I have been seriously toying with getting an Epson 3880 as I really like to print my images. I currently use a pro lab that does a good job but would like more control.
While thinking about this, I realized that I have lots of prints that sit in photoalbums and that I don't do much more with them (even larger sized ones are in portfolio binders).
I'm not a pro so won't be selling prints.
So, here's my question for all those with home printers that they use non-professionally:
What do you all do with your prints? How do you display them? What sizes do you typically print?
I realize there are endless answers to this, I'm just trying to get ideas for how best to display/use my prints.
I have a 3800 and certainly do not sell prints. I give them to family and friends, frame them, display them on walls or furniture but don't do much in the way of photo albums.
FWIW, the 3800 does very well with limited use. I would recommend you look into a calibration device for both printer and monitor. I use Colormunki and it's very good. There are others which also work very well. I'm sure you'll get a number of responses to your post.
I sell a small number of prints. Though I hope to sell more.
Struggling with the same question. I have a half dozen or so 11x14 to 13x19's, a 16x20 framed on our walls. In addition I have about 20-30 11x14 sitting in a box, maybe another 20-30 test prints at 8x10 I take to show friends, co-workers. I will probably double the number of framed items soon, rotate the images from time to time. In addition, I do some prints for friends and family, competitions. I love the printer, but its pretty expensive for the volume I'm producing.
I've pretty much avoided photo albums, but I have used services to create 5 or so books.
Scott
i have a 2400 and try to sell some prints. i even managed to print for complete wedding albums, but i'm just an amateur or semi pro. The prints i make for myself are nice, but i never frame anything for my self. they just end up on or in my desk... Pictures i do frame hang on somebody else's wall
That said: i'm currently looking at the new 3880 to go a tad larger
The proof is in the print. It's great to print at home!
I use an old 2200 to make my prints. I mat, frame, and hang about 18-20 on the walls of my home, mostly 10 X 15 prints in 16 X 20 frames. I sell a few (dozen or so) prints a year, mostly to friends. I give framed prints for Christmas presents to an un-lucky few ;-)
I mostly cut my own mats and buy frames from a local art supply. Nothing fancy, just plain black metal frames with glass.
I have a folder of 40-50 prints that are either waiting to go on the wall, or have come off the wall. I try to rotate prints every 4-6 months so my friends see my latest work. Many of my print sales come from someone seeing the picture on the wall at my home and want one like it.
I had a show in June, and used pre-cut mats from matcutter.com. I am very happy with them for price and quality. Since then, I have reused many of those mats and frames for prints for sale. Saves a few $$ that way.
I'd love to have a 3800, but can't justify it with the current volume. Maybe if the 2200 gives up the ghost, I'll be forced to upgrade, but until then....
<Chas>
Nov 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I love my 3800. I print a ton with it. I sell some. I put some in albums and I give a ton away to my kid's friends. I mostly print 5x7's and 4x6's but still significant amounts of 8x10 and 11x14's. I make some big 16x24 prints for my kid's school. I get most of my paper from Red River Paper, so it is pretty reasonable on costs. I also print some on 5x7 magnetic paper and put them on the fridge or give as gifts to my parents for their fridge. I also have some nice 16x24's hanging in my house of some of my favorite prints.
I think owning a printer and doing my own printing was essential to my learning to be a good photographer, and I think that is true regardless of what I do with them later. Viewing my images on the wall has changed the way I photograph. I learned which lens I like and at what apertures, etc. Personally I sell prints through galleries, give them as presents to family and friends, hang them on my wall to enjoy and learn from, and store a hugh number for that big retrospective show that I know my family will want to have after my death.
I have a 3800, and print all size ranges. I travel to art shows with my husband who is a wood turner and try to sell what I can. Economy has been piss-poor this year for sale, if I sell one or two at a show, I feel lucky. I mat and frame most of what I take to the shows, somehow selling a photo without framing is selling it "naked". Those that I don't mat and frame go into portfolios for reviewing also. I have also sold some to my employer, and co-workers, so word is spreading and I hope to be selling more. I have covered the walls in my "studio" (made-over formal dining room in my house) with white pegboard, all pictures hang there between shows for my and my families enjoyment!
Jo
PS - LOVE the 3800! Just replaced my first ink cartridge after almost a year of use!
A couple follow up comments: I buy frames. Unless you do a lot of larger prints and frames it doesn't pay to do them yourself. If you're into matting and framing 16 x 20's and bigger it makes sense but not 5 x 7's and 8 x 10's.
dadagallery makes a great point, one which I heard early on in my relatively short photographic life. Print your photos. You can't really appreciate or properly critique your work unless you print. That's some of the best advice I ever received and it is so true.
