What paper is best for printing your types of photos? What works best?

[@Docbill57]

Mr. Cooper, thank you so much for your videos. I confess I am a novice when it comes to printing. In fact, I had little appreciation of the complexity of printing, papers and the like. Your presentations really gave me an appreciation of this wonderful art form. Based on your reviews and my family's needs, I decided recently to purchase an Epson ET-2850 and look forward to experimenting with this basic printer, using some of your profiles and a variety of papers. I also read your fine review of this printer. I really appreciate the way that you share your expertise and experience in a way that even someone totally new to this area can comprehend.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - if you ever want to try the profiles I created, drop me an email via Northlight Images

[@jasonblackman]

Keith, this is exactly what I was looking for. Based on your suggestions, my Pro-200 should be arriving any day and I'm excited to get it up and running. Thank you for all the work and time you've put in to making these videos.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Glad I could help!

[@AkinCarni]

Information on this video is worth as much as gold! Thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - much appreciated!

[@Cliff117]

Another great topic and more great advice. In the summer I bought an Epson ET-8550 Eco tank printer, and my love for printing has returned. The cost of ink has returned from the stratosphere and consequently I find myself printing on paper I would never have tried before, and I find myself experimenting more. I don’t know how to express how much the COST OF INK impacted me in ways that have now been lifted and now I can enjoy myself again. Yesterday I printed a photo I made of a water bomber dropping a load cropped for a sheet of 12 X 24” lignin and acid free card stock (sold for roughly $1 CAD per sheet) and the outputted print blew my mind. If you are more than just an an amateur photographer, you will want to be able to create your own profiles, as Keith has explained in other videos, or use paper that has a profile made available for it. If you want to create your own profiles for paper, be prepared for a price shock. Thanks again Keith. I love watching your presentations.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it's helped.

[@zBernie12345]

As someone just starting out printing using fine art papers, I found this video very informative!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@jbairdexp]

It's a question I get asked frequently as well and I give the same response as you. Part of the fun is trying different papers and learning their characteristics.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - one reason there are such big piles of prints when I do a printer review ;-)

[@ebrahimsheriff9537]

Thanks Keith. Those were very good choices of examples you put together. Really helped demonstrate the suitability of different types of paper for various photo types. Definitely helpful for someone looking to start printing their photos.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrislognshot]

thanks for sharing. i say the same thing when people ask what camera brand or lenses. in till you get into your hands. you never know which fits your needs

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - nothing beats actually try it out and deciding yourself

[@freshbakd]

Pro 200 owner big thanks. Been bouncing around all your videos to learn how to use it. Tons of photography channels, few talk about printing.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it's been of help. If you've not seen it, do see the main [written] review - it links all my pro-200 related articles/videos. The main detail usually goes in the written articles.

[@jwarnock8929]

Really Helpful video for someone who is preparing to do his first prints

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@barrytrudgian4514]

Thank you for helping my choice of printer and now through this video guiding my paper choices. The best bit has been the advice not to expect an exact screen match but to choose your desired print look from the available materials. I went for a Pro 300. Thanks again

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful... Enjoy your prints!

[@DylanPStephens]

Thanks Keith. I have just acquired a Pro 10s and I am finding your many videos and articles to be most helpful and very informative. I consider myself very much a novice printer having had several small desktop types and I never realised that there were so many variables and considerations to take into account.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad to help. I do have a detailed review of the PRO-10, but from long before I started adding the supplementary videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pixma-pro-10-printer-review/

[@DylanPStephens]

@@KeithCooper thank you!

