I used to print on Epson luster but I have learned recently that to decide which paper to use is image-based, means that some images can look better on some type of paper than other. Mainly gloss vs. Matt but how do you know this? What qualify image to be printed on matt or gloss. I want to use my recent shot "After the Rain" as example, what is the best paper type you think that this type of image should be printed on?
Make small size proof prints on different papers to see which one looks best.
In my experience, high key images such as this one look best printed on a smooth-finish-low gloss paper. You want the high values to be bright but not glaring, and you also want the blacks to be rich. If the blacks are flat or chalky looking, the overall impact of the photograph would be reduced,
This is just my penny's worth. Paper choice is very subjective and there are many variables, so I'm sure you'll receive other opinions.
I agree with Preston about making proof prints and deciding for yourself. It's very subjective and depends on the look you prefer. You'll be amazed how different the same image can be and the range of options available.
When making proof prints do you typically use the canned ICC profiles from the paper manufacturer?
Posted by Mark Stahlke on November 30, 2008 at 7:38 PM
The best paper for a given image depends upon the image but there is more to it than the paper finish (gloss/semi-gloss/matte/textured). The gamut of your printer/paper/ink/profile combination can make a dramatic difference in the look of your finished print.
This image shows a comparison of the gamut of my profiles for Moab Entrada Bright White (the white wire frame) and Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk (the colored part). From this I can see that Entrada will be a little better in the light pastel colors and Gold Fibre Silk is much stronger in the deeply saturated colors, especially the blues.
All other things being equal (HA! Are they ever?), your image, with its subtle pastel hues, might look slightly better on Entrada than Gold Fibre Silk.
Obviously, not every image would look better on Entrada as I'll demonstrate...
Posted by Mark Stahlke on November 30, 2008 at 7:47 PM
This image is a pair of screen captures from soft proofing. Notice that a lot of the submerged rocks that can be seen when printed on Gold Fibre Silk will disappear when printed on Entrada. That's exactly what I expect from comparing the gamut plots. It may be a bit subtle in these nasty screen captures but it makes a huge difference in the final print.
Hopefully I haven't muddied the waters for you too much.
Cheers,
Posted by Robert Fisher on December 1, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Mark, would you care to share how you do your gamut plots? It sounds like you're making your own paper profiles, have you compared the gamut plots using manufacturers' canned profiles?
Posted by Mark Stahlke on December 3, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Robert,
I made the gamut plots with Apple's ColorSync Utility. It's included with Mac OS X. It's a nifty little program. You select a profile, click on "Hold for comparison", and select a second profile. ColorSync then displays the superimposed gamut plots. You can spin this around to look at it from all different angles. Very cool. At first I thought it was just a cute toy but now I find it useful.
I'm using the paper manufacturer's profiles, I'm not making my own. Yet.
Cheers,
Posted by Robert Fisher on December 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Thanks Mark. The Windows Color Applet allows you to view gamut plots but I don't know if you can superimpose two on top of each other. May have to play with it and see. Your way is certainly quicker than doing a PS gamut check and switching between different profiles.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 3, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Mohsen,
As others have indicated, paper choice is very subjective. But I try to simplify my life and choose a paper that will work well for me.
In this case, to maintain detail in the shadows of the cracks but still have the paper appropriate for the content, I would choose a semigloss paper. Premium luster has a surface and shine that can be distracting. Ilford's smooth pearl or gold fiber silk have a much smoother finish resulting in a photo with a matte appearance, but the with the ability to maintain separation in dense colors. Ilford only claims a 30 year longevity on smooth pearl, but I'm not sure why it is so far out of sync with other semigloss papers. I think they may be overly conservative with their rating of this paper.
Discussion
9 repliesThanks
Make small size proof prints on different papers to see which one looks best.
In my experience, high key images such as this one look best printed on a smooth-finish-low gloss paper. You want the high values to be bright but not glaring, and you also want the blacks to be rich. If the blacks are flat or chalky looking, the overall impact of the photograph would be reduced,
This is just my penny's worth. Paper choice is very subjective and there are many variables, so I'm sure you'll receive other opinions.
-P
Guy
This image shows a comparison of the gamut of my profiles for Moab Entrada Bright White (the white wire frame) and Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk (the colored part). From this I can see that Entrada will be a little better in the light pastel colors and Gold Fibre Silk is much stronger in the deeply saturated colors, especially the blues.
All other things being equal (HA! Are they ever?), your image, with its subtle pastel hues, might look slightly better on Entrada than Gold Fibre Silk.
Obviously, not every image would look better on Entrada as I'll demonstrate...
Hopefully I haven't muddied the waters for you too much.
Cheers,
I made the gamut plots with Apple's ColorSync Utility. It's included with Mac OS X. It's a nifty little program. You select a profile, click on "Hold for comparison", and select a second profile. ColorSync then displays the superimposed gamut plots. You can spin this around to look at it from all different angles. Very cool. At first I thought it was just a cute toy but now I find it useful.
I'm using the paper manufacturer's profiles, I'm not making my own. Yet.
Cheers,
As others have indicated, paper choice is very subjective. But I try to simplify my life and choose a paper that will work well for me.
In this case, to maintain detail in the shadows of the cracks but still have the paper appropriate for the content, I would choose a semigloss paper. Premium luster has a surface and shine that can be distracting. Ilford's smooth pearl or gold fiber silk have a much smoother finish resulting in a photo with a matte appearance, but the with the ability to maintain separation in dense colors. Ilford only claims a 30 year longevity on smooth pearl, but I'm not sure why it is so far out of sync with other semigloss papers. I think they may be overly conservative with their rating of this paper.