Printing pictures?

B3nn1 · Apr 14, 2013

I want to try printing some of my pictures. I was wondering what Site or place do you guys get them printed.
What's the biggest size you can print at before losing quality? Is there a specific paper that is better to use?

KmH · Apr 14, 2013

There are many good online print labs. Bay Photo, Nations lab, Black River Imaging, Mpix, Costco, etc.

There are a lot of different papers. Which ones get used has a lot to do with the image and it's intended use. http://www.bayphoto.com/bayweb/pro_standardsizes.htm
http://www.bayphoto.com/pro-products/fine-art-giclee.htm
http://www.bayphoto.com/canvas-prints/gallery-wraps/
http://www.bayphoto.com/metalprints/
A lot of people get prints on canvas, prints on metal, prints on acrylic.

The largest size an image can be printed before losing quality depends on image quality and the pixel dimensions of the image.
Cropping discards pixels and lowers image resolution (pixel dimensions), which then limits quality print size.

There are different printing methods:
C-Prints (chromogenic) done on paper that is light sensitive and is chemically developed.
Inkjet prints, and the a variety of aqeous and solvent based inkjet inks/dyes. Prints done on metal (usually aluminum) and acrylic are usually inkjet prints that use UV-cured inks/dyes.
Off-set press printing, which is used more for commercial printing purposes.

Tutorials on Color Management & Printing

B3nn1 · Apr 14, 2013

Wow that's the info I was looking for. Thanks alot. Im just looking to print and hang around the house. I will be checking those sights out as soon as i get home.

pony · Apr 14, 2013

Yep, depends on the image. When formatting it for print, crop it to the print size and then view it at 100%

When I allow a print release I usually tell people to print through mpix.com
In my experience they have been the best and most consistent as far as print quality.
There are lots of different types of paper and finishes, but for general printing the matte lustre looks nice