I once got a message from a client days before Christmas who was beyond stressed about her wedding day prints coming out alllll sorts of wrong. She had planned to gift prints for the holidays and received them just in the nick of time - only to find out that the majority of them pixelated, blurry, and generally not up-to-par with the quality she saw in her digital files.
After a troubleshooting conversation, confirmation that she received (and delivered to her lab) high-resolution photos, a follow-up conversation with the drugstore lab where she had them printed, and likely several headaches and waves of panic, she determined the culprit. Additional compression to the files was happening somewhere along the line from her initial download to uploading and printing with the lab, causing those images to be printed with significant loss of information. Friends, the holidays are already stressful enough without the gut-wrenching suspicion that something might be seriously wrong with your wedding photos.
Before I knew any better, I was a photographer who only offered digital files. Once I started printing my own family photos, however, I learned so much about image quality, product durability, color calibration, and more - and have since made it my own personal crusade to make sure each and every one of my clients receives high-quality, archival prints and wall art from their family photography sessions. So if you've ever wondered "Why should I order prints through my photographer when I can just do it on my own?," grab some popcorn and keep reading.
Reasons to Order Prints From your Family Photographer:
1. Guaranteed quality & color calibration
This one’s a biggie! If you’ve ever played with your computer monitor’s color calibration settings, I think you’ll see why. There are countless ways to calibrate the color on your screen, which then gets translated to the lab’s systems wherever you’re printing. I work closely with my professional lab to ensure each print reflects accurate colors and precise detail, eliminating any guesswork on your end and delivering a finished product that exceeds expectations.
2. Supporting small business
My go-to pro lab is a small business (like myself), so when you place an order with me you know you’ve helped to buy dinner for two families (👏🏽👏🏽 👏🏽 ) instead of helping a billionaire buy their third yacht. When you order family photography prints through me, you’re investing in preserving your memories while also supporting a small business ecosystem.
3. carbon-neutrality ftw
I love my pro lab for several reasons, a huge one of which is that they are a carbon-neutral company. My go-to lab is committed to offsetting 100% of their carbon emissions, which I absolutely love (especially considering I'm already obsessed with their gorgeous products 😍)
4. tailored product recommendations
I can personally guide you to the best print products that complement your unique family moments, ensuring memories from your family photography session are showcased in the most meaningful way. Together, we can collaborate to create a display that perfectly suits your living space and your vibe.
5. Heirloom-quality artwork
Prints from drugstores and discount printers are often more susceptible to fading and wear over time due to the use of lower-quality materials, inks, and printing processes. Factors such as exposure to light, humidity, and environmental conditions can accelerate the deterioration of these prints. Choosing heirloom-quality prints not only provides a superior aesthetic experience but also ensures that your family's precious moments are preserved with longevity in mind.
After everything I’ve learned about professional prints (and everything I’m still learning about allllll the good stuff with product offerings 😍), my days of offering digital-only family photography sessions are long gone. In its place is a beautiful new environment where I’m more than happy to help guide you toward timeless pieces that ensure the quality of your final products matches the investment you’ve made into having them taken.
Ready to adorn your walls with memories that speak to your soul? Book a call with me, and let's craft personalized, timeless art that celebrates the unique beauty of your family 📸✨
