So,, printing images...

[Ian_C]

So here's the thing,,,

I have been asked to print a few of my images so that a friend can put them up in his coffee shop and try and sell them..... gulp !!

I have never done anything like this before,, so need some tips from those of you who have..

What size do I need to get printed ? Where would you suggest I get them printed,, HO MUCH DO YOU CHARGE ?????

Thanks all..

Ian

[carlb40]

Depending on the style of the picture? and the space available? You could take various sizes - ie 10 x 8, A3, A3+ and see how it goes. Or maybe just some 10 x 8 samples and leave a price list for other sizes. Also will these be mounted and framed prints? or just prints on their own?
You could try the forum sponsor, and peak imaging to name just 2

[Ian_C]

These are the ones I am thinking of,,

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6643279779_a7a2255a90_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iancocklin/6643279779/)
Porthleven Harbour (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iancocklin/6643279779/) by Ian - Falmouth (http://www.flickr.com/people/iancocklin/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6627345273_ba4b34c9a9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iancocklin/6627345273/)
Rough Seas at Falmouth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iancocklin/6627345273/) by Ian - Falmouth (http://www.flickr.com/people/iancocklin/), on Flickr

I just have no idea what to do for the best,,,, frame ? dont frame ? any suggestions welcome...

[Blofeld]

How much do you value your images at? This determines how much you charge I guess. I would probably just print at 10x8 to start with and present them really well.... perhaps some nice frames, and see how it goes from there?

[Ian_C]

i would be happy to make £10 from each,, is that too much ????

[tenchy]

well the sizes are up to you. And prices, not too cheap or can be perceived as no good.
I use Dave Ashton:
http://ashtonphotoupload.livelinkprint.com/about/welcome

[Ian_C]

also, what resolution should they be for printing ??? sorry about this,, but never done this before...

[tenchy]

300ppi is your best bet.

[carlb40]

Matted/framed always look betterer IMO. It would depend how you want to go with this really.
A few options would be
Unframed print
matted print
matted / framed print

You could supply a matted/framed print for display and protection, and have the other options at a reduced price. But only reduce the price a little so it looks like they get a bargain having the matted/framed version ;)

[Ian_C]

and gloss or matt ????

[carlb40]

Framed - matt at once its behind glass it looks glossy anyway.

[paulharris]

I usually put up a4 prints in frames straight off my printer for the coffee shop and enlarge for orders.

[mywainwrights]

Ian, I have some framed prints for display/sale in a couple of coffee shops in my local area. Put them in as A4 prints in a 14"x11" wood effect resin frame (picked up from a local craft shop) probably cost something like £8 for the print and the frame, but priced them up at £35 and they seem to sell ok.

Gary

[mr stoat]

My non-numbered prints are usually printed on my Epson R3000 with Fotospeed pigment ink, on Photo Rag paper at A3+. I mount them, and put one in a frame for display, and sell them (mounted) for £45.00.

[Rob3rt]

I'd go with matted prints, people tend to like to choose their own frames in my experience, but matting adds a sense of luxury and quality and a good old gallery style matting is pretty generic and assuming you print in standard sizes then its pretty inexpensive.

For those who sell your stuff matted and framed, do you do your own matting? I need to frame some art prints but they are not standard sizes, the artist tends to use odd shaped canvases (http://tinymediaempire.com/) so I need some custom cut matting, I'm wondering if its cost effective to buy the tools and cut my own (or modify a standard size) or whether to just outsource and just pay to get it done professionally?

[carlb40]

I'd go with matted prints, people tend to like to choose their own frames in my experience, but matting adds a sense of luxury and quality and a good old gallery style matting is pretty generic and assuming you print in standard sizes then its pretty inexpensive.

For those who sell your stuff matted and framed, do you do your own matting? I need to frame some art prints but they are not standard sizes, the artist tends to use odd shaped canvases (http://tinymediaempire.com/) so I need some custom cut matting, I'm wondering if its cost effective to buy the tools and cut my own (or modify a standard size) or whether to just outsource and just pay to get it done professionally?

Try contacting these for custom sizes
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Daler-Mount-Board-10-Snow-White-A2-420-x-594mm-/370319856072?pt=UK_Crafts_FramingMatting_EH&hash=item5638c891c8
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/mountsolutions/&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2754
http://www.lionpic.co.uk/

[mr stoat]

For those who sell your stuff matted and framed, do you do your own matting? I need to frame some art prints but they are not standard sizes, the artist tends to use odd shaped canvases

I do, got a matcutter which was about £150 and great value. I do use frames for display, so being able to cut my own mounts, I go round boot sales and buy dreadful pictures with nice frames, bing the crying boy or kitten with ball of wool or whatever, and pop my photo in the frame, in its cut-to-fit mount. Saves a fortune.

[Arturos]

Hello Ican_C,

The photos you want to print are really nice, I’m sure you can make some decent profit from them. The amount you make from each print will depend on its size and whether it’s mounted, framed, or on its own. Start with smaller formats and see how they sell.

Personally, I would recommend that you mount your images. It’s relatively cheap and makes your prints not only look nice, but also more durable. Mounted images can be hung, and remember that mounting doesn’t prevent your customers from framing them at a later date.

As for the resolution, 300ppi mentioned by tenchy would be ideal, however if for some reason you have to lower it, you can go with 240ppi with hardly any quality loss.

Good luck with selling them & let us know how it goes!

[Ian_C]

thanks,, I have some 12x8 prints now,,, just need to find some nice frames for them..