You Should Print Your Photos! Here's Why and How...

Printing your photographs is extremely rewarding. It can be expensive, time consuming, and sometimes frustrating, but it's one the best investments you can make in a quest to improve your photography. The vast array of textures, colours, and complex details make woodland a very special and fascinating environment to photograph. Those qualities are begging to be printed!
In this episode I print one of my favourite woodland images from autumn 2022 and a magical hoar frost image from December 2022. Although I cover some practical details, this video is about WHY you should print. Please enjoy!
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[@stevehayward1854]

For me, printing has always been the end goal of taking a photograph and the joy of handling the print you have created, never goes away.

[@johncarnahan4067]

Beautiful photos Simon there must be millions of photos left on hard drives and essential phones I always print at least some images and when I see the printed images I appreciate them more. Thank you for sharing your video

[@csayban]

Such a great message. I have pretty much given up on social media and have found new energy for my photography be putting together printed books for my own collection. Seeing those images in a permanent state feels so different and friends and family take the time to really look at the images rather than just clicking a like and scrolling on.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you! That's great to hear :)

[@sara505sings]

Absolutely! I left Facebook and Instagram a few years ago and I have a small gallery in my home and I love printing and I love showing people my work and I love making books. Creating prints and books and prints and cards and then holding them in my hand is very gratifying. Sometimes I carry a small book of my work in my backpack so I can show people and yes having people take the time to look and comment and discuss in person is priceless.

[@petercollins7848]

Professional printers and papers are simply out of the question on my income (pensioner), but I could not agree more that printing your images completes the whole experience of taking photographs. I got round the financial cost by buying a decent budget A3 printer and using cheaper budget papers, which gives me the option of discarding any print failures until with a final ‘tweak’ it comes out to my satisfaction. Often though it is fine first time which saves on cost. Friends have begged prints off me and have gone to the trouble of having them professionally framed and that is very satisfying. For myself I just use nice frames bought from Ikea to display my favourite scenes, and keep others printed to A4 in ring binders and box files in just ordinary clear plastic sleeves. If after a bit of ‘fermenting’ I often later print them to A3 to replace the others on my walls, which keeps my display fresh and constantly interesting. But however you can do it, printing is one of the most exciting aspects of photography!

[@TristanJacobsPhotography]

Buying a printer was one of the best pieces of kit i've gotten in years. So fun seeing your images on paper!

[@Fokus_1977]

I just can’t get over the clarity,the quality and the amazing scenes captured. If I captured just one image to as high standard as your I would be happy as a pig in mud.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind of you. Many thanks Mark!

[@thomasphillips5850]

I could not agree more with you, you don't begin to appreciate your own work until you see it on paper. Thanks as always your videos make all of us slow down and take everything in. Thanks again, Simon

[@rasecroel2366]

I literally have 2 month's printing at home....such a satisfaction...I'm not selling much YET...but I'm not going to stop there...thank you

[@SeanPepper672]

As someone who has printed a few pieces of work and only recently started printing my own work I would agree completely agree. Printing give you that extra value in your work but also helps you think about the scene you are in front of and allows a different sort of thought process.

[@denisesavage2382]

A good reminder to enjoy our photography in its fullest. I always find seeing a print emerge from the printer is like getting the processed film back, or on the odd couple of times I actually got to develop myself, seeing the print emerge in the chemical baths. You really can't top that feeling of seeing it come to life. And printing really does is an image coming to life.

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Simon. Thank you so much for once again sharing your thoughts on the benefits of printing images. Your insights are wonderful to listen to. I began printing around seven years ago and can attest to the change it made to my work. I'm lucky enough to sell a few prints each month and the feedback from customers is so energising. I still find it hard to believe that folks love my work ! You've been a huge influence on my own woodland photography, both in terms of sharing ideas and processes but also in the way you've shown us how a thoughtful approach can produce wonderful results. Thank you. P.S. Hope you and Meg enjoyed having the weekend to yourselves !

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words, Tim. Glad you enjoyed it and that I've been of some help :)

[@kirstymcleod6647]

I love printing - you're right it's so rewarding... I just wish I could take JUST ONE image that was a quarter as beautiful as yours!

