It’s crucial to begin by stating that no single photo finish reigns supreme across the board. The choice between different photo finishes isn’t a simple matter of glossy versus matte. In fact, various photographic styles can truly shine with different finishes. The finish you select becomes a tool to subtly shape the mood and impact of your images. For instance, if your goal is to create large prints that evoke a fine art aesthetic, a matte finish is often the most intuitive choice. However, for images bursting with vibrant vacation colors, another finish might be more fitting.
As a professional photographer specializing in capturing people – from families and small businesses to individuals – my primary concern is authenticity. My work hinges on achieving true-to-life skin tones, flattering contrast, and smooth transitions between light and shadow. This focus dictates my preferred photo finishes, leading me towards certain options and away from others.
The photo finish I consciously avoid most of the time? Glossy. Surprising, right? You might be thinking, “Isn’t glossy the most popular photo finish?” Glossy has indeed been the long-standing standard, often the default, and sometimes the only choice available at budget-friendly print labs. However, glossy finishes come with significant downsides. Fortunately, there’s a widely available alternative that shares some of glossy’s appealing qualities while offering a more contemporary and refined look: lustre. ✨
