So where do the people fit who prefer semi-gloss (or semi-matte) prints? I find that to be the best of all possible worlds?
Don
You just live in that world. It's all a matter of personal taste. My preference is glossy because I get positive comments from people who view my prints and are amazed at the bright colors (actually mostly courtesy of Photoshop; only partly the paper). Others like matte and semi-matte papers because they suppress reflections for viewing and they like muted and subdued colors. My world is a large one, because I experiment with all kinds of papers, depending on the subject matter. I even used some paper made of paper made from tree bark from Nepal (wrapping paper); the prints came out great, looking like a nineteenth century pictorial oil painting. I personally love some of my photos printed on matte paper. However, I get my most positive reactions from my glossy prints because of their rich tonality and vivid colors. By the way I have some glossy ink jet prints (1st generation, Epson Photo printer) that I hung up in my office at work for almost five years and they still look good. I am amazed because I was told that the prints would last under fluorescent lights for only 3 to 4 years at the most.
Dan