[@niklasnikitin]

I totally agree with you Simon, seeing your own pictures printed on paper is magical. It's something completely different to seeing them on a screen. Very inspiring to see and hear how you work!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Always appreciated Niklas! Many thanks :)

[@jbairdexp]

Couldn't agree more with your points. Printing is an integral part of my photography. 🙂

[@howardrankin7119]

Inspirational message

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Wise words, Simon Thanks for sharing

[@garykanston]

I think maybe marinade was the word you were looking for rather than ferment :). Really enjoy your work and your insights!

[@jasonlacey5979]

Excellent...

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thank you Simon, peace and love.

[@RJBeacon]

Superb video, Simon… thank you for the education !!

[@romiemiller7876]

Ni Meg! Happy New Year Simon!

[@Leffe49]

Beautiful Photos in beautiful prints!❤

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great advice and beautiful photos for printing 👍❄️

[@johnepattison]

Ordered the calendar!

[@justiceformenboys]

Thanks Simon, fascinating, as always!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much :)

[@ibarrett]

Brilliant video Simon! Nothing better than seeing your work printed 👍🏻

[@georgemason2472]

You do a great job on woodland photography! Beautiful prints.

[@Greg-ob3xe]

Very interesting thoughts. I take photos and print them just for myself. Thank you Simon.

[@tompetersphotography]

Very insightful video Simon! Just stunning

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks Tom :)

[@stefankuhn6887]

I completely agree with you concerning printing! I have an old Epson R2880 and enjoy it so much to sit in front of the printer, waiting for the photo to come out. I don’t want to miss this moment - it completes my photography

[@Itscarlosocando]

Loved your work since the first time I saw it here on KZbin in 2016, keep doing what you do, your work is clean, beautiful and the composition is always on point!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much indeed :)

[@TheFlorent40]

I really like the way you are speaking about printing and your pictures, thanks for that, it remains me in a way the day I used to proceed my film and then my pictures and the pleasure the excitement to see my images coming to life.

[@Highdepthfilms]

I started printing a few years ago and it is indeed a challenge, but the rewards are far superior to the likes hearts on social media. Cancelled Instagram and it's been great concentrating on what really matters. Thank you for the video and the message.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Great to hear, and thank you very much!

[@PierreVignau]

I really enjoyed your softer approach in talking about printing. It is the extension of the creative sequence that making a photograph is and you expressed it so well. Now time to print my winter scene that I have fermenting in my computer since late November...

[@numismaticfanatic9173]

So glad i came across this video Simon. As a keen SLR photographer 40 years ago I of course rushed to have all my rolls of film developed to eagerly see whether or not my photos had worked. Lost interest in photography with other things in my life taking priority. Have just recently taken up the craft again and am mesmerised by the vast array of options available in the world of digital photography. I continue though to ensure I print my photographs. Old habits die hard! I was enthralled by the examples you highlighted in this video. Just wonderful images! So glad I'm now aware of your talent. Also, took up your offer on the Scottish calendar. From far away Australia, the postage costs 3 times more than the calendar. But what the heck, all for a good cause and I'll have a treasured keepsake for life.

[@RandyPollock]

...or if you're not a pro or highbrow, print as soon as you get done with editing and share a 5x7 or 11x14 with friends and family, you will make their day as they feel the paper and see your image printing on a good paper or mounted in a matte frame. If you are at an event, take along an Instax printer and give them an image of the fun while the event is still going on. I love printing on my Canon Pro 10 with Red River Baryta Paper, and nothing feels better than seeing your own beautiful landscape image printed large.

[@greggorter]

I absolutely love your work and art Simon. Such great video and advice on printing, its emotion and the whole process. Thank you 😊

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind, thank you :)

[@stefanmollmann8788]

Just the motivation I need since I haven't printed any image in way too long and keep procrastinating this task! Also thanks for going a bit into the details of icc profiles etc. Good reminder to pay attention to these things as well! Also want to add that "fulltime woodland photographer" sounds like an amazing job description to somebody stuck behind a desk all day;) I'm sure you're aware how lucky you are.

[@Plutoman09]

Beautiful photo of the birch with hoar frost. Here, in one of the areas I live in Ontario Canada, we get hoar frost too. It provides so many different "moods" for the photo subject(s). Almost surreal at times...

[@drewhumphrey]

Your print I got for Christmas years ago is still a very special one... Love it! The thoughtfulness and care you put into printing is unmatched.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's great to hear, Drew! Many thanks and hope you're keeping well!

