Do you print your own photos? Why?

[ldelacruz]

I want to ask this question to photographers who actually have paying clients, own a studio or sell their prints.

I am asking because I need to get a new printer and just trying to figure out if a mid level printer is worth the money or not or just get another average printer and send out for prints. I am looking at an Epson 1900, 2400 or 2880. I am a hobbyist and currently only print about 10 5 X 7 or 8 X 10 a month for personal use or for friends and family. To me my prints from my $150 HP printer look just as good as the ones I print at Ritz Camera but if I am printing 5 or more at a time I will send them to Ritz and pick them up in an hour because it just seems easier to me.

If you have a minute please let me know what you do and why you choose to do so.

[boxofrocks]

No, and I honestly have no idea why people would, outside of the convenience factor, unless they print many hundreds per year. The prices and quality of companies like WHCC is just too good for me to invest in a printer that could do as good a job as they do. Factor in the may different papers and finishes they have available, and for me, anyway, it just doesn't make sense.

Now if you're comparing to Ritz camera, that's a different story. IMHO they can't hold a candle to the results I see with pro labs like WHCC or Millers. But if you have a fully color managed proofing and printing process ( with a calibrated monitor) using the correct icc profiles, and you want true color every time on your prints, I can't see the sense in buying a printer when the pro labs are so good and so cheap. The customer service at WHCC is unbelievable, too.

[JohnT]

Only my personal stuff for complete control over every aspect from image capture to final printout. All client prints are done by Miller's or Mpix as well as the very large personal stuff.

[dbphotos]

I have just bought some dye sub printers for printing on site for some events I will be covering. You will always sell more event photography photos if you offer some on site printing as well as online printing that is then done by labs, i.e. Mpix. If you are not doing events (sporting, social, etc.) then I'd say no need to worry about a printer.

[ldelacruz]

Thanks for the info. Confirms what my thoughts were.