Printing Paper Options!

coolguy2011 · Jun 8, 2011

Hello,

I have to print a close-up photo (in lab) of my baby and I wish to mount this photo in glass-frame in wall.

Now this photo is 20"x16", 360 dpi, coloured and almost 90% portion is nothing but my baby's face.

They offer two premium paper options for this size "metallic & lustre".

Can you please suggest which is the better option according to you?

AP.

Opher · Jun 8, 2011

I have never used metallic but most of my printing is done on luster paper. Luster is kinda like a semigloss lol

Big Mike · Jun 8, 2011

It's not really a matter of 'better'....either can look good. I'd suggest looking at some sample prints to see what you like best.

I also use luster as my main paper/finish type. It's a nice compromise between matte & glossy. I do use metallic on occasion, as it can make for really stunning prints...but not all photos will look best with metallic paper.

KmH · Jun 8, 2011

coolguy2011 said:
Now this photo is 20"x16", 360 dpi, .

Neither! Probably. But, it really depends on the tonal quality of the image. I prefer a matte finish for people images, even babies.

Will it be printed 20x16, or 16x20?

Will it be a chromogenic print or an inkjet print?

That is a huge image: 20 inches times 360 PPI = 7,200 pixels and 16 inches time s 360 PPI = 5,760 pixels.

What camera was used to make that huge a photo? If you up-rezed the photo, what did you up-rez it with.

Who is they, that offers "metallic & lustre"? Lustre is usually just a spray on coating, not an actual paper finish.

Aye-non Oh-non Imus · Jun 8, 2011

I have used metallic paper for some landscapes and misc. photos with vibrant colors with outstanding results. I also prefer matte finish, as mentioned above, for people photos.

g-fi · Jun 12, 2011

I guess I am in the minority, as I have yet to find a print that didn't look fantastic on metallic paper. There are certain sorts of shots that look even BETTER on metallic paper, but I prefer metallic over lustre for the most part across the board. I particularly love the finish it gives to black and white prints. If you're going for budget, lustre is slightly cheaper, at least it is at WHCC, my choice for prints.

table1349 · Jun 12, 2011

Big Mike said:
It's not really a matter of 'better'....either can look good. I'd suggest looking at some sample prints to see what you like best.

I also use luster as my main paper/finish type. It's a nice compromise between matte & glossy. I do use metallic on occasion, as it can make for really stunning prints...but not all photos will look best with metallic paper.

Big Mike,

Just curious since I have never used Metallic for printing. What sort of photos work best on Metallic? Been thinking of doing a couple for one of the Universities I shoot for in metallic. They would be field sports shots, one cross country and one football.

coolguy2011 · Jun 14, 2011

Thanks to all for their valuable suggestions, but I'm still confused. So I'm posting a low-res version of my photo and request to you to please see this and reply with only one word "Metallic" or "Lustre".

I came to know by your suggestions that any can look better, but I'm just curious to know which would be advisable?

ABCD.jpg picture by coolguy2011 - Photobucket

Thanks again to all,

AP.

Fordtography · Aug 9, 2011

I think lustre would look better for portraits or semi-matte. Metallic only really looks good on car or landscape photography. That is from my experience anyway.
Depending on where you get them printed also they might have different paper types that suit portraiture.
The place I use for prints also offer a paper called warm tone which can be really nice for portraits. If you are interested I use theprintspace.co.uk where I am also an intern.
Photoshop Tutorials & Colour Management | Theprintspace.co.uk
I have attached a link to video tutorials on their website and some of their videos go through the different print types and papers that might be helpful to you.