does anyone know the lowest-cost way to print large-format photos?

Question

i'd like to start printing some of my photos to sell. i'd like to get them print in regular and large formats (like 30x40). does anyone know how i can do this at high-enough quality to hang on a wall, but also the lowest cost possible?

Answer 1

it doesn't matter how many megapixels your camera has, the best quality lenses for 35mm format will gas out at about 16X20 size. good 35mm lenses will be noticably blurry at this magnification. try printing some samples of your photos on 8X10 paper, but just a cropped image so that the magnification is what the picture would be if it were 30x40. For example crop a 2000 x 3000 pixel file to 500 x 750 and print as 8x10. see what you think, if it looks palatable to you, then you are set to go.

Answer 2

I assume you are shooting Large-format film like 4x5 or 8x10 inch view cameras. (If you are not then you probably won't sell many poster sized prints)

There are companies that operate drum scanners, you can look online. these conpanies also have the ability to print images up to 3 feet on the short side and up to 25+ feet on the long side. Kenrockwell.com has details on his Printing page.

The market for poster prints is very small. Because of this, photographers need to have quality equiptment and training to compete. A 35mm film SLR or Nikon D80 would be a joke in the field. You may be able to sell a few to family and friends and another few at an art walk or saturday market but don't expect to charge $50 a print.

I only add this because generally those who are ready for poster print photography don't need to ask on an internet fourm.

Answer 3

I'll agree with gryphon, word for word, including the part about having high enough quality to deserve the dollar.

Answer 4

Are you sure that you have sufficient quality on your images to acheive this size?

If so, I'd have a pro lab do them. My lab of choice is www.mpix.com

If you are wanting to sell these, you cannot skimp on the quality.