Unlike traditional photography where an entire roll of film needs developing, with digital photography you have the choice of only printing your best shots.

They can be printed at home or you can have them processed commercially online or at a local photo processor.

Requirements for printing photos at home

For home printing, a photo quality printer, inkjet cartridges and special photo paper is recommended. It should be pointed out that photo printers have become so good that they are capable of producing prints that rival those made in a professional photo lab.

To obtain optimal results, basic image editing is often required. Much of the mystique surrounding editing has disappeared as photo editing programs have gotten easier to use. Prices for many programs are quite reasonable.

Free photo editing and organizing programs such as Picasa, let you crop, color correct and enhance images in a few minutes. Many of these processes take place at the click of a button.

Printing photos at home is not for everyone

However, printing your own photos is not for everyone. It can take more time than some are willing to put in. The cost of a printer and supplies may not be cost effective particularly if you don’t make a lot of prints.

Thankfully, there are several options for having prints made for a reasonable price. Simply bring your digital files to a local photo processor, or upload and edit them online and the prints will be delivered to your front door.

Many online photo services, such as the highly rated Kodak Gallery, offer free prints to first time users.