Prints have been around in some capacity or other for much longer than photography has existed. When photography started, the first photos were printed directly onto a surface (E.g. metal). Film photos are either printed out of the camera or developed into prints. For a while it was also standard for digital photos to be printed out and saved physically! But as digital cameras improve and the world continues to shift online, prints are starting to go by the wayside. In this post I'll break down the benefits of both options, how to determine which option is right for you, and give some tips on where to print
your photos!
Benefits of Digital
One of digital's main benefits is that you don't need physical storage space. Digital images can be stored online in cloud storage. Printed photos require space in a box or on a wall. This can be a problem if you don't have a lot of space to put them or don't want the hassle of organizing and storing the photos long term. In contrast, digital photos are stored online and accessible wherever you are!
Another benefit is that digital photos are easily shareable. Because the photos are already on your device you can simply share them to social media or with loved ones through the cloud. If you have a printed photo that you want to share with someone across the country, chances are you can't show them in person. Instead you'll probably just take a picture and share it digitally!
One final benefit is that digital photos can be more cost effective. Most photographers include a digital gallery in the cost of the session and require prints to be ordered separately. If you're ordering a lot of prints or framed prints the price can increase quickly. Investing in prints certainly has its benefits but it's not always an option for every family.
Benefits of Print
On the other hand, print also has many benefits! One of the first is that it sharpens the impact of a photo. There is something about holding or seeing an image printed and in front of you that draws a deeper connection! You can see the details and remember the moment in a more impactful way. Prints have a sense of nostalgia that you can't get in a digital form.
Another benefit is their preservation factor. Digital photos can easily get lost in the noise of the internet. Even photos you post on your feed can quickly be overwhelmed. Whereas printed photos physically stand out in a frame or an album. Prints can be passed down through your family or given as gifts. Years from now you'll be able to look back on those photos and remember the moment without having to scroll through years worth of images!
A final benefit is the moment created when you share physical images with another person. Remember looking through old albums with family members? It was probably a special moment! Getting your own images printed will allow you to share special moments like that with other members of your family. Prints offer an opportunity to share stories in a more engaging way than sharing digitally does.
Which Option is Right for You?
So if there are benefits to each, how do you pick? Start by weighing the differences. While digital requires less physical space, print allows you to hold onto the photo longer and in a different way. While digital photos can be shared quickly and everywhere, prints mailed or shared in person can create a special moment. Although not ordering prints can save some money, investing in quality prints is also investing in a preserving moments for years to come. It really comes down to personal preference. What's important to you about photography? Being able to share easily and store a lot of pictures? The nostalgia of printed photos? Print or don't based on what you value in a photograph!
Remember too that you don't have to pick just one! Printing every photo you take or get from your photographer can be just as overwhelming as going through all your digital files. You can always get a few favorites printed and keep the rest digital. The right choice is whatever you like and whatever works for your lifestyle.
Where to Get Prints
If you decide you want to get some photos printed, you're best bet will be to order prints through your photographer. They can make sure your photos are colored correctly and come back looking just as high quality as they do on your screen! Your photographer will also have access to some high quality printing companies that don't sell directly to the consumer (e.g. Miller's Professional Imaging and nPhoto). Here's a post by another photographer that did a great job explaining all the reasons to order prints through your photographer!
If for whatever reason, you decide not to order through your photographer there are an endless supply of print shops available! Like I said before, most of these will not be up to the quality you can get through your photographer but there are some good options out there like Mpix and Bay Photo. This study showed that Nations Photo Lab is the best consumer printing company under a variety of criteria.
Whether you decide to print or keep it digital, photography is such a great way to preserve the moments in your life! Don't get bogged down in the pros and cons, instead go with whatever you like best. The bottom line is to enjoy your photos. So, enjoy them whichever way works best
for you!
