When was the last time you printed your photos? As a family photographer in New Jersey, I encourage my clients to print their digital photos. It’s the best way to preserve your memories and ensure that your children and future generations have tangible keepsakes. But with so many options, you may wonder how to choose the best places to print photos. Here are my top three recommendations when it comes to printing photos.

1. Print through your photographer

There are several reasons to consider ordering prints, albums and canvas wall art through your photographer. As a photography business owner, your photographer has access to many print labs that consumers can’t order from. These labs not only offer higher quality print products and papers than consumer labs, they also specialize in archival photo printing to ensure your prints last for future generations without fading or degrading.

Also, you chose your photographer because you loved her work and chances are you want your photos to look as good in print as they do in your online gallery. Without getting too technical, your photographer’s skills go beyond providing a great photo session experience and editing images in her unique style. She will have carefully calibrated her computer screen and digital files to match the professional print labs’ color profile so that she can make sure printing accurately reflects her artistic editing style. This ensures that your photos look their best. Most photographers, myself included, will only guarantee print quality for prints ordered through them.

Another benefit of ordering artwork through your photographer is that she can help you choose the best size canvas or gallery wall display for your wall space. When families work with me, I’m able to create a visual design that shows them exactly how their images will look on their own walls. It’s pretty awesome!

But if ordering multiple print products through your photographer isn’t in your budget, not to worry.

Besides my preferred professional labs, I’ve found a couple consumer labs that I highly recommend and often use for my personal prints. (Disclosure: I do not get compensated by these companies if you click on these links, I just believe in these products and want to share them with you.)

2. Mpix.com

For both your everyday and professionally taken photos, I highly recommend Mpix.com. They are owned by one of my favorite professional labs that I use to fulfill client albums, books, prints and canvas products and they offer exceptional quality at an affordable price point. In addition to prints and photo books, Mpix.com has a variety of other print products.

I use this print lab on a regular basis for my personal photographs and I believe in their quality. 

3. Artifact Uprising

Hands down, my favorite consumer lab for ordering special prints, or gift prints with a distinctive, high-quality style is Artificat Uprising.  Their everyday print sets are available in a wide array of sizes, including square sizes, which are perfect for all you Instagram photos. The paper resembles matte card stock, rather than traditional glossy paper. They also have beautiful options for creating a classic linen photo books and albums, as well as a variety of truly unique photo gifts that I have purchased over and over to give to my family members. I’ve purchased several photo books from them and they are stunning quality.

So if you have a flash drive or old CD of pictures from a family photo session just gathering digital dust, go order some prints! I hope you found this helpful! And, if you’re still wondering why you should print your photos instead of storing them on your device, you might enjoy reading Why Printed Photos Matter.

Want to learn more about a family portrait session with me, check out my FAQ page. To stay in the know and get all my photo tips, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.

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xo,