In this guide, I shall discuss the key factors to consider when selecting photographic paper.

Whether you’re printing for a gallery, client delivery, or your own portfolio, the type of paper you use can make or break your image. For photographers, photographic printer paper is what makes the final image. As important as composing the shot and choosing your film or settings.

With so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

1. Understand Paper Types: Glossy, Matte, and Beyond

The finish of your paper has a direct impact on how your photo looks and feels.

• Glossy: For vibrant colours and deep blacks, glossy paper offers a polished, high-contrast finish. Ideal for colorful landscapes or high-saturation images. Downsides? Fingerprints and glare. For this reason glossy may not be the best choice for images framed behind glass.
• Matte: Soft, smooth, and non-reflective, matte paper is great for black-and-white prints, portraits, and fine art. It offers a subtle, tactile feel but may have slightly muted colours compared to glossy.
• Luster/Satin: The best of both worlds. Luster paper has a slight sheen without the glare of glossy, making it a popular choice for portraits and weddings, and a good all-round paper.
• Fine Art Textured Papers: Papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag or Pinnacle Watercolour have a fine texture which can give a painterly feel that enhances the artistic quality of prints. Perfect for fine art photography and gallery displays.
• Specialist Papers: There are also papers such as metallics that offer a unique quality to prints, so be sure to order a sample or two of something different!

2. Consider the Weight and Thickness

Paper weight affects durability and how premium a print feels in-hand.

• Standard weights: Around 200–260 gsm (grams per square meter). Good for everyday use, personal prints and portfolios.
• Heavyweight/fine art: 300+ gsm. These feel more substantial and are preferred for high-end prints and framing. Heavier paper also tends to resist curling and warping but may require a printer capable of handling thick media.

3. Color Reproduction and D-Max

The quality of your printer and paper determines how accurately colors are rendered and how deep your blacks appear (D-Max).

• Opt for papers compatible with your ink system (dye vs. pigment).
• Professional paper manufacturers usually provide ICC profiles, which are essential for colour-managed printing. Or check out my guide to colour calibration and printer profiling here:

4. Longevity and Archival Quality

If your work is meant to last — especially important for galleries or client sales — choose papers that are acid-free and rated as archival. These resist fading and yellowing over time.

Look for:

• Acid-free: Prevents deterioration.
• OBA-free (Optical Brightening Agents): Papers without OBAs are more stable over time, though they may appear slightly warmer in tone.

5. Match Paper to Image Style

Different styles of photography benefit from different types of paper:

• Portraits: Luster or matte for a classic, soft look.
• Landscapes: Glossy for vibrant colors, or textured fine art for a painterly feel.
• Black & White: Matte or baryta papers for rich tonal depth and timeless aesthetics.
• Abstract or conceptual work: Fine art rag with texture can enhance artistic expression.

6. Order samples

Don’t buy in bulk before trying a few samples. Many paper companies offer sample packs so you can test different finishes, weights, and tones. Be sure to study your printed image in a constant light source for true comparison. Don’t forget to hold the image in the manner at which it is intended to be viewed (ie vertical if hanging on a wall).

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right photographic paper is as much an artistic decision as it is a technical one. The best paper complements your image, enhances its mood, and aligns with your intent as a photographer. It’s worth experimenting until you find your favorites — your images deserve to be printed with the same care that went into capturing them.

---

Have a favorite paper or a go-to printing workflow? Drop a comment below and let’s talk prints!