There are many reasons people print their photos. It can be for decoration, collection, sentimental value, or work. Professional photographers know how important it is to satisfy their clients with their prints. Regardless of the reason and purpose, clients expect to receive a high-quality photo print and one that meets their standards.
Even though it’s easy to assume that photo printing is no longer a need today, many industries and professions seek a professional photo printing business. After all, photo printing is one of the backbones contributing to other industries’ operations. Without them, most business operations and services would change.
Today, there are still many thriving photo printing businesses around us. We might not realise or notice them too often, but it’s easy to spot one in commercial establishments. But even though they’re available almost everywhere, it’s hard to find a professional photo printing business. Funnily, a shop that prints photos and files does not immediately make it ‘professional’.
A regular photo printing shop can print your business card and I.D. picture seamlessly. However, if you’re after high-quality fine arts prints, a professional photo printing business is the one you need. So to help you find a professional photo printing business immediately, let’s look at some things to look for in this article.
1 – Look into its business history
Did you know that the history of photography started over 200 years ago? It’s fascinating how taking pictures is now at the tip of our hands. It just takes one click on your smartphone to immortalise a moment in your life. We’re lucky that we only worry about what photo to post online and not how to capture light and make it last on a light-sensitive material for printing like people used to in the early days of photography discovery.
Since the history of photography is long and colourful, many professional photo printing businesses are the same as well. Even though many people believe that experience is not always equivalent to expertise, in some cases, this saying can be true–specifically, if a photo printing business has already been operating for decades.
Of course, this doesn’t mean newly established photo printing businesses are unreliable. However, you must consider the experience and expertise that comes with the business reputation and performance. So when looking for a professional photo printing business, make sure to look into its history.
2 – The variety and types of services that they offer
Another thing that will tell you if a photo printing business is professional is their services. Typically, a regular photo printing service only has the photo and print services that most people need. They don’t usually have fine arts printing services that require quality ink and printers.
On the other hand, professional photo printing services have various print options. That includes options for a print’s size, finish, framing, and more. Before you ask for a file or photo for printing, inform the printing shop what it is for so they’ll know your specifications. If it’s your first time inquiring about a professional photo printing service, it’s critical to lay out your specifications for the print.
If you see that the shop only has the usual printing services, that’s a sign that they’re not what you’re looking for your needs. However, there are also other professional photo printing businesses that only offer limited services to focus on their specialisations. It would be helpful to research the specific printing service you’re looking for to make it easier.
3 – The brand of the printers, inks, papers, and materials they use
Many artists and photographers rely on professional photo printing businesses to bring their works to life. And so, the materials and equipment used by a photo printing shop matter more than you think. If a photo printing shop only uses regular ink, paper, and printer for the files they print, they’re likely not the ones you need.
Since most professional printing businesses service photography professionals and artists, investing in and using high-quality materials is necessary. Fine arts printing is one of the usual services that many professional photo printing businesses offer. It’s impossible to highlight and execute a photo’s intricate details if the materials you’ll use for printing are not quality.
If you want to give justice to your photo’s beauty and your talent, make sure to find a professional photo printing shop that can help you do that.
4 – The clients that they’ve worked with before
Now, if you’re already confident that you’ve found a professional photo printing business that can bring your work to life, it’s time to validate the quality of their services. If you’re a professional photographer, it will help to ask other photographers you know about the photo printing shops they work with for their prints.
If you’re already inquiring in a shop, ask them about the previous clients they’ve worked with before. It would obviously be hard to get in touch with their clients for verification. You’re lucky if you find a client you know to ask for a review and their honest opinion about the photo printing shop.
But it’s okay even if you don’t find a previous client you know. You can instead research the famous clients they’ve mentioned for your reference. If a business has worked with a reputable brand or person, it increases the chances that they’re the best at what they do. This point can be a factor that could help you look and decide whether to avail services of a printing business or not.
5 – Lastly, their available payment methods
Last but not least is the available payment methods of a photo printing business. It’s no news that the services of professional printing businesses are expensive. And so, it’s normal for them to offer different and flexible payment methods that will be easier for their clients.
A professional printing business should have at least a credit card, debit card, and online transaction payment method aside from cash. If the printing shop you found only allows cash payment, I’d suggest looking for other printing businesses that could offer you a payment method that works for you.
After all, you’re availing of a high-quality and expensive service. Don’t be shy in asking this question. The chances that most clients ask this question are high since you’ll be paying a massive sum of money.
Do your research before availing of a service.
Hopefully, these five points will help you find a professional photo printing shop that can meet your needs. I leave you with this: do your research before availing of service to avoid disappointments in your print.
Written by Bianca Banda
