Mac OS Classic had a simple way to print Finder windows and folder contents. Mac OS X does not, which results in convoluted steps to do what should be easy. From Chris Kerins of MyFirstMac:
Capture the window image by using the key combination cmd-shift-4, then hit the space bar to toggle to window mode. This changes the mouse arrow cursor to a camera icon. While holding down control, click your mouse on the window you want to capture. Holding down control tells your Mac to copy the image to your clipboard rather than making a file of it. Next, change apps to Preview and select New From Clipboard or cmd-N. This will create a new file with your window image as the contents. Now all you need to do is select Print or cmd-P and go for it.
First, that’s a messy way. Second, PrintWindow 4 is a better solution; faster, easier, more options, and free. Finally, why doesn’t Apple build this into OS X?