Why do photographers charge so much for a print? If I give you the digital copy, and you take it down to Sam’s Club or Walgreens, they can make a print for me for less than a buck. I’m not charging you a premium for something you can get at any drugstore photo booth. I’m actually enhancing and improving the photo, and making it something you will be proud to have sitting on your desk or mantle.
Take the shot above for instance. You should immediately see the difference between the digital negative (on the Right) and the retouched image (on the left).
Don’t get me wrong, both are great. But one is better than the other. No matter what kind of computer you have, you should see the difference between the two. One has color that Pops, the other is flat. There are other differences, too – check out the bags under his eyes – which one looks better to you? How about his hair – better color.
All these little things are what separates a finished print from a proof.
To get your gallery to you fast, I upload proofs – these are photos that come straight from my camera. I really don’t do anything else to them except check to make sure the focus is sharp, and that the flash went off. Those are the files you can get for $1.99 – they are resized for the web, and you can have a copy.
But if you want an heirloom, something to go on the bedside table, a photo that is suitable for framing, one that won’t fade for 50+ years. I encourage you to spend just a few more dollars and get 5-10 of your favorites printed up in a few different sizes to display around your home.
