Before printing pictures at home, select your preferred photo paper.
With the invention of digital cameras and specialty papers, consumers are now able to take pictures and print them from the convenience of their own home. Although the process itself is quite simple, choosing a photo paper requires some thought. When printing pictures at home, consider the overall appearance you wish to achieve. Some photo papers offer a vibrant and shiny appearance, while others offer a more casual and soft finish.
Matte Paper
Unlike a traditional photograph paper, matte photo paper offers an appearance that is not shiny. After the picture prints onto the paper, the colors have a dull, matte look. As explained by Staples.com, this type of photo paper results in "sharper images and vibrant colors." Since this type of paper will not reflect light, the photograph's viewer will never be distracted by glares. As such, photographs on matte photo paper can be viewed easily in any lighting conditions, including outdoors in full sunlight. The paper's texture does not allow for fingerprints and enhances photographs printed in black and white.
Glossy Paper
Glossy photo paper sits on the complete other end of the spectrum. Featuring a particularly shiny appearance, this type of photo paper is most traditionally used for pictures printed in the home and at a photo laboratory. Its texture is smooth, and the colors look vibrant and intense as they contrast against one another. Since the paper's texture reflects light, photographs printed on this type of paper may be difficult to view under bright lights. Additionally, the paper readily attracts fingerprints and dirt, which leave an unpleasant smudge on the picture's surface. Regardless, this type of photo paper tends to be the most visually appealing.
Semigloss (Satin) Paper
For an option in the middle of these two extremes, consider semigloss photo paper. This type of photo paper is also referred to as "satin" and features a less glossy appearance with a slightly bumpy surface. In reality, semigloss photo paper combines the benefits of matte paper and glossy paper into one paper. Although it maintains a visually pleasing glossy look and vibrant colors, it still reflects less light than glossy paper, making it easier to view under bright lights. Similar to matte paper, satin photo paper also attracts few fingerprints and dust. Along with traditional photo prints, Staples.com recommends using semigloss paper when printing images for banners and posters.
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