📸What is the best paper for photography? [2021]

Photographers have always sought to maintain the authenticity of their photos when printing. But there has always been the question of which photo paper is the best.

If you want your photos to maintain every detail, know these types of photographic paper that will help you develop the best photos without losing their style and quality.

Clever? 📸

What is photo paper?

Photo paper or photo paper is a special type of paper that is intended for printing images or photos.

These photo papers have different qualities based on their weight or grammage. This type of paper is heavier than normal papers, which means that it has greater resistance.

The greater the weight, the greater the firmness and solidity of the paper. Only one side of the paper is used for special printing, as only that side absorbs the ink (FotoNostra).

Source: Unsplash

Why use photo paper?

All photographers know that a good image must be able to reflect every aspect captured in the camera lens. In the same way, they hope to be able to convey that same concept when printing their photograph.

The difference from traditional paper is the end result based on quality. Photo paper offers a more accurate color reproduction, since being less porous, the ink can be absorbed properly.

By using this type of photo paper, you also get a more contrasting photo and stains or smudges are avoided because the ink dries much faster.

Source: Unsplash

Types of photo paper

Before knowing the types of paper for photography, you must remember that it is not necessary that you choose only one for all the photos (L’Atelier).

Depending on the photo you want to print and the print quality you hope to get, you will choose one of these types of photo paper.

1. Matte papers

It is a type of photo paper that has a grainy texture. The main benefit of printing on matte paper is that when you run your finger over the photo, you will not leave fingerprints or smudges.

The texture of this photo paper is rough. How do you know if it is the ideal paper for printing? Some of its benefits are as follows.

• Colors are more realistic.
• The ink blends perfectly on the paper.
• Resistance to touch, friction and humidity.
• If you want to put your photos in frames or pictures, this paper does not stick to the plastic or glass of ordinary albums.

Some of the matte papers have a raised surface. We recommend using it to print photos that have concepts such as nature or black and white.

Source: Unsplash

2. Eggshell or gloss papers

This type of photo paper is ideal for reproducing wide color gamuts and has a good shadow finish.

One of the main benefits is that printing on this paper dries very quickly. It is also resistant to stains and splashes of water.

• Brings colors to life and you get deeper blacks.
• It adapts to colors and aspects of black and white.
• Avoid reflections.
• Resistant to fingerprints and scratches.
• High ink reception capacity.

We recommend using this type of photo paper for large portraits and reports as well as black and white photos. It is excellent for events such as weddings or communions.

Source: Unsplash

3. Glossy papers

This type of photo paper is the most common when printing photos. It is the most commercial paper, since it has a soft touch that enhances the colors and brightness in the photos.

Printing on glossy paper is more used for small-sized photos, because it requires a lower level of detail.

• Brightens and enhances color to photos.
• Light paper.
• Contrast between deep blacks and vivid colors.

We recommend using this type of paper to print images that have saturated colors, such as sunset and spaces with many colors, among others.

Source: Unsplash

4. Fine-art papers

This type of photo paper is different from normal photo paper. The composition of fine-art paper is made of natural fiber, it is not artificially bleached with chlorine.

This gives the paper more durability over time, which is a great advantage for other types of photo paper. Keeps photos in perfect condition.

By giving your photos higher quality, you have a higher price. This type of paper is recommended for experienced or professional photographers. It is also used for prints in art photography exhibitions.

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How to choose the ideal photo paper?

Do you already know what photo paper to use? If you need help choosing the ideal paper for your photo, we have five elements that you should take into account before printing your photo.

✅ Opacity

The higher the opacity, the greater the possibility that the ink will pass through the paper. If you can see through the paper, it means you shouldn’t use it.

Why is it bad? This can cause a mixture of colors in the photo. You should also take this element into account if you want to print on both sides.

Typically photo paper is between 94% and 97% opacity.

Source: Unsplash

✅ Brightness

The white tone of the paper is important in your choice. In photography, brightness is comprised of numbers between 1 and 100.

Photo papers have a brightness of 90. In some places this indicator is not mentioned, so it should be compared between papers.

If you want to print photos that have a vintage effect, then use low gloss papers.

Source: Unsplash

✅ Weight

This element is important for the paper, because it prevents it from wrinkling easily. Its indicator is in g / m2 and photographic paper is usually between 90 and 270gr.

The higher the weight, the better the quality of the paper. Keep in mind that not all printers resist all types of paper, so look for the allowed ranges to be the ones you will use to print photos.

Source: Unsplash

✅ Caliber

The gauge or density refers to the width of the paper. Its gauge is measured in millimeters or thousandths of an inch.

For photographic paper the gauge is between 7 and 10 mm or 220 to 300 mm. It is important for the conservation of the photograph, since the higher its density, the greater the resistance will be the photo.

Source: Unsplash

✅ Finish

Choosing between matte or glossy is up to you and the finish you want to get when printing photos.

Neither is better than the other, both have their own benefits and styles. We recommend using the glossy finish for more traditional and commercial photos.

Use the matte finish for more professional and artistic photos. They are also known as finish matte or finish glossy in its English translation.

Source: Unsplash

Tips for your best photo paper option

Still not making up your mind? We want your first photographic impressions to be amazing. We have some tips that can help you choose.

✅ If it is your first impression of photographs, ask the manufacturer which one they would recommend. An expert opinion can guide you in choosing the ideal paper for you.

✅ If you can’t decide on gloss or matte, you can try both.

✅ Don’t jump in without trying all of them first. Avoid buying photo papers in large quantities if you are not sure what type of paper you want.

✅ The size of your photo will allow you to have a reference of what type of photographic paper goes best with your photo.

Source: Unsplash

The best photographic papers on the market

Do you want to know the best brands of photo papers? In the market there are different options of papers, qualities, styles, finishes, etc.

Those that we will mention below are a reference so that you can choose the best option depending on the type of photograph you want to print.

✅ HP ZINK: This type of paper is different from the conventional one, because it allows you to convert the images into stickers. By printing photos on this photo paper, the images become resistant to water, smudges and tearing.

Source: HP Store

✅ Polaroid Premium: Polaroid, like its cameras, seeks to offer quality photographic paper. This premium paper uses Zero Ink technology for easier printing. You can print photos from brand cameras or even from cell phones.

Source: Amazon

✅ Kodak Glossy Instant Dry: This photo paper is A4 size. It has great capacity for fast ink absorption. It is used more for art photos or snapshots. You can print with this paper on any printer.

Source: Amazon

✅ HP CR757A: This photo paper is glossy and recyclable. It is quick drying and easy to handle. It is compatible with any printer. Used for basic or home photography. It is a comfortable and effective option.

Source: HP Store

Clever! What photo paper did you like the most? Remember that you can choose any one, that will depend on the photograph you want to print.

We hope we have helped you learn a little more about the best options you have for printing photos.

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Luck! 😊