As a wedding photographer, you know that the choice between matt and glossy photographs can have a big impact on the final product. Both have their pros and cons, and which one you choose ultimately depends on your personal style and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Glossy vs Matte Photo
Glossy photographs are known for their vibrant colours and high contrast, making them a great choice for images with a lot of detail and depth. They’re also more durable and less likely to smudge or scratch, which makes them a popular choice for framing and displaying.
On the other hand, matte photographs have a more subdued, natural look that’s perfect for portraits and images that require a softer touch. They’re less reflective than glossy photographs, which means they’re easier to view in different lighting conditions and less likely to show fingerprints or other imperfections.
I rally like this video because she clearly shows you the difference between a matte and a gloss finish. I also like it because it encourages you to mess about with your photographs, experiment with different finished and textures and hopefully create something unique
When it comes down to it, the choice between matt and glossy photographs is a personal one. It all depends on your preferences and the look you’re trying to achieve with your images.
So whether you’re a fan of the bold colours and high contrast of glossy photographs or the natural, understated look of matt photographs, there’s no right or wrong choice. The key is to experiment and find the style that works best for you and your clients.
Matte photo print finish
The matte finish is known for its understated, natural look.
But what exactly is a matte finish, and how is it achieved?
In simple terms, a matte finish is achieved by creating a textured surface on the print that diffuses the light and reduces its reflective properties. This creates a more muted, subdued look that’s perfect for certain types of subject matter.
The science behind the reflective qualities of a matte finish is actually quite cool. When light hits a glossy surface, it bounces off at an angle that’s equal to the angle at which it hit the surface. This creates a strong reflection that can be distracting or overpowering in certain types of images.
In contrast, when light hits a matte surface, it scatters in all directions, creating a more diffuse reflection that’s less distracting and more natural looking. This is achieved by adding a layer of texture to the print, which creates tiny bumps and ridges that scatter the light and reduce its reflective properties.
So what types of images are best suited to a matte finish? In general, images with softer colours and more subtle tones tend to work well with a matte finish. This includes portraits, landscapes, and other types of images that require a more natural, understated look.
Matte finishes are also popular for black and white photographs as they help to create a timeless, classic look. Mostly because plate photography (what some might refer to as vintage photography, think Victorian era and earlier) was matte finish, so there’s a visual language to be understood in the print finish you choose. The lack of reflective properties in a matte finish can also help to reduce distractions in the image, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject matter more easily.
One of the benefits of a matte finish is that it’s less likely to show fingerprints, smudges, or other imperfections than a glossy finish. This makes it a popular choice for prints that will be handled frequently.
In terms of achieving a matte finish, there are a few different methods that can be used. One common approach is to print the image on a matte paper stock, which has a rougher surface texture that diffuses the light and reduces its reflective properties. Another option is to add a matte coating to the print, which can be done either before or after the image is printed.
Whether you’re a wedding photographer looking to create timeless, classic images or a landscape photographer looking to capture the beauty of the natural world, a matte finish can help you achieve the look you’re going for.
Glossy photo finish
The choice between a matte or glossy finish can have a big impact on the final product of a photograph. While a matte finish offers a natural, subdued look, a glossy finish is known for its vibrant colours and high contrast. Here, I’ll dive into the science behind a gloss photo finish, how it is achieved, and what types of subject matter it’s most commonly used for.
A gloss finish is created by applying a smooth, reflective coating to the surface of the print. This coating is typically made of a resin or polymer that dries to create a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light. The result is a photograph with bold colours, high contrast, and a glossy sheen that can make the image really ‘pop’.
The science behind the reflective qualities of a gloss finish is actually quite fascinating. When light hits a glossy surface, it bounces off at an angle that’s equal to the angle at which it hit the surface. This creates a strong, direct reflection that can be very eye-catching in certain types of images.
In contrast, when light hits a matte surface, it scatters in all directions, creating a more diffuse reflection that’s less eye-catching and more natural looking. While this is great for certain types of images, it can also make the image appear more muted and less vibrant.
So what types of images are best suited to a gloss finish? In general, images with bold colours and strong contrast tend to work well with a gloss finish. This includes images of architecture, landscapes, and other types of images that require a lot of detail and depth.
Gloss finishes are also popular for images that will be displayed in a gallery or museum setting, as the high reflectivity of the surface can make the image really stand out in a crowd. Gloss finishes are also great for images that will be used in advertising or marketing materials, as the bold colours and high contrast can help to grab the viewer’s attention and create a memorable impression.
Achieving a gloss finish can be done in a number of different ways. One common approach is to print the image on glossy paper stock, which has a smooth surface texture that creates a natural gloss. Another option is to add a gloss coating to the print, which can be done either before or after the image is printed.
One of the benefits of a gloss finish is that it’s very durable and resistant to scratches, which makes it a great choice for prints that will be handled frequently. Gloss finishes are also less likely to fade over time than matte finishes, which means that they will retain their vibrant colours and bold contrast for years to come.
In conclusion, a gloss finish is a great choice for certain types of images that require a lot of detail and depth. Whether you’re a landscape photographer looking to capture the natural beauty of the world or an architectural photographer looking to highlight the details of a building, a gloss finish can help to create an eye-catching image that’s sure to grab the viewer’s attention. While a gloss finish may not be the right choice for every image, it can be a powerful tool for photographers who want to create bold, vibrant, and memorable images that really stand out.