b/w print glossy or not in glossy paper

[JTcooper]

hello everyone, I have never been using b/w film before . so, I'm wonder it is better to print it in glossy paper or not. cause my friend toll me that it be better off with glossy, but I didn't think so....thank you mucho much

[efjeld]

Are you talking about developing your own and doing your prints in a darkroom? You weren't too clear on that end.

If you're working in a darkroom, I personally prefer the "Pearl" type paper. It's all a matter of personal preference though. Some of my prints look better with glossy and some look better with pearl. I've found that photography is about being creative and not sticking to the "same 'ol, same 'ol" all the time.

[another view]

Good idea about having one print made of each - that way you can see the difference. Along with other points mentioned, I'd say the subject matters too. Portraits are probably better with matte because they don't show as much detail. Imperfections can get smoothed out with matte, and it's generally what people are used to seeing. A really detailed shot looks better to me with gloss though, something like a macro shot or a building.

[mjs1973]

Glossy vs matte was discussed here once before. I know some people liked the glossy because it shows the finer details better than a matte finish does. Some people like the matte finish better because it doesn't show finger prints like gloss does... I think it's all a matter of personal prefferance. I use to have all my color prints done on glossy paper. My reason for doing this was simply because that's all my family would ever get. Once I started getting digital prints in a matte finish, I loved the way they looked. Now just about everything I get printed is matte finish. I have also used the pearl finish paper for some color stuff, and I love the look of it. It's not something I would use to print everything, but for certain pics, it really sets them apart from the others.

If you're not sure, take one of your negatives, and make a glossy and a matte print, and see what you like best.

[darkman]

If you're actually shooting b/w film and printing on b/w paper, the blacks are richer with glossy paper. Still, it's a matter of prefference and might vary with image content.

If you are going to scan and digitally print, I haven't found that one paper produces richer blacks than another. In this case I prefer the satin/pearl finish.

[JTcooper]

oh no, I know nothing about dark room yet. I was just wonder if I take it to some local here in town or even send it out. yes, it is a very good idea to print one each

[another view]

Finding a local lab that specializes in custom B&W printing might be difficult. Depending on where you're at in Texas, you may come up with something though. Austin might be a good place to try, but probably a long drive. If you do mail order, there is at least one place in Chicago that has a really good reputation but I haven't used them personally. Custom printing can get expensive because high quality darkroom printing is an art in itself.

[JTcooper]

maybe I should google and find some near by ehh

[JTcooper]

maybe I should google and find some near by ehh

thank you so much for all the reply though, I found out that its harder to learn without asking for some help than just keep on thinking yourself to death...

[opus]

some reasons not to use glossy:

if you're going to pass the prints around (fingerprints)
if you're going to hang them on the wall in a sunny spot (reflections)


reasons not to use matte:

if you need the crispest possible image
if you're going for an antique look