The way in which we present photos makes a difference in how they’re perceived, which means I was keen to examine materials I use for photo prints. Comparing them helped me to simplify my products and help people choose what’s the best fit for them.
I had a popular landscape photo printed six times, each on a different surface. There are subtle variations in the four papers, especially among those with a reflective sheen. Differences in the other two — maple and aluminum — is more than superficial.
Comparing Fujifilm and Moab papers
Three of my samples came from Fujifilm. The fourth is from Moab Papers. Most of them had unique traits, but the products I chose summarize it best: Fujifilm Pearl and Moab Entrada Rag are my go-to choices for paper prints.
Above: comparing all four paper prints.
The Fujifilm papers include two high-sheen prints, Pearl and Glossy, which are so close that I’ve decided to only sell one. Pearl wins for its warmer feel, with subtly darker midtones that still show detail and a good range of values. From arm’s length in direct light they’re barely indistinguishable. I recommend either for abstract photos, intimate portraits, and general landscapes.
The third paper, Lustre, doesn’t have Pearl’s sharp reflectivity. Pearl shows fine points better up close, while Lustre works better in direct light at a distance. Lustre is not as sharp and its reflective qualities are not as glaring, which means it will generally work best in strong light or when the print doesn’t need to stand out among others on a desk or wall.
Moab Entrada Bright Rag
The Moab paper is the only matte finish of the four paper types. Overall it has the boldest and truest colors, a bit darker than Pearl, and easier to read at a distance. That means it’s well-suited for the proverbial big picture, and photos with sharp but not extremely sharp details. Think sweeping landscapes, group photos, and environmental portraits.
I had to get extremely close before discovering why the Entrada Rag paper feels more like paper than the Pearl. Simply put, it’s a high-quality paper compared to the “pearl-like crystals” that give Pearl its slick feel.
Above: Look close and you’ll see paper fibers in Moab Entrada Rag (left) compared to the slick surface of Fujifilm Pearl (right).
Fujifilm has their own write-up about Pearl and other papers. Moab describes Entrada Rag on their site.
Maple: surprising natural texture
I stumbled into maple and ordered a sample on a whim. The result is worth the risk. The wood block’s natural texture shows through the pigments, giving the photo an almost painterly quality. This works great for any photo intended to balance feel with reality, and looks terrific in both direct and indirect light.
The back comes with a sturdy mount for hanging. The wood block is about half an inch thick, and the mount is another half inch, so the image itself stands almost an inch off the wall. My sample 12×8” print weighs 22.6oz (640g).
The wood itself is “certified sustainable,” on SmugMug and I’m researching who issued the certification, where the maple comes from, what kind of maple it is, and how it’s milled. Here’s hoping that label isn’t just lip service, because the print is a unique look among the products I sell.
Above: The block of pressed wood is almost half an inch thick, and carries a slight sheen.
Above: When mounted on a wall, the block will seem to float thanks to its sturdy hook.
Aluminum
I was most looking forward to seeing prints with the ChromaLuxe technique, produced at Bay Photo in Scotts Valley, CA. The result didn’t disappoint, with more crispness than other metal prints I’ve tried.
After handling paper prints, the aluminum print feels sturdy. It’s less than an eighth of an inch thick but doesn’t flex or bend. The surface is about as reflective as Pearl, and has a similar crispness.
ChromaLuxe itself says that their unique coating resists fading in sunlight and rain, which is unique among the prints I create.
The mount adds to the aluminum plate’s sturdiness while making it appear to “float” off the wall to which you display it.
Going forward
Each type of print — Pearl, Entrada Rag, maple, and ChromaLuxe aluminum — offer something unique, but the biggest benefit was streamlining the photo prints that you can buy online. Contact me if you have questions or would like a different kind of product.