[How to choose photo paper] Choosing paper that brings out the appeal of your work

Thanks to the rapid evolution of smartphone cameras, we now live in an age where anyone can easily enjoy taking photographs.

"Print the photos you take on paper..."

The beauty of photography is once again in danger of being swallowed up by the times.

Even if you normally look at it on a display, printing it on paper draws you in even more to the appeal of each individual piece.

Print out your favorite photos, pick them up, and look at them closely.

The surprise before my eyes captured on the lens...

The sensual moment of the subject...

A casual shot of everyday life...

By choosing to print in this age of social media,

It will surely create more meaningful time.

However, when it comes to choosing paper, many people get confused by the sheer number of different types available...

I hear a lot of people say things like this.

So, first we will explain the general characteristics of each of the many types of photo paper available.

We will also list the various forms that can be ordered from "PHOTOPRI" for your reference.

(Please note that some of the papers explained here may not be available.)

Q.What is photographic paper?

A. Photographic paper mainly refers to paper for silver halide printing.

It is coated with a photosensitive material used to develop film images taken with a film camera.

However, in recent years, photographic paper for inkjet printers that can output high-quality digital images has also been called "photographic paper," and there are two types: baryta-based and RC (Rasin Coating)-based.

Baryta refers to a paper substrate that has a base layer (baryta layer) applied to it to make the paper appear whiter, and then a layer of photosensitive material applied on top of that.

One of its strengths is the beauty of the depiction produced by its unique, finely grained texture.

RC refers to baryta paper that has a resin layer on both sides, eliminating the drawback of baryta paper that causes it to unnecessarily absorb chemicals.

By changing the texture of the surface resin layer, it is possible to create a strong gloss or a subdued gloss.

*We are currently considering which baryta-based paper to use, so we are also accepting requests. → Send a request

Q.What is matte paper?

A.Matte paper is a type of photographic paper that has a matte coating that reduces the amount of light that enters the photo.

The surface has no gloss and gives a subdued finish.

It is suitable for printing classical photographs or photographs with a soft atmosphere.

Q.What is glossy paper?

A. Glossy paper is what is commonly known as photo paper.

It has a smooth texture and a glossy surface, giving it a lustrous look.

The colors are vibrant, especially the black ones, making it ideal for creating contrast.

Glossy paper has a coated surface that gives it a luxurious finish.

Q: What is silk-like texture?

A. Silk-like texture is a semi-gloss paper with a fine-grained surface.

It has a smooth texture and a subtle surface shine, giving your work a moist and elegant finish.

It creates a calm atmosphere, so it is often used in photo books and other media.

It also has high water and light resistance, so it is less likely to fade.

This is a type of photo paper that can maintain good condition for a relatively long time.

Q: What is washi paper?

A. Washi , also known as "Japanese paper," is paper made using traditional Japanese methods.

Its characteristics are thin and durable.

It is also attracting attention from overseas as one of Japan's proud traditional crafts.

There are many types of raw materials used to make washi paper, including hemp, grain, gampi, kozo, dan, and mitsumata.

There are many areas across Japan where washi paper is produced, so here we will introduce Awa washi paper, which is available at PHOTOPRI.

Awa washi paper (also called Awagami) is a type of washi paper produced in Yoshinogawa City, Ikeda Town, Miyoshi City, and Naka Town, Naka District, Tokushima Prefecture, and is designated as a national traditional craft.

It is made from raw materials such as mulberry and mitsumata, and is characterized by its gentle color and excellent water resistance.

One of the interesting things about it is that the expression changes depending on the washi paper.

Awa washi paper is compatible with inkjet printers.

It is often used in professional production because it can achieve high image quality and rich reproducibility.

Q.What is fine art paper?

A. Fine art paper is one of the papers that has made a great leap in "paper quality" thanks to improvements in inkjet printing technology.

The fact that it was now possible to reproduce digital images with the same level of detail and quality as conventional silver halide photography immediately led to its potential being explored within the photography and art industries.

