Glossy Vs Matte Prints

timarp000 · Oct 10, 2013

I want to get one of my photos printed. Would you recommend a Glossy or Matte Print? Its a picture of a Kingfisher. Its very colorful and shows great detail. I have posted the image below

I hoping to get a large 10x15 print in a portrait orientation.

KmH · Oct 10, 2013

I would crop some off the top of the image before I had it printed.
In fact, I would likely crop it square.

Prints are relatively inexpensive, get one of each and decide for yourself.
Colorful images often look good printed on metallic paper.

Square crop.

I cloned out some distractions, boosted the mid-tone contrast of the bird a little, sharpened just the bird a tad, and mocked up a simple mat and black metal frame.

Tony S · Oct 10, 2013

It has the right coloring that would pop on a metallic print surface. But matte or glossy is a personal choice, I usually go with glossy for really finely detailed shots, matte for a more artsy look.

ottor · Oct 10, 2013

Metallic for sure .... it'll make that bird just 'pop'. A matte finish would be a disservice in my opinion ...

Big Mike · Oct 11, 2013

If you're not sure, order smaller prints with two or three different paper types. Then choose the best one for the larger print.

TCampbell · Oct 11, 2013

I tend to prefer glossy for images meant to be vibrant / saturated color.

I tend to prefer matte for images meant to be soft / gently muted color.

cynicaster · Oct 11, 2013

I used to blindly go with glossy, because I figured shiny = cool, without really thinking about it. Now, I prefer matte 90% of the time, especially for stuff that is hanging on a wall or in a frame on a coffee table.

Big Mike · Oct 11, 2013

I should have mentioned that my go-to option is 'Luster'. It's sort of a hybrid of matte and glossy.

Josh66 · Oct 11, 2013

My personal preference is glossy or metallic for color prints, and matte or satin for B&W...
But I will switch depending on the subject.

KmH · Oct 11, 2013

Luster is often a spray on type of coating that is applied to the paper after the image has been applied.

The coating often includes components that increase the UV protection of the image.