Choosing paper for an image?

**lithedreamer** · 02-13-2016, 01:33 PM

Hey all,

I'll admit, this is a project I chose for class, so I'm totally okay with just being directed to helpful books/websites.

How do you choose what on kind of paper to print a given photo? Matte, glossy, metal, lustre, velvet and canvas; it's all a bit confusing.

**jatrax** · 02-13-2016, 02:32 PM

I agree, lots of choices and I would be interested in answers as well.

I usually use luster, but have some matte paper I also use for some images. Mostly going on, it just looks better. Would love a better criteria

john.margetts · 02-13-2016, 02:45 PM

For my own use I prefer art rag paper but for exhibiting I use gloss baryta paper.

**jatrax** · 02-13-2016, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by john.margetts

For my own use I prefer art rag paper but for exhibiting I use gloss baryta paper.

John can you mention why you chose those? I would like to learn more about when to use a particular paper.

john.margetts · 02-13-2016, 03:06 PM

I like texture and prefer my pictures to be on textured paper. If I am shooting mono (and I usually am) I also prefer a cream paper to a bright white one. My preferred paper is made by Tecco.

For exhibiting, I go by what sells best which is high gloss and bright white.

**GUB** · 02-13-2016, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Hey all,

I'll admit, this is a project I chose for class, so I'm totally okay with just being directed to helpful books/websites.

How do you choose what on kind of paper to print a given photo? Matte, glossy, metal, lustre, velvet and canvas; it's all a bit confusing.

Paper choice is part of your style -- just as; the subject-- taking the image -- the way you edit your image-- creates your style. To have a criteria for paper is like editing prints to a preset - not necessarily creating the best outcome for the subject and how you want to present it. I am currently mainly using Canson infinity photographique rag. I am using it for portraits because it carries the soft tones nicely. My current landscapes tend to be on it and they are printed after being line detect sharpened quite heavily. The result is almost velvity. The paper is capable of showing great detail. What it is not good for is large areas of dark where it seems to kill all detail.

Murfy · 02-13-2016, 04:40 PM

Paper matches the image for me. Right now, I use the fine art velvet. I am using Epson because that is what I have but I will switch, I too like textured paper, and also I like a matte or pearl finish.

I don't use any "rules" about matching paper to subject matter, it's just what I think works for my final piece and the look I prefer.

02-13-2016, 01:33 PM	#1
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Choosing paper for an image? Hey all, I'll admit, this is a project I chose for class, so I'm totally okay with just being directed to helpful books/websites. How do you choose what on kind of paper to print a given photo? Matte, glossy, metal, lustre, velvet and canvas; it's all a bit confusing.

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02-13-2016, 02:32 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I agree, lots of choices and I would be interested in answers as well. I usually use luster, but have some matte paper I also use for some images. Mostly going on, it just looks better. Would love a better criteria

02-13-2016, 02:45 PM	#3
john.margetts Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 84	For my own use I prefer art rag paper but for exhibiting I use gloss baryta paper.

02-13-2016, 03:02 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by john.margetts For my own use I prefer art rag paper but for exhibiting I use gloss baryta paper. John can you mention why you chose those? I would like to learn more about when to use a particular paper.

02-13-2016, 03:06 PM	#5
john.margetts Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 84	I like texture and prefer my pictures to be on textured paper. If I am shooting mono (and I usually am) I also prefer a cream paper to a bright white one. My preferred paper is made by Tecco. For exhibiting, I go by what sells best which is high gloss and bright white.

02-13-2016, 03:33 PM	#6
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,760	Originally posted by lithedreamer Hey all, I'll admit, this is a project I chose for class, so I'm totally okay with just being directed to helpful books/websites. How do you choose what on kind of paper to print a given photo? Matte, glossy, metal, lustre, velvet and canvas; it's all a bit confusing. Paper choice is part of your style -- just as; the subject-- taking the image -- the way you edit your image-- creates your style. To have a criteria for paper is like editing prints to a preset - not necessarily creating the best outcome for the subject and how you want to present it. I am currently mainly using Canson infinity photographique rag. I am using it for portraits because it carries the soft tones nicely. My current landscapes tend to be on it and they are printed after being line detect sharpened quite heavily. The result is almost velvity. The paper is capable of showing great detail. What it is not good for is large areas of dark where it seems to kill all detail.

02-13-2016, 04:40 PM	#7
Murfy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 803	Paper matches the image for me. Right now, I use the fine art velvet. I am using Epson because that is what I have but I will switch, I too like textured paper, and also I like a matte or pearl finish. I don't use any "rules" about matching paper to subject matter, it's just what I think works for my final piece and the look I prefer.