A professional compares the difference between glossy photo paper and photographic paper!
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PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）
プロ品質の写真プリントサービス
「PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）」は、写真展クオリティのプリントを提供する専門店です。一枚一枚の色を丁寧に調整し、30種類以上の用紙から最適なものを提案。あなたの作品が持つ魅力を最大限に引き出すお手伝いをします。大切な作品を、最高の形で残しませんか？
[Professional Explainer] What's the difference between glossy paper and photographic paper? How to choose the perfect paper for your photography project
With the ease of taking beautiful photos with smartphones and digital cameras, more and more people are looking to print them as artwork. However, have you ever been confused by the sheer number of different types of paper and wondered, "Which paper should I choose?" In particular, even if you've heard of "glossy paper" and "photographic paper," few people may accurately understand the differences and characteristics between them.
Choose from the many papers available that will bring out the best in your work.
In this article, we at PHOTOPRI will explain in detail the basic differences between glossy paper and traditional photographic paper, their respective characteristics, and the types of work they are suitable for. We will also introduce PHOTOPRI's recommended high-quality inkjet paper, which will satisfy even those with experience with silver halide printing. We hope to help you find the perfect paper to take your work to new heights.
For those who want to see the texture of the paper firsthand, PHOTOPRI offers a trial printing service where you can try out the paper you're interested in in A5 size, as well as samples of all our papers .
What is glossy paper? – The epitome of vividness that enables diverse expression
"Glossy paper," as the name suggests, is a general term for paper with a glossy surface. It is characterized by its smooth, glossy texture, which vividly reproduces ink colors and gives photos definition and depth. It is generally known as "photo paper," and many people have probably handled it at least once.
The appeal of glossy paper lies in its wide variety. It is divided into the following types depending on the degree of gloss.
- High gloss: This produces a high gloss finish that is almost like a mirror, and is extremely sharp and vivid. It is ideal for bringing out the fine details of your subject.
- Gloss: A standard glossy paper with vibrant colors and a moderate gloss. Suitable for a wide range of uses, including landscape photography and snapshots.
- Semi-gloss (semi-gloss/luster/satin): A soft, subdued finish with reduced gloss. It is fingerprint-resistant and reduces light reflection, making it suitable for exhibitions. It is preferred for portraits. Also known as "kinume," some have a finely textured surface like silk fabric.
- Soft gloss: Some have even less gloss and have an elegant texture similar to matte paper.
At PHOTOPRI, we stock a wide variety of glossy and semi-glossy paper from major domestic and international manufacturers, including Epson, Canon, Hahnemühle, Ilford, and Pictorico. You can choose the perfect paper to suit the image and purpose of your work.
What is photographic paper? – Depth and gradation inherited from the tradition of silver halide photography
What kind of paper comes to mind when you hear the word "photographic paper"? In recent years, it has come to refer to all photographic paper used in inkjet printers, but traditionally it referred to specialized paper coated with photosensitive material (silver halide emulsion) used to develop and print silver halide photographs (film photographs) in a darkroom .
This traditional photographic paper uses a chemical reaction of light to form an image, so its mechanism is fundamentally different from inkjet printing. The main types and characteristics of photographic paper are as follows:
- RC Paper (Resin Coated Paper): This is a type of photographic paper that has been coated on both sides with polyethylene resin and then coated with a photosensitive emulsion. It is characterized by its easy handling and short washing and drying times, and has been widely used for printing at general photo shops.
- Baryta Paper (Fiber-based Paper): Baryta paper is synonymous with high-quality photographic paper. It is made by applying a baryta layer, primarily composed of barium sulfate, to high-quality paper (often fiber-based, such as cotton linter), and then layering a photosensitive emulsion on top of that. This baryta layer achieves rich gradation, deep blacks, and excellent long-term archival stability. Its unique luster and rich gradation have made it particularly popular in black-and-white photography.
The photographic paper used in silver halide prints has a unique texture, deep blacks, smooth gradation, and other appealing features that are different from digital prints. For these reasons, silver halide prints are still popular with many photographers and enthusiasts.
