Gloss or Matt ???

[Stemmy]

When I first started photography everything I had printed was on Matt - Lustre - Pearl whatever you want to call it.

When I went digital I swapped to Gloss - dont know why just thought it looked a more classy finish.

What are you all using and why ????

[Marcin]

Well, it all depends... on everything.

The B&W still looks better on a Semi-glossy (or Semi-matt) prints for me. But I prefer glossy for pictures where colour play a huge role.

Depends on a photo in general, I think.

Interesting subject.

[DennisB]

Like Marcin, I think it all depends on the photograph. I prefer high gloss for almost all of my prints. I think they appear sharper and more vibrant on gloss paper. I do have a box of matt paper, but only use it occasionaly. Sadly, it tends to be for the images which are less than perfect and need a little help to disguise the flaws.

[BarryM]

I got for Matt everytime, i feel they dont have to be handled so delicately for fingermarks.

[Stemmy]

Yes that is a problem Barry I am constantly washing my hands.

OOOOppps just scratched my head - got to go wash my hands !!!

[Dotty.c]

all our wedding and portrait (paid work)is printed on a matt finish, they are easier to handle for us and the customer, and it appears to be slightly more flattering to less than perfect subjects. most of my own (dark room) is on glossy don't know why just is.

[Steve P]

Matt for me too, easy to handle, without white gloves.
I also think that people perceive matt as a higher valued product.
Gloss is great for certain jobs.

[tonymidd]

When I was doing weddings everything was printed on satin or lustre finish, I assume this is what you are all refering to as matt, industrial stuff was always on gloss. Fine art ink jet prints are done on rag papers with a true matt finish; Hahnemuhle or Somerset; expensive (£1+ for an A4 sheet) but the quality is so so much better than 'nornal' papers which I feel equate to the resin coated papers of the darkroom. I did offer these rag papers as an option on the more expensive wedding packages with a fairly high acceptance rate, about 1 in 5 and a high materials/time mark up.