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buy photo paper
Won't any photo paper do? Well no actually it won't - find out why
Photographic print paper is generally coated on one side, though some specialist papers are coated on both, so be sure to print on the correct side and select the correct type of paper in your printer preferences. Not getting this right may result in terrible prints and have you looking for a new printer so beware.
None of the modern printer manufacturers make it easy for you. There are over 50 different papers to chose from just from the major printer manufacturers plus numerous specialist photo paper suppliers so where do you start? Most printers will be supplied with an example of photo papers compatible with your printer so try them and if you are happy stick with them, however -
The exciting thing about printing your own photos is the choice of papers available some of which are listed below -
If you have looked at the photo paper selection in any store, you have probably seen that there is a seemingly endless range of gloss levels for photo paper, as well as lustre, silk and matt finished papers, so the first thing to do is decide on the type of finish you prefer. You may even decide that you prefer lustre for portraits and gloss for photos of objects or landscapes and end up buying several different papers for particular subjects.
There is really no need to make this subject too complicated, you need to try different papers and see if you like them, if all else fails use your printer manufactureres own papers. eg: Epson Premium Glossy in your Epson Printer
Notes:
Appart from portable photo printers which have their paper available in 6x4 or 7x5 inch mostly glossy packs, almost all consumer photo paper will be sold in A4 or A3 packs (A4 is a closed magazine and A3 is an open magazine). If you want to try a paper for the first time look for packs containing as few sheets as possible, i may be slightly more expensive, but its better to make sure you like the paper before buying reams of it. Paper may be available in packs of 100 which should be considerably cheaper per sheet, so if you like a paper buy these. The paper weight is measured in grams and 270 ish is a nice photographic weight.
Some typical paper types -
Photo Gloss
Photo Gloss PREMIUM - usually a high gloss finish
Lustre or satin - preferred by many, particularly in wedding albums and portaits for the way it produces fine detail
Photo Matt - used for art prints to go behind framed glass or as proofing paper
Art paper eg: Museum - there is a whole range of specialised textured papesr used for art prints
Photo labels - used for adding photographs to all manner of things
Business cards - you can even buy preforated printabe business cards with a template
T-shirt transfers
Some paper manufacturers -
- Hewlett Packard
- Epson
- Canon
- Hahnemuhle
- Olmec (ICI)
- Tetenal (brilliant gloss paper)
- Perma Jet (great range of art papers)
- Kodac
- Fotospeed (great range of all types of paper)
- Fujifilm
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