It is now possible to print your photos at A3 size using a professional, online photo printing company and so read on to discover the A3 photo printing options available to you and how you can achieve high quality A3 photo prints.
With A3-sized photo prints, you have the power to transform your precious moments into stunning masterpieces that capture the essence of your memories. Whether it's a family portrait, a breathtaking landscape, or a cherished moment frozen in time printing your photos at A3 size allows you to relive those special moments in all their glory. Hang them on your wall, gift them to loved ones, or simply keep them as a personal piece of art that brings joy to your everyday life.
So why settle for small prints when you can go big and make a lasting impression?
What size is an A3 photo print?
A3 photo prints measure 42 cm x 30 cm (420 mm x 297 mm) or 16.5 inches x 11.7 inches and may be printed in landscape or portrait formats. A3 prints are large format photo prints which are ideal for framing and hanging on a wall.
The Advantages of A3 Photo Printing
A3 photo printing offers a multitude of advantages that make it a popular choice among photographers and art enthusiasts alike. The larger size of an A3 print allows for more details to be captured, resulting in a richer and more immersive viewing experience. The increased surface area also means that your images will have greater impact and presence, especially when displayed on a wall or in a frame.
In addition to size, A3 printing offers superior image quality. The increased resolution and colour accuracy ensures that your high resolution photos may be reproduced with stunning clarity and precision. The vibrant colours and deep blacks create a visual impact that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your prints.
A3 prints are also versatile in that they can be displayed as standalone pieces, framed and hung on walls, or even used as part of a larger installation of photos. Whether you're showcasing your family photos adding a personal touch to your living space, A3 prints offer a level of versatility that allows you to express your creativity in various ways.
Choosing the Best Photos for Printing at A3 Size and Tips for Optimising Your Photos for Print
To achieve professional-quality A3 printed pictures, there are a few tips and techniques that can help enhance the overall print quality. These tips apply not only to the printing process but also to the preparation and editing of your photos beforehand.
Firstly, ensure that your images are original, high quality photos of at least 3mb and in JPEG format. Any less and you run the risk that the print may not be as crisp as you would like. Most professional photo printers print at 300 dpi (dots per inch) and so you will need a photo size of 3508 x 4961 pixels per inch to achieve the sharpest prints.
Next ensure that your photo is well lit and bright. Dark photos taken indoors without adequate lighting may look satisfactory on a small, backlit digital screen such as a phone but may print darker. If your photos are dark and you have the option to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation levels you should do this before you print your photos at A3 size.
It’s also important to consider the colour profile set up - for top quality silver halide photo prints you’ll need you images to have an sRGB profile (photos from a camera or phone will automatically have this profile) whereas if you are printing at home or as a poster a CMYK colour profile is preferable.
In summary here’s what we recommend for the best-quality A3 printed photos:
File Type: jpg
DPI: 300 DPI
Colour Profile: sRGB for silver halide printing and CMYK for Inkjet printing.
Choosing the Right Printing Method for A3 Photos
When it comes to A3 photo printing, choosing the right printing method is crucial to achieving best results because the key consideration when printing A3 pictures is the print quality required.
There are 3 different printing methods for printing A3 photos below which we have put in our opinion of print quality:
- Online photo printing using the silver halide method of printing and C type prints. This method is regarded as achieving the best quality and longevity of photo prints.
- Online photo printing using commercial inkjet printers to produce A3 poster type prints. This method achieve good quality of print reproduction but the results are not generally as sharp as silver halide photo printing and the poster paper Edies t generally last as long as silver halide photo paper.
- A home printer which is able to print at A3 size.
We discuss these 3 options in more detail below:
Online Photo Printing - Real Silver Halide Photo Prints
Printing using the traditional silver halide method results in best quality longer lasting photo prints but it is generally more expensive than inkjet printing commercially or at home.
Photo printers generally use high quality Fuji Crystal Archive photo paper which is available able with a gloss or matte finish.
Printing using this method ensures that your A3 prints will be crisp and clear, with every detail captured in stunning precision. In addition colour accuracy is generally better with this method and prints are more true to life and accurately represent the original image.
Online Photo Printing - Inkjet Posters
Inkjet printing online is good value and can generally result in good quality poster like A3 prints. This method is ideal if you need large prints but you don’t necessarily require the very best quality.
Posters are generally printed on 130 gsm - 170gsm paper and arrive rolled up in a tube ready to be flattened before framing and hanging.
Home Printing - Inkjet or Laser Printer
Printing at home using an Inkjet or laser printer is the most convenient and cheapest option if you have access to a large A3 printer and good quality photo paper. However, the print quality is generally inferior to printing photos commercially online.
Whilst good quality photo paper is standard when printing commercially online the choice of paper is very important when home printing as this can greatly influence the final result, so it's important to select a paper that complements your images and enhances their visual impact. Look for papers that offer a smooth surface, excellent colour reproduction, and archival quality. When it comes to printing, at home make sure to select the appropriate print settings on your printer.
Our preference for home printing of large photos is the EPSON EcoTank ET-8550 All-in-One Wireless A3+ Photo Printer. This is a big investment but it’s a high quality printer and the EcoTank ink option means that the cost effective ink results in it being better value in the long run.
Popular Uses for A3 Photo Prints
A3 photo prints offer a wide range of uses and applications. From personal enjoyment to professional displays, the possibilities are endless.
Here are some popular uses for A3 prints:
- Home Decor: A3 prints can be used to add a personal touch to your living space. Whether it's a striking landscape, a portrait of your loved ones, or a collection of your favourite memories, A3 prints can transform your walls into a gallery of cherished moments.
- Gifts: A3 prints make for thoughtful and personalised gifts. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, a carefully chosen A3 print can be a meaningful and lasting present that captures the essence of a shared memory.
- Exhibitions and Galleries: A3 prints are commonly used by photographers and artists to showcase their work in exhibitions and galleries. The larger format allows for a more immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for capturing the attention and admiration of viewers.
- Photography Portfolios: A3 prints are a popular choice for photographers looking to create professional portfolios. The larger size allows for more impactful presentations and helps highlight the details and nuances of their work.
- Art Installations: A3 prints can be combined with other prints or artwork to create stunning installations. Whether it's a series of related images or a collage of diverse visuals, A3 prints can be a versatile tool for creating visually captivating art installations.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Photography with A3 Prints
Unlock the power of A3 photo printing and take your photography to new heights. With its larger size, vibrant colours, and exquisite detail, A3 prints allow you to showcase your creativity and celebrate your most cherished memories. Whether you're a professional photographer looking to exhibit your work or a hobbyist wanting to add a personal touch to your living space, A3 printing offers a versatile and impactful way to showcase your images.
To achieve professional-quality A3 prints, choose the right printer, properly edit and enhance your photos, and select the appropriate paper. Choose high quality silver halide photo printing for the best, sharpest results.
Consider the different uses for A3 prints and explore online services, local print shops and your own home A3 printer to find the best option for your needs. While A3 printing may come with a higher cost than printing at standard photo print sizes such as 7x5 prints, there are ways to manage expenses and still enjoy the stunning results.
Unlock the power of A3 photo printing and transform your moments into stunning masterpieces that will be cherished for years to come. Elevate your photography game and let your creativity shine through with A3 prints that captivate the viewer and bring your memories to life.
