The Artisan might cut it depending on what your actual business is. It's more in how much you will be printing in a day.
And yes you'll need to experiment. Part of the paper selection involves what effects you're looking for. Without knowing the actual use of the prints, it's tough to say what paper will serve you best. And remember that the same type of paper (semi-gloss for example) are not identical from different paper manufacturers.
If you have a photography trade show like
Photo Plus Expo in NYC that you can get to, they usually have several of the paper manufacturers at the shows and you can talk to them and see sample prints.
Well my business will be your run of the mill photography studio specializing in everything! I'm not exactly sure how I will market and advertise, but it will be aggressive that's for sure. Hey, thanks for the info regarding all paper isn't created equal, hence thickness, density etc.. I should of known this after wading through 18,000 types of paper online. Also, there is a convention next month and I think I will attend. It's a three day event and it's close to my Alma Mater! Should be a good time regardless!
Thanks again Bear for sharing your knowledge! The paper info is very helpful!
I have the Epson 3800, and aside from it being a bit picky about loading single sheets in the rear slot, have found it produces wonderful results and has been very solid for me. The rear slot demands that sheets be perfectly square. It will tell you immediately that your sheet is skewed and to please try again... so it doesn't cost money or time. It's a well known 'thing' and I don't want to make it sound serious... but you will hear about this in some reviews.
The ink costs up front are staggering, because you are buying ink in tanks that are larger than you are used to. However, the tanks last much much longer than the smaller Epson printers. When I last did my calculations, which was a few years ago and in Canadian $$ it cost me just under $1 per ml of ink.
Comparing $/ml is a good start to compare operating costs, but you also need to know how much ink is going onto the paper. Yes, some printers drink more ink. But the good reviews will help sort that out. Keep in mind that two different reviewers will get two different usage rates on the same printer if their test prints are different. So make sure you compare Apples to Apples. In my case it cost me (several years ago) $1.61 per 8.5 x11 sheet - for the ink. Your numbers will be different of course, but it's a starting point. The printer will come with a starter pack of inks, so the cost of buying more ink can be deferred until you've sold a few prints. 🙂
Do some googling around. There are some really good sites that do reviews on printers, and will also list things like the ink used per sheet, etc etc. Try Luminous Landscape, for example.
The 3880 may not be the best printer (or it may be, I don't know) but I don't think you will be disappointed either. It's a good solid printer.
Also, printers can be sheet feeders only (like the 3880) or can also accept rolls of paper - like the Epson 4900. Paper can be much cheaper by the roll, but of course the printer is also much more expensive. If you are going into print production (as in putting out many many prints) then perhaps a roll printer is for you. But they are also huge!
Check around too, you may find the Epson 3880 is on sale some place.
No printer of this calibre is going to be "dead easy" to use. Some are just more difficult than others. But this is a good forum for posting questions.
Yes, you are going to have to learn about papers too, and profiles. A good pro photo store will have samples you can look at, expert help, and sample packs of paper so you can try different surfaces.
I'd also buy your printer from a pro photo store if you can. Even if you can save a few bucks by ordering on-line a good store will give you great advice, and will help you to protect your investment by answering questions etc.
Good Luck.
SNB, I knew you would post!
🙂 Regarding the skewed paper, that's saying I buy rolls and cut it myself? Thanks for the info about that series of printer. It is a front runner currently! Well, I read that it is around $1 per ml, so I'm reading accurate information. Also, I planned to buy more ink with a printer, but you are right: I better wait until I sell prints! Thanks! I'm sure the included ink will print plenty of photos right off the bat. Although, I have to practice printing like mad and figure out my print profile(s)!
I'll check out Luminous Landscape, thanks a million! Your last few paragraphs are what I needed to hear, thanks again! Creating profiles, figuring out whether to buy a sheet feeder or a roll feeder is something I have to address! Also, I thought about saving a few bucks and buying online, but i think I will but locally that way I have someone to "lean on" saying I don't have internet service that day?
😉
Yeah you should factor in the total number of prints you intend to make, and what output sizes. Get the best printer for that specification. Buying a cheap printer for high-volume work is just asking for disaster.
Doubly so when your business depends on the printer. If your printer is not up to snuff, your products will be sub-par and not sell, or if your printer breaks down and you are making no prints, you are not selling anything and thus making no money either.
It is not a "cost", it's investing in your livelihood. I'm not saying you need an Epson 9900 or anything but buying one of the more expensive pro-grade printers may be the more effective investment especially when it comes to output volume, maintenance costs, and reliability.
Paper selection can vary from print to print. Ideally you would stock several different kinds of paper that you could then use to match to each print, for maximum effect. Like some papers are a little warmer and work better for some images, while others are a little cooler. Surface texture, brightness, dmax, all vary between fine art papers, and there is no one paper that works "best" for all prints.
Firstly, thanks a ton! The livelihood advice is as true as night and day! Yes, your info regarding volume is something I thought about, once I get going. I don't want to buy a "pro printer" twice unless I out grow the first one! All of us know that's a great situation to be in, but I'm not there yet! Thanks for the advice regarding possessing many types and brands of paper. I will buy multiple brands and conduct test print showdowns to determine which I like better for what and why! Invaluable advice regarding there isn't one paper for multiple print jobs! I kinda figured since photography is expensive as a hobby, let alone a business. Nonetheless, thanks for the sound and logical advice!
If your business is selling your own work, you don't need two printers. If you're printing for others, you might eventually need two printers, but there's no point in buying two printers now.
No, there isn't! That's why I have to do my homework/research! Thanks for the advice!
I've got a Pixma Pro 9000 II . Great printer as far as quality ,prints up to 13x19 , but it goes through ink pretty fast . There's 8 tiny cartridges and it seems one's always about to run out . I don't use mine commercially so the small cartridges are an annoyance , but nothing more . Don't think I'd recommend one for more than occasional business use . There's gotta be something with ink tanks out there that gives good results and is within your price range , just don't know what it is .
Exactly what I want to hear regarding business use! Small "cartridges" suck with my current printer, let alone a business/commercial model! You helped more than you know kind Sir! Thank you!
I greatly appreciate sharing of knowledge, providing sound, and logical regarding all aspects of photography! Also, advice on this forum is free and there are ample members who share their experiences free of charge and to those members: I Salute You All!
