Hello Lloyd!
I agree whit you, i think the price for the shipping is way too high!

As i can see there might bee two different ways to do this. The one you described, and another method is to take the plans to a copy/scan store so the can make a PDF file of the plans in 1:1. Then could wee email the PDF, and either print it on a local print shop or project it as you mention.

The photogarpich method will be now problem for me, because i am a professional photographer. Just tell me what you like me to do about the plans!