Gloss or Pearl? When to use which...

[dwalton]

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug
--
http://yooperdoug.smugmug.com

 

[jboyer]

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with
regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with
glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own
thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug
--
http://yooperdoug.smugmug.com

Calling for taste? I am new to printing, though I did some darkroom work long time ago. My 2 cents is that it all depends. What picture/size/color/BW/hang/album?

The Pearl (Ilford, I suppose?) is a wonderful paper and truly professional class. It has my vote, but I also like VERY glossy when I need to show details and add extra sense of light.

I hope this thread will generate a good response as to the varying tastes and reasons. Too bad we cannot 'show' actual paper results on the forum.

Thanks for asking, Doug.

Jerome Boyer
http://www.pbase.com/jboyer
Equipment in profile

 

[greggles]

Hi Doug and Jerome
Jerome, what is your preference for hung prints and why?
Cheers
Greg

 

[pdqgp]

Classic Pearl which has a low luster appearance....like graduation photos. Mostly for people or behind glass. The low luster works great behind glass as it doesn't have glare/high gloss. Low luster resists or hides finger prints really well too.

I use the Classic Gloss too, but have a personal like for a low luster. Gloss is nice for objects like cars, buildings, etc....none people as it emphasizes the lines. I also like them for handing out to others. Especially if they just plain prefer glossy prints to low luster.

That's my two cents.

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with
regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with
glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own
thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug
--
http://yooperdoug.smugmug.com

--
-tim
http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp

 

[Paolo Pizzi]

Gloss paper is better suited for "technical" photos
(planes, cars, trains, architecture, macro etc.), sports,
action in general.

Semi-gloss and matte are best for people in general
(portraits, candids, emotional scenes etc.)

--
'There is nothing worse than a sharp
picture of a fuzzy idea.' (Ansel Adams)

• Equipment list in profile.

 

[dwalton]

The kinds of things I'm hearing people say are pretty much in line with what I was thinking. Keep the info coming if you have anything to share - thanks very much!
Doug

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with
regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with
glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own
thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug
--
http://yooperdoug.smugmug.com

--
http://yooperdoug.smugmug.com

 

[John Fagerberg]

Definately a mater of taste, but mine is in line with the other comments.

I prefer the pearl for portraits. For landscape, it can go either way. If there is detail that I want to show, then I'll go for gloss. If I want to show a mood, then I'll go for pearl.
--
John Fagerberg
http://www.pbase.com/jafent2002

 

[Michael Meissner]

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with
regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with
glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own
thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug

For my tastes, I generally like pearl for pictures that will be hung up or put in albums (particularly for pictures that are going to be framed, the extra gloss means you won't be able to see the picture in some lights without moving the picture). For pictures I am going to pass around, I will often do high gloss, just because people expect pictures to be high gloss from traditional film printing.

 

[jboyer]

Hi Doug and Jerome
Jerome, what is your preference for hung prints and why?
Cheers
Greg

Pearl...

Glossy are nice, but in many conditions shows 'shine' and make them difficult to see. Pearl seems bright under many conditions.

I tried 'canvass' - looks great, but dull unless well lighted!

I hope this helps.
Jerome Boyer
http://www.pbase.com/jboyer
Equipment in profile

 

[jboyer]

Gloss paper is better suited for "technical" photos
(planes, cars, trains, architecture, macro etc.), sports,
action in general.

Semi-gloss and matte are best for people in general
(portraits, candids, emotional scenes etc.)

--
'There is nothing worse than a sharp
picture of a fuzzy idea.' (Ansel Adams)

• Equipment list in profile.

I believe this is very true. I'd like to add landscapes in the 'gloss' category: think of a bright beach with wawes shining in the sun...

Jerome Boyer
http://www.pbase.com/jboyer
Equipment in profile

 

[jboyer]

What is the general consensus in the photo printing world with
regards to what kinds of photos led themselves to printing with
glossy paper versus pearl (semi-gloss), and why? I have my own
thoughts but I'd really like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks very much,
Doug

For my tastes, I generally like pearl for pictures that will be
hung up or put in albums (particularly for pictures that are going
to be framed, the extra gloss means you won't be able to see the
picture in some lights without moving the picture). For pictures I
am going to pass around, I will often do high gloss, just because
people expect pictures to be high gloss from traditional film
printing.

can anyone suggest the papers used most frequently, like

Ilford Pearl: Portraits
Epson etc..

I have been groping with Kodak, Epson, Canon and now Ilford. I'd love to know your opinions on the subject.

Thanks.
Jerome Boyer
http://www.pbase.com/jboyer
Equipment in profile

 

[John Fagerberg]

I use either the Ilford Classic Pearl or Ilford Classic Gloss (actually Kirkland Professional Glossy Inkjet). These arre both very economical papers.

--
John Fagerberg
http://www.pbase.com/jafent2002

can anyone suggest the papers used most frequently, like

Ilford Pearl: Portraits
Epson etc..

I have been groping with Kodak, Epson, Canon and now Ilford. I'd
love to know your opinions on the subject.

Thanks.
Jerome Boyer
http://www.pbase.com/jboyer
Equipment in profile