The Art of Printing Photos: 5 Beginner Tips

If you've ever felt something was missing from your digital photography journey, it's probably the tangible joy of holding your printed work.

There's a special magic in physically touching something we've created, an experience digital screens just can't match.

Today, let's explore together the world of printing pictures, sharing five crucial insights I've discovered on my photography journey—from beginner to more advanced tips.

Why Print Photos Anyway?

Before we dive in, let’s pause for a moment and consider why printing matters.

Like many of us, I primarily shoot digital. Sure, there were the occasional prints from my dad’s camera back in the '90s, but that doesn’t count, does it? It wasn't until recently, out of pure curiosity, that I printed a couple of my photos, and something shifted inside.

Holding a printed photo evokes deeper emotions, creating a sense of satisfaction unmatched by digital displays. Even a small print can spark a connection and inspire us to dive deeper into photography.

Give it a try—trust me, it's worth it!

Tip #1: Hold Off Buying a Printer

Here’s something that might be controversial: Don't rush out to buy a printer!

From my experience as a product manager, I've learned that it's best to start small, experiment, and iterate. Avoid getting overwhelmed by expensive printers, inks, or the countless technical details available online. Instead, simply head over to your local photo studio.

By supporting local businesses, you not only boost the community but also skip unnecessary hassle. Just walk in and ask them to print some pictures. They'll appreciate the business, and you'll get valuable insights into available options.

Start modestly—perhaps A4 prints—and experiment to find what works best. Seeing your printed photos firsthand provides valuable feedback, enabling you to make informed choices later.

Tip #2: Start with Simple Paper Prints

Fancy materials are tempting—glass, metal, acrylic—but hold your horses! As beginners, we need to keep it simple and accessible.

Starting with standard paper, we easily judge whether the images translate well from screen to print. It's practical, cost-effective, and perfect for experimentation.

I've seen friends excitedly print large photos on glass, only to realize the photo didn't quite match their vision. Avoid these expensive missteps by validating with paper first. Test, learn, and only then move on to more creative mediums.

Speaking of sizing, choose moderate sizes first. Bigger isn’t always better—start small and scale up once confident. This approach will build your printing confidence step by step.

Tip #3: Resolution & Cropping - Busting the Myths

Most photographers have heard that 300 DPI (dots per inch) is essential for sharp prints. But here's a secret I discovered: it's not always necessary.

After exploring videos by photography pros like Sean Tucker and Samuel Lintaro, it became clear that resolution matters less when viewing distance increases.

To test this, I printed two images: one heavily cropped, one minimally cropped. Surprisingly, even the heavily cropped image looked great across sizes ranging from 10x12.5 cm to 40x50 cm!

My test used the Ricoh GR3 (heavily cropped) and Sony a6700 (minimally cropped), neither famous for ultra-high megapixels. The lesson? Don’t obsess over DPI. Instead, focus on great shots, and let print size be guided by viewing distance and aesthetic preference.

Tip #4: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Printing is inherently subjective, and that's its beauty. The perfect print varies dramatically based on your personal style, camera choice, subject matter, and lighting conditions.

What works wonderfully for me might be different for someone else—and that's okay.

Photography—and by extension, printing—is about personal expression. Embrace this subjective nature. Test different techniques, materials, and sizes until you find your sweet spot. Ultimately, it's your vision, your art, and your rules.

The most critical step? Start printing now. Nothing teaches better than personal experience.

Tip #5: Glossy vs Matte Paper - Understanding the Difference

Alright, let’s get a bit technical about paper types.

Glossy paper is designed to make images appear sharper, compensating slightly for lower resolutions or significant cropping. That shiny surface intensifies colors and sharpness, potentially improving your photo’s perceived quality. However, glossy isn’t always ideal. Lighting plays a huge role—glare from glossy prints can spoil the viewing experience, particularly in brightly lit rooms or near windows.

Alternatively, matte paper offers a subtler look, sacrificing slight sharpness for superior visibility and minimal reflections.

Smooth matte paper often serves as a versatile middle ground, delivering excellent image quality without intense glare. Experimentation remains key. Again, test various paper types, consider your display area, and decide accordingly.

Continuous Improvement: Apply Product Management Principles

Drawing from my role as a product manager, let’s consider our printed photos as products.

Each print provides valuable data: did we like the outcome? What needs improvement? We apply this feedback loop, refining future prints.

Remember, each new photo is a fresh opportunity to improve and iterate—not by adjusting existing prints, but by applying lessons learned to the next creation.

Final Thoughts

Printing your photos offers immense joy and satisfaction beyond digital files. From choosing paper types and sizes to understanding resolution and cropping, the journey teaches valuable lessons.

The key is to simply start—experiment, iterate, and above all, enjoy the process.

Ready to start printing? Let's dive in together!