The main differences between glossy paper and traditional photographic paper – comparison of uses and properties
As explained above, "glossy paper" is a broad term that refers to all glossy paper used in inkjet printers and other devices. On the other hand, "photographic paper" traditionally refers to photosensitive paper used in silver halide photography. When comparing the two, the main differences are as follows:
| Features | Glossy paper for inkjet printing | Traditional photographic paper (for silver halide printing) |
|---|---|---|
| Image forming method | Ink is sprayed onto the paper and fixed | Chemical reaction with light (development required) |
| Surface treatment | Various gloss levels (high gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, silk, etc.) | RC (resin coated), baryta (fiber base with baryta layer), etc. |
| Main uses | Printing digital photos, illustrations, and design work | Darkroom prints of film photographs |
| reproducibility | The color gamut and resolution are determined by the combination of printer, ink, and paper. Direct printing from RGB data is possible. | The finish changes depending on the techniques and chemical treatments used in the darkroom, resulting in unique gradations and depth. |
| Ease of use | They can be easily obtained and printed using a home printer or online services. | Requires darkroom equipment and expertise (or a professional lab). |
The important thing is that modern inkjet technology has evolved so much that high-quality inkjet paper has appeared that pursues the rich expressiveness and texture of traditional photographic paper (especially baryta paper) . These are also called "fine art papers" and are the choice of many professional photographers and artists.
At PHOTOPRI, we pursue the very quality of this "photo exhibition/art exhibition" and offer an ultra-high-definition giclee print service . With an overwhelming resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi and direct printing that supports a wide color gamut, including sRGB and Adobe RGB, we faithfully reproduce the colors and gradations of digital data.
Even experienced silver halide printers will be pleased! PHOTOPRI's recommended inkjet paper
For those who want to print with the same texture as traditional photographic paper but find darkroom work difficult, PHOTOPRI offers specially selected inkjet paper that resembles the texture of traditional photographic paper, especially baryta paper and silk paper. Even those with experience with silver halide printing will be satisfied.
[Hahnemuhle] Photo Rag Baryta – A representative baryta-style fine art paper
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta is attractive for its deep blacks and rich gradation.
Photo Rag Baryta, a product of the prestigious German company Hahnemühle, is a fine art paper that, as its name suggests, aims to reproduce the texture of traditional baryta paper in inkjet printing. The 100% cotton base paper is coated with a material that gives baryta its distinctive luster.
Main features:
- Rich gradation and deep blacks: Particularly in black and white photography, this produces smooth, deep gradations from highlights to shadows.
- Elegant luster: The not-too-strong, soft luster gives the piece a luxurious feel.
- Excellent long-term preservation: Acid-free and museum-quality preservation is guaranteed.
- Solid thickness: With a basis weight of 315gsm, it has a heavy finish.
This is the perfect paper for portraits, landscapes (especially black and white), reproductions of fine art, and other works that require depth and presence. It is also one of our most popular papers at PHOTOPRI.
[EPSON] Professional Photo Paper, Heavyweight Silk – Subtle luster and beautiful skin tone
Epson Professional Photo Paper, thick silk finish, excels at expressing moist skin tones.
Among Epson's genuine papers, " Professional Photo Paper Thick Silk, " developed for professionals, is a high-quality RC-based inkjet paper with a surface reminiscent of the silk-like texture of silver halide photographic paper.
Main features:
- Elegant silk-like surface: The fine irregularities on the surface diffuse light, creating a calm, elegant luster.
- Excellent skin tone reproduction: The soft texture beautifully reproduces skin tones in portraits.
- Ease of handling: With a moderate thickness of 0.27mm, it can be handled in a manner similar to regular glossy paper.
- High versatility: Suitable for a wide range of genres, including portraits, snapshots, and landscape photography.
It is ideal for those who want to avoid a strong gloss but are not satisfied with matte paper. It is particularly effective when you want to express the skin texture of a person in a soft, three-dimensional way. It also reduces lighting reflections when exhibiting, making it easy to appreciate.
Find the perfect photo for your project with PHOTOPRI
Glossy paper, traditional photographic paper, and modern high-quality inkjet paper. Have you understood the differences and characteristics of each? In addition to the papers introduced here, PHOTOPRI also stocks a wide variety of fine art papers, including matte paper , canvas , and washi paper , carefully selected from around the world.
First, please check the actual results by printing a test A5 size.
If you're not sure which paper is best for your project, try our A5 size trial print . You can actually check the texture and color of the paper you're interested in using your own data. We also recommend our all-paper sample set , which allows you to compare over 20 different types of paper at once.
PHOTOPRI does more than just print; we offer total support for your creative endeavors. We also offer advice on paper selection, so please feel free to contact us . We at PHOTOPRI look forward to helping you present your work in the best possible light.
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この記事を書いた人
PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）
プロ品質の写真プリントサービス
「PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）」は、写真展クオリティのプリントを提供する専門店です。一枚一枚の色を丁寧に調整し、30種類以上の用紙から最適なものを提案。あなたの作品が持つ魅力を最大限に引き出すお手伝いをします。大切な作品を、最高の形で残しませんか？