[@fabricioantonello8023]

Great video Keith, thanks for the tips.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@aiCorner]

Very informative and still better than other videos on KZbin! Thank you very much Cooper!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@wolfy7531]

Great discussion! Thank you very much for your excellent work!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest

[@northdevonpictures826]

You're the man I need to watch for advice. Thanks for the no-nonsense video - I needed to know which paper to use for different images and your video made sense. You covered everything I needed to know. Subscribed and liked 👍

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of help

[@kevins8575]

Best video on this subject I've ever seen. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leslielim890]

I really learnt a lot from this video. Gives a very good perspective from the point of the paper and the emotion one wishes one's photo to convey. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I know some would rather I give just straight 'this is best' results, but that to me misses a significant part of thinking about your images as prints

[@natasha7154]

Your videos have always been informative and easy to understand - they have transformed the quality of my prints in both my work and personal life. Thank you Keith!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - that's very kind of you to say

[@G.Menounos]

Thank you so much Keith. That was so helpful. I was waiting a lot of time for one video like that. Thanks again :)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest.

[@reefhugger100]

Thank you for demonstrating so many different papers and effects. Photo and art papers are confusing to me and this has helped. I'm going to take your suggestion and create a mix of photos to print on different media.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful My preferred test images are all freely downloadable from the Northlight Images web site.

[@reefhugger100]

@@KeithCooper I went to your site and spent hours. I love your straightforward approach to teaching.

[@KeithCooper]

@@reefhugger100 Thanks - that's really appreciated

[@andreapuskaric4858]

I enjoyed the video, thanks so much for the inspiration and the info!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was on interest!

[@JH-qv3xv]

I like your approach. The paper selection is not which one do you recommend it is which one expresses our creative eye. Try a test image and/or print the image on two, three or four different paper types. Such a simple solution. Some of us need a little hand holding and then a kick in the pants. And also thanks for the ET-8550 set up video. Yesterday was set up day. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of help!

[@gonzphotographymusicchanne2855]

Great video as always, there is always something to e learned from your vids Keith.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that - appreciated

[@jasonmiamifl004]

the best photo papers myself like..Epson glossy photo paper roll 24" or 36", semi glossy, satin very good as well. I use HP designjet Z2100 44" with 8 pigmented inks , I created my own icc profiles for those epson photo papers. when I edited my photos on Adobe photoshop 2024, I converted them with the epson icc profiles, after I defined print size, the i pick photoshop ( not printer ), then the right icc profile. all print outs were beautiful with accurate colors..

[@KeithCooper]

That's one approach...

[@gaperklake]

What a privilege and pleasure to watch and listen to your videos, particularly given the current sea of molasses that is much of KZbin. Thanks so much for this welcome discussion about paper.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that, and for taking the time to comment!

[@scottkennedy4554]

Excellent presentation. Thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest

[@dunnymonster]

I have a number of papers I enjoy using but if I had to stick to only one type it would be a Lustre/Satin finish paper. As you described here, some images simply don't work on Matt or very glossy papers. Lustre/Satin papers are a happy medium and suit more image types in my opinion. That said I like to experiment with unusual paper types and have been surprised how well the results were for images I initially thought wouldn't work well. No hard or fast rules, as you rightly state it's really a matter of what suits personal taste and/or the feel of the finished results that you are trying to achieve ☺️

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Yes, the lustre finish is definitely the choice for many of my images. I was hoping this video might give some people a bit of a reason to experiment!

[@BigTrixxx]

Thank you so much, this was exactly the kind of input I need to proceed with my plans 🎉 I like listening to you, very easy to follow your explanations

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest!

[@martinpriest5446]

very helpful and informative video,you have taught me what I have been waisting a lot of time, paper and money on, many thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of use.

[@markjames5423]

Brilliant video Keith , I asked about best paper types in a previous video , but this massively helps out with the issues I was having in picking what paper I wanted , so thanks so much for the replies and the advice , great stuff

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, now you know why I pay attention to most comments ;-) It's very easy to run out of ideas for this stuff and questions often remind me to look at things I might have thought were too basic. That said, I won't be following up the suggestion to look at printing phone pictures ;-)

[@huzafah_]

Brilliant insight! Love it

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@mariosnicolaou8770]

Really enjoyed this video Keith. Very helpful advice for me, as I'm looking at purchasing a photo printer (most likely the Canon Pro-300) and currently trying to learn as much as I can about. I have found several of your videos to be most helpful. Thank you. Subscribed :)

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the main [