Do It Yourself Photo Printing offers photographers more control over their final product, allowing for personalized artistic expression and potential cost savings. At dfphoto.net, we help you explore the world of photography and visual arts with practical advice and inspiring ideas. Discover if home photo printing aligns with your goals and artistic vision and empowers you to create stunning prints from the comfort of your studio and helps enhance your photographic workflow. Dive into this detailed guide to master printmaking, image reproduction, and at-home darkroom techniques.
1. Are You a Competent Photographer Ready for DIY Printing?
It’s best to master photography basics before diving into DIY photo printing. Think of printing as a new skill, like learning your camera. Printing can be complex, even for experienced photographers. Wait until you consistently achieve desired results in your shoots and edits.
However, don’t wait for perfection to start printing. Printing can help you become a better photographer. Print your images through a lab to gain experience. Printing your photos can enhance your image manipulation techniques.
1.1 According to Photography Experts
According to a study by Popular Photography, printing images allows photographers to critically assess their work, identifying areas for improvement in composition, lighting, and post-processing.
2. Can You Achieve a Margin With Do It Yourself Printing?
DIY printing isn’t usually cheaper than using a print lab, unless you print a lot. Print labs benefit from economies of scale with expensive equipment and bulk purchases of ink and paper. Individual consumers can’t compete on price.
Besides lower costs on materials, print labs save on ink by avoiding waste. Ink cartridges dry out when exposed to air. If you don’t print often, the printer wastes ink purging dried ink. Ink is costly, so infrequent printing makes DIY expensive.
Still, DIY printing can save money, especially on single large prints (8×10 or 11×14), due to shipping costs from labs. If you have a local lab with no shipping fees, you might not save money.
Costco once offered affordable, high-quality prints without shipping. After they closed their local print labs in January 2023 and partnered with Shutterfly, DIY single 8×10 or 11×14 prints became much cheaper, about 85% less. For multiple prints, lab shipping costs are less significant, making it cheaper to use a lab.
2.1 Calculating Printing Costs
| Factor | Print Lab Advantage | DIY Printing Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Advanced, expensive printers | Initial printer cost |
| Materials | Bulk discounts on ink and paper | Higher individual ink and paper prices |
| Ink Waste | Efficient ink usage | Potential for wasted ink due to infrequent printing |
| Shipping Costs | Added cost, especially for small orders | No shipping costs |
| Order Volume | Cost-effective for large print runs | Economical for single, large prints |
3. Will You Enjoy the Do It Yourself Printing Process?
Only you can know if you’ll enjoy printing. If you love photography and creating images, you might. Think about whether you’ll enjoy the work involved.
Personally, I dislike printing, even with print labs. It’s my least favorite part of client work. I prefer sending digital images and letting clients print them, even though I lose potential income. I do it because photography is mostly for fun, and printing isn’t.
One exception is printing banners for sports teams. I love seeing my sports composite work on huge banners.
However, I don’t enjoy printing four 5x7s, two 8x10s, and an 11×14 of a client’s image. You might feel differently. If you’re unsure, the technical info below might help.
3.1 Passion for Photography
Do you find joy in crafting images? If so, DIY printing could be a natural extension of your creative process.
4. Does Do It Yourself Photo Printing Offer Enough Convenience?
Printing images quickly is convenient. The expense of ink drying up is worth it for the convenience.
You’ve probably needed a photo printed urgently. My kids often need 4×6 prints for school or tryouts. Having a printer avoids settling for a one-hour print shop.
I’ve also helped family, friends, and clients who lost loved ones. They needed a photo for the funeral. I’m glad I can help edit and print a photo.
This convenience is why I recommend having a printer, even if you don’t fully understand high-quality printing.
4.1 Spontaneity in Photography
The ability to print on demand allows you to capture and share moments without delay. This immediacy can be invaluable for personal projects and urgent client requests.
5. Is Printing Critical For Business Growth?
If photography is your main income, printing is essential. It’s hard to earn enough without selling prints.
Print labs are best for most photographers. They offer high quality at low cost, providing the margins needed for a decent income.
However, some professionals should control the quality by printing themselves. Being a competent photographer and printer gives you more control over the final product and timing, differentiating you in the market.
Imagine how valuable your services are if clients get high-quality results quickly. Consider other professions: after-hours car repair or last-minute tickets. The less time involved, the higher the cost.
