Printing photos: This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to...

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

TrishV wrote:

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

A lot of people like mat though I like glossy myself.

Anne

photo guy wrote:

TrishV wrote:

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

A lot of people like mat though I like glossy myself.

I use both matte and glossy depending on the subject matter. I like matted, coated for landscapes, flowers and use glossy for people. Hope this helps.

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Thanks - at the moment the photos are of flowers.

myts10 Loc: SE Ohio

I have never liked glossy, seems there are always too many reflections unless you view from just the right angle. I go with semi-gloss or satin for most things. Matt for landscape and panoramic scenes. I really like the metallic paper for a few scenes like a nativity or an interesting tree. For flowers I woulod go with satin or metallic paper. IMHO
It's an honer to have a public display of your photos. Congratulations.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I prefer mat finish if using plain glass. I strongly prefer non-reflective glass. Worth the extra cost.

TrishV wrote:

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Festina Lente wrote:

I prefer mat finish if using plain glass. I strongly prefer non-reflective glass. Worth the extra cost.

TrishV wrote:

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

Ditto . . . mat under ANY glass!

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Thanks everyone - I followed your advice and got matt - looks good.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Matt under non-glare glass...

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Just read the replies so far, did not see any reference to my favorite , any one remember "professional matte" air dried glossy photo paper from a wet darkroom? some glossy inkjet papers come close, Bob.

Poison Ivey Loc: Mtn Brook, AL

Using Glossy, be sure to not fingerprint them...cotton gloves? Worry about the person who hangs them in the Gallery.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Thanks all you pros...I didn't know myself and now I have good info in which to also decide.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I personally like matte for most all color shots but there is just something about Black & White on glossy. Of course, since you are doing flower pictures you probably are not going the B & W route this time.

Mytherwyn Loc: United States

TrishV wrote:

This question has probably been asked before but here goes - I have been asked to print out some photos to be hung in a public area and would like your comments as to which is better - mat or glossy. The photos will be in under plain glass with no mat or frame. Thank you.

Yes....That's the average of answers you will receive.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

In a "public area" suggests that people could be close enough to touch. While I use gloss for Camera Club that is based on lighting and judges preference. My self, MATT, no glare and a good color/ink-adsorption. Glass would be used to protect the photos from fingers... non-glare is the way to go. But, the judging by the public by touching and leaving finger marks (or mustache) on the photos may be viewed by you as an interactive comment. (Positive is sweet,,, but a negative comment is an indication that you poked someone in the eye with a visual stick. That is a plus plus if your work is avant guard. Dada, Pollock, etc.)

Oh, how about 1/2 or 3/4 inch plywood, with photo glued to surface using a photo wrap technique of your choice. Hang a price tag on them also or a card container to get some $$ from your work!!!