After much encouragements, thoughts, research and tests. I finally decided to open an online store to make available some of my pictures as high-quality prints in both the US and Europe. It took a bit longer than I expected because I wanted to make sure that the end result was worth it. I reviewed many different online businesses offering this facility such as Red Bubble, SmugMug, ImageKind, Zenfolio, PhotoShelter…and I ended up chosing ZenFolio. One of the main aspects being cost, ease of use for myself and the visitors as well as having a choice of printing labs in Europe (Photobox) and in the US (MPix) so that people ordering prints would not have to pay international shipping fees and potential custom taxes. Then I wanted to go through the process of checking myself the quality for each and every print in various sizes.
There are nearly 40 photos available taken underwater or topside in various places such as Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. There will be more variety to come as I gather feedback and then carefully select new images, process, soft-proof and print them (repeat and rinse until satisfied)
Printing sizes are for now available in 8 x 12″ (20 x 30cm), 12 x 16″ (30 x 40cm) and 16 x 20″ (40 x 50cm) and start at 35€ or $50. To celebrate the launch and benefit the (few) readers of this blog, until August 23 there will be 20% discount with coupon code SBBLLCH (enter at checkout time).
As mentioned on the online store, prints are 100% guaranteed, and if for whatever reason you do not like the print, you can ask for a refund or reprint whichever you prefer.
Again, I cannot thank enough all the people that have encouraged me to do this, should they be friends, family or people I bumped into while traveling and I hope the end result is to their liking. (and big thanks to the one who pre-ordered).