Even delivering four 5x7s, two 8x10s, and an 11×14 print quickly makes your service valuable.
5.1 Enhancing Business Value
Offering in-house printing can significantly enhance your service offerings, providing a competitive edge through faster turnaround times and superior quality control.
Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States. Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001. Website: dfphoto.net.
6. What Equipment is Needed for Do It Yourself Printing?
You’ll need a photo printer. For beginners, Canon or Epson are good choices. Get a single-function photo printer, not a multi-function one. Multi-function printers are fine for office tasks, but not for photos.
I’ve only used the Canon Pro-100, which is discontinued. Today, I’d recommend the Canon Pro-200 (around $550). The printer’s cost is a key factor.
Wait for discounts or rebates to save money. I bought my Pro-100 after a rebate, costing under $100.
Also, check classifieds for used Canon or Epson printers. Ensure it works before buying.
6.1 Printer Recommendations
| Brand | Model | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon | Pro-200 | High-quality prints, wide color gamut, user-friendly | $550 |
| Epson | SureColor P700 | Exceptional color accuracy, advanced media handling, professional results | $800 |
| HP | Envy Photo | Affordable, compact design, good for home use | $150 |
7. How About Paper and Ink for Do It Yourself Printing?
Paper is simple. Use the printer manufacturer’s paper for easy setup and great results. Third-party papers are also good. My favorite is Red River.
Ink is expensive. Photo printer ink might cost as much as gold per ounce. Much ink is wasted if you don’t print often.
Once opened, ink cartridges start drying out. Print every couple of weeks to avoid wasting ink.
What about third-party inks? Manufacturers discourage their use. The Canon Pro-100 uses electronic chips to validate genuine Canon cartridges.
There are workarounds, but I don’t think they’re worth it for my Pro-100.
7.1 Third-Party Ink Considerations
While third-party inks may offer cost savings, they can sometimes compromise print quality and printer longevity. Always research and choose reputable brands if opting for alternatives.
8. What Technical Steps Should Be Taken To Get Good Do It Yourself Prints?
With printer, paper, and ink, how do you get the print to match your screen?
8.1 Color Space
Choose a color space for editing. If you’re new to color space, see A Practical Guide To Color Space Workflow For Photographers. Edit in Adobe RGB.
Canon recommends it for their printers. Check your printer’s documentation for recommendations, but Adobe RGB is fine.
8.2 Display Calibration
Calibrate your display. If you’re new to this, see Photographer’s Guide To Screen Calibration With DisplayCal. Use a hardware device to calibrate your display. Software isn’t as effective.
I recommend the Calibrite ColorChecker Display Pro (CCDIS3). It’s $280 on Amazon, but essential for good prints. It’s easy to use and highly recommended.
8.3 ICC Profile
Apply the correct ICC profile. This is the most complex step. It seemed intimidating at first, but most challenges are due to a bug in the Canon Pro-100 driver for Macs.
An ICC profile translates colors from your calibrated display to your printer. They’re not the same. You need a translator.
Here’s an easy approach for beginners: use everything from the same manufacturer. Buy a Canon printer, paper, and ink. Let the printer choose the ICC profile based on the paper type in the printer driver.
Access printer settings from Lightroom by clicking “Printer…” in the Print module. Choose quality, page size, borderless, and paper type.
To let the printer choose the ICC profile in Lightroom (similar for Photoshop):
- In the Print module, choose “Managed by Printer” for the Profile.
- Click the “Printer…” button.
- Choose the paper type in the printer driver.
That’s it! This approach has two downsides: it only works with the same manufacturer, and you can’t choose the printing “intent.” The ICC profile translates screen colors to paper colors, but the translation isn’t 100%. Some screen colors can’t be reproduced. There are two ways to handle these colors, and you don’t have a say if the printer manages the ICC profile.
To control colors or use third-party papers, manage the ICC profile in software:
- Install the ICC profile on your computer. Profiles for printer manufacturer papers are in the printer driver. Download third-party paper profiles for your printer and paper.
- Choose an Intent. Tell the printer how to handle colors that can’t be produced:
- Intent: Perceptual. Best when detail is more important than color accuracy. Use for landscapes.
- Intent: Relative. Best when color accuracy is more important than detail. Use for portraits.
