Photographers, would you print photos for free? The Pros and Cons Explained
As a photographer, the idea of being able to print out your photographs for free might sound amazing. However, the reality is far more complex. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of printing versus digital storage and why it might not be as appealing as it seems at first glance.
The Durability of Prints vs Digital Media
The primary argument for printing photos is their durability and timelessness. When printed on high-quality archival materials, photographs can be passed down from generation to generation. In contrast, digital media, such as hard drives, SSDs, or even optical media, are far more susceptible to failure or obsolescence. Hard drives can crash, new motherboard designs may not be compatible with older drives, and not everyone has access to reading optical media like CDs or DVDs.
The 21st Century Storage Challenges
Transferring the contents of a hard drive or DVD to a new device can be challenging, especially when new technology renders older devices obsolete. For example, I had to upgrade to a new DVD-ROM drive this year because my new motherboard no longer supported IDE ports. When it comes to cloud storage or social media, future generations might not have access to the same platforms. Even if they do, the access to your Dropbox or Facebook account might be restricted if those services are no longer available.
The Practicalities of Print Collector
Even if free printing were possible, the practicalities of storing and displaying prints might outweigh the benefits. Physical prints can take up a lot of space and might not be as convenient to view. For instance, I have a box full of prints in my basement that I rarely access. Over time, the prints might collect dust or become damaged. The efficiency, environmental-friendliness, and convenience of viewing prints on a digital device like an iPad or computer are hard to match.
Quality and Usage Considerations
Printing high-quality photos often can be costly, making it unrealistic for many photographers. The size and quality of the prints need to be balanced with the reality of frequency and cost. If you could print for free, would you? The honest answer for many photographers is no. While it might be tempting to print more, the physical storage and future usability of those prints might make them impractical. Instead, for most photographers, digital storage remains the most efficient and convenient option.
Case Study: The Box of Unwanted Prints
Personal experience has shown that when prints are numerous, the question arises: what to do with them? A few months ago, I threw out a significant portion of my prints. The rest remain in storage boxes in my garage. This experience has taught me that even if you could print for free, the prints might end up unused and forgotten. High-quality digital displays on modern devices provide an easy, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for viewing and sharing photos.
Why Free Print Services May Not Be Worth It
Free print services might sound too good to be true, and they are. Even if someone were to offer free printing, the cost of ink and paper is inevitable. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between quality, size, and storage. While the idea of having physical prints is appealing, the reality of space, accessibility, and the environmental impact of printing more often might outweigh the benefits.
Conclusion
Free printing for photographers sounds like an ideal solution, but the practicalities and realities of storage, usage, and quality make it less attractive than it initially seems. The combination of quality digital storage and selective printing of truly special photos ensures that your work is preserved for the long term. Whether you choose to print, store digitally, or do a bit of both, the key is finding a balance that works for your artistic and personal goals.