Making your photographs look fantastic isn't just down to a great eye and an impressive lens. Instead of relying on high street developers, you can be responsible for the finished print and achieve striking results.

As long as you have a PC, scanner and an inkjet printer there's little you can't achieve with your own precious digital images and photographs. It's easy when you know how, but as with everything there are a few must haves and guidelines to enable you to make the most from your images. A smart printer alone can't guarantee fabulous colour prints because at the cornerstone of printing is the type of paper you use and, as always, a little bit of prior planning means better performance and better results.

Seven simple steps to success!

1. Feel your way
Inkjet paper comes in a range of different textures and there's nothing better than trying and testing to find out what works best for different types of image. It might all sound non-"PC", but the best way to get a sense of this is to take off the gloves and let your fingers do the work. The quality of paper cannot be judged simply by having a look at it. That said it's only by experimenting with different media that you really get to know your onions, as it were. With a myriad of complex terms around for the different types of paper including glossy, matt and textured with their various subsets and versions its easy to quickly become confused.

2. Knowing your matt from your gloss
Glossy - This media provides a sheen that produces prints closer to the archetypal glossy photograph - it's often billed as having 'the look and feel of a real photograph' and to capture azure skies and brilliant seas there's none better. It is also likely to give more deeply embedded colour. Buyers wanting to dampen down that sheen finish can buy semi-gloss paper, which provides a more understated shine.

Matt - Matt paper is, as the name implies, without any sort of sheen and ideal for arty style shots. Fans of black and white photography won't be without it and it carries off the subtle shades of colour images very well too. For colour pictures that don't need to scream off the page matt fits the bill.

Textured - Inkjet paper isn't just one-dimensional. The paper is often raised and sometimes coarser to the touch. In the textured world there's many different types of paper, from canvas through to heavier media for bright intense artwork and watercolour papers designed to carry off gentle shades.

Shapes and sizes - Labels and peel away stickers, transparent plastic and transfers for fabrics are just some of the blossoming ranges of alternative products for inkjet printers. It's best to start with the basics but very quickly you can find yourself able to use all manner of different materials.

3. Whiter than white
Checking that you're printing on the right side of the paper might seem an obvious point but almost everyone without exception has wasted paper stocks by printing on to the back. One simple test you can use to avoid this is to check that the side intended for printing is whiter than the other - this is the printable surface. For those in dimly lit areas a simple measure such as adding a label to the right side of the pack of paper can help avoid wastage.

4. Rack 'em up
Another handy piece of advice is not to print off multiple pages and leave them to pile on top of one another in the print tray. This can lead to yet more wasted effort and it's worth being cautious even with instant dry paper. Most standard inkjet papers take time to dry and while this process occurs, paper should be left in a damp-free room without dust or other 'pollutants'. Ironing, drying and generally trying to hurry the process along also have a detrimental effect. After a day spent in this kind environment the prints should be ready to mount, frame or store, however if they are being 'stacked' then it's better to use a clean dividing piece of paper between them.

5. Fading fast?
Look back at the family archives and you'll soon see that all photos, no matter how they are printed tend to lose image sharpness and colour intensity over the years. Inkjet prints in particular, spurred on by improvements in ink and paper technology, are now designed to last longer. However for real longevity it's worth keeping them away from the rays of the sun and, if they are on display, a glass cover is advisable.

6. Keeping paper in its prime
Printing paper is temperamental and sensitive to changes in moisture levels, temperature and lighting. All of these can affect how well it performs, so it's best kept in stable conditions and put back in the packet when removed.

7. Get set to print
Photo quality paper, such as PRINTASIA, is designed to be used in inkjet printers that are set-up to print photos. We all have a personal taste for the type of print we want to produce. For best results the printer settings may need to be changed. Experiment with different printer, software and colour settings to produce the look for you. Check the printer manual for tips on getting the most out of your setup.

Following simple guidelines means you can get value for money from your glossy and matt, and both the unprinted media and your favourite prints can last for years. Happy printing!

PRINTASIA PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPERS AND CARDS.

If you're the proud owner of a new PC or digital camera, then you can reproduce your favourite snaps in vibrant, eye-catching colours from an inkjet printer at home. All you need are the new papers, greetings cards and more from the PRINTASIA range, made by photographic gurus ILFORD. The cutting edge, innovative products meet a varied range of printing needs and are compatible with the leading desktop printers. PRINTASIA makes inkjet printing fun and funky, enabling users to get stunning photographic quality results with consummate ease.

It's simple and easy to use - set your printer as per the instructions in the pack and you're ready to go. With your images scanned or transferred from a digital camera it's easy to create first class prints. The PRINTASIA products include glossy paper for an irresistible shine, satin looks for that understated matt finish and, for the tactile, the textured surface of fine art paper. Anyone can print off holiday snaps, party pics, or wedding memories as many times as they like from the PRINTASIA Photo range.

Meanwhile budding artists can magic up birthday cards or limited edition prints of their own sketches, watercolours and oils with the PRINTASIA Create range.
At every stage help is at hand from the PRINTASIA website, where customers can reach the experts for advice, personal tips and help with individual queries. www.printasiafun.com also offers galleries, templates and workshop.
Visiti the PRINTASIA web site at http://www.printasiafun.com

Canvas Printing