Printing 8x10's, brochures, etc.

Andrea Evans · 11-10-2001, 08:43 PM

What paper do you prefer when printing out 8x10's? I have a three-year-old HP Deskjet 722c that I use for printing brochures, business cards, correspondence, etc., etc. Are laser printers better for printing photos? Any suggestions for printing 8x10's for my portfolio? I like the control I have over my own printing.

Cynthia Daniel · 11-10-2001, 08:52 PM

I have an HP 932C and I'm very happy with the quality, though I'd suggest going one step higher to get a larger papaer feed tray. I believe the next step up is a 955C. However, there are things to consider such as dpi when scanning and printer settings.

See my answer to "Another Digital Camera Question" at http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...p?threadid=186

Cynthia Daniel · 11-10-2001, 08:57 PM

If you want to give a digital file to a traditional printer, you will want to give them a .tif file. A .tif file is not lossy and a .jpg is.

The .jpg format (not compressed too much) is ok for printing on a computer printer, but for the printing press, you'll want a .jpg.

Andrea Evans · 11-10-2001, 09:03 PM

Hi, Cynthia,

I think I will investigate the HP 932C printer you suggest. I would like some input into what papers are used for brochures and business cards. I have been experimenting for three years, buying everything on the market, trying to duplicate professional quality brochures.
Thanks, Cynthia.

Cynthia Daniel · 11-10-2001, 09:18 PM

I actually recommend that you go up one model from the 932C. The 932C is more for transporting and thus has a paper tray that folds up flat against the printer, but it holds less paper.

I'm not sure what paper you're tried, but I know there is paper specifically for inkjet printers. Jack Pardue prints his own brochure. Maybe I can get him over here for his input.

For portrait samples, you might want to try photo paper. I've tried them on photo paper and they came out quite nice.

This is getting off into computer things and really should be in the Computer Corner. Maybe I can copy these last posts over there.

William Whitaker · 11-10-2001, 09:18 PM

Good grief Andrea!

I have answers that work for me, but I

Andrea Evans · 11-10-2001, 09:53 PM

Hi, Cynthia, Bill, et al,

This has been a great day on the forum for me. I've found that printing my own business cards is great. I have been using the Avery matte white cards (10 to a sheet). I print my name, phone number and email address on one side and on the other side I print a portrait. I print about six different portrait business cards.

Bill, I sympathize with you about your eyesight. I have presbyopia for which there is no miracle operation yet, so I have to rely on strong glasses. I visited your website, www.williamwhitaker.com. Your work is truly superior, and I particularly enjoyed the demonstrations. I shall pass along your web address. Did you photograph "The Secret" with your digital camera? I right clicked on the mouse and "zoomed in" twice. The detail and color are incredible on my monitor.

Andrea

Renee Brown · 11-11-2001, 03:40 PM

Andrea, Hi.

At present I am preparing brochures and matching business cards for a tour of my portraits in 2002.
Each brochure and business card will be mailed to former and prospective clients.

I am using the pretty bordered brochure paper found at Staples with matching business cards. It is a trifold pre-scored paper and I paste printed address labels on the outside with a large "You're Invited" in Park Ave. script. When they open the tri-fold brochure, five of my images and all the locations of the shows plus pertinent information on ordering a commissioned portrait is on the brochure.

I just bought an HP 1215 printer and it is working very well. It was $300. and if I had gone for a better brand I would have purchased the Epson 1280, which I heard is marvelous, but then you are talking $500 or $600. Also has a larger bed but I don't make prints so it is not necessary for me.

I use 3-M clear mailing tape and laminate the printed side of each business card, rendering it a permanent and stronger business card. Easy to do while watching tv.

Renee

William Whitaker · 11-12-2001, 01:00 AM

Andrea,

Yes. I used my Nikon 995 to take that picture on my web site. I mount my camera on a tripod and take the shot on my easel using natural north light coming in from the left and slightly above.

Bill

Debra Jones · 02-12-2002, 02:09 AM

Have I got stories about paper!

My first suggestion is try a place like FRYES. Sometimes there are photo papers for sale at outrageous prices. Glossy photo papers for the 8x10s in sheet holders will just plain print clearer. They are made to approximate photographs. They can range from up to $2 a sheet down to .25 depending on weight, quality and manufacturer. When you print, however be sure you go into your printer settings and SPECIFY you are using glossy photo (not film) as your paper type. The printer makes a different spray pattern. If you have all night, make a high quality run and you will get good prints, if you have good input.

For brochures I have a great one. I have to search all over but Great White papers makes a 32# inkjet imaging and photo matte paper that is stunning for short runs that I fold myself. If you were to get some done at a printer, the would probably have a better one, but what I like is the weight is opaque but not hard to fold and it is lightly coated and has a 82 brightness. I have tried using gloss, but it is too heavy to fold without cracking the surface and usually only comes one sided. This is clear and bright and for short runs is just great! This one runs well with high quality or 320 dpi settings on the printer.

Good luck finding it tho. OfficeMax gets amnesia every time I go in but it is worth the hunt.