A frequently asked question that I receive is if I can provide printed photographs themselves. There are several important reasons why I only submit digital image files and leave any arrangements for printing in the hands of my clients. Despite the ease and practicality of having a photographer organise prints for you, generally these advantages are greatly overshadowed by the benefits of getting photographs yourself.
THE BENEFITS OF ORGANISING YOUR OWN PRINTS
As outlined in my quotes, I provide digital image files in JPG format at maximum resolution and 300dpi - perfectly optimised for any printing requirements or desires a client may have. Should you wish to have printed photographs these will allow you the flexibility to do or arrange this yourself at the size and quality of your choosing. I do not provide or arrange printing services because generally, it would either represent a bad compromise for the client. Here are the 3 main benefits of organising your own prints:
1) Full Customisation
The main benefit of arranging your own printing is the ability to get the prints you want by hand-picking every element, such as:
the exact size of the photographs
the paper type and quality
the framing
The less aspects of the prints you are able to choose yourself, the more you'll be compromising.
2) Value for Money
Although "photographs + prints" can be sometimes be seen advertised as a package, compared to the price of the photography alone, how much extra are the "prints" themselves actually costing you and how does this compare to the cost of paying a dedicated printing service (and the unquestionable advantages it offers in terms of quality, transparency, and guarantee)? You'll very likely find that you'll be paying significantly more for a compromise that may or may not suit you.
2) Peace of mind
The quality of printed photographs can vary enormously. so unless you are able to see, in person, the type of print that is being offered, you would be taking a considerable chance. Whether you print yourself using a dedicated home printer or go in person to a specialised printing service, you will have seen comprehensive physical previews of how your photographs will turnout and therefore guarantee that you'll be happy with the results.. This greatly reduces the risk of disappointment, as does the fact that, in both cases, you will have the option to test the outcome by printing one photograph at a time.
Conclusion
I recommend arranging printing separately as I always put myself in the position of a client who wants both the highest level of service and the best value for money.
That is not at all to say that a photographer or photography business that provides prints should be disregarded; on the contrary, by all means choose that approach if you've been given such a proposal that you are happy with. I would only recommend, in that case, that you do your research so that you are absolutely certain about the final deliverable you'll receive (the exact frame, the paper quality, the type and material of the frame, the delivery method…etc).