Master the Art of Printing Your Own Photographs with These Simple Steps

[@peter.nicholson]

Thanks Adam, just one thing to add - Go Big: Print as big as you can even if you have to go out to a commercial printer... The results will super-charge your photography creativity.

[@d-nd-n5028]

Charlie Cramer teaches printing - in his workshop with John Sexton, he addressed the issue of blacks blocking up - Using the eyedropper and Lab mode, the L values 1-8 were just printing as black, L 10-15 had some faint detail, By the time you get to L 20-27 there is good dark detail and L 30-40 is gray detail. Its easy to check using the eyedropper. And it was a good presentation on printing, thanks

[@greatpix]

The only thing I'll add is something my instructor at Orange Coast College, John Upton, said back in the '70s. (He studied with Ansel Adams and Edward Weston.) That was to leave a thicker border on the bottom edge of the print. It's to give space for signatures or titles, etc. It also gives visual weight to the bottom. The practice might have changed since then but it's something I still do.

[@mrgumby1954]

I recall in my college days, the border always being double on the bottom for normally proportioned prints. I think I’m those days out submissions were generally 11X14 boards, with 7 or 8 X 10 images.

[@Zetaphotography]

Explain what visual weight means

[@krimke881]

I wish everyone knew how much time goes into a print, from the making of a photo, until it arrives in your hands. Most prints are then, quite cheap. Great walkthrough again, Adam!

[@mrgumby1954]

Excellent video! I am a bit of an evangelist for printing. People don’t realize how fragile our digital world really is. I think printing is an important gift to future generations.

[@PaulEvans]

Good video Adam. I print reasonably often. I love creating something tangible. From idea, composition, travel to location and to finally produce a piece of art. I find it very rewarding.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Same here! Thanks!

[@darcymonchakphotography]

I have the same printer, Adam - staying on glossy - Canson platine is great. Ink cost is startling, esp if we don't print regularly.

[@howarddale2984]

Excellent. I’ve really struggled with printing. I’ve bought books, read articles, watched videos etc. This is the first time that I feel that I’m starting to understand the process. Thanks very much!

[@garrettstrahan2218]

I recently purchased a couple of prints from Adam and I have to say the quality of the prints is excellent. So you don't necessarily need the most modern, up-to-date hardware to get brilliant results. Prints are also great value. Thanks, Adam.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@rickgonzalez6345]

Great video Adam, you should do more of these! Thanks Rick

[@erkko69]

Adam is king of the Forrest 🌷🐘🦜🐉🌴🌄🙏👍😀🇫🇮!!!

[@DennisBater]

I use Qimage One software for printing, it is a great program. I also have a wide format Epson Printer P6000 which I have had for four years and I am very happy with it. Of course, the initial ink purchase is slightly heart skipping but fine after that!

[@michaelmckeag960]

Well, now you’ve done it. I have an Epson Stylus Pro 3880 that has been sitting idle in need of ink supply replacement for a long time, awaiting a decision, invest $$ in new inks and time in learning how to print, or dispose of the printer. You have opened a temping gateway to learning how to print properly, and provided motivation for investing the time and money required. Looking forward to follow up episodes on the topic.

[@stephen-wahl]

If you need to get rid of that let me know that's my favorite printer lol. FYI you can buy a great replacement ink set from Precision color or from inkjet Mall cone colors are amazing as well and reasonably priced. In fact the latter is the only compatible ink that uses the same Piezo ink technology as Epson.

[@Kev5565]

Thanks I never knew there was so much involved in printing but I've never had a printer worth using for photos.

[@swissheartydogs]

Much awaited video, many thanks Adam. Printing is a great gift to my loved ones & myself: Really enjoy all these steps, back and forth, soft printing, eventually to handle (or give) the final print on the chosen paper, and the smile on their face (and mine). And bought some of your prints, for my office at home, at work, and to offer, which is the perfect gift: “it’s a photography by Adam Gibbs, signed here…”

[@artiedoc]

Perfect timing Adam as I’ve been messing around with printing new profiles with my Canon p1000 … excellent explanation of Perceptual vs relative 😍

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GirdHerd]

A very informative video, Adam. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@martyd5819]

I like your take on bathroom Feng shui. 😄

[@CalebWeston_dubland]

I always enjoy seeing how other people print their photos, thanks for sharing!

[@jamesloom]

Adam, each Sunday is a joy to witness your artistry. So happy you found a space more suitable for you. All the best.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks!

