Even though photographs of any type are protected by copyright laws, that doesn’t stop most from scanning and reprinting their images.
But why are professional prints so much more expensive, people ask me all the time. Why do I charge $10 for a print, when you can get one on Shutterfly or at Target for 30 cents? There are a few reasons, actually. One, or course, is that the photographs are copyrighted to me and I can charge whatever I want. Just like I say to my kids, “because I said so.”
But really, why else? Professional prints are different. They offer a much higher quality print. They are color corrected by professionals (not people who put film into a machine and put it into a package when it comes out). They are sealed with a protective coating to reduce discoloration, pealing, and damage to the print itself. They are guaranteed to stand the test of time; regular prints are not.
The price may be higher, but as so many things, you get what you pay for. Pay 30 cents for a print, and expect to have to replace it because it fades or discolors. Or it might not even make it home without having to be reprinted – the color on their printing machine might not be accurate and cause the photograph to be discolored from the time you receive it. Take the time, spend the money to get the professional print. You’ll be happy you did when 20 years down the road your picture still looks great, and is still the right color.
As so many people state, if their home is burning down, a natural disaster is on its way, or they are deserted on a desert island, what do they take with them? 90% of people say their photographs. I would hate to be stuck on that deserted island and watch my photographs yellow and fade.