The Canon PIXMA PRO 200: My First Steps Into Photo Printing
Printing my own photography has been a dream of mine for years. As photographers, we often see our work on screens, but there's something uniquely special about holding a physical print. A printed photograph feels like a finished piece of art—tangible, real, and lasting.
In the past, I’d outsource my printing to services like Saal Digital, Whitewall, or Photobox. These companies are fantastic, offering convenience and quality, but the costs can add up quickly. With my growing desire to print more of my work, I decided to invest in a printer of my own. Enter the Canon PIXMA PRO 200, a game-changer for my photography journey.
Why Print Your Photos?
For years, my images lived on hard drives, in online storage, and on social media. They looked great on screens, but they always felt incomplete. Screens limit how we view our photos—smaller, less immersive, and tied to technology that becomes obsolete. Prints, on the other hand, have a permanence and longevity that screens simply can’t match. They can last a lifetime, be framed, or simply stored as keepsakes.
Printing also offers an incredible learning opportunity. When you see your work on paper, every detail becomes apparent—colors, shadows, highlights. The flaws and strengths of an image stand out in ways they never do on a screen. This pushes you to refine your craft, from composition to post-processing.
The process of printing also shifted my perspective on gear. We often chase the latest cameras with more megapixels or faster autofocus, believing they’ll make us better photographers. But when you see a print, you realise that a lot of what’s marketed to us isn’t as crucial as we’re led to believe. Printing forces you to focus on the essentials: light, composition, and storytelling. It’s a reminder that photography is about creating art, not collecting gear.
Why the Canon PIXMA PRO 200?
After months of research, I chose the Canon PIXMA PRO 200. It’s user-friendly, produces stunning prints, and supports various paper types and sizes. As a beginner in photo printing, I wanted professional-quality results without being overwhelmed, and this printer delivered. I’ll dive deeper into technical details and tips in another blog post, but for now, I can confidently say it’s been worth every penny.
A New Chapter in My Photography
Printing has reignited my passion for photography. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for my work and a sense of pride that’s hard to describe. To celebrate, I’ve opened a limited edition print store. The first run features one of my favorite minimalist shots of Brighton Beach, printed on Fotospeed NST Bright White paper. Each print is signed, numbered, and limited to just five copies. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
If you’re interested, you can find the link below. Even if you don’t grab one this time, join my mailing list to stay updated on future releases.
In conclusion, printing has transformed how I view my art. It’s a rewarding process that I believe every photographer should experience. Whether you’re new to printing or just curious, I encourage you to give it a try. Take your images from screen to print and see them in a whole new light. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Check out my YouTube video about this