How This Pro Photographer Uses Lumaprints to Grow His Business

Professional photographer Darin Ashton explains how he elevates his photography business and delivers gallery-quality prints using Lumaprints.

Full disclosure: This article is brought to you by Lumaprints.

For professional photographers, the right printing service can make or break the final presentation of an image. Lumaprints, a California-based print lab, has steadily built a reputation among working artists for balancing affordability, quality, and service.

Previously, PetaPixel has shared how Lumaprints custom printing services empowers photographers as well as our experience using its services to create gallery-quality prints of our favorite images. Now, Photographer Darin Ashton, who has worked with Lumaprints since 2016, shares how its professional printing services have shaped his business.

Finding the Right Fit

When Ashton first began searching for a professional printing partner, his goal was simple: find a way to offer canvas prints to his Etsy customers without compromising on quality or profit. At the time, he had tested other services but had yet to find one that struck the right balance. That changed when Lumaprints’ founder, Ken, reached out with an offer to send him a complimentary sample of his work printed on canvas.

“I was immediately impressed. Ken took the time to answer all my questions and helped me get set up as a client. It was exactly the solution I’d been looking for,” Ashton recalls.

The early experience gave Ashton confidence not only in the product itself, but also in the company’s commitment to supporting photographers who depend on printing as part of their livelihood.

Service and Consistency

While Ashton notes that many professional labs deliver high-quality prints, he believes Lumaprints sets itself apart in areas that often go overlooked: service and reliability. For photographers selling online, turnaround time and order consistency are just as important as print quality.

“On the rare occasion I’ve needed help, their team responded quickly and provided immediate, helpful solutions,” Ashton explains.

One of the most valuable aspects of the service for him has been Lumaprints’ reliable three-day production schedule. That consistency allows him to confidently set ship-by dates on marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, knowing he won’t be forced into delays or excuses.

“That consistency is a game-changer for maintaining customer satisfaction and meeting marketplace expectations,” he adds.

Customization and Color Accuracy

Flexibility and precision have become central to Ashton’s continued reliance on Lumaprints. In professional photography, client requests are rarely standard; they often involve unusual dimensions, nontraditional formats, or specific substrate requirements. Being able to accommodate these unique demands can make the difference between completing a sale or losing a client to a competitor. Lumaprints’ ability to offer custom sizing down to the inch, even on more complex substrates such as aluminum or large-format canvases, gives Ashton the freedom to meet these requests without compromising on quality. This level of adaptability has allowed him to take on a wider range of projects, from gallery exhibitions to commissioned works, confident that each print will meet both his standards and his clients’ expectations.

“Color accuracy is everything. Nothing else matters if the print has color issues. Lumaprints always delivers in that department,” Ashton stresses.

For Ashton, who invests considerable time and effort into each photograph, accurate color reproduction is essential not only for the integrity of the image but also for maintaining trust and satisfaction among his clients. Whether working with subtle tonal transitions in a landscape or the vibrant contrasts of a studio portrait, Lumaprints’ consistent attention to color fidelity ensures that every print reflects the intended aesthetic. This reliability allows him to focus on his creative process rather than worrying about post-production inconsistencies or unexpected deviations in the final product.

Paper Options and Finishes

Beyond standard prints, Ashton has explored many of Lumaprints’ specialty papers and finishes, each bringing a unique character that can enhance specific projects. He values having multiple options because it allows him to match the paper and finish to the mood or purpose of an image, whether he is preparing a high-impact gallery piece, a commissioned work for a client, or a more subtle fine art print for online sales. The flexibility to select the right substrate for each project gives him creative freedom while maintaining a professional presentation across his portfolio.

“Yes, I’ve tried several paper options, and each brings its own unique quality to my prints. I really appreciate having a range of upgraded papers to choose from for special projects that call for a distinct look,” he says.

This variety not only allows Ashton to experiment with different textures and finishes but also ensures that each client receives a print that aligns with their expectations and the intended visual impact of the piece.

For everyday use, one option has emerged as his consistent go-to: the smooth matte fine art paper. It strikes the ideal balance between professional presentation and cost efficiency, making it a reliable choice for the majority of his orders.

“It consistently delivers a clean, professional finish at an affordable price, making it ideal for maximizing profits without compromising on quality,” he explains. The dependability of this paper allows Ashton to maintain consistent results across his catalog, giving him confidence that every print will meet both his standards and those of his clients.