[@jacsbill1981]

Just found your channel. Thanks for your consideration of all the process, from shoot to processing. Really useful for a beginner.

[@travelstock]

Thank you so much for this video! I am now just beginning my journey into printing and working out all the settings. You really helped me out explaining the printing intent. I would love to see a video where you speak about the differences between the Printer managers colour vs Photoshop manages colour. Thanks again!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1_Tim]

Thanks for another informative video. I noticed a post afterwards this afternoon for patrons only I typically watch the ads all the way through to help support you. I cannot afford a Patreon support and will continue my support with the ads

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for that!

[@LDBecker]

I also am using that vintage of Epson Printer - the 4880, the 17” version of it. From the beginning of my time with that printer (and even before with the 2880), I have used the ImagePrint RIP. IP really simplified my printing process, and their paper profiles are great. Recently they added a feature called CutItOut, which prints scan marks on the outside of the print which can be read by a Graphtec cutter. This has vastly simplified my printing - for example, if I am printing 30 5x7 prints on roll paper, I can have the Graphtec cut them out. Not that helpful for large prints, but I often do dozens of prints for people and it is great. Also, I have always thought that printing is a huge part of the photographic process (currently shooting with a Canon R5 and decent glass). Liked and subscribed! Thanks for the video!

[@DavesRvRepair]

Awesome video Adam. I haven’t printed out any shots yet but at some point I want to do this. I can refer back to this helpful info when the time comes. Thanks 👍

[@tokyodave6663]

Thanks Adam, an informative and enjoyable video. Some time I would like to see your trimming, signing and packaging process and how you ready prints for worldwide shipping. Dave.

[@davelindey8023]

Great video. Well presented. One comment on the print resolution setting. I have invested heavily into printing knowledge and the proud owner of an Epson Stylus Pro 4480 and SP9890. One minor but important point, Jeff Schewe and others suggest sending files to an Epson printer with print resolutions of 360 ppi, or some equivalent multiple due to the native resolution of the Epson Print Head design. Canon printers on the other hand are fine with a print resolution of 300 ppi.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@esanford]

I prefer printing from Lightroom rather than Photoshop. Lightroom's "soft proofing" feature is excellent because it allows you to view a "soft version" of the print on the paper manufacturer's ICC profile for the paper in use. It solves the conundrum of perceptual vs relative colormetric because you have a visual of how the colors will print. I find that using a visual view is best for me.

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

I started colour photograph after I bought a quality monitor. I think AA would've totally taken up colour due to the control we now have. Great docu. Regards

[@garyives1218]

Whoa!!! Besides the prints, the hats on offer look awesome!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

They are!

[@MarkRomine]

That last images is gorgeous!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Mark!

[@DavidBriard]

Your photo is absolutely beautiful 😍

[@nevillemcfarlane6094]

Great information! Thanks

[@TLM823]

Great video, Adam! Really appreciate all the printing tips. Cheers!

[@MikePhumanaut]

Nice tips. Thanks.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Interesting, thank you! I'm embarrassed to say I never thought of pinning numbers in curves, duh! I don't know if it will be of any interest, but I use magnets on the back of metal prints to display them on a metal grid. I had a sliding problem too. I fixed it by putting adhesive 300-grit sandpaper on the back of the magnets. The magnets could be half on the glass and half on the print in your setup? I suppose you could use little pieces of shelf paper behind the print too. Oh, love that print BTW. Cheers!

[@Tuomimaki]

I got a photo printer over a year ago and have postponed to start learning to print my landscape photographs. I'm aware that there can be a lot of tweaking with settings involved and that's partially why I've been hesitating to start. Your video provided some great tips and gave me the confidence to start printing my images. Cheers, Adam 👍🏻

[@philshaw439]

I like to print large - but only once:). Before committing to a 24" or 36" print, I always print an A4 copy to check the tones and colours. Easy to do this in the Photoshop Print panel and saves a lot of paper and ink.

[@i3aluchi]

Watching this while printing 😅 Awesome video with very useful tips. I just wish I knew them when I first started.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

me too!

[@rogerdunn5988]

Great video AND I discovered the F key!!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Excellent!

[@johnpunnett1426]

Nice clear video thank you. I love printing & defo the 'final part of the planning, hiking, image taking, and processing,' process. Beautiful print btw...

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sandrobedinobrecht8509]

Only with printing the complete process of photographing is done! Thanks for the Video

[@QuietLightPhoto]

You bet!

