What is the Best Paper for Photo Prints?

What is the Best Paper for Photo Prints image

Physical prints are one of my favorite ways to view a photographic image. Yes, I am firmly a part of the digital age of photography and videography, but I will not give up on having something physical and tangible to view as art.

When making a physical print, we want to have the best materials at our disposal. If we’re getting a metal, acrylic, or canvas print, we want the best aluminum, acrylic, or cotton canvas for them. For paper enlargements, we obviously want the best paper for photo prints.

What is the best paper for photo prints? As we discuss the answer, I’ll also show where I go for ordering the best prints from my digital files.

Best Paper for Photo Prints - Past

Best Paper for Photo Prints Past image

^{Photo by Bombaert via iStock}

Like many of you visiting this website, I started in photography when film-based imaging was the norm. This photography often included more than simply the film as light-sensitive material. Black and white and color papers were also light sensitive.

By the way, film and paper still exist, though it is a niche market nowadays. This type of photography is based on film and paper with silver halides that react to light and chemicals. The roots of photography go all the way to before the Common Era (B.C.E.), and advancements were driven by both art and science.

To use the best paper for photo prints with film-based photography, you had to match up the right types of papers with the films used. So, if you were shooting color-negative film, you matched up with paper and chemicals designed specifically for that. Color positives (AKA slides or chromes) were printed on different paper. And B&W took yet another bunch of papers and chemicals.

To add to the complexity of choosing the best paper for photo prints, you also had different contrast levels built into the papers or a variable contrast system that employed special filters. The chemicals used also affected contrast and other characteristics of the materials, both for films and papers.

Finally, you had the different sheens, textures, and finishes of the papers to decide on. Some sheens or finishes could actually be applied after the print was made. If you remember that process, you’ve been in photography for a while. Pleased to meet you!

There’s a reason why I often talk about the past of photography, what we used to do. It’s not simply me waxing nostalgic. Rather, I think it’s important to know where things started so we can truly understand where they are now.

Photography is quite literally “drawing with light,” whether accomplished with light-sensitive materials physically or done electronically with digital sensors and recording materials. Understanding where we were helps us better use what we have now.

Digital photography can do so much if we know what we want or need to do. We can capture images, upload them to a lab miles away, and end up with fantastically high-quality photographs printed on what is currently the best paper for photo prints.

Learn More:

Best Paper for Photo Prints - Now

Best Paper for Photo Prints Now image

^{Photo by Bet_Noire via iStock}

Most photography is now digital photography, for casual picture takers to advanced and professional photographers. The best paper for photo prints involves inks specifically formulated for rendering photographic images and papers that hold these inks without smudging, smearing, or fading.

Instead of film, paper, enlarger, and a chemical bath, photographic printers used computer technology and high-end printers run by well-trained technicians and artisans to give us the best physical prints possible.

We adjust our digital images, and the printing companies use those files, adjusting them to properly and accurately transfer to high-quality papers by means of specially developed inks. Since so much goes into making physical prints, we want to ensure we use the best paper for photo prints.

Choosing the Best Paper for Photo Prints

Choosing the Best Paper for Photo Prints image

This brings us to Artbeat Studios. Because more goes into a high-quality physical print than just the best paper for photo prints, you also need the best inks, printers, and people trained to use them properly.

Artbeat Studios uses industry-standard superb Epson printers and inks designed for photographic applications. Their computer programs are also optimized for photographic printing, and the people using all of this technology are completely trained. This training is updated regularly.

Here is a video from Artbeat Studios showing how to order from Artbeat Studios that also explains some more about their materials and processes:

Finally! Now we get to talk about their best paper for photo prints. Artbeat Studios uses Epson®, Breathing Color®, and Moab® papers in several styles of paper and finishes.

Epson® Glossy Photo Papers offer a smooth traditional look for your images. They have the maximum color gamut and image resolution desired for photographers with a discerning and demanding eye. This is a wonderful paper for most images of any style.

Epson® Luster Photo Papers also provide the maximum color gamut and image resolution but on a mix of matte and gloss. This is a great paper for portraits and similar images.

Moab® Slick Rock Metallic Paper prints look very dramatic and give your prints a higher perceived value. Metallic photo paper has a subtle iridescence while keeping a nice white point so that the images appear true to color. This may be the best paper for photo prints of landscapes or other very colorful images.

Breathing Color® Fine Art Paper is a 310g, Bright White, museum-grade, velvet fine art paper made from 100% cotton fiber that is archival and acid-free. This paper offers a unique extra smooth surface and makes it ideal as the best paper for photo prints of your fine art photography.

Fine Art Prints from Artbeat Studios

Fine Art Prints from Artbeat Studios image

Besides having the best paper for photo prints, Artbeat Studios also makes metal prints, canvas prints, and acrylic prints in a wide range of sizes and finishes. All prints made by Artbeat Studios can be mounted in various ways, including several high-quality wood frames.

Take a look at the professional options and programs offered by Artbeat Studios for professional photographers, including white-label shipping and e-Commerce integrations. They have the right people, offer the right services, and use the best paper for photo prints. I’m sure you’ll enjoy using them as much as I do for high-quality photographic printing.