Class On Making Prints: A Guide for Photographers
Creating beautiful prints is one of the most rewarding aspects of photography. There is something special about seeing your work as a physical object rather than just pixels on a screen. Understanding the printing process helps you produce prints that accurately represent your creative vision and stand the test of time.
File Preparation
Proper file preparation is the foundation of a great print. Start by editing your image at its full resolution. Sharpen for print output, which typically requires slightly more sharpening than screen display. Convert to the appropriate color space. For most print labs, sRGB is the safest choice, though some professional labs accept Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB for wider color gamut reproduction.
Resolution and Sizing
Print resolution matters more than you might think. For most high-quality prints, you want at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. For viewing distances beyond arm’s length, you can get away with lower resolutions. A 24-megapixel camera can produce excellent prints up to about 20×30 inches at 300 DPI, and even larger if the viewing distance is greater.
Paper and Material Choices
The paper or material you print on has a dramatic effect on the final look. Glossy papers produce vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them ideal for bold, colorful images. Matte papers offer a more subtle, artistic feel with no reflections. Fine art papers add texture and a gallery-quality look. And metal or acrylic prints create a modern, high-impact presentation. Choose the medium that best complements your image.
Color Management
Accurate color requires a calibrated monitor and proper color management settings. Use a hardware calibration device to profile your monitor regularly. When soft-proofing in Lightroom or Photoshop, select the ICC profile for your specific paper and printer combination. This preview shows you how the print will look before you commit to paper, saving time and money.
Choosing a Print Lab
Professional print labs offer superior quality compared to consumer printing services. Look for labs that use archival inks and papers, offer ICC profiles for their printers, and have knowledgeable staff who can advise on paper selection. Many professional labs offer sample packs so you can evaluate their quality before committing to a large print run.