iprintfromhome

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: What, How, Why Interview Series

At iPrintfromHome.com, we work with artists and photographers from across the United States and Canada. We're inspired everyday by the images that you send to us and by the stories that you share.

A few years ago, we started our "What, How, Why" interview series so that we could take a closer look at some of you fascinating people and share your stories.

We ask each participating artist or photographer three simple questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How do you do it?
3. Why do you use iPrintfromHome.com?

Click here to read previously published interviews.

We're writing to you today to invite you to submit. If you would like to be considered for this feature, please e-mail us with answers to the above quoted questions. Please also be sure to give us permission to review the images in your account. If your interview is selected, we'll contact you to let you know. Looking forward to reviewing your submission!

Thanks,
the iPrintfromHome.com team

NOTE: If you submitted in the past and your interview was not published, please feel free to send us an updated entry. Or, if you area already featured and you want to make some changes, please let us know.

Evolving industry - moving towards inkjet.

Posted:10.22.2021

We have been in the imaging business for over 40 years and we have seen lots of change over that time. We're constantly evolving, moving with the times, while making sure to stay true to our core values and maintain excellence in both product and service. We want to give you a head's up on some changes that you might see next time you submit an order.

Moving towards inkjet:
A few years ago, we began the process of transitioning our production systems away from photographic printing and towards inkjet printing. This all came about because there were some issues with the suppliers for our photographic prints (c-prints) - issues with both the printer manufacturer (Noritsu) and the paper manufacturer (Kodak). It looked like photographic prints (c-prints) were not going to last and it looked like we needed to transition to inkjet if we were going to be able to stay in business.

Last year, we made some major advances in automating our inkjet printing systems and getting everything ready to run the bulk of our production volume. We market tested the pricing over the last year and we found a price point that works well for our customers and for us. It's come to the point where we are ready to transition, but photographic prints (c-prints) are still a popular product and we don't want to nix them just yet. We are going to continue to offer them as long as we can.

In the long term, we think you'll be really happy with the inkjet prints. In many ways, we think they look a lot better than photographic prints (c-prints) - sharper edges, bolder colors, blacker blacks, and whiter whites.

If you haven't seen a Paper Sampler and Calibration Kit in a while, reach out to us here to let us know so that we can send one out to your address. We think the inkjet prints are pretty awesome and we're really excited about them.

Availability issues with Kodak papers:
Recently, we have been having trouble sourcing some Kodak papers. A couple weeks ago, we couldn't find 10" semi-matte paper anywhere in the country, which is why you might not have seen it listed on the website. We were able to secure some and 10" semi-matte prints are back up on the site for now.

Unfortunately, it looks like more shortages are coming, and these shortages appear to be worldwide. If a product becomes unavailable, we will remove it from the drop down on the site.

We would strongly encourage you to consider moving to inkjet printing now so that you have time to experiment before photographic printing is no longer available.

An evolving industry:
The imaging industry has been through a lot in the last 40 years, particularly with the move from film to digital. While change is always a little uncomfortable, it can also be pretty exciting.

In the long term, we think you'll be really happy with the inkjet prints. As we said above, in many ways, we think they look a lot better than photographic prints (c-prints) - sharper edges, bolder colors, blacker blacks, and whiter whites. When we print for ourselves, we always choose inkjet. The quality is pretty stunning. We're really excited to hear what you think.

Here we go again - a little older, a little wiser, and just as excited as ever. As always, we really appreciate your continued support.

If you have any questions, please contact us here. Please be sure to reach out and let us know if you'd like to receive a Paper Sampler and Calibration Kit.

We hope you and your family are well. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other.

Thanks,
the iPrintfromHome.com team

Posted: 12.31.2021
Note about pricing: Although we are ready to switch, photographic prints (c-prints) are still a popular product and we don't want to nix them just yet. We are going to continue to offer them, but we need to adjust the pricing. Due to scarcity of supply and issues with maintenance contracts, the price for photographic prints (c-prints) will be slightly higher than inkjet prints.

While many labs across the country increase their prices yearly, we haven't raised prices in over a decade. We have been planning this pricing increase since January 2021, but we've held off because we didn't want to negatively impact our customers during a pandemic. On Thursday, January 6th, we intend to raise the prices of photographic prints. Analyzing the trend for cost and availability of raw materials to produce photographic prints (c-prints), the photo inkjet prints will be priced slightly more competitively than the photographic prints (c-prints). To review the prices, please go to: https://www.iprintfromhome.com/pricing/

Please note that these prices will go into effect on Thursday, January 6th.