Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Jun 19, 2009 15:20:59 GMT
Hello Sorry I've not been able to get here for a while, I lost the "address" and my password, etc. Can anyone recommend a good quality "photo" printer? I have loads of digital pictures, some of which I'm wanting to print in sizes up to 8" x 10" for framing, but have no idea where to start looking. I have a limited budget, unfortunately  Thank you Becky |
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Post by Lynnrose on Jun 19, 2009 21:03:09 GMT
Becky...I have seperated the boards a bit and given Printers it's own board and other topics too, so I don't think some members have realized yet, so you have had no reply.
My printer is an HP Photo Smart P1000. I have had it for years and used to print loads of photos. I rarely print pictures now, but it is an ace printer.
Some info and reviews here
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Post by jojo on Jun 20, 2009 9:57:49 GMT
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Post by kubik8 on Jun 21, 2009 23:55:51 GMT
"I have a limited budget, unfortunately"
Guess most of us have that problem. Question is, what is your budget? And what exactly do you mean by "loads of digital pictures"?
Of those 'loads', if you wish to print - say - 30-50, then it's no big deal, even at 8" x 10". But if you wish to print hundreds then the initial cost of the printer immediately becomes secondary to the cost of running it.
Truth is, if all you want is some high-quality prints then it'll be cheaper to get them printed professionally. If you need a printer anyway then I'm sure you'll get some good advice here, but it's a bit tricky to advise without more info.
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Jun 25, 2009 10:41:33 GMT
Thank you for the advice up to now  I take your point about the budget and requirement kubik so I think I'll try to be more specific. My intention is to frame and try to sell some of the pictures I have taken over the course of my travels. I used to dabble in watercolours, frame them, and sell them, at craft fairs along with jewellery and greetings cards which I made myself. Unfortunately I now have RSI and arthritis in both wrists - heck, that not only makes me sound old, it makes me feel old - and whereas I can still do the cards I find painting and jewellery making too much. I can also still make my own frames, that's not a problem. Whereas I don't think I'll ever get rich selling my pictures, and don't really want to, I do think there are some people out there who would be interested, and I enjoy the 'feel' of places like Craft Fairs and the like. As to budgets etc, I appreciate that the cost of inks and paper is a major outlay, I have 'budgeted' for that. My limited budget for the printer would probably be about £200.00 or thereabouts, I also think that I could increase that budget for a larger format (say A3?) printer, but I've not really worked out the economics of offering larger prints. I hope that explains better and helps more. Thank you Becky |
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Post by ken on Jun 25, 2009 12:04:52 GMT
A word of caution Becky. A friend of mine did the same thing, quiet a few years ago now. His small pictures sold like hot cakes and he could hardly make them fast enough. He decided to start making a larger size and barely covered his outlay. The small ones were in the price range of a huge market, the larger ones fell outside of that market. The people who could afford them would rather pay extra and buy a watercolour.
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Jun 25, 2009 12:14:46 GMT
Thank you for that Ken, I will definitely take that onboard and not bother with the larger size prints. I'll stay with 8" x 10" maximum, so there's no need to even consider an A3 size printer Thank You Becky |
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Post by kubik8 on Jun 25, 2009 12:20:29 GMT
A3 printers are a 'niche' market, and hence pricey. You really don't want to go down that route unless you know you're going to get a return on your investment. If it doesn't work out, you're going to end up with a huge expensive lump of a machine serving little or no purpose.
I don't mean to disparage your idea of selling pictures (in fact I think it sounds great, especially if you can make your own frames at little cost). But I really think the way to go is hold off on the purchase, and get the first batch printed professionally. That way you can get to know your market before committing to an investment.
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Post by kubik8 on Jun 25, 2009 12:21:37 GMT
Ah, didn't see your post before starting mine, Becky.
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Jun 25, 2009 12:40:18 GMT
Thank you again kubik I think your advice is very good. I think it may be worthwhile going down that path to begin with, and see what befalls. Thank you Becky |
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Post by ken on Jun 25, 2009 12:40:21 GMT
Your welcome Becky.
If you found out what the price of a larger size prints would cost, you could say that larger sizes are available by arrangement. Then you could just make a little bit on the frame. That would look a bit more professional and catch peoples interest.
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Jun 25, 2009 12:48:13 GMT
To kubik and Ken
Your advice and help is greatly appreciated, and . . .
Once I make my first million pounds, you will both be on my board of directors
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Post by kubik8 on Jun 25, 2009 13:39:13 GMT
lol Becky
I'll settle for one of your pictures. Photography is a hobby of mine, but to be honest, I've only ever taken about a dozen pics that I'd consider worthy of framing, let alone selling.
Good luck with the venture. Ooh and check out the various companies like Jessops that offer printing services, as they often have introductory offers such as x free prints with your first order or whatever.
Beware though, they're only trying to lure you away from buying the lovely printer you know you want. Oh, and if you do go for an A4 printer with a budget of £200, you're gonna be pretty much spoilt for choice.
Good tip from Ken there, about offering larger prints by arrangement. That way you don't have to front any money at all for them.
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