8.4 Understanding ICC Profiles
| Profile Option | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Managed | Automatically selects the ICC profile based on paper type | Simplifies the printing process |
| Software Managed | Allows manual selection of ICC profile and rendering intent | Fine-tuning color accuracy and detail |
| Perceptual | Preserves overall color relationships at the expense of individual color accuracy | Landscapes and complex scenes |
| Relative Colorimetric | Maintains color accuracy by clipping out-of-gamut colors | Portraits and color-critical images |
9. How to Solve Canon Pro-100 Bug with MacOS?
Mac users should know about a bug in the Canon Pro-100 print driver. It only affects Macs and the Pro-100. Windows or other printers aren’t affected.
The bug causes prints to have a green color cast. It’s noticeable even with a calibrated display. I can tell immediately and have to fix it and reprint.
Adobe says color casts come in two forms: magenta (double profile) and green (no profile). Double profile means specifying an ICC profile in software and the printer. No profile means not specifying one in either place.
The fix should be simple: define an ICC profile in only one place. This works perfectly in Windows. I can choose the ICC profile in Lightroom or let the printer manage colors. The prints are beautiful.
It doesn’t always work on Mac. It works right after installing the Canon PRO-100 driver. I can manage the ICC profile or let the printer manage colors. The trouble starts later.
I don’t know the trigger. I’ve tried letting the MacBook sleep, taking it out of the house, and rebooting. None cause the issue immediately. Sometime after installing the driver, I can’t choose an ICC profile in software without a green tint (no profile).
I’ve tried everything to make choosing the ICC profile in software work. The only solution is to delete and reinstall the printer driver. I was doing a 4×6 test print to check for the green cast. It only takes a minute to delete and re-add the printer, solving the problem.
At dfphoto.net, we encourage you to explore these techniques and find what works best for you. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes or intimate portraits, the right approach to printing can elevate your work to new heights. Join our community to share your experiences and learn from fellow photographers.
9.1 Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Green Color Cast | Driver bug on MacOS | Reinstall printer driver |
| Magenta Color Cast | Double profiling (ICC profile in software and printer) | Ensure ICC profile is managed in only one location (software or printer) |
| Washed-Out Colors | Incorrect ICC profile or rendering intent | Verify ICC profile is correct for paper type, adjust rendering intent |
10. Do It Yourself Photo Printing FAQ
10.1 What are the advantages of printing photos at home?
Printing photos at home offers greater control over print quality, allows for immediate results, and can be more cost-effective for small print runs.
10.2 What type of printer is best for photo printing?
Inkjet printers are generally recommended for photo printing due to their ability to produce high-resolution images with vibrant colors.
10.3 What is an ICC profile, and why is it important?
An ICC profile is a data file that describes the color characteristics of a printer, paper, and ink combination. It ensures accurate color reproduction by translating colors from your screen to the printed output.
10.4 How do I calibrate my monitor for accurate color?
Use a hardware calibration device like the Calibrite ColorChecker Display Pro to measure and adjust your monitor’s color output. This ensures that what you see on your screen closely matches the final print.
10.5 What is the difference between perceptual and relative colorimetric rendering intents?
Perceptual rendering intent preserves overall color relationships at the expense of individual color accuracy, while relative colorimetric maintains color accuracy by clipping out-of-gamut colors.
10.6 Can I use third-party ink and paper for photo printing?
Yes, but it’s essential to choose reputable brands and use the correct ICC profiles for the specific paper and ink combination to ensure optimal print quality.
10.7 How often should I print photos to prevent ink from drying out?
Print photos at least every couple of weeks to keep the ink flowing and prevent it from drying out in the cartridges.
10.8 What color space should I use for editing photos that will be printed?
Adobe RGB is generally recommended for editing photos for print, as it offers a wider color gamut than sRGB.
10.9 How do I troubleshoot color casts in my prints?
Check for double profiling, ensure the correct ICC profile is selected, and verify your monitor is properly calibrated. For Mac users with Canon printers, reinstalling the printer driver may resolve green color casts.
10.10 What resources are available on dfphoto.net to help me improve my photo printing skills?
Dfphoto.net offers detailed guides, tutorials, and community forums where you can learn from experienced photographers and find answers to your photo printing questions.
Ready to take control of your photo printing? Visit dfphoto.net for more tips, tutorials, and a vibrant community to support your photographic journey. Explore our guides, showcase your prints, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Start creating stunning prints today and elevate your photographic vision!