Client Reactions

Feedback from buyers has reinforced Ashton’s confidence in the printing service. Many of his customers highlight not only the image quality but also the attention to detail in packaging and presentation, factors that matter greatly in online sales, where the unboxing experience influences repeat business.

“We are thrilled with our purchases. Fast and secure boxes. High quality materials were used. I ordered one print and one printed on canvas. Prints are crisp and perfect. Darin is great communicator and very friendly. This is an authentic shop with one of a kind, high quality materials. Do not hesitate to ask questions and purchase!!!” — Carolyn, August 6, 2025

Testimonials like this, Ashton notes, are a direct reflection of the printing partner he chooses to trust.

Lumaprints Services and Offerings

Lumaprints positions itself as a comprehensive printing partner for photographers, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to professional needs. The company provides prints on multiple substrates including fine art paper, canvas, and aluminum, with custom sizing options down to the inch to accommodate unique client requests. Specialty finishes and upgraded papers allow photographers to differentiate their work for gallery exhibitions, client commissions, or online marketplaces.

Beyond print quality, Lumaprints supports business operations with reliable production timelines. Its standard three-day turnaround helps professionals maintain predictable shipping schedules, a feature particularly valued by those selling through Etsy, Amazon, or other online platforms.

Most importantly, Lumaprints offers drop shipping services, allowing artists to fulfill orders directly to clients without the need to manage inventory or handle packaging and shipping themselves. This makes it possible for photographers to offer a wide range of products, including canvas, fine art paper, aluminum, and more, without the upfront costs or storage concerns of traditional printing.

Scaling up With Print-on-Demand

The print-on-demand model also automates production and delivery, freeing creative professionals to focus on capturing and editing images rather than worrying about logistics. By removing the operational burden, photographers can dedicate more time to their art while still providing clients with high-quality, gallery-ready prints.

This approach also makes it easier to scale a photography business. Photographers can accept custom orders of any size, expand into multiple marketplaces, and experiment with new product offerings, all without taking on additional fulfillment responsibilities. For professionals, this combination of flexibility, efficiency, and quality is a key advantage in growing a sustainable and profitable photography business.

Customer service is another cornerstone of Lumaprints’ approach with a team available to provide guidance, answer technical questions, and troubleshoot issues, ensuring that photographers can rely on both the product and the support behind it. With a combination of high-quality prints, flexible offerings, and responsive service, Lumaprints is designed to be a one-stop solution for photographers looking to elevate their work and streamline their workflow.

Balancing Quality and Profitability

For Ashton, every piece of art he sells represents hours of creative and technical investment. Settling for anything less than professional-grade printing, he says, would undermine that work. What makes Lumaprints particularly valuable is the way it enables him to maintain that high standard while still running a profitable business.

“I would never print on anything less—I’ve put too much effort into each image to compromise its presentation. What I love about Lumaprints is that they offer exceptional quality at an affordable price, especially for larger pieces. That allows me to stay competitive while maintaining a healthy profit margin,” he explains.

The balance of quality, service, and cost has given him the confidence to expand his offerings without the risk of losing money or disappointing clients.

Advice for Other Photographers

When asked what advice he would give to other photographers who may still be on the fence about moving to a professional printing service, Ashton is clear.

“If you haven’t used a professional printing service yet, now’s the time to make the switch—you’ll never go back to drugstore prints again,” he says.

“Don’t hesitate to interview potential companies; they should be able to show you exactly what they stand for. I wholeheartedly recommend Lumaprints. They strike an ideal balance between quality and affordability, and their drop shipping services are top-notch.”

For Darin Ashton, Lumaprints has become more than just a printing service; it is an essential partner in every stage of his photography business. From the earliest concept of an image to the final presentation in a client’s hands, the combination of consistent quality, flexible options, and responsive support allows him to focus on what he does best, creating compelling, professional-grade photographs. By offering specialty papers, custom sizes, and reliable turnaround times, Lumaprints not only ensures that each print meets exacting standards but also gives photographers the freedom to expand their offerings and grow their businesses confidently.

For professionals like Ashton, having a trusted partner in Lumaprints for printing is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity that enables him to maintain a competitive edge, satisfy clients, and showcase his work in the best possible light.

Full disclosure: This article is brought to you by Lumaprints.

Image credits: Darin Ashton