (not a screenshot or social media version)
  • Avoid automatic filters or “enhancement” settings
  • Choose matte, luster, or professional photo paper
  • Watch cropping on sizes like 5×7 or 8×10
  • Use a higher-quality lab for larger prints

Recommended Print Services

Professional Quality (Best for Wall Art & Important Prints)

These labs are the closest to what I use when handling prints directly. They offer the most consistent color, better materials, and more control over the final result.

Best for: large prints, framed pieces, albums, and anything you care about long-term.

High-Quality Consumer Options (Balanced Cost & Quality)

These are widely accessible and usually produce solid results, especially for small to medium prints.

Best for: gifts, family prints, and everyday use where quality still matters.

Quick & Local Printing (Convenience First)

These are good when you need something fast or same-day. Quality can vary depending on the location and machine calibration.

Best for: quick prints, last-minute needs, and small sizes.

A Note on Walmart Photo

While convenient, I generally do not recommend Walmart Photo for important prints.

In my experience, their machines tend to apply aggressive automatic adjustments—especially increased contrast—which can noticeably alter the look of the image compared to how it was edited.

For quick, low-priority prints it may still be usable, but for anything where color and tone matter, I would strongly suggest choosing one of the options above.

A Quick Note on Differences

Most people expect a dramatic difference between print services. In reality, the difference is often subtle but meaningful.

  • More accurate and consistent color
  • Better paper and finish options
  • Improved durability over time
  • More reliable results on large prints

When It Actually Matters

  • Framed and displayed prints
  • Large prints (8×10 and up, especially 16×20+)
  • Important gifts
  • Photos meant to last for years

When It Doesn’t Matter As Much

  • Small prints (4×6, 5×7)
  • Quick keepsakes
  • Temporary or casual use photos

Most Popular Print Sizes

If you are not sure what size to order, these are common choices that work well for most homes and gifts.

  • 4×6 or 5×7: Best for small keepsakes, albums, frames, and casual prints.
  • 8×10: A classic gift size and easy to frame, but may require cropping depending on the photo.
  • 11×14: A strong choice for desks, shelves, and smaller wall displays.
  • 16×20: A good starting point for wall art.
  • 20×30: Best for statement pieces, large wall displays, and favorite images.

Important note: Some print sizes crop the image differently than others. If you are ordering an 8×10, 11×14, or other framed size, double-check the crop before placing the order.

If you are unsure which size will work best, I am happy to help you choose based on the image and where you plan to display it.

Not Sure Which to Choose?

If you want a second opinion before ordering, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you choose the right option for what you’re printing.

If you already know you’d like me to handle printing, just send me the image names and sizes you’re considering and I’ll take care of the rest.