Many times when a photographer decides to exhibit at Image City Photography Gallery, the first question that arises is “What should I use for printing my photo ?”
There are many possibilities of photo printing mediums from which to choose. The three most popular are paper prints, metal prints or canvas prints. Additionally some photographers use acrylic, glass or wood. For this article I will concentrate on paper, metal and canvas.
Because of its affordability, paper is the most common medium. Of course the next question that exhibitors ask is “What kind of paper should I use?” If one does an internet search on the various types of photo paper, there are dozens from which to choose; however, the following are the most common papers used: glossy, luster, and matte.
Glossy photo paper is used frequently because it creates sharp prints with brilliant colors and a smooth surface. This distinctively bright and bold paper brings a slick, contemporary look to your photos. Colors are saturated, and whites are brilliant. Glossy offers the widest color range and texture, but it also has quite a glare to it and can show fingerprints. The glass on photo frames can also increase the glare.
The luster photo paper finish has been a long time favorite among photographers and print studios. It’s a unique type of paper in between a high-gloss and matte finish. The luster paper has several names. It is also called a satin finish, pearl, or semi-gloss. Although it has many different names, they all refer to a specific type of coating. This type of photo paper will give photo prints some texture, and can produce vibrant colors, without the shiny glare associated with glossy paper.
Matte photo paper is another medium popular with photographers. Like other paper prints, this is an affordable and easy-to-find type of paper, which gives prints more texture. The texture is appealing for photographers interested in a more artistic vibe for their photographs. It has more texture than luster paper. Matte photo paper does not have the glare that glossy photo paper has.
Metal is a popular photo print medium because it combines durability and affordability. Metal prints look professional whether they are framed or unframed. Most metal prints are created using chromaluxe dye-sublimation. This process is created by etching an image onto an aluminum sheet under intense heat and pressure. There are no metal printers in Monroe County, but any of the partners at Image City can give you ideas about where to order a metal print.
Canvas is another option used for printing photos. This medium is widely available and affordable. The most significant appeal of canvas is its price point. Another positive aspect about canvas prints is that there is no glare off them.
So…there really is no right or wrong answer to the question “What is the best medium on which to print the photo I plan to display?” It all comes down to personal preference. I encourage you to visit Image City frequently and look at the various photos and the medium on which they are printed. When you find one that is appealing to you, ask any of the partners about the photo to discover the type of medium that is used. Experiment with your printing before making your final decision. Ultimately the best paper to use is the paper that you believe makes your photo look best.
13 responses to “What is the best medium for me to print my photo for my upcoming show at Image City?”
This is useful information for me as I consider the types of medium to print my photos.
An excellent review of the numerous options now available to produce great-looking photographs!
Thanks Marie…. this is a great introduction to the different ways to print photographs.
This is useful information for printing photos.
I’m glad that you are able to use the information.
Thank you for sharing this information- it was very helpful! The glare from the paper is important to consider depending on where you plan to hang a piece!
Yes, you are correct. Thank you for your comment.
Hi Marie,
“Ultimately the best paper to use is the paper that you believe makes your photo look best.” Yes, without any doubt, great conclusion (I would add without betraying your intentions, but instead showcasing them).
Now there are a new additions, corrections I would like to mention.
First, you may consider separating papers according to:
-the appearance of their surfaces (as you rightfully described them: glossy, luster and matte but also metallic as there are papers with a metallic-looking printable side far easier tom use and less expensive than printing directly on metal) that has mostly to do with their reflective capacities,
-their textures (for instance a matte paper can be totally smooth and without any texture, contrary to what is said in your blog; there are different grains of “luster” and different types of “glossy” including baryta papers (not mentioned in your blog as they might be the best papers for photographers)),
-their composition: papers made out of 1-cotton (usually called “rag”), out of 2-wood-pulp (alpha-cellulose), the most common and least expensive in the baryta category), some sort of “plastic” substrate or papers covered with a “plastic-like” layer (RC for Resin Coated),
-whether they incorporate Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) that. Make the surface look whiter but that disintegrate slowly making the print lose its conservation qualities. Papers without OBAs look slightly less white but have longer lives.
– special categories such as baryta papers, canvas, and Japanese or Chinese papers (bamboo or rice-pulp base).
In terms of conservation canvas is often the worst choice possible as very few have the conservation qualities of non RC papers (cotton and wood-based). Their surface texture also degrades detail rendition and contrast. They mostly look as if the photographer pretends to be a painter and as a result degrades the fine qualities of photography (detail, contrast, color saturation, smoothness of tones) to make it look like a bad painting because of the visible texture of the canvas. On the other hand it is one of the cheapest ways to have one’s photographs enlarged (there are lots of “specials” and “coupons” available for it on the internet).
Baryta papers are those that are the closest to traditional silver-based fine-art photography. They are the original baryta papers without the silver halides. Cotton or wood-based museum-quality papers are covered (usually on one side only) by a layer barium sulfate, a sort of “clay-like material used for its reflective (less than glossy RC papers and as such less prone to problematic reflections), and smoothing properties.” In black and white photography glossy baryta papers (some exist in matte finish) give deep blacks (maximum density or D-max) with details (when a matte paper is likely to absorb details).
Japanese and Chinese papers can be found coated for ink-jet printing.
Now all types of papers, once coated (the photographer has to apply the coating him/herself), for inkjet printing. Just be aware of their conservation properties for the future of your photographs.
A last point should be made clear: nothing but a technically well-printed photograph whose chosen medium reflects the intentions and art/craft of its maker makes anyone look more “artistic”, or “professional” (definitely not, in my opinion, a metallic print). The craft does and the knowledge and mastery of the tools does.
And yes, “Ultimately the best paper to use is the paper that you believe makes your photo look best.”
I hope this can be helpful. All the best,
Bruno, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your incredibly detailed description in response to my article about photo paper. Your comments add a broader dimension to the discussion, which is appreciated.
My apologies for undesired auto-corrections in my text on papers posted earlier (too little time, too many words).
No need to apologize about the auto corrections! I have enjoyed using Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Metallic Paper for certain photos. What are your thoughts about this particular brand?
Hahnemuhle produces some of the best, if not the best papers… the most expensive too. I use their baryta papers from time to time. On a general basis I use Canson and Epson baryta papers (Epson papers are very close to Canson’s as Epson does not make its own papers [wink!] to the point one can use the same profile for both. Red River also produces some interesting papers worth contemplating.
Thank you, Bruno. I have enjoyed using Red River Polar Luster Metallic for many of my printed images. I also like River River Linen for printing greeting cards. Recently I purchased a box of Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique II paper. I look forward to trying it out.