[@romiemiller7876]

I’ve not used Photospeed, butI use Carson and Hahnemuhle, which are fantastic papers.

[@georgefrench1907]

Very useful. Thanks, Adam.👍

[@mlevesque33]

This is very informative. Thx Adams.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@lisaireton37]

Earth magnets are way more powerful than regular magnets. They will work on your glass panel. Thanks for the printing info. Well explained

[@rudyruedemann2334]

Great video 😊 I'm new to this part of photography and learned a few things.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianevose9655]

So glad you've done a printing vlog, very interesting and lots to take on board. Could i ask a quick question, how do you add a printer profile (fotospeed papers) Congratulations on hitting 70,000 subscribers! 🎉

[@QuietLightPhoto]

If you go to the Fotospeed website, you'll find the information there. When you view their different papers it will have a link to the canned profile or you can get free custom profiles from them.

[@dianevose9655]

@@QuietLightPhoto Excellent, thanks very much 👍

[@tarynsanmartino8930]

Gorgeous print! Thank you for sharing your details on printing. Someday I hope to have a large printer such as your's. Until then I have my Epson old Artisan 835. The monitor needs to definitely be calibrated. Also, getting the upgrade software from Epson downloaded was a bit of challenge. Now think I'm ok on that. It's always something. Lol. Thanks again.

[@ksnmurthy4476]

Awesome demo adam👏

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@robertleeimages]

I found out very quickly about screen brightness, it was set to its default and maximum of 100 and now its on 20.

[@markwhite9406]

Great video. I sympathize with you on the calibration tools - I too have moved from my 2nd spyder to xrite (reminds me that it's time to recalibrate). Also nice to know someone is using a printer older than mine (Epson 3880 - still going strong). There is nothing like having a big print of your own work on the wall (or several if there's room). I can "only" go to 22" x 17", but it is such a different feeling from letter or A4. That said, even the smaller sizes are worth it for a different (more relaxed?) feeling from a computer screen.

[@bobbyw59]

Thanks!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

You bet! thank you!

[@eze3572]

This was a great video!!!! Thank you… your setup is making me jealous 😢😅

[@richardwentworth439]

Great video! Thank you.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

You bet!

[@NathanGPhotos]

Great video, thanks for sharing Adam! This is one of the most straight forward explanations I've seen for the print dialog in photoshop...so many other videos I've seen overcomplicate it.

[@black-and-light]

Great video, great information and insights, Adam! Very much appreciated. When it comes to go deeper into printers and printing I highly recommend Keith Cooper‘s Channel. Thanks for the video!

[@garybeat6637]

Thanks for the printing info, Adam; I'm finding it helpful to understand some of the issues I've had with printing. Beautiful image also!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@ytuberization]

Thanks! Are you using a protective spray?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

no, not at this time

[@keithsandercock1412]

I have had a fair amount of experience printing with both Epson and Canon printers and have always "invested" in printers that use multiple colour inks, starting with an Epson P2000 twenty years ago. I am blown away to see that your old Epson 7880 printer uses only 3 colour ink cartridges. Clearly, I need to reassess my future printer options. Many thanks for an excellent video.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Sorry but it uses seven plus black. The other four are on the other side of the printer, 8 total. I believe the current printers use 10 to 12 total

[@keithsandercock1412]

@@QuietLightPhoto Okay ... back to looking at new printers with multiple ink cartridges! Damn. I was hoping to reduce the exorbitant cost of ink.

[@stephen-wahl]

If only you could print with that limited number lol. Epson is pretty good with working with six colors it seems including a black. I think anything less than that and you're going to suffer in dynamic range and precision

[@blivieriphoto]

That's a lot of info, and a lot to consider. Wow! Great for someone who will print a lot, but I don't think many of us will run out and buy a whole print setup like you have. On the other hand, the pre-print processing tips were awesome. I would imagine the same techniques could be used for sending to commercial printers as well. I'll just send my images to you to ptint for me. Haha. Actually I recently found a printing company literally right behind our office, and they do a fantastic job. Thanks for the video Adam. Very interesting!

[@PMCN53]

A great and practical tutorial on the fine art of printing 👍

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks

[@jennifercrouse]

Paused mid video to shop for a new monitor and printer...put my coffee mug on top of my stack of newly acquired library books inspired by last week's video...

[@QuietLightPhoto]

you should grab some filters while you're at it ;-)

[@andersphansson8335]

Which monitor did you buy?

