I usually make small prints. The largest I can make at home is 8x12, but a lot of what I do is even smaller. I usually use a satin paper. For snapshots of people's kids playing baseball I use gloss. I had an image printed huge (24"x36") at dot photo and they did it on glossy paper. Usually, I'd be ok with that, but I don't like it on this big print. Do you find that your preference in paper depends on the size of the print? I guess I do. I'm just wondering if others do too. This might explain why so many of the "serious" people seem to use art papers (which are matte, eh?).
Pete D.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 8, 2007 at 12:47 AM
I feel the same way about paper, but subject affects my choice as well. I find that I like pictures of people on Ilford smooth pearl, pictures of landscapes on Epson enhanced matte or velvet fine art.
There are two reason I like matte papers for landscapes. First, prints on the papers are generally brighter. By that I mean that the density of the color is not as deep as on RC media. To my eye, this results in saturated colors that don't get dark. Secondly, when the print is shown in a frame, the matte finished papers don't have a risk of creating a secondary reflection between the glass and image, so the only surface on which you have to control glare is the glass.
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 8, 2007 at 11:40 AM
I use matte paper exclusively. I've just never cared for glossy or stain, especially if it's to be framed. I don't think there's any right or wrong here, just personal choices.
I've been using Epson or Taos Premium Luster or Gloss Finish Canvas for most of my prints with results that I like. Occasionally I'll use Gloss or Matt paper, but I'm enjoying the appearance of printing on canvas.
I have two photos printed on canvas hanging in an art show and found it interesting to watch the reaction of people on the opening night. One is a photo of two mule deer taken during the Christmas blizzard and the other is of a blade of grass bent over with ice crystal on it against a background of snow. People were having trouble deciding if they were photographs or paintings.
Personally I find the even look (no glare) of watercolor/rag papers much more appealing. Of course when framed behind glass this effect is somewhat mitigated but I still prefer it to the resin-coated papers.
Guy
Posted by Scott Fricke on March 9, 2007 at 12:50 AM
For most of my landscape photos I prefer Epson Fine Art paper to glossy for much of the same reasons as the others mentionedd above
Discussion
5 repliesPete D.
There are two reason I like matte papers for landscapes. First, prints on the papers are generally brighter. By that I mean that the density of the color is not as deep as on RC media. To my eye, this results in saturated colors that don't get dark. Secondly, when the print is shown in a frame, the matte finished papers don't have a risk of creating a secondary reflection between the glass and image, so the only surface on which you have to control glare is the glass.
I have two photos printed on canvas hanging in an art show and found it interesting to watch the reaction of people on the opening night. One is a photo of two mule deer taken during the Christmas blizzard and the other is of a blade of grass bent over with ice crystal on it against a background of snow. People were having trouble deciding if they were photographs or paintings.
Guy