A photo print is a physical copy of an image created on a sensitized paper or digitally printed from a photographic negative. The process can be done in a traditional darkroom or by using specialized printers and exposure units. Photo prints are available in a wide variety of finishes and sizes, including glossy or matte.
What is the cheapest place to have photos printed?
Printing photos is an important part of the photography process and can add a professional and polished look to your work. It is also a great way to show clients what your work looks like and how it will hang on the wall.
A good print will stand the test of time and can be enjoyed for generations. Unlike digital files that can become outdated due to changes in technology, a print will remain timeless. It is also easier to pass around and get objective feedback from others compared to a digital file, which can be subject to interpretation depending on monitor size, calibration, and room lighting.
The archival quality of photo prints depends on the type of paper and the processing techniques used. Photographic papers are typically coated to reduce the risk of deterioration. The chromogenic printing process is considered to be the most archival of all photographic prints. Another archival process is the platinum/palladium print, developed in the late 19th century. These prints have a rich tonal range and the ability to hold detail at high saturation levels. A final archival print is the gum bichromate print, which uses light sensitive dichromates and gum arabic, combined with additional manipulation by the photographer (painting or drawing) after the exposure to produce various effects.