[@jennifercrouse]

@@andersphansson8335 I am still recovering from buying the Z8, but I am looking at buying the BenQ SW272U. Seems to be rated really highly. What do you think?

[@jaw6651]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@QuietLightPhoto]

You bet

[@thierry1491]

I have an Eizo monitor with auto calibration and what I see on screen is the same as on print. Nuances are brought by the type of paper I use

[@hejakma4682]

I love to print. I've always been fascinated with the printing technique. But honestly at the end i don't print very often. One reason is i just don't know what to do with the prints. If walls are full, what is an adequate method to keep bigger prints, A4 or even bigger?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I totally agree! there are only so many prints that you can give away to family.

[@DavidSwarthout]

Interesting content. Thanks. I don't have a printer yet but one thing I'm curious about is knowing how much it costs to produce the print in this video. As a retiree on a fixed income, the costs of ink and paper are a serious consideration. Keep up the good work Adam.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes ink is very expensive and the smaller the printer and cartridges the more it costs. The price varies since some paper absorbs more ink and it also depends on the image being printed. Printers are relatively inexpensive, the costs are in the consumables. The print that I made would be in the realm of $5 - 6 including paper

[@DavidSwarthout]

@@QuietLightPhoto Thanks, Adam. Inkjet printers remind me of the Polaroid ecosystem back in the day. The camera was cheap but oh boy, the film definitely wasn't.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great video Adam, thanks for sharing, just emailed you regarding lighting for prints.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the info

[@stefankuhn6887]

I’m also using an old Epson printer, a R2880 ( it’s only A3+) . It still works fine after 13 years, but I learned that Epson stopped the production of the ink. Now I have to decide between third party ink and buying a new printer…. Not easy that decision, but I love printing!

[@MrPluis666]

super super gave video, ik word er stil van

[@rodschweiger4195]

Hi Adam, I so happy you put out a video on printing. I just bought a new Canon Pro 200 so I'm really jazzed about printing. My question is: when zeroing the my monitor with the spider, should I put the spider on the laptop screen or should the spider be on my larger Dell monitor?

[@Martingj56]

I calibrate the monitor I do my post processing on.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes calibrate the monitor that you will be editing from and printing from.

[@rodschweiger4195]

Got it, thanks.

[@RobertTeague]

I agree with you about printing, it goes back to my days of printing on Cibachrome. I print a lot more now, and multiple of sizes, although I'm limited by the maximum print size of the Epson P900 - 17 inches wide. I somewhat like the Epson papers, but find it difficult to get the sizes I want. So, I've gone over almost completely to Red River; they have many choices of paper and sizes. I generally use a luster paper although sometimes I do use a glossy or metallic paper. I mentioned paper size, Red River also has 13x38 which I use for panos (I use the GFX100S as well and use the pano format frequently). Red River paper is great, but I don't know how easy it would be for you to get, as they are located in Dallas, Texas.

[@markwhite9406]

Cibachrome, I remember it well :)

[@juanitakelly3082]

Really makes one appreciate the work and thought that goes into printing. One of your prints I purchased in the past just found a new home where I can enjoy it more (wink, wink!). I can attest to the quality of your prints.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great to hear!

[@jameswestii454]

Thank you for this video. Can you recommend a color calibration tool for my 16” MacBook Pro M1? Something that has no issues updating itself to newest versions. TY

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I use and like the Xrite i1

[@MarkNF1]

Thanks Adam, it's always instructive to see how different photographers do things. I'm wondering why you did not use the printer's built-in paper cutter. Also, why have you chosen not to soft proof? I find that a good way to try to adjust the print to what my screen shows.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I turn the cutter off for thick papers. Yes softproofing is valuable. I usually just do a couple of test prints

[@larrylato1]

Thanks for the info Adam. One question, any reason why you prefer using Photoshop instead of Lightroom for printing?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Just habit. I’ve been using PS from the beginning before LR came out so I just stick with it

[@EricBier]

Thank you for this excellent video! What are your thoughts on Soft Proofing?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

very helpful and actulayh something that I forgot to ad. I dont usually do iy myselfbut do a few test prints often

[@sharondmeber3802]

What is the best way to hang these prints? Hope it’s not a silly question but I just wouldn’t want to damage a print when I do purchase 😊

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Either frame them yourself or have them framed professionally, thanks!

[@rcpmac]

Interesting to me that you would print with matt paper. I would never consider it because to my eye it obscures sharpness, depth and detail. I’m an amateur so help me out here on your thinking as well as my own. Thanks for posting this video.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Not at all, great depth and detail can be maintained with matt paper.