The main feature of fine art paper is that it combines "durability" and "texture."

The raw materials used include cotton, wood, and bamboo, but PHOTOPRI uses cotton-based fine art paper.

Cotton-based fine art paper does not contain lignin (a component that makes up 20-30% of wood. Paper derived from wood naturally contains lignin and will deteriorate over time. Incidentally, the discoloration of books is the result of a chemical reaction between ultraviolet light and lignin), making it possible to preserve the paper for long periods of time.

In the past, cotton-based papers were widely used in Germany, from general-purpose to fine art papers.

Many works written on cotton-based papers are still extant, including Renaissance paintings, the works of Shakespeare, and the Gutenberg Bible.

There are many fine art paper suppliers, such as Hahnemuhle (Germany), PICTORICO (Japan), and Canson (France), and as a result, there is a wide variety of paper types.

Fine art papers, which have evolved in Europe, are expected to continue to evolve, and at the same time, new fine art papers may also be born in Asia in the future.

It is possible that Japanese washi paper and Chinese bamboo paper may become inkjet compatible in the future.

All of the fine art papers used by "PHOTOPRI" have a nice texture and are ideal for photographs that aim for detailed expression and a calm finish.

The reason we have provided a more in-depth explanation of fine art paper is because we want to recommend it to those who have not yet used it, both for the rich expressiveness it allows and for its ease of use as a photo paper.

Furthermore, it is believed that fine art paper will not only be popular among those in the art industry, but will also penetrate into the world of individual creators.

Along with this, there is a high possibility that the types of paper themselves will increase and become more specialized.

Fine art paper has great potential, so we will continue to keep an eye on it. Why not take this opportunity to give it a try?

Q.What thickness and type of paper are recommended for printing photos?

A. If the purpose of the photo is simply to record something, a thickness of about 0.23mm is appropriate.

For those entering photo contests and professional users using photo studios, photographic paper of about 0.27 mm is recommended, as most people use photographic paper.

Which prints are suitable for photographic paper?

If you are looking for a high-quality finish, such as for producing photo books or albums, large-sized photo paper for photo contests and exhibitions, or for producing pamphlets and catalogs, we recommend photographic paper or silk-like paper.

Which prints are best suited for glossy or matte paper?

For digital camera photo prints, product catalogues, postcards, restaurant menus, construction photos, direct mail, etc., photo glossy paper or matte paper is recommended for its cost-effectiveness.

Q. I would like to print photos. What type of paper do you recommend?

A.

If you are looking for easy handling and professional quality, choose RC-based photographic paper.

If you want to print classic photos and achieve a subdued finish, choose matte paper.

If you want rich contrast and clear expression, choose glossy paper.

If you want a moist finish with a slightly reduced shine, choose the silky finish.

If you are looking for a Japanese design or a fleeting, subtle atmosphere, try washi paper.

Fine art paper has a long history of being loved by people in artistic powerhouses, and has an appealing history.

...I've listed some recommended papers, and I'm sure that some of you who have read this far have decided on a direction and thought, "Okay, I'll try this," while others are still undecided.

I have personally seen, touched, and printed on many different types of photo paper.

There were times when I found myself at a loss as to what paper to print a particular photograph on.

Many customers often ask me, "Which paper do you recommend?" and I can very well understand the desire to ask that question.

As people change, their eyes, sensibilities, and tastes change.

"Which photo paper should I use?" This often depends on your personal preference.

I think that there are some people who may not find the fine art paper that I recommend particularly appealing.

Because people have different eyes, sensibilities, and tastes.

We highly recommend a test printout, not only for those who are still undecided, but also for those who have already decided on a direction.

About test printing

We believe that you will be more satisfied if you compare multiple papers using a single photo data and get a feel for the characteristics and atmosphere of the paper before placing your order. Furthermore, by keeping the paper samples on hand, you can make good use of them when you place another order.

Please use this as a reassurance when using "PHOTOPRI".

Test print here