"I can just save money and get these printed through Walmart."
When it comes to getting photos printed, it's easy to understand the reasoning behind deciding to take your digitals to a big box photo lab (like Walmart Photo, CVS, etc) to get them printed out and have gifts made up. Those photo labs make all sorts of printed products quick and convenient, and at very budget-friendly prices, too!
It's also well known that because boudoir is a luxury experience, a boudoir session is usually a significant investment; and it makes sense that one would seek to save some money where it seems logical to do so. However, as a boudoir photographer myself, I'd love to take a moment to explain why not utilizing your boudoir photographer's printing services is doing yourself a HUGE disservice! I'll break it down below.
Reason #1: There's a BIG quality difference.
A big box photo printing lab is cheap for a reason. Absolutely, it gets the job done and your images are quickly printed and in your hands in a matter of minutes-to-hours. Have you ever noticed that your photo prints don't lay flat? Or that your skin looks too orange/yellow? Or that the image looks way darker than it does on your phone? Or--maybe worst of all--that the print looks BLURRY??
Especially if you order your big box photo lab prints online, the design & print program they use may not advise you on the specifications that guarantee the best-quality prints. And they may also not do any color-correcting.
Your boudoir photographer is a professional who has the technical knowledge to make sure you get the sharpest, best quality, and most true-to-color prints.
Your photographer will work through a photography lab that:
- uses much higher quality photographic paper (archival-grade papers that are acid balanced, so they don't lose color or integrity over time--we're talking decades, not just years!)
- uses better quality digital inkjet printers, and/or other high-end printing processes (THIS is a great article that talks about the different types of printing processes used!)
- has employees that are thoroughly trained on printing equipment and design/printing processes, and care about achieving the best print results for you.
Reason #2: Your photographer's professional lab is dedicated to protecting the privacy of your nudes.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON!!!!!!!! As someone who believes the boudoir industry needs to operate at the highest level of ethical standards, I will always be passionate about educating and warning boudoir clients about the risks of not using their photographer's print lab for printing boudoir photos.
If you're someone that values your privacy--especially when it concerns your intimate photos, this applies to you.
There are photography labs that are dedicated to working exclusively with sensitive imagery. Being trusted to create tangible art with your nudes or other vulnerable images is something they treat with the utmost respect, and deal with all day long. They have processes specifically designed to protect your privacy and the integrity of your photos and how they are handled.
Then, there are labs that don't specialize in printing nudity. Please don't assume that the 19-year-old working behind the big box photo counter inherently has the maturity, or has been adequately trained, to work with your intimate images. And some labs, you might notice, have screens and printers that are customer-facing--which means it may not be just the photo associate seeing your images, but other customers around you.
I have been working with a small-business photography lab that is completely woman-owned and operated for years. They have proven time and time again how fantastic their work is, and how passionate they are to protecting boudoir clients' privacy. Ethics and high quality were the top two deciding factors in why I trust them with the printing processes for my client's images, and both my clients and I couldn't be happier! The designing and printing process should feel equally empowering for you as well, not just the boudoir session!
Reason #3: Big Box labs may not even be allowed to print and distribute your boudoir photos.
Let's say you place an order online with a big box photo lab. You're SO excited to surprise your partner with a bunch of wallet-size prints of all your spiciest boudoir pictures! (By the way, this is based on a REAL scenario!)
The associate at the Big Box receives your order and begins reviewing the images to be printed. The associate notices the intimate nature of the images and knows they need to get their manager involved because the images violate their policy on what they can print. The manager reviews the images as well and calls you, letting you know they can't fulfill your order due to the nature of the images. It's company policy not to reproduce or sell products involving "prohibited content", including those of a sexual nature, and most--if not all--big box photo labs have a policy like this.
Now you're out time and money, and that bites!
Another thought to consider: the associate reviewing your order may not even be 18 years old. While most Big Box photo labs have a requirement that their associates are at least 18 years old, that isn't always strictly enforced. If there's a risk that you're exposing a minor to suggestive or nude imagery, it's not a risk worth taking!
Your boudoir photographer will be able to get you the products you need without issues like these coming up. Your images and printed products are handled with care and the utmost privacy, and you deserve nothing less!
Keep in mind:
Your boudoir photographer's services, and the luxurious products they offer, aren't expensive because they want to nickle-and-dime you. Quality, both in products and an exceptional experience, is an investment. It's up to you to decide if you're worth it. (Hint: YOU ARE!)