[@johnhuntley5591]

Adam, good advice about adjusting the brightness of the monitor but what should you do about the contrast of the monitor? Does altering the contrast of the monitor affect the contrast adjustments you make in the photos?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

My monitor I can’t adjust contrast. In that case it would be beneficial to have a calibration device

[@jeffhobson5885]

Adam can you tell us what model of printer or printers you are using? Thanks Jeff

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It's a very old Epson 7880. I'd go for one of the newer Epson or Canon printers

[@JanicevD]

Thanks for doing this video. I learned a lot. My Epson R3000 is dying. It seems to be un-uncloggable (new word). I don't think I print consistently enough and often enough to keep it happy. Any suggestions on current printers? Also, just want to say I really enjoy the print I bought from you.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I hear the Canons are great! as well as the Epsons. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend?

[@stephen-wahl]

I had that printer and now I use the Canon Pro 100 a lot it's dirt cheap you can get it for nothing secondhand

[@taniadina32]

over a thousand prints, I'm so jealous! :)

[@CamillaI]

I have just purchased another Canon Pro 1000 the last one wore out after 5 years (warning it uses ink to flush the system every 60 hours so don't buy this one unless you do a lot of printing ! ) I use fotospeed soft Cotton my favourite at the moment just purchased some A2 costs a packet ! Warning printing ain't cheap ! Great run through Adam. I love printing but hate the mistakes, ink use and incorrect Profiles I sometimes apply 😅

[@stephen-wahl]

Wow you're a glutton for punishment lol. I just sold both of mine I couldn't stand the amount of ink wasted. I checked the maintenance tanks I've gone through, like over 6 and 6 months and I've hardly printed at all, what a nightmare. (360mL in each tank)

[@CamillaI]

Wow that is some consumption rate ! I still haven't set up my new one ! @@stephen-wahl

[@idoncov00]

Question for you Adam: How do you store prints that have not gone up on the wall? Is there a print storage cabinet photographers use?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

For a small collection you can use an archival box of some sort, I have several. For larger prints I use a large filing cabinet www.uline.ca/BL_71/Flat-File-Cabinets?keywords=filing+cabinets

[@idoncov00]

Adam. Does the metal file cabinet get rust problems eventually or would a wooden one be worth the extra cost?@@QuietLightPhoto

[@QuietLightPhoto]

No idea. A wooden one would certainly look more attractive. I have the metal version and must admit it is pretty ugly. No rust so far@@idoncov00

[@mrgumby1954]

I have seen old blueprint cabinets available fairly reasonably. I thought they would make great print storage.

[@vannoz66]

Hi. Just a small question: why didn’t you mention the ICC paper profiles? I noticed that you do use them and let Photoshop manage the colors.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes, you're right. The video was originally in two parts but it was getting too long so I cut part one that talked about profiles.

[@alangauld6079]

I was surprised you didn't mention soft-proofing as part of the workflow. I usually create a layer group for soft-proofing so I can do any print specific adjustments and then I can just turn the group on/off as needed. I can also create a separate group for each printer/paper combination with any adjustments localised to that printer profile. I'm jealous of that trimmer though! Mine is only good up to 12x16 or A3. I try to print at least 1 image per month(certainly not 1000/year!) and I mount them in a clip mount in my study or in the hallway.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good point but to be honest I have never bothered. I'll make a few test prints and then go from there. Thanks!

[@ikirizki9185]

Hi, I'm still begginner. Can I print photo directly in TIFF? Or should I export it to JPG? I'm thinking to print in TIFF, it's because I wanna get sharp printing result without being compress like printing with JPG. Thx!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes and yes. You can print from either with the same results.

[@vijaychitte6921]

HI SIR , I LIKE THE STAND YOU HAVE BASE ON YOUR I MAC ... PLEASE SHASE LINK ... THANKS !

[@QuietLightPhoto]

www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07GX3CLKX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@rusluck6014]

Спасибо 👍

[@colinbarr2841]

@QuietLightPhoto Adam, re tip 2, should we darken our monitors and edit for printing, and then brighten our monitors to do a different edit for publishing on the web? Do we need two edits?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

No, I'd leave it for all editing. Calibrate perhaps once a month or just before printing

[@colinbarr2841]

@@QuietLightPhoto Hi Adam, Thank you for this useful advice. Very much appreciated. I am new to printing, so this is helpful. Colin.

