Printing your work can be a very satisfying experience. The level of control you have when you do it yourself is unmatched and can be extremely rewarding. There's also the feeling you get when you're holding one of your photographs in your hand, which just can't be beat. Especially when compared to looking at them on a small smartphone screen.
Many choose to stick with the classic glossy or matte photo papers, which are the perfect solution for most of your images. That said, there are unique, textured papers more reminiscent of the thicker papers of old. These can add even more character into your work, making your photographs truly stand out. In this guide, we've put together some intriguing options that you should check out.
1. Hahnemühle Natural Line Papers
As Hahnemühle writes, "Sustainability and digitization are mega trends. So, as inventors of digital fine art papers, what could be more natural than for us to develop sustainable papers?" And that's exactly what this manufacturer did with its Natural Line trio of inkjet papers, made from Agave, Bamboo, and Hemp materials. Each of these three "green" papers are made from sustainable sources, do not feature any optical brightening agents, and are still acid- and lignin-free for archivability. While the finished papers aren't remarkably unique looking—Agave has a rougher textured matte surface, Bamboo has a lightly textured matte surface, and Hemp has a smooth, silky matte surface—they are unique in how they've been produced.
2. Awagami Factory Murakumo Kozo Select Natural Paper
Based on a classic Japanese papermaking technique and style is the Murakumo Kozo Select Natural Paper, from Awagami Factory. Using machine processes to replicate the Washi style of paper, Murakumo Kozo is a soft, strong, and semi-transparent paper. This is, thanks in part, to the use of Kozo fibers from mulberry trees that impart a naturally warm tone to this paper. It also feels very light in the hand with a weight of just 42 gsm (grams per square meter) and a thickness of 6.3 mil (0.16 mm) and is well suited to backlit applications, as well as reproducing the look and feel of antique prints or texts. This is a very special paper for specific applications. You can find it in A4 and A3+ sheets or 36"-wide rolls.
3. Canson Infinity PhotoGloss Premium RC Paper
When printing, one of the most notable questions they'll face is matte or glossy? Photographers who want a smooth, glassy effect along with deep blacks and rich color detail will benefit most from using Canson Infinity PhotoGloss Premium RC paper. Like many of the papers on today's list, this offering from Canson is acid free for added longevity. It is also instant drying, meaning it can be handled easily right out of the printer. Whether you're looking to give your images a clean, contrast look, or your planning to display them without glass. It is a unique, fun paper to test and you can find it in 8.5 x 11", 11 x 17", and 13 x 19" sheets.
4. Epson Legacy Etching
Epson's line of Legacy papers is, as they put it, "Designed for artists who intend to sell their prints." Among them are the smoother Platine and Baryta papers, which have developed a cult following, and the lightly textured Fibre paper, but then there is also Etching paper, the most obscure and niche of the quartet. Legacy Etching paper is meant to replicate the look and feel of "Old World" handmade papers and etching pads, but obviously updated to suit its use with contemporary inkjet printers. In terms of finish, it's a matte paper with fine, subtle-but-present texture and has high brightness despite not containing any OBAs. It is available in 8.5 x 11" and 17 x 22" sheets, as well as 17, 24, and 44" x 50' rolls.
5. Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Metallic Paper
When we think of metallic prints, we often think of smooth, ultra glossy prints on metal itself. Even paper prints with a metallic finish tend to have a similar dynamic look. Hahnemuhle took a different approach, mixing the deep, rich appearance of metallic prints with the fine art qualities of 100% cotton rag baryta paper. Photo Rag Metallic Paper is a unique medium, offering a natural white color with no optical brighteners that features a shimmering, silvery high-gloss finish that benefits high contrast images with metal elements, reflections, or other striking visual elements. It is available in 8.5 x 11", 11 x 17", 13 x 19" and 17 x 22" sheets, as well as 4 x 6" cards, and various sized rolls ranging from 17" to 50" wide.
Get Printing
These five papers just scratch the surface of what's available. Feel free to experiment with papers and textures to your heart's content until you find a medium that suits your photos best. A great way of trying new papers is to use sampler packs like Hahnemuhle's Glossy Sample Pack or the Matte Textured FineArt Sample Pack. Print your work on multiple papers and see which looks best. Be sure to look at the finished product under different lighting to make sure the colors, textures, and contrast are up to your standards.
While this sounds like a bit of work, it's what makes a good print all the more rewarding. Making a print is truly the best method of sharing your work, even in this digital age.
To learn more about photography, printing, and more, check out our other guides, articles, and videos on the B&H Explora page!
