Do you have a lot of old family photos that are simply gathering dust in your attic? Why not print them out so they can be enjoyed by loved ones for years to come. If you want to learn the easiest way to get great prints, then keep reading!
There are tons of great reasons why you should print old photos, not the least of which is that it’s a great way to preserve your memories forever. You can print them out on any type of paper or cardstock. You can even use photo paper and have them professionally printed by a professional lab.
Now, if you’re a bit crafty a DIYer, then you can always prepare your own photo prints at home using a few everyday household items. We’ll give some tips below on how to get this done as inexpensively as possible so you don’t break the bank.
Table of Contents
1. Choose the photos you want to print
Now, when it comes to selecting which photos you want to print, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. For one, consider printing your favorites or any that you find especially pleasing. You can also choose photos that represent certain memories in order to help recall them more easily in the future. Further still, you can combine different types of photos for a photo album or scrapbook.
However, if you want to reduce the cost of your prints by opting for less paper and ink use, then consider sending just one photo at a time to get professionally printed. You could save big this way!
2. Select a size and paper type
Now the next thing to think about is what size and paper type you want your prints to be. For one, you’ll want to choose a print size that suits the photo. This means that if the picture is small, then you don’t need to choose a big size. However, if it’s a wide-angle picture or something else expansive, then go with a large print!
Furthermore, when it comes to paper types, there are many possibilities. You can use any kind of paper or cardstock for DIY printing as long as it’s not too thick and won’t create a glare on your photos.
You can also choose photo paper and have them professionally printed by a professional lab. This may be the best option if you want to take advantage of the glossy finish and extra-thick paper that’s designed for photos. You can even get digital papers, or textured ones like linen if you’re looking for a unique feel and appearance.
You’ll also need to choose your orientation: portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal). Landscape is great when printing wide shots while portraits work well with closeups!
Do not forget about color; inkjet printers are capable of producing much better colors than laser printers, which aren’t intended for photo use. This means your prints will look sharper and more vivid in color on an inkjet printer compared to a laser one. However, it may be harder to find matte options for this type of printer.
That’s it! If you want to print your pictures at home and on a budget, then follow these tips.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Photographs
When you are printing your photos commercially, the first thing to do is to measure the area where you will put them. Make sure that there is enough space so that the album will not close on the binding side. The photo should not be too big nor too small for this album. If it is, resize your photo by placing it into a graphics program and making it fit to the requirement of the album.
Selecting the Appropriate Paper
1) When choosing the type of paper you want to use, be sure to pick something that matches the theme or style of your photographs. For example, if you’re taking pictures of a wedding and want them to look elegant and classy, you should use high-quality pearl white cardstock with a subtle sheen. If you’re looking for something more versatile, consider using glossy photo paper instead.
2) The next thing you’ll need to think about is the weight of the paper. The weight will determine how much detail will show up in your printed photo – do you want that?
3) One other important consideration is which printing service you are going to be using. Different companies offer different weights of paper as well as different options for what type of paper you can use.
3. Upload your pictures onto an online printing service
A popular way to print out your photos at home without shelling out for professional printing is by using an online photo printing service. There are many great services that offer prints of different sizes and paper types, including photo paper and digital photo paper. Along with the prints, you can also order custom matting in order to frame your printed photographs.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to upload your images in high-resolution in order to get them printed by these services. They’ll automatically downsize the size when they make the files for printing. If you like to have high-quality pictures for printing, then it’s best not to resize the picture yourself before uploading it! An additional downside is that it may be difficult to crop and edit images that you upload which are larger than the print size.
In addition, these services often have different options for printing your pictures depending on what type of printer you have. In most cases, inkjet printers will deliver high-quality results because they use a special kind of paper designed specifically for photos. On the other hand, laser printers don’t usually work well with photo paper unless it’s extra thick or matte finish. This means that if you want good quality prints from a laser printer then be sure to check out the specifications before placing an order!
4. Add text or graphics, if desired
In many cases, this is totally optional, but adding text or graphics is a great way to add some extra customization to your picture. If you ever wanted to add a funny caption or a message in the picture frame, then this is the place!
With Watermarkup, you can:
1) Upload your images
2) Click on “add text” in the top left-hand side of the screen
3) Maintain a consistent font and size throughout
4) Pay attention to alignment
5) Change color & transparency with dropdown menus
5. Place your order and have it delivered to your door!
The next thing to do is place the order and wait for your prints to arrive on your doorstep! Depending on the size, paper type and orientation of your prints, you can expect that they’ll be delivered within two weeks or less. Once you receive them, you’re ready to frame and display these beautiful memories.
6. Take care of any framing needs at home with these tips for DIY frameless photo frames
Frames can be a very expensive investment, but did you know that you don’t need a frame to display your prints? If you’re looking for a way to get around the high cost of frames, then here are some great tips for framing your pictures at home.
1. Choose a photo or artwork that is smaller than the size of the page
2. Cut out a mat board to fit precisely behind the picture
3. Put glue on the back of the paper and press it onto the board
4. Let it dry and enjoy!
Where Should You Print?
The internet is a great place to find print shops that are local to you. You can also try searching on Yelp or Google for some reputable printers in your area.
There are tons of options out there, making it difficult to decide which one is right for you. If you’re trying to print an important photo or document, make sure the printer offers high-quality prints. The last thing you want is for your event photos or family portraits to come out pixelated and blurry!
If You’re On A Budget
Are you on a budget? If so, there are some great ways to make your photos look professional without paying for expensive printing services. One of the best things about printing photos yourself is that it lets you get creative with different layouts and styles.
-Put them on canvas frames.
-Print them on metal sheets.
-Emboss them with gold foil.
-Frame them in simple matted wood or sturdy cardboard frames. -Paint beautifully crafted designs on their surfaces using acrylic paints, metallic paints, and watercolors.
-Attach rods to the back of your photo so it can be used as a hanging picture frame!
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to print photos professionally. If you are interested in getting started on your new photo printing project, be sure to visit the printer’s website for more information about their products and services!