[@stevecush100]

Enjoyed that as usual and couldn’t agree more. Printing is the important final stage and sharing a print is so much better than sharing online. Instead of a quick “swipe” and let’s move in there is time spent to view, feel the paper and experience the emotion. A much better way of producing the final step and of sharing with others.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much Steve!

[@PMCN53]

That was a very good VLOG and advice about printing images. I'm tending NOT to post on SM now, as it is more about "Click/View/Forget" Images that i have printed and hung on my walls (& others) are so much more satisfying. NOW.... should I buy a printer??! The cost can be overwhelming. I do have a great photo lab that are extraordinary & produce wonderful prints.

[@juanitakelly3082]

Very interesting video and message about how printing weaves through our evolution as photographers. I also love hearing about how different papers can affect the final look. This had me racing to my bookshelf to revisit and enjoy my copy of your Woodland Sanctuary exhibit! As an amateur, I make a few simple things, like calendars, for family and friends and have made some simple books for myself. They are, indeed, like a warm hug and provide a lot of joy.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Nicely put and many thanks for buying Woodland Sanctuary 😊

[@Mark-qn9xl]

I view printing your work as an essential element of the photographic process. When I went digital I still got my images printed and have been printing my own since 2009. We don't have Fotospeed in Australia, not that I've seen anyway. I use Canson papers mainly plus Hahnemühle Photo Rag as a smooth matt paper. I always find it surprising that one can see easily imperfections in an image on a print whereas they can remain hidden on the screen.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I've heard of a few people using Hahnemühle Photo Rag. I should try it sometime :) Many thanks!

[@EricBier]

A print of "Lean on Me" would look great on the wall above the green cabinet behind you!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I was thinking exactly the same thing 😄

[@jimtrull683]

Simon I enjoyed your video on printing. My question for you is how did you learn what type of paper best brings out the quality of your images? Thats my challenge when I go to print.

[@ellyelzinga01]

Your printed images look amazing, Simon! My problem with printing is that the printer we have now is no good for printing images. Text documents go well, but that's about it. And it's such a big investment to buy a good printer, good ink and good paper just for myself, being a hobby photographer and not a professional photographer.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks Elly! Yes, it's a huge investment which I appreciate isn't for everyone. If you can, then it's well worth it :)

[@user-jd1sm1vw2x]

I found it interesting that you let photographs marinate for great lengths of time. I just watched a video from another award winning landscape photographer who has the exact opposite approach. He worked on his prints as soon as possible so that his memory of the scene was not forgotten. Both approaches work equally, obviously, but it's interesting to see these differing views, and a reminder that there are different strokes for different folks. For what it's worth, I think your images are amazing.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words! I'm in the same camp as the other person when it comes to reviewing and editing. I just prefer to wait a while before printing :)

[@user-jd1sm1vw2x]

Ah, of course. Thank you.

[@RFranks]

It's definitely nice to look at them without having to log into the computer. I get mine done as some small postcards which gives me a bit more room to experiment and doesn't cost too much. If there's some I still like after a year or two then I might get it printed larger.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's a nice idea to have some postcards dotted around or to pin some up in the office :)

[@johnthomasdoyle1964]

Hi Simon, I love your work, you are an amazing photographer, I especially love the dysfunctional family image, as I’m part of one 😅. Thank you for this information, I get bamboozled with ICC profiles, I’m sure I’ll figure it out. Keep up the great work.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much John :-)

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Those printed images look fantastic. I’d love to print some of my own images, but the printer and ink seems like such a big investment for a hobbyist like myself. I think I’ll take the plunge at some point though as when I’ve used print labs I haven’t been completely happy with the end result 😕

[@peterwalsh4964]

'marinate' on the hard drive... ? Just waiting for my first ever prints to come back from the printers. Will be great to review them with your thoughts from this video in mind.

[@fernandosantos8573]

So true! When I started printing my own photos it was a revelation. Completely changed the way I photograph. I'm printing for my own, not for selling. Been creating my photo album by printing A4 size. Some I do print A3 or even A3+ so they can be hung on the wall, but I keep asking myself... should I print A3 size for my photo album instead of A4? It's an ongoing debate with myself.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Great to hear! I think A3 is a nice size for a portfolio album. I'd like to make a portfolio of A3+ prints :)

[@lphilpot01]

The idea of printing is very attractive to me. But so far I've yet to approach a quantity and / or quality 'threshold' with my images that even comes close to justifying the expense and difficulty of home printing. I've had a (very) few shots printed by online service bureaus but so far with less than stellar results. If I do so again, I'll try another vendor (probably WhiteWall).

