Before I get flamed, let me explain my situation. I am just getting started and have finite funds. Not low, finite. I would like to stretch my dollars as much as possible for now. I'm not looking to take the world by storm at this time, but just get out there and see what I can do. I have an opportunity, and I'd like to follow it as long as possible. If I run out of money, then I go back to a conventional job and try again later. But if the response is favorable, then I will keep going and invest more in myself as opportunity permits.

Now for my question. It seems that most here say to go to a professional printer to have headshots printed up, which normally I would agree with. However, I'm not planning on saturating the market with my headshots at this time. Does anyone print their headshots at home, and if so, what kind of printer do they use? I was thinking to use this strategy to get started (I need a new printer anyway), and would eventually go to a professional printer for bulk printing as the need arose.

I'd suggest getting a Canon Pixma printer and use Epson Ultra Premium Luster Photo paper. I print everything for my portfolios on a Canon printer (i9100) and everything looks marvelous. Although, you don't really save money doing it tis way. It's actually more expensive, and if you don't know what you're doing, controlling the quality of the prints can be left up to fate. Have fun printing :-)

Ditto that on the Epson Ultra Premium Luster Photo paper. But Bradford's right about printing at home being more expensive in the long run. Printing your own pictures is more of an "Aww crap, I've got an audition today and I forgot that I'm out of headshots!" type of thing. Bite the bullet and get the smallest quantity of prints available at a print shop, and wait until later to buy a printer.

Thanks for the help!

Generally speaking, Epson or Canon 8x10 size prints cost around $2 each if you take into consideration the ink and paper cost. There are online print sources that charge in the neighborhood of $1 per print, but you have to order a minimum number of prints.

I have a list of online printers that let you order prints using your brower; just email me if you'd like a copy.

Roger Steen

A printer many of my clients have used that is pretty inexpensive and decent quality is Prints Charm'n.

www.printscharmn.com