Advice for Wedding Prints

[dphoto]

Hello to all the pros out there! :D

Well, I just shot my first wedding, and the bride and groom are currently reviewing their digital proofs. Up to this point, I've been printing images using two methods: (1) using my Canon i9100 with Canon ink and Ilford smooth gloss paper; (2) sending them over the net to a Noritsu system that prints onto Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. My printer has a noticeably wider color gamut than the Noritsu. However, the Noritsu prints are way more durable. Also, my printer will sometimes show banding in large areas of solid color. The Noritsu prints never have this problem. Also, the Noritsu is much cheaper and I don't have to deal with printer issues. So, overall, the Canon prints can sometimes look better, but I don't like how fragile the prints are and I'm constantly having to check for signs of banding. So, my question is... what would you suggest? Is there a good third option out there? What do the wedding photographers around here use?

I've seen many Kodak prints with the "professional image--do not copy" notice in the paper and they seem to look good (although I have noticed that it's hard to tell the difference in color gamuts unless you are holding copies of the same image side by side). Any other ideas? The Noritsu has been a great option, and I think it could work for these photos, but I just want to make sure that I'm giving the bride and groom top quality prints.

Thanks for any advice you can share!
-Deva

[Maureen Souza]

Deva.....I print all my photos on an Epson 2200 and they come out fabulous. If you are in the market for a new printer, I hear Epson is just releasing one comparable.

[dphoto]

Hi Maureen,

I had actually bought an Epson (I think it was a 2200... it was Epson's $700 printer one year ago) before I bought the Canon, but I didn't like it. The color was great and the prints were durable, but it reflected light strangely off of the black ink when viewed at an angle. So head on the pictures looked great, but from the side in the wrong light it made people look funny. I don't know if anyone else has seen anything like that... maybe it was just that printer? Anyhow, maybe I'll look into that. Thanks for the suggestion!

Anyone else have any other methods they'd like to share? Does anyone use Kodak's professional printing services?

Thanks again!
-Deva

[Avalonthas]

If u plan on getting more wedding gigs and $$$ then invest in a i9900 or something. There awesome.

[dphoto]

I didn't know there was that much difference between the i9100 and the i9900. Yeah, I don't know... after spending $500 for the 9100, I'd be reluctant to give Canon another $500 for a 9900. But I am glad to hear the 9900 is giving good results. And these Canon printers are so fast too! :D

-Deva

[Maureen Souza]

Deva...You might wantto go to Epson.com and have a look at the new printer. I think it was supposed to resolve a little of that glare seen in darker photos. I do notice it on my dark pictures too but not much and I generally don't print a lot of darker photos. I do love the fact that if one of my pictures gets a wet spot on it, it does not hurt the picture at all. And I love that the quality will last for upwards of 100 years.
Happy shopping~

[dphoto]

Thanks Marureen! :D

[Mannytkd]

Hi all,

I recently bought an Epson R200 and since showing a couple of friends the results some of them don't believe that it's a printer. I have always had Epson and i think they are the best, well they are for me, so for portraits and wedding prints gat the best Epson?

Karl.