[@petercollins7848]

Budget printers are available and budget papers. I bought an A3 Canon ix6850 printer which I can use with compatible inks. I buy matt paper at a reasonable cost in quantities of 100 which keeps the cost down and tweak the print until I get the result I want. I don’t bother with printing profiles or calibrating monitors, as most of these thIngs only are required if you are printing on expensive papers. Friends beg prints off me and have them framed. For myself I just use cheap Ikea frames and change the prints in them every so often to keep my display fresh. Only professionals and rich folk can afford posh printers, ridiculously expensive inks and papers that seem to cost more than gold leaf it seems!

[@lphilpot01]

@@petercollins7848 I'm already using a color-managed workflow so that's not an issue. The biggest impediment to printing for me is just a lack of worthy images.

[@DennisBater]

I have to print my photos because if I don't my Epson P6000 24" wide printer cleans itself... so it is better to print then waste the ink to the cleaning! Seriously, I print at least one image a week.

[@SummersSnaps]

Super stuff. I have one question; Do you have any suggestions for storage of large prints? Many of us are now living in very small dwellings, wall space becoming used more and more for storage than art. Indeed I print but I find it difficult to put the print somewhere afterwards, somewhere where it can be easily accessed for showing guests or even just to enjoy yourself again. They are such awkward dimensions and fragile things. I like to think I would print more if I had a little safe haven idea for them. Unfortunately no bookcase will they fit, or sit up high on safely, not under a dusty bed... argh! I am reminded of my days browsing HMV's poster rack with those huge poster board things which swiveled on an arm :D

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! You could put your prints in archival quality polyester sleeves and then in a photo storage box. Keeps them protected and you can browse through them while protected in the sleeves :)

[@janfrosty3392]

There are only so many prints that you can frame and hang on your wall. Thereafter would you suggest some sort of storage system (boxes, binders act) for smaller print that can be look at from time to time?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Absolutely! I think archiving your best work is important too. Some people rotate print in frames. Personally I'd like to think I can leave a portfolio of archived prints as a legacy.

[@tomfoord8860]

My wall space is limited. Either something has to come down, or I need to print smaller.

[@fredwestinghouse2945]

If you actually want people to buy their own printer, you must spell out all the costs and problems they will face - paper and ink costs, frequency of use to avoid head clogging, paper skews, cost of replacing parts, learning new software, insurance, getting custom ICC profiles etc. Unless one is regularly printing, buying and running a printer at home can become very expensive, very quickly. It may be better for some people to get their photos printed by print labs. And, what will one do with their prints? I bet the vast majority of prints will be in left in archival boxes, hardly ever seen. It might be better to do coffee table photo books. At least it would sit proudly on the table, in full view, and a visitor might pick it up and browse. Just a few thoughts. Not saying not to print, but to be aware of the pitfalls.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

As with everything, just like photography, there are many obstacles. But it's too much to cover in one video, I'd be here forever. Equally, everyone's experience and circumstance will be entirely different, so you can't possibly cover all bases. I'm not here to handhold, people can make their own choices and mistakes as they do when buying and using camera gear.

[@marshalhedin7538]

really top notch stuff, thank you. my issue is that I'm also a perfectionist, but also dont have the current $$ to purchase the highest quality printer, paper, monitor, etc. thoughts on how to proceed under such circumstances?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you! One answer, which can also be tricky, is finding a good print service who will offer advice and different paper options. Either way, you still need to calibrate your monitor but you don't need an expensive monitor :)

[@marshalhedin7538]

thank you much for the advice !! @@SimonBaxterPhotography

[@SD_Alias]

I have not enough walls for the prints… ;)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I get that, but it's also worth printing to learn and then archiving them.

[@Thekennel177]

I love printing but get so sick of clogging printers. I send out to Whitewall now. Screw the scam of printer ink

[@Plutoman09]

Isn't "fermenting" a form of rotting ?? 🧐

[@clear_image_photos5477]

Printing can be fun but in a digital age, nobody needs to print. I feel like people don't understand the word need.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Maybe watch the video first ;-)

[@TAdams-hx9lk]

I love your acknowledgement of the many and varying stages of creativity within the photography process. The care, awareness, and intention you encourage amplifies the satisfaction. Thanks for multilayered lessons. Much appreciated.