Types of Printing for Photographers

Traditional Printing

• Traditional printing involves exposing sensitized, photographic paper to light modified by using a negative or transparency slide retrieved from a camera. These exposed parts of the paper react to chemicals, producing the image onto paper. The chemical compound depends on the type of paper, but it is commonly a compound of silver, an element that allows the best longevity or "archival" quality. Traditional printing was usually a black and white picture, with a few variations. For example, "toned prints" change an image from a warmer to a cooler tone. "Sepia" toning gives images a brownish coloring. Although traditional printing is a very old process, photographers still use this type of printing due to the high quality images produced.

Transition to Digital Printing

• The advent of computerization did not spare the field of photography. Digital printing has opened a world of possibilities for even the common person, lacking training in photography. The useful option of digital photo manipulation has made it a very attractive choice for photographers as well. Because of the relative simplicity, speed, and quality, digital printing is now the mainstream method for printing photographs.

Fine Gradations through Inkjet

• The development of inkjet printers introduced subtler details to photographs. Inkjets use small dots, not identifiable by the naked eye, revealing smooth gradations of different colors. Today's inkjet printers are usually cheaper than most high-quality traditional and digital methods. Materials, such as photo-paper and ink, are also easy to get. The quality of prints is lower than more sophisticated techniques, but many amateurs, especially those who print photographs at home, consider the tradeoff with ease-of-use, worthwhile.

Choosing the Appropriate Type of Printing

• There are three main factors to consider when choosing the best type of photograph printing. First is the desired result. This is considering the level of quality, or detail, in the image. Second, is the purpose that the image will serve. Lastly, consider the costs, as well as availability of printing methods. Traditional printing tends to be the hardest "at-home" method of printing.