Why You Should Print Your Photos Professionally

Why should you print professionally?
I get this question a lot.

Many people think if you buy the digitals from your photographer, you can just head to a discount store and get them printed cheaper. And the answer is… yes, you can.

But you’ve heard the saying: you get what you pay for.

If you’re taking the time to print a photo, it’s likely a special one — something you want to display, preserve, and maybe even pass down through generations. In other words, an heirloom. And when something matters that much, quality makes all the difference.

What Professional Printers Do Differently

According to Nations Photo Lab, it all starts with paper:
"Advanced color dispersion technology and professional-quality paper can reproduce skin tones more accurately and produce strong, bright colors — especially vibrant greens, blues, yellows, and cyan."

I couldn’t agree more. Color matters. You want your blues to be blue, your yellows to be yellow, and your skin tones to look natural. Poor-quality printing makes photos look dull and lifeless — and that reflects poorly on both the photographer and the memory.

Consistency Matters

I only use professional printing companies because they offer consistency. Your photos aren’t being run off by a part-time worker in a hurry; they’re being handled by trained technicians who understand paper, color profiles, DPI, and the fine details of the printing process.

This means you get reliable, repeatable quality — every single time.

Materials & Formats

Professional printing also opens up more creative options: different papers, textures, finishes, and even materials like canvas or metal. Personally, I’ve long loved canvas for its timeless look, but I’m also exploring new formats that will make 2023 a year of exciting changes for my art — even blending photography with painting to create truly one-of-a-kind works.

Why It’s Worth It

So yes, you pay a little more for professional prints. But here’s what you’re really getting:

1. The quality your photographer intends for you.

2. Vibrant, accurate colors that bring photos to life.

3. Consistency you can trust.

4. A piece that will last a lifetime.

5. An heirloom your family can cherish.

You simply can’t go wrong when your photographer sends your images to a professional printer. And you’ll never go wrong purchasing any of my fine art prints — all crafted with the same care, consistency, and quality.

So remember: support small businesses, support local artists, and always choose quality when it comes to your memories.