Glossy vs Matte Photos: Choose the Perfect Finish for Your Prints

by MYPICTURE Team

3 Minutes

2024-01-30

We weigh up the relative benefits of glossy vs matte photos: whichever finish is right for you, you’ll find a beautiful print here at MYPICTURE.

In the world of photography, the finishing touch can make a significant difference in the visual appeal of your prints.

Two popular options for photo finishes are glossy and matte. Each finish has its unique characteristics and impact on the overall look of the image. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between glossy and matte photos and help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect finish for your prints.

Here at MYPICTURE we sell both matte and glossy photos: our framed photo print, for example, comes with a beautiful lustre finish. Meanwhile, our traditional prints on photo paper are available as glossy or matte.

Glossy vs Matte Prints. Photo print leaning against wall with cacti.

Glossy vs Matte Photos: What is a Gloss Finish?

Glossy photos are characterized by a shiny, reflective surface that enhances colour saturation and vibrancy. The glossy finish brings out the richness and depth of the colours, making them appear more vibrant and eye-catching.

Glossy photos also offer exceptional sharpness and detail, showcasing every intricate element of the image. The reflective surface of glossy prints adds a professional touch, giving the photos a polished and elegant appearance.

However, glossy photos do come with a few drawbacks. They’re prone to fingerprints and smudges, which can diminish their overall appeal. Moreover, glossy prints may suffer from glare and reflections under certain lighting conditions, making them challenging to view from certain angles. When it comes to framing and displaying glossy photos, extra care must be taken to minimize glare and ensure optimal visibility.

Glossy vs Matte Prints. Shiny heart balloon standing up.

Glossy vs Matte Photos: What is a Matte Finish?

Matte photos, on the other hand, have a non-reflective, subtle finish that offers a different aesthetic appeal. Matte prints possess a soft and understated appearance, creating a more muted and calming effect.

Unlike glossy photos, matte prints reduce glare and reflections, allowing for easy viewing from any angle. The absence of a reflective surface makes them ideal for spaces with bright lighting conditions or for photos intended to be viewed up close.

While matte photos excel in their ability to minimize glare, they tend to have slightly reduced colour saturation compared to glossy prints. The matte finish may result in a less vibrant appearance, with colours appearing more subdued. Additionally, the lack of a glossy surface can contribute to a slight reduction in sharpness and detail.

Glossy or Matte Photos: How to Choose

When deciding between glossy and matte photos, personal preference plays a significant role. Consider the aesthetic and mood you want to convey through your prints. Think about the purpose and context of the photo: is it a professional exhibition, or is it for home decor and personal enjoyment? These factors will guide your decision-making process.

Glossy vs Matte Prints. Photo print held up over pile of photo prints.

When it comes to professional photography and exhibitions, glossy prints are dominant. The glossy finish brings out the vividness of colours and enhances the overall visual impact, making them an excellent choice for showcasing artwork and capturing attention. On the other hand, matte photos can be an ideal choice for home decor, creating a more relaxed and intimate ambiance.

To further help you make a decision, let's consider some sample scenarios and recommendations:

Portraits and wedding photos. When it’s vital to capture emotions and details, most people would go for glossy prints. The glossy finish emphasizes the vibrancy of skin tones and enhances the overall elegance of the images.
Landscape and nature photography. Matte prints are often preferred here, as they provide a more natural and subtle presentation, allowing the viewer to focus on the beauty of the scenery without distractions.

Finding the Right Finish for You at MYPICTURE

We sell a range of products here at MYPICTURE printed on traditional photo paper. Below we’ve put together a quick guide to these print options to help you choose your product according to its finish.

FRAMED PHOTO. Our framed photo print is a superb digital reproduction of your image, presented in the traditional style with a gallery frame with pure-white mount. The framed photo comes with a gloss finish that brings a beautiful lustre to your photo. Note: each print also comes with a shimmering acrylic glass cover.
PHOTO PRINTS: These are traditional hand-held prints on photo paper of the kind you’d get from an old-style print shop. Available in a range of formats, from 9 x 12cm right up to 20 x 30cm, our photo prints are available with either a glossy or matte finish.
POSTER PRINTS. Our custom posters aren’t the fragile throwaway items you’d see in a typical student dorm. We print your image on real 275g/m² photo paper for an exceptionally fine result. Our posters come with a matte finish.

Glossy vs Matte Prints. Photo print of dog on wall above sofa.

Conclusion

In the world of photography, choosing between glossy or matte photos can significantly impact the final appearance of your prints.

Glossy photos offer vibrant colours, sharpness, and a professional touch, but are prone to fingerprints and glare. Matte photos, on the other hand, provide a soft, non-reflective finish, reducing glare and reflections while maintaining a calm and understated aesthetic.

Ultimately, the choice between glossy and matte photos depends on personal preference, the intended purpose of the prints, and the desired mood and ambiance. So, experiment, explore, and let your prints reflect your unique style and vision.

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