It’s so exciting to finally get your professional family photos, so the last thing you want is for something to happen to those digital files.

The moment you receive photos from your photographer, make a backup of the files. Unfortunately, technology can sometimes fail too, which is why it’s highly recommended you print your favorite shots as soon as you can.

Printing your professional family photos doesn’t need to be a daunting process though. Here is what you should consider during the printing process.

But before I start I want to mention that at the end of this post I will be linking to a photographer in Melbourne who's sharing a beach family photo session you'll definitely want to check it out.  Ok here we go . . . 

1. Where to Print Your Photos

Before you can print your photos, you will need to decide where you will have them printed. You can either take the files to a digital lab such as those you find in JC Penny and Walmart, or you can use an online photo processing service such as Shutterfly. And then there is also the option of asking your photographer to take care of the prints for you. Most photo labs are very helpful and will ensure you get high-quality prints that you can proudly display in your home. If you are more familiar with photo printing, the online route will work just fine.

2. Choosing a Finish

When you’re printing your photos, you’ll be asked to choose between a matte, glossy or pearl finish. Glossy is the option that most labs will use because it makes the colors pop more. Unfortunately, glossy prints also show other imperfections such as fingerprints, which can be annoying. Matte will prevent marks from showing up but the colors often look duller, which is why it’s a better choice for fine art prints. One advantage of matte prints is that light doesn’t create as big a glare as it does with glossy prints. A pearl or lustre finish is the perfect in-between option.

3. Selecting a Size

In most instances, photographers take shots in such a way that you can print them in larger sizes, ensuring the prints really showcase the expressions of the people in the photos. 4" x 6" and 8" x 12" are two of the most popular sizes but it all depends on what you plan to do with the prints. You may want to decide where you will be hanging or storing the prints before you decide on a size.

If you feel you would prefer some guidance from a professional, speak to your photographer about printing options prior to your shoot. Many photographers already include printing in some of their packages, so if you want to skip the hassle of printing your photos yourself, look out for these packages.