What type of photo paper???

[mtndew]

Just trying to get some ideas for type of photo paper? Matte, semi glossy, glossy? on top of that what company? So what do you use and why?

[k-j-m]

As for the type of paper, I think it really all depends on the subject matter, and what you think your print would look best on. I generally use glossy for most of my work, but I shoot a lot of scenics and landscapes in bright light and like the way the colors pop out. Sometimes I'll use matte for a high contrast b&w. Other times I may just print them out on different types to see which I like best. Play around!

For the brand, I have found that it generally is a good idea to go with the same company that made your printer. I use a Canon i9100 and have been using Canon's Photo Paper Pro with excellent results, although Epson's glossy paper works really well also. I hear Ilford is supposed to be top of the line, but I haven't tried it out myself yet.

kjm

[scottbergerphoto]

Each printer manufacturer optimizes its printer driver to work with its own inks and paper. This is especialy true if you are using a printer that has its own ICC profiles supplied by the manufacturer, like the Epson 2200.
Scott

[JadeCat]

...on what printer you're using.

Some printers are optimized for certain types of papers.

You wouldn't necessarily use the same paper on an inkjet that you use on a pigment-ink based printer.

I have an Epson R800 and mostly stick with the Epson papers. However, I've also been known to use some of the Ilford Smooth papers as well.

[Ken Fong]

I really like the Ilford papers, but after switching to an Epson 2200, it seems like all I can use is Epson paper now, which isn't bad. Epson Velvet is very nice for B&W/sepia type prints.

[BDM]

As others have commented, it depends on the type of image and your likes and dislikes. There is no one correct answer. I am using Epson premium luster because its surface is a close approximation of the E surface in Kodak RA4 paper which I use when I make color prints in my darkroom from color negatives.

As to the manufacturer, I'm sure there are many fine choices but I would look for a paper which may already have a printer profile available for your printer. Otherwise, you may get slightly unpredictable results. Since I have an Epson 2200 and its drivers have built in profiles for the Epson papers, I tend to stick with those papers. If I went to a third party brand I might have to get a custom profile if I was not satisfied with the results and such profiles can be quite expensive.

Bruce