The photo paper you may use for your trip to Hawaii will be much different from the photo paper you’d use if you’re a wedding photographer.  For example, if your photos are just going to be thrown away after you show them off to everyone, do you really want to spend a lot of money on your paper?  Whereas on the other hand, if you’re a photographer and you sell the pictures you take, you’re going to want have photo paper that looks and feels like quality.  Presentation is key with photo paper and the differences between glossy and matte photo paper will help you with that.

Glossy Photo Paper

Glossy photo paper is important for people who need some flashy pictures.  If you’re in doubt with which type of photo paper you’re going to choose, glossy paper is the best for most situations.   The results of glossy photo paper you print at home will match or exceed the photos you’re used to getting from a developer.  The slick, stylish presentation will dazzle everyone you show the paper to, from your family members to important clients.

Matte Photo Paper

Matte photo paper, while doesn’t have the flashy pizzazz of its glossy cousin, is another type of photo paper that can get you amazing results when printed on.  Matte paper doesn’t have a lot of the problems that you can get from glossy photo paper.  For example, glossy paper reflects light a lot.  In really bright environments, you can have difficulties seeing the picture if you have a bad viewing angle.  Matte paper, on the other hand, doesn’t have the problem.  Another great thing about matte paper, especially at looking the premium “studio quality” brands, is the paper simply feels like a million dollars.  With great matte photo paper, you can print for less than a couple dollars at home, results that look like they cost you $50 dollars at a photography studio.

Quality Photo Paper Brands

There are many brands of photo paper out there that you can choose from.  Some brands you’ve probably heard of like HP, Canon, and Epson, and others you’ve probably haven’t heard of as well like Meritline.  Photo paper quality does vary between brands and it also varies between the brand of printer/ink you have too.  Photo paper brands will give you the greatest results when paired with its brothers.  For example, if you have an HP inkjet printer, you’re going to want to buy HP brand ink, as well as HP brand photo paper.  HP, and other companies as well, will research and design their products to work and look amazing with each other.