[@michaelzeis7712]

When I got a new computer set-up about five years ago, I got and Xrite calibrator, too. My intent was to have confidence that I was using a color-managed workflow. I was disappointed in the setup process for the calibrator where (remembering back as best I can), in the installation they asked you to push a button if you were calibrating for print. I pushed, and it darkened the screen. So I set it back, because only a very small percentage of my photos are printed--most are shared online. So here's what I do instead. At the end of my editing workflow, I have a flattened TIFF. I then make a JPG to post. When I need to make a print, I return to the TIFF, and adjust it for printing, in a seat-of-the pants way, by bumping the lightness up +40 in Photoshop. Then I look for highlights that may have been blown out by the lightness adjust, and through a layer, revive them (the greys in the foam of a waterfall, or in the greys that give clouds shape, for instance, often suffer with a +40 hit). So, in a way, I am using software to make the adjustment that you advise in Tip 2, on an as-needed basis. Also, with my eye on blown highlights, I am doing a primitive version of the curves adjustment you are making for your shadows. (I expect to try your way on my next print.) If I got a new printer or if I'm working with a new print shop, I will do some test prints to confirm. So in my case, I need two edits.

[@michaelzeis7712]

Yikes. There appears to be a word-count limit that chopped away the back half of my comment!

[@colinbarr2841]

@@michaelzeis7712 Thanks Michael. What was the essence of your inputs that got chopped off?

[@robertnystrom289]

I spent some time getting a reasonable light source. Incandescent is too warm and inconsistent, quartz is too hot and if dimmed at all loses it's spectrum. Where a laser is exactly one 'color', LED's are more mushy, but still nowhere near a real spectrum. Red, green and blue LED's are often combined to make a fake white- lots of lumps. If there are lumps in the spectrum, then the image looks bad. Enter CRI (color rendering index). 15 colors make up the index, but most CRI's are quoted based on the first 8 colors. A real critical color is #9 (red!), but few include that, much less the next 6 colors. In short, a CRI of 90 to 95 won't cut it; you need to be 98 or better. To get there, the manufacturer has to include colors 9-15. Sunlight is CRI 100. A high CRI LED lamp is usually NOT dimmable! Dimming hoses the spectrum balance. So you select a kelvin and a wattage (brightness). Adjust intensity by distance from the print. Note: these lamps typically have a 2 pin base, not threaded (Edison). Adapters are available (cost more than the lamp!). I used DiCUNO, and they work as advertised. I have them in 3000K, 5 watt, model GU 10-5W-MTL-FS-WW, and 5000K, 5 watt, model GU10-5W-MTL-FS-DW. For what it's worth.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

This is great! All I'm saying is any light on a print is better than nothing, in most cases anyway. Most people are not going to go through the trouble of finding ideal light sources as you've outlined here. I appreciate the info though.

[@lphilpot01]

That would be Tip #1, right? Always hang a photo over the toilet! LOL 😀

[@QuietLightPhoto]

definitely

[@thebinpustey6497]

My strategy was always trial and error: sit with my finger over the CANCEL button on the printer, watching to see if the first bit prints out any good or not! 🙄

[@QuietLightPhoto]

that works!

[@ejjohnson8647]

What kind of pen do you use to sign your photographs? I have found it surprisingly challenging to find a pen that works well and doesn't smear on photo paper.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

For the mat papers I use a pencil. The coated papers are a bit more challenging as it has a lot to do with th etexture. Pigmented pens work well. My suggestion take some sample [a[ers to a local art supply store and try some out.

[@michaeleastwood6755]

Print paper or canvass better ?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I prefer paper

[@abhilashd220]

I print all the photos that I think are worth. The problem is the way to store and view such big prints even with binders. I don't know about Epson but priceof Canon ink is exorbitant.

[@bartdepooter2874]

Link to Reasonably priced Prints is not working 😢

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Oops! adamgibbs.com/70000-subs

[@RayneDr0ps]

​@@QuietLightPhotowhen you click an image the link to buy doesn't load either.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

@@RayneDr0ps oops, should work now adamgibbs.com/70000-subs thanks for the heads up

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Money no object, what Printer would you acquire?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I'd probably go for the CanonimagePROGRAF PRO-2100 - 24" Large Format or 44”

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Thanks, Adam! 👍👍@@QuietLightPhoto

[@dw-et3gm]

Can’t agree more photo has to be printed out, it just a waste people using very nice gear but only view their photos on monitor. I tried to make my friends understand by making a print for them.