Matte vs Glossy? Your input
Dec 31, 2013 06:14:08 #
TimS
Loc: GA
If it is an "in your face amazing detail and sharpness punchy" kind of photo (like a vivid phoi with lots of texture) then glossy - perhaps even metallic. If it's a softer "oh that's beautiful and serene" shot then matte.
So a photo of a bike against a colorful stucco wall would likely look better in glossy or metallic (I'd almost always choose metallic if going glossy). However, if that same scene had fog rolling in with perhaps blurred pedestrians walking by then I'd go with matte.
It's the mood that you want to portray. Happy, fun, upbeat...glossy. Muted, serene, beautiful - matte. Portraits - almost always matte. Grunge/grit portraits (like Nike/Gatorade sports poses) look awesome in metallic though. Why? Most portraits are of the - "oh, now that's nice" category an thus are better in matte. Gritty sports portraits are intended to be in the "now that's freaking awesome" category and thus glossy/metallic.
So a photo of a bike against a colorful stucco wall would likely look better in glossy or metallic (I'd almost always choose metallic if going glossy). However, if that same scene had fog rolling in with perhaps blurred pedestrians walking by then I'd go with matte.
It's the mood that you want to portray. Happy, fun, upbeat...glossy. Muted, serene, beautiful - matte. Portraits - almost always matte. Grunge/grit portraits (like Nike/Gatorade sports poses) look awesome in metallic though. Why? Most portraits are of the - "oh, now that's nice" category an thus are better in matte. Gritty sports portraits are intended to be in the "now that's freaking awesome" category and thus glossy/metallic.
Dec 31, 2013 06:23:19 #
Dec 31, 2013 06:31:16 #
Depends on the photo and it's use.
Luster or semi-gloss
Matte
Glossy
Canvas
In order of most used
Luster or semi-gloss
Matte
Glossy
Canvas
In order of most used
Dec 31, 2013 06:35:24 #
Dec 31, 2013 06:39:19 #
Dec 31, 2013 06:48:46 #
Just a guide, but works for me. If you are doing snapshots to pass round, then glossy. Photos to be framed semi-gloss or lustre. For mounted & framed prints I prefer matte. Obviously it depends on the subject, but suits me and my style.
Dec 31, 2013 07:03:34 #
lifenprism wrote:
Got together with a few friends over the Holidays and wound up with the biggest debate over glossy vs matte finish. I really think it depends on subject and print size and how they will be viewed (framed or album)...
Yes, that is the correct answer. The perfect answer for many situations - Depends! I print on matte and glossy, depending on the situation, although I don't yet depend on Depends. :D.
Dec 31, 2013 07:14:34 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
This has been on-going since before RC papers came out.. The biggest drawback to glossy (in a frame or exhibition) glare/reflection. As prints that are passed round/handled by other people...Prone to finger marks. My weddings/portraits were on Lustre/Silk/Pearl. My Xmas cards are on Ilford Matte, because one can print on both sides of the paper. For my Press pictures,(before digital arrived)no question, it had to be glossy.
Dec 31, 2013 07:18:48 #
Dec 31, 2013 07:33:04 #
lifenprism wrote:
Just taking a poll and survey says.......
Satin finish-either Gallerie Smooth Pearl or permajet Oyster.
Dave
Dec 31, 2013 07:42:29 #
Dec 31, 2013 07:59:25 #
Dec 31, 2013 08:28:33 #
Dec 31, 2013 08:46:51 #
The Villages
Loc: The Villages, Florida
I think you will find that a "lighter" picture will do well on a matt finish, but a "darker" picture shows better on glossy as it is more reflective.
Dec 31, 2013 08:50:14 #
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