What paper

[Oldbones]

I am a year into photography with a DSLR, what a great year it has been.
The learning curve the aspects of what all goes on is fascinating.
Now I am on the verge of getting an independent printing shop to actually print some of my photographs.
I went in today to talk it over with the shop owner, which was a good thing to do as she is well respected in the town.
After many questions and lots of discussion, the only thing that was really left was for me to decide what paper to use,
Gloss or Matt, the lady told me its a personal choice, I could do both if I want.
So how do you decide, what is the pros and cons each, matt or gloss.
Yes I am excited, and no I don't think my photography is near the level of the majority of the local club members or people on this forum.
I just want to print and get more purpose as I go about taking photographs.

 

[Gav.]

My preferances are..

Avoid Gloss - I dislike the reflective surface and the glare that it can give.

Satin/Oyster - I use for wildlife, some portraits or where print colour is important, also has a bit more of a 'pop' without so much of the reflective distractions of the gloss surface.

Matte - I use for most B&W, 'fine art' portraits and for the art style muted colour images.

Print media is a very personal choice, some love gloss for the colour and 'impact' that it can give, get small size test prints done before any large print to avoid disappointment.

Good to hear your enjoying your learning curve, good luck and enjoy.

 

[ChrisR]

This .

 

[Box Brownie]

broadly with @Gav. on your question.

As as oft been said 'photograph is nothing until it has been printed'.

 

[Rincewind]

To be honest its another 'personal' choice. If you have a printer at home - for 'everyday paperwork', I have a Epson 2815 for printing forms and letters and scaning in bills etc. get some supermarket gloss / satin and matt paper - smallest pack you can get 10 - 25 sheets each. Print one image you like out on each surface, dont worry about the colour rendition etc being spot on - its how they look to you with each surface for that image, then you can decide how you want the pro printer to print it for you - you can experiment with different subjects quite cheaply that way and stand a good chance of getting what you see in your minds eye back from the printer

 

[vintageman]

Go for a large canvas(es) for your best shots

 

[Oldbones]

Go for a large canvas(es) for your best shots

Well I don't have very many best shots if any really, but I am starting to be happier with what I am doing.
That is why I have found a place to print what I do have, that I think is worthy.
I do have the below image which is the very first image that I saw when not having a camera with me, so I went home fast as I could and got the camera, returned and took the photograph.
I am happy with it as it symbolizes a step change in what I am doing with my cameras.
The days of shooting everything is gone and I now think about light, composition, depth of field etc.
So if I get this printed it will go to the spare room where all the photography and fishing gear resides, as a starting point, after a year of snapping away..
It will be the beginning of a second chapter in the photography adventure.