There’s something powerful about seeing a black and white photograph come to life on paper. A well-printed image reveals subtle tones, crisp textures, and emotional depth that a screen simply can't match.

But getting from a digital image to a perfect print isn’t just about hitting “Start” on your printer. It takes preparation, precision, and an understanding of how your digital file interacts with the printing process.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prepare a photo for printing in 7 steps, focusing on what matters most when creating high-quality photo prints in black and white.

1. Choose Your Best Photo and Stick to the Vision

The original image you choose should already be strong in composition, emotion, and tonality. If it lacks intent or clarity, printing won’t fix it. Ask yourself:

Does this image deserve to be on the wall?
Does it reflect the message or feeling I want in a physical print?

Once you’ve made your pick, work from the highest-resolution image file available. Avoid editing smaller images, which may not withstand resizing without losing quality.

2. Know Your Desired Print Size and Resolution

Before anything else, decide on the desired print size. Whether you’re aiming for small photo prints or large prints, the size will determine how many pixels you need.

Use this basic rule to choose your photo’s print size:

Pixels per inch (PPI) = Image resolution ÷ Print size in inches

For example, if your image is 3600x2400 pixels and you want to print it at 12x8 inches, you’ll have a ppi value of 300, ideal for a high-quality print.

Most printers work best around 300 PPI, but you can go lower for larger prints viewed from a distance. Understanding the relationship between dots per inch, image resolution, and viewing distance is essential for sharp, well-defined output.

3. Crop, Resize, and Match the Aspect Ratio

Once you know your specific print dimensions, it’s time to adjust the aspect ratio of your image accordingly. If your photo is 3:2 but your print will be 8x10, you’ll need to crop.

In Adobe Photoshop, use the Crop Tool and set it to your desired dimensions. Keep an eye on the subject’s placement, especially in portraits. Cropping can change the balance of the photo, so take your time.

After cropping, resize the photo to match your print size at the correct ppi value. Don’t upscale too much, as smaller images can become blurry or pixelated when enlarged.

4. Prepare the File with the Right Color Profile (Even in B&W)

Even for black and white photography, color space matters. Use a correct color profile like Adobe RGB or sRGB, depending on your lab or printer. If you’re printing at home, check your printer’s specs, as most printers are calibrated to sRGB.

In Photoshop, go to: Edit > Convert to Profile. This ensures the tones in your printed image match what you see on your screen.

For black and white specifically, try a soft proof using your print medium’s ICC profile. This lets you preview how your tones will shift during the printing process.

5. Sharpen and Adjust for Print

Print brings out details differently from screens. What looks crisp on your display may appear flat on paper.

Use the unsharp mask or smart sharpening tools in Photoshop to enhance detail without creating halos.
Check contrast—a touch more midtone contrast often improves black and white photo prints.
Be careful with shadows and highlights. You want depth, not harshness.

If you’re printing on high-quality photo paper, consider how the texture affects tonal range. Matte absorbs more ink, while glossy reveals more detail and richer blacks.

6. Save the Final Digital File for Print

Once you’re satisfied with the image size, tone, and sharpness:

Save as TIFF or high-quality JPEG.
Use a resolution of 300 pixels per inch.
Keep the image file name clear, e.g., portrait_300ppi_8x10.tiff.

If you’re sending the image to a lab, confirm their preferred format, color space, and any print preparation requirements.

For home prints, double-check that your inkjet printer is clean and aligned, and that your chosen high-quality photo paper is compatible with the printer model.

7. Test Print Before Going Big

Printing a small test, like 4x6 inches, can save you from expensive mistakes. This step helps verify:

How the tones translate to paper
Whether the PPI value works at your chosen print size
If any adjustments to exposure or contrast are needed

You can even soft proof on screen and compare with the test physical print for a more informed final version.

When you’re confident, go ahead and start printing at full scale. Whether you’re using an inkjet printer at home or a lab that specializes in high-quality prints, you’ve now completed the entire process with precision.

Final Thoughts

Preparing photos for print is a craft that sits beautifully between technical skill and artistic vision. For black and white work especially, the balance of contrast, tonality, and texture is delicate, but incredibly rewarding when done right.

Whether you’re creating a single perfect print or getting a series of images printed for an exhibition, following these steps helps ensure your digital image becomes a timeless, tangible piece of art.

If you’ve ever wondered why a photo looks different on paper than on your screen, now you know: great print quality starts long before the printing process begins.

Have you ever printed your own photographs? If so, which part did you find most challenging? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Prepare a Photo for Printing in 7 Steps