 Kevin M. Dyer |
How Much to Charge for Mounted Print? Thanks to everyone who participates in these Q and A's!
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Peter K. Burian |
Kevin: I'm sure that people who often go to art fairs can give you some indication as to what other photographers charge for prints. You need to start with determining the cost of getting a superb custom print that is archival - will not quickly fade (i.e. at least a 35-year-old display life.) For example, see: http://www.pcraft.com/services/lightjet_direct_digital_photographic_printing.html Note: Many labs now make prints from digital files so you first need to pay for high resolution scanning if you use one of those labs. If you plan to order numerous prints, the cost of a scan is acceptable. But for one or two prints the price is prohibitive. See http://www.laslight.com/pricelist.htm for an example. Also, there's the cost of matting and framing. (She probably wants a 16x20" print.) It won't be cheap. Pros who market prints regularly order in large quantities and get volume discounts. Until you establish your actual cost, you cannot really set a price.
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Peter K. Burian |
Part II of response That image will be difficult to print because of the extremely high contrast. In my estimation, you will need a custom print, preferably made from a high-resolution scan, and then printed with a digital printer for maximum control. Few of the "mom and pop" labs make prints as large as 16x20". You would need to shop around for a local lab that does - preferably using a digital lab and Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Laslight.com: A pro lab that makes fabulous prints that last for about 35 years on display (on Fuji Crystal Archive paper). http://www.laslight.com/newcustomer.htm $99. for a 16x20" print for new customers. Expensive but I can recommend them from past experience. Perhaps others can recommend more affordable labs too. This lab http://www.mpix.com/productsinfo.phpx advertises often in photo magazines, but I have no idea how good they are. Or how long their prints last. They use Kodak paper that is not as archival (light resistant) as Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Mpix charges very low prices but are the prints good enough to sell? Would they be able to do a great job printing your very contrasty slide? And how soon would the print fade if displayed? I have no idea. And I would have the same concern with most labs that charge low prices. Those that use Fuji Crystal Archive paper would be the best bet as a starting point in your research. Photo Craft (mentioned previously) is a lab with a superb reputation among "fine art" nature photographers http://www.pcraft.com/services/lightjet_direct_digital_photographic_printing.html They charge $54 for a 16x20" custom print on the Crystal Archive paper, but is there an extra charge for making a scan? I don't know. You could ask them at questions@pcraft.com
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Ross Tracy |
I've used Mpix.com quite a bit, and they have more paper and finish choices than previously advertised, and are quite good. I've sold quite a few prints, but unfortunately, I can't give you a "how long they last" answer. I have yet to try the others that Peter mentioned, but I surely will.
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Terrill Province |
Realizing that no lab in my metro area could handle my orders reliably, I turned to Miller's Professional Imaging, www.Millerslab.com for all my work. They have an exceptional digital department that renders excellent prints from my 35mm film. I would check out the site and then call to discuss your needs. Their people are easy to work with and the lab's consistent in every respect. Typically my clients order 11x14s and 16x20s and pay $180 and $400 respectively. Miller's charges $11.75 for a mounted 11x14 and $33.62 for the mounted 16x20 (including lustre coating to protect the print). When my clients have wanted to purchase the occasional frame, I look for a sale at Michael's and can usually pick up an 11x14 for $12 to $14 which will include the mat. Otherwise, I don't offer frames because they take up an incredible amount of storage space. I do sell mats and usually charge what I paid for them retail. Don't forget to figure shipping and framing costs into your quote. Also, continue to be exquisitely aware that the more you charge for a print, the higher the percieved value is for the purchaser. It never fails. People understand that great photography (especially shots that suit their tastes) does not come cheap. I suggest you price a mounted, lustre or glossy coated unframed 16x20 in the $375 to $475 range. Miller's mounts my 16x20s on 3/16" Gatorfoam board that continues to impress clients. By the way, great image! Terrill Province
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- Shirley D. Cross-Taylor Contact Shirley D. Cross-Taylor Shirley D. Cross-Taylor's Gallery |
Whoa! Our local custom lab who does work for professionals all over the country only charges about $25 for a custom 16X20 print from a 35mm slide, or a digital file on Fuji Archive Crystal paper. Their work is excellent and they do up to mural size prints. Of course mounting and coating are additional, but still quite reasonable. I don't know where you are located, but the lab is PhotoVision here in Salem, Oregon. Their number is 503-588-3686. If they have an 800 number, I don't know it. I usually do a print-only sale and let the client have it mounted, framed, etc. as they please, unless they request that I have all that done. Then I adjust the price accordingly.
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Kim Acheson |
I would go to Imagecraft in Scottsdale, AZ. Moto Photo is good for there large scale prints. They are off the 101 and Shae. Ask to have it printed by Becca or Bryan. I have seen a lot of there work and they really care about getting it right. I would deffently double check there prices though they can be more expencive. Beond that go to Image Craft. I cant rember the exact location but I belive it was still in Scottsdale. I really liked them in the past but that was a while ago.
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Peter K. Burian |
My concern would be: How capable is any particular lab in making Display Quality prints that do a great job in reproducing the slide in spite of the high contrast lighting in the image. It's far more difficult to print from a slide than from a negative. Over the years, I had some mediocre prints from local labs from slides. That's why I switched to digital labs who make a high res scan, Photoshop it, and print from the resulting file. Of course, we have not answered the original question: What to charge. That depends on what the potential client expects. A gallery quality print? (At a galler price?) Or any old print as long as the price is reasonable. |
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Craig |
Check out www.righttouchphotolab.com They are an excellent lab that will go out of their way to meet your needs. Their prices are some of the best for the high qaulity that they offer. They are currently reformating their website, so if you have problems accessing it over the next few weeks, you may need to contact them via phone toll free (866)638-5880
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