Matte Vs. Glossy Photo
When you order photos printed, you are most commonly presented with two choices. Glossy prints are shiny, and matte prints have a dull finish. There are pros and cons to both options.
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Pros of Matte
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Matte photos are easier to view from all angles and in all kinds of light because the surface does not easily reflect light. The surface does not readily show fingerprints or smudges.
Cons of Matte
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Colors in matte prints do not seem to be as vibrant as they are in glossy prints, and the surface texture may make it more difficult to get a good-quality scanned image if you start with a matte photo.
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Pros of Glossy
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Glossy prints have bright, vibrant colors. The shiny surface tends to be eye-catching and pleasing to viewers.
Cons of Glossy
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The shiny surface of glossy prints shows fingerprints easily and reflects light, which can make them hard to view from certain angles or in some kinds of lighting conditions.
Other Alternatives
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Some photo studios offer a semi-gloss finish, also sometimes called satin. Just as with house paint, semi-gloss can be a happy medium between two extremes that offers some of the best qualities of each without the drawbacks.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
