Taking the photo is only the first step—seeing your work in print brings it to life. Whether you want to hang a framed piece in your home, gift a print to a friend, or start selling your images, printing your landscape photography is a deeply rewarding experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare your images for print, choose the right materials, and display your work with impact.
🖼️ 1. Why Print Your Work?
- Tangible storytelling: Prints let people hold and experience your vision.
- Improved critique: Seeing a photo in print helps you evaluate composition, color, and detail more clearly.
- Portfolio building: Great for shows, sales, and exhibitions.
- Personal satisfaction: There’s nothing like holding a physical version of your art.
🧰 2. Preparing Your Image for Print
Calibrate Your Monitor
Make sure your screen shows true colors and contrast:
- Use tools like Datacolor Spyder or X-Rite i1Display
- Calibrate regularly—especially before major print jobs
Edit in sRGB or Adobe RGB Color Space
- sRGB for web and basic prints
- Adobe RGB for professional-quality prints (but check your lab’s requirements)
Resize & Sharpen for Print
- Resize to match the print dimensions (e.g., 300 DPI at 16×20 inches)
- Apply output sharpening to maintain clarity
Export as a High-Quality JPEG or TIFF
- JPEG (Quality 10+)
- TIFF (lossless, larger file, best for gallery printing)
🧱 3. Choosing Print Mediums
Each material offers a different aesthetic and price point.
Paper Prints:
- Luster/Satin: Popular for fine art—rich colors, subtle texture
- Matte: Soft, non-reflective look (can reduce sharpness)
- Glossy: Vibrant colors and contrast, but prone to glare and fingerprints
Canvas Prints:
- Textured, painterly feel
- Doesn’t require framing (gallery-wrap style)
- Can lose fine detail
Metal Prints:
- Infused dye on aluminum
- Modern, high-contrast look
- Durable, scratch-resistant, vibrant colors
Acrylic Prints:
- Mounted behind acrylic glass
- Deep colors and sharpness
- Premium gallery-style presentation
🏞️ 4. Best Subjects for Different Print Types
- Paper (Luster/Matte): Works well for all types—mountains, forests, seascapes
- Canvas: Great for moody skies, soft-focus scenes, painterly edits
- Metal: Ideal for bold sunsets, cityscapes, high-contrast images
- Acrylic: Perfect for vibrant color, minimal compositions, or high-end spaces
🏢 5. Where to Print
Online Labs:
- Bay Photo
- WHCC (White House Custom Colour)
- Mpix
- Printique
- Nations Photo Lab
Local Print Shops:
- Support small businesses and preview samples in person
- May offer framing, mounting, and consultations
DIY Printing:
- Use professional photo printers like Epson SureColor or Canon imagePROGRAF
- Control every aspect of the process—but it’s a significant investment
🖼️ 6. Framing and Display Options
- Mat and frame for a traditional gallery look
- Float mount on wood, acrylic, or metal for modern style
- Triptych or grid layouts for storytelling impact
Tips:
- Choose neutral frames to highlight your image, not distract
- Use archival materials to protect your prints long-term
- Hang at eye level in spaces with indirect light to avoid glare
💰 7. Selling Your Prints
If you’re ready to monetize your work:
- Set up an online store (Shopify, Etsy, or SmugMug)
- Use print-on-demand services like Printful or Gelato
- Offer limited editions for exclusivity
- Include certificates of authenticity
🧠 Final Thoughts
Printing your landscape photos is more than just decoration—it’s an extension of your creative vision. It allows you to share your passion, grow your brand, and celebrate the beauty you’ve captured in a lasting, meaningful way.
So don’t leave your best shots on a hard drive—print them, share them, and let them inspire others.
Happy printing!