Does Paper Quality Affect Photo Appearance?
The issue of photo papers is quite complex. After all, the paper on which a photo is printed will determine how it looks. So if we want to receive good quality photos, we should not only ensure that the print files are of good quality, but also the paper on which the photograph will be placed. If we want great sharpness, proper contrast visibility, and color saturation, then we need to reach for higher quality paper. However, the basic types of paper are glossy and matte, on which photo prints are made.
What's the Difference Between Glossy and Matte Paper?
The first issue is taste. If we want a photo to look nice on its own, even without a frame, then glossy paper is a good choice. Of course, it has its advantages, such as giving a stronger impression of sharpness in the photo, and colors are also more visible on it. It's great for smaller prints, which is why it's used for ID photos, for example. However, if we want to browse through photos and touch them often, then visible fingerprints will certainly quickly appear on the prints. On the other hand, matte paper reflects light much less, so photos in muted colors or black and white or sepia will look better on it. You can also print larger photos on it, and it's more resistant to leaving fingerprints. Of course, there are many more types of paper on the market, so you don't have to limit yourself to just these two types when printing. There are, for example, semi-glossy, pearl, or satin papers, but when it comes to online photo printing, standard ones are most often chosen.
