I've been converting some pictures to black and white and was wondering which paper I should use. Matte or Glossy and why?
Thanks
Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 20, 2013 at 3:25 PM
It's a personal preference more than anything George. What do you (or your audience or the recipients of your print) want to emphasize more? I personally feel glossy prints appear a little sharper and have a tiny bit more contrast, though they also reflect more glare (which can be reduced somewhat with non-glare glass if you are framing them). Matte can have a pleasing texture, balanced contrast and a "feel" to it that is perfect for poster prints or plaque mounts.
The subject of the photo also can be an influence. A detailed photo of the rough bark of a bristlecone pine that you want to hang on a wall may lend itself better to a matte, satin or textured paper while a wide-angle mountain landscape in contrasty early morning light you want to put in your portfolio might work better as a glossy. There's no right answer here: just your own artistic interpretation, the ultimate use of, and the theme of what you want to communicate with the photo you are printing to consider.
Discussion
1 repliesThanks
The subject of the photo also can be an influence. A detailed photo of the rough bark of a bristlecone pine that you want to hang on a wall may lend itself better to a matte, satin or textured paper while a wide-angle mountain landscape in contrasty early morning light you want to put in your portfolio might work better as a glossy. There's no right answer here: just your own artistic interpretation, the ultimate use of, and the theme of what you want to communicate with the photo you are printing to consider.