Pixiq

Print Rollers

Originally uploaded by feaverish

How often do you actually print your images? I find that many of Your Photo Tips’ readers just sort of horde them on their computers. Maybe they sell them through a stock agency, or through a fine art website, but most don’t actually have many in print.

Printing images has a few benefits that will help you achieve better success as a photographer.

The way images appear on paper isn’t the same as they appear on your computer screen. The science behind it can be daunting but simply put; light emits from a computer screen and reflects off of a piece of paper.

So if you’re planning on selling, or giving away your hard work, then you should know how it will be viewed once it’s been printed.

Another factor is of course to have your computer monitor calibrated for your printer. The word “printer” refers to either your home desktop printer or the printing lab you use. Calibrate your computer screen when it’s dark for best results.

Decorating your home with images you have captured can lead to a whole new career or client base you never knew existed. I can recall having a certain family member visit my home a few of years back remarking on the wonderful art we had on the walls. When I informed him that they were works done by either my wife or myself he passed along my number to a future client. That client turned out to be one of my best clients referring numerous influential friends and relatives. I could safely assume that the gaining of this one client brought in almost 10% in additional business for following years. The thing is, that family member didn’t even know I was a photographer when he first came to visit!

So get some of your work printed and hung on your wall. Do it often, and when you have to start taking down older photos to replace with new ones, you can either give them to friends and relatives or put them away for safe keeping. Everyone will appreciate that you’ve done this. Great photography makes wonderful gifts.

Besides, you never know what doors will open because of your confidence in the photography you create.

How often do you print your images?