Everything You Need to Know Before Printing Your Photos
Printing your photos is one of the best ways to enjoy your images beyond the screen but a little preparation goes a long way. From choosing the right size to understanding image quality, knowing a few key basics before you print can make all the difference to the final result.
Whether you’re printing family photos, travel shots, or images you’re especially proud of, here’s everything you need to know to get prints you’ll love.
Start With the Best Image Quality
The quality of your print starts with the quality of your photo, and high-resolution images will always produce sharper, clearer results, especially at larger sizes. For the best outcomes when you’re printing, use the original photo file whenever possible, avoid screenshots or photos shared on social media as they’re usually lower resolution, and try not to crop images too heavily before printing. If your photo looks sharp on screen, it’s much more likely to look great once printed too.
Choose the Right Print Size
Print size plays a big role in how your photo looks, with smaller prints working well for albums and everyday memories, while larger prints are ideal for framing or wall displays. Before ordering, it’s worth thinking about where the print will be displayed, whether it will be framed, and how much detail is in the photo. As a general rule, larger prints need higher-resolution images to maintain clarity and sharpness.
Regardless of size you choose, Ted’s offers same-day pickup on all photo prints. You can also have your order home delivered across Australia. Delivery typically takes between 5–10 business days, depending on postal services.
Understand Aspect Ratios
Aspect ratio refers to the shape of your photo, such as 4×6, 5×7, or 8×10, and if the aspect ratio doesn’t match the print size you choose, some cropping may occur. To avoid surprises, check how your image fits the selected size, use the provided cropping preview when ordering, and make sure important details aren’t too close to the edges. Many people are surprised to learn that standard photo print sizes won’t exactly match the photos that are taken using your phone's camera, and this can cause people’s faces or other important parts of the image being cut off when printed. Matching the aspect ratio as closely as possible helps preserve the original composition of your photo.
Pay Attention to Lighting and Colour
Photos with good lighting tend to print better, as bright, evenly lit images usually produce clearer results with more accurate colours. Before printing, try to avoid very dark or heavily shadowed photos, be cautious with strong filters or heavy saturation, and make small adjustments to brightness or contrast if needed. A light touch with editing often delivers the most natural-looking and pleasing print results.
One detail many people don’t realise about photo printing is that screen brightness quietly tricks your eyes. Most phones and computers are set much brighter than paper, which means a photo that looks perfect on screen can print slightly darker than expected. A simple expert tip is to lower your screen brightness a little before reviewing photos for print. If the image still looks good, it’s more likely to print well.
Pick the Right Finish
Different print finishes can dramatically change the way a photo looks and feels. Glossy prints are known for their vibrant colours, deep contrast and crisp detail, making images appear bold and eye-catching. They’re a great choice for colourful photos or images you want to really stand out. However, their reflective surface can create glare in brightly lit spaces and may show fingerprints more easily when handled.
Matte prints offer a softer, more refined finish with minimal reflection, making them ideal for well-lit rooms or framed wall art. They’re less prone to glare, smudging, and require less care overall giving matte photos a timeless, understated look that works especially well for black-and-white images. When choosing a finish, consider where the print will be displayed, the lighting in the room and the aesthetic you want to create. Selecting the right finish ensures your photo looks its best in its final setting.
Think About How You’ll Display Your Prints
Knowing how you plan to use your prints can help guide your choices. Album prints, framed photos, wall art, and gifts may all suit different sizes and finishes.
It’s also worth checking frame sizes in advance, as standard frames may influence the print size you choose.
Bring Your Favourite Images to Life with Ted's Printing
Printing your photos doesn’t need to be complicated. By starting with a high-quality image, choosing the right size and finish, and paying attention to aspect ratios and lighting, you can ensure your prints look just as good in real life as they do on screen.
Taking a little time to prepare before printing means you’ll end up with photos you’ll enjoy for years to come whether they’re displayed on the wall, shared as a gift, or stored safely in an album. When you’re ready to print check out our complete guide to photo printing in 2026.
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