It’s a common question among photographers and anyone looking to print their photos: which photo finish is best? While there’s no single answer that applies to every image, understanding the characteristics of each finish can help you make the right decision for your desired look. Often, the choice boils down to personal preference and the specific style of your photography. For those aiming for a sophisticated, fine art aesthetic, Matte Prints are often the superior option. Conversely, vibrant and colorful snapshots might seem destined for a glossier finish.
As someone who specializes in portrait photography – capturing families, individuals, and brands – the nuances of skin tone, flattering contrast, and smooth tonal transitions are paramount. This focus dictates a preference for certain photo finishes that enhance these qualities and a careful avoidance of others that might detract.
One photo finish that is rarely, if ever, the ideal choice for this kind of work is glossy. “Glossy? Isn’t that the standard?” you might ask. Indeed, glossy has been the default for photo prints for many years and remains a common, sometimes only, option at budget print labs. However, glossy prints come with significant drawbacks. Fortunately, there’s a print finish that shares some of glossy’s appealing qualities while offering a more contemporary and refined look: lustre. ✨
