When should you choose 49 cent prints from an online service, hand torn, deckled fine art prints, or professional custom artwork? Don’t get overwhelmed! We believe in the power of print, and think there’s a place for it all! Dive into our Ultimate Purchasing Guide for Prints!
When to buy Shutterfly
If you’re like me, those 14,289 images of your kids are always eating up space on your phone storage, but you can never find the resolve (or time) to delete any of them. This is when a more affordable option for prints is ideal- all the memories without a huge cost.
When you are bulk printing random snaps that you can’t delete but don’t know what else to do with, that’s when to go with Shutterfly for prints. Our favorite way to do this? @chatbooks monthly minis! Use code NicoleBielenin-YR29 for $10 off your first order!
When to go to a consumer lab
If the awesome iPhone quality of a well-timed picture with excellent lighting makes you question if you missed your calling as a photographer, the consumer lab matte prints are the way to go! For your favorite well-lit phone images, choosing matte prints elevates the quality for a desk frame or semi-permanent fridge display.
If you are collecting phone images from a larger time period (a year, five, or even ten), an album from a consumer lab (like Artifact Uprising) is a great option. Just bare in mind that when they say “linen” covers, they mean “linen textured paper” and the printing colors may not be perfect.
When to order fine art prints
Investing in fine art prints is paramount for your professional portraits in smaller sizes (generally 8×10 and smaller). Think tabletop frames and gifts.
When to go custom
You’ll want custom wall art in stunning frames for your most favorite images from your professional portrait sessions that will be displayed on your walls (all sizes). This can be one single stand alone image or a gallery of professionally designed images curated for your home.
A professionally designed custom album is perfect for a larger number of favorite images from your family’s professional portraits. These include custom, luxury touches like matted pages, thicker stock, and covers in true timeless linen, delicious velvet, and earthy leather.
View our collection of curated artwork here!
The summary
Here’s the basic rule of thumb: professional imagery deserves professional finishings. We’re not opposed to consumer labs or something like $5 monthly minibooks (quite the opposite!), but we think it’s important to know when to use which option to (a) avoid disappointment, and (b) properly care for your professional imagery.
Ready to take your most special memories and turn them into timeless imagery? We are ready to help!
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