Why printing photos can make you a better photographer.

I think printing photos, either with an ink jet printer or in the darkroom can make you a better photographer. Printing is the final step in photography we tend to forget about. I take you through how I use printing in my work, and how I make a test print for a giant print I will be making soon.

See more of my work here.

[jasoncolquhoun]

Todd is a real gift to photographers. I assisted him back in the late 1990’s when I was getting started, and learned the focus and drive it required to succeed. It took me to NY to work with his friend, Heinz Kluetmeier of Sports Illustrated and on to many others and a brief career of a few years shooting editorial. I’m forever grateful.

[andrefelixstudio]

A photo print is a documented slice of time that now you physically revisit !

[joseerazevedo]

Printing is the last step of the photographic process. Photos were created to be printed, not stored on HDs. I find inbeliveable that nowadays many people don't care picking their negatives from labs, they just want the scans. Shoot digital and save money :)
I'm more into darkroom printing, but your advice is a very valuable one. No matter the method, print and look at it. See what the image tells you after a year. That's great!

[zone]

Couldn't agree more. So nice to see a real living photographer producing informative videos. The difference between those that are photographers and those that use it as a vehicle for content is huge !

[nidhishshivashankar]

I’ve been listening to _several_ videos looking for information on the qualitative difference between viewing on a screen versus on paper and yours Is the first one that’s pointed out that depth is richer in a print than on the screen 🤯 so thanks for that

[edubbwebber]

Thank you. I am really getting joy printing my own photos. I’m actually being able to see where I can get better.

[sneakingelephant]

I started film photography about a year ago and finally printed some of my photos from travel and it’s brought me so much joy. Definitely want to eventually invest into my own printer. It seems like a great investment if I plan to sell prints

[kenblair]

Great discussion, Todd. One of the main reasons I started shooting film again . To slow down, create and print . Thanks KB

[AGENDAVISUALMARVELRY]

Yes to print… Always print! Thank you Todd and keep up the informative work…

[peter]

Thanks, it is so helpful having the step by step on the printer /computer set up. I wish more youtubers would follow your example. Personally, speaking you can't dumb it down enough for me. Always enjoy your work.

[Gitsh]

Great video, Todd. l've always said a photo is not a photo until it's printed.
I use the same printer, they're very good quality and reliable.

[AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Great video Todd…very inspirational. I’m in the process of picking a printer soon and start printing…I agree the final result is magical! Thanks for sharing. Be safe. Cheers..

[christianpetersen]

Todd, just found your video and loved it. Thanks so much for producing it. I enjoy your easy style. It makes it a pleasure to watch and learn.
About 20 years ago I had a cheap Hewlett Packard ink jet printer that used so much ink just setting itself up each time I switched it on. It also used a lot of ink going through its routine of frequently unblocking jets. These together with the complexity of the innumerable number of unfathomable printer settings and variables put me off photo printing. Your video is an inspiration to me so I think I should take your advice and try again with the modern technology. Subbed! Greetings from 🇬🇧.

[RustyTube]

Gosh, I’d love to have that print. It is so perfect.

[colinosullivan]

Superb Todd. Happy new year Todd. It’s funny you put this video up. I was just reviewing photos for print today and I fully agree with the lost generation of photos. Again Todd wonderful video. 👏

[karinegrace]

Thank you for the great video and advice! It's excellent and so helpful!

[xinsaneartistx]

Finally got my darkroom setup! Excited to start printing myself! Love the video as always friend:)

[discojelly]

I just printed from a negative of an image that I took in spring of 2000 photography class. The last time I saw this image was in 2000 when I turned it in as part of my portfolio... that was 22 years ago. Its amazing that I can take something from that long ago and make another original with it. And with a digital shot I can accidentally lose it or delete it. Printing makes me look at my work in a very different way besides just a bunch of pixels on a screen.

[RandyPollock]

Printing has always put a smile on my face, to hold the image is such a treat...if you are in the US, give Red River papers a chance they produce wonderful paper and a good price. I use them with my Canon Pro 10 and they work great.

[zenonbillings]

excellent video todd, always interesting to hear the things you pass onto us. I do occasionally print 5x7 prints to see how they look on paper before sending them out to a professional lab. at 78 years young printing images myself is way beyond me and the lab person I use is just super skilled. in my younger years I had no time for developing printing skills so I was heavily dependent on several labs in toronto where I spent my business years. thx again for sharing all that you share with us. zen billings.