Ted’s Guide to Printing and Presenting Your Photos

As photographers, we often obsess about capturing the next great image. With so much time spent putting together our perfect camera kit and fine-tuning our manual photography skills, it's easy to forget why we love this hobby in the first place; the thrill of presenting a beautiful photograph that we have created. Whether you are sharing your images online to a wide platform, or printing your favourite photo to display in your family home, here's a rundown of why taking pride in presenting your images is important, and some key ways you can go about doing that.

With the rise of digital cameras and high-capacity memory cards, it has become standard to capture more and more images without regard to limitations in terms of storage space and cost. While this is great news for happy snappers, or those who like to experiment with photographing from different angles, until you find that photo competition winning image, it means we print and present our images with less frequency.

When film photography was standard every photo captured was printed. That meant that you were left with some surprises when you collected your prints from the lab, but ultimately, every photo was given a chance.

We are not suggesting that you should head to the photo lab and pay for all images on your memory card to be printed out, but we do encourage you to discover or rediscover the feeling of holding your images in your hand, knowing that this physical copy now exists to be cherished. If not, many images may be forgotten and never viewed again, considering the huge amount of files that we store digitally.

Printing photographs offers a tangible way to preserve and share memories. While standard print sizes like 4x6 and 5x7 inches are perfect for everyday snapshots, albums, and sharing with friends, large format prints, such as 11x14 inches and beyond, make a striking impact. Many choose smaller prints for convenience and affordability, and to create physical backups of digital files. Large format prints, on the other hand, are often selected for displaying cherished moments as wall art, creating statement pieces in home decor, or showcasing professional photography work. Whether it's a wallet-sized photo to keep close or a large canvas print to admire daily, printing photos in various sizes allows us to experience and appreciate our memories in different ways.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore the world of film photography, Ted's Cameras can be your trusted partner in the entire process. We offer professional film processing services, carefully developing your negatives to ensure optimal image quality. Whether you're shooting classic 35mm film or experimenting with medium format, we can provide you with high-quality physical prints in a variety of sizes, just like your digital photos. Plus, we can also provide you with digital files of your film photographs, making it easy to share your analogue creations online with friends and family. And if you're interested in taking your film photography journey even further, we offer a range of film processing chemicals and equipment, allowing you to set up your own darkroom at home and experience the magic of traditional film development.

Displaying your favourite photographic prints in your home can transform your living spaces into personal art galleries. Consider creating a dedicated photo wall, showcasing a curated collection of images in various sizes and frames. Experiment with different layouts, mixing black and white with colour, and incorporating meaningful captions or quotes.

For a more dramatic effect, try image splitting, where a single photograph is divided into several parts and displayed across multiple frames or canvases. This technique creates a unique visual experience and adds an unexpected element of intrigue to your decor. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a vibrant gallery-style display, there are countless ways to showcase your photographic treasures and bring your cherished memories to life within your own four walls.

Photo albums are still going strong, as they offer a more intimate and tactile way to present your favourite images, allowing for a chronological or thematic storytelling approach. You can arrange photos in a meaningful order, add handwritten captions and memories, and even include pressed flowers or small mementoes to enhance the experience. 

Photo books, on the other hand, provide a more professional and polished presentation, often with customisable layouts, backgrounds, and even add-ons like embossing or foil stamping. They offer greater creative control, allowing you to design unique spreads and incorporate text, graphics, and even videos. Both formats are excellent for preserving memories and making exceptional gifts that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Mini printers, like the Fujifilm Instax Liplay, have revolutionised the way we enjoy our photographs, offering a convenient and portable solution for instant gratification.  These compact devices are incredibly easy to carry, making them ideal for travel, parties, and any situation where you want to share your memories immediately. While some instant printers specialise in capturing and printing photos directly from the device itself, many models now offer the ability to print your favourite smartphone images wirelessly. This versatility allows you to easily share and enjoy your digital photos in a tangible format whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.

If you would like to explore your options for printing larger format prints in the comfort of your own home, Ted’s stock a range of desktop printers that are perfect for this project.

Modern printing technologies have come a long way, with advancements in ink formulations delivering vibrant colours and long-lasting prints. Dye-based inks are known for their vivid hues, while pigment-based inks offer superior longevity and resistance to fading. These advancements, coupled with high-resolution printing capabilities, ensure that your cherished memories are reproduced with stunning accuracy and preserved for generations to come. Furthermore, by utilising high-quality scanners to digitise older prints or negatives, you can breathe new life into forgotten photographs. These digitised images can then be printed in various sizes and formats, transforming cherished family heirlooms into contemporary works of art for display in your home.

Even if you decide that a certain image or group of images is perfect for online sharing, that doesn't mean that you can't take steps to share it in its best possible light. Basic editing such as adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your photos. Resizing images is crucial for online sharing, as larger files take longer to upload and download, and may not display correctly on different devices. Compressing images without sacrificing too much quality can further reduce file size and improve loading times. To streamline this process, consider establishing a photography workflow. This could involve a simple sequence of steps:

1. Import and organise: Import your photos into a dedicated folder on your computer, and organise them using a system that works for you (e.g., by date, event, or subject).

2. Cull and select: Review your images and select the best ones for sharing.

3. Basic editing: Use photo editing software to make essential adjustments to brightness, contrast, and colour.

4. Resize and compress: Resize images to appropriate dimensions for the platform you're sharing on (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).

5. Export and share: Export your edited and resized images in a suitable format (e.g., JPEG) and share them with the world!

By following a consistent workflow, you can ensure that your online photos are always presented in the best possible way, maximising their impact and enjoyment.

Printing your photos or prepping them for online sharing is the final step in your photographic journey, the moment you bring your images to life and share them with the world.  If you need any photo printing advice, be sure to check with the experienced staff at your local Ted's store – they're always happy to help!