Quality photography will always be an investment, as it should be. You hire a photographer for their expertise, style, personality, and ability to capture your family where it is right now. And while most photographers do provide digital files, there are very specific reasons why here at MMP we have not adopted a “digital only” practice at our studio.
We will always offer digital files and will encourage our clients to print their images, whether they do so through us or not. Prints are valuable regardless of where you have them printed. Clients do often ask however, whether professional prints are really all that different from printing photos at your local drugstore or through online sources.
The answer is a resounding YES!! There most certainly is a difference. Here are 3 in particular that you should consider:
1. The Quality
The quality difference can’t be stressed enough. Once you compare a professional print to a drugstore print, the difference is clear. This is because the paper, ink, and equipment that’s used for printing is vastly different. Professional photographers and professional labs print on high-quality paper with archival inks. Displayed properly, these images will last for a hundred years or more. Consumer labs do not calibrate their printers as often as pro-labs, which means that there can be very little color consistency. Professional photographers specifically calibrate their computer monitors to the labs they work with, ensuring proper and true colors throughout all of your prints. Professional printing is also recommended if you want to print larger photos without losing any quality.
2. The Variety
Then there’s the variety of options available to you. When you print at a drugstore, you are limited to a smaller selection of options. When you print professionally, however, customization is possible, both in terms of size, finishes, and material you choose to print your portraits on.
3. The Convenience
Why waste time uploading images, figuring out sizing/material/finishes, picking up your order or unboxing an online order, framing, etc.? That is way too time-consuming! Allowing your professional photographer to handle printing your order is a no-brainer. They understand the “language” and requirements necessary to create a finished product for you. Here at MMP, our take on digital files is that they are “unfinished” work – like visiting a restaurant and, after ordering, the chef brings you all of the ingredients to make your own dinner. Who’d want that? Ordering prints, wall art, or albums through your professional photographer is akin to a full-service, four course meal. Plus it will last a whole lot longer. 🙂
If you’re ready for more than a “wham-bam-thank you ma’am” style of photography, give us a call at 912-200-5284 or email us at megan@meganmyrickphotography.com for more information. We’d love to share more on why we’re different.
