Photo printing services are much simpler than they used to be. In the days when most people used film cameras, you had no way of checking beforehand if all your photos were worth printing. Digital cameras made things easier, but there was some fumbling about with cables and memory cards. Now, all you have to do is upload photos from your phone or computer to a photo-ordering website and then pick them up at your local photo printing shop or have them delivered to your home.
Although it’s easier than ever to print your photos, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to make any decisions (outside of which photos to print). The decision that will most affect how your printed photos will look is the paper and finish you choose.
Let’s take a look at three different types of finishes and how they affect photo printing.
Glossy Finish
The finish most people associate with printed photos is glossy, which has a shiny and reflective surface. The reflective finish enhances color saturation and sharpness and has a professional and eye-catching appearance. However, the glossy finish is prone to smudges and fingerprints, and the shiny surface can have a glare in certain lighting conditions. Glossy finish is best for photos that you intend to display but not touch very often.
Matte Finish
Another common finish for photo printing is matte. Photos with matte finish also look very professional but with a non-reflective and slightly textured surface. The slight texture makes these photos less susceptible to fingerprints and smudges, but the colors may appear less vibrant, and images can have reduced contrast and sharpness. Matte finish is a good choice for photo albums or situations where you expect people to handle the pictures.
Textured Finish
Some photographers favor textured finish for its tactile and artistic quality. You often find textured finish in fine art photography as it can enhance certain types of images. However, it is not suitable for all types of photography as the textured finish can distract from details in the photo. It works well for landscapes and wide shots rather than close-up photography.
Convenient Photo Printing Services at Flash Photo
Unsure which finish is best for your photos? Come to Flash Photo for photo printing services, and our team will help you make the best choices to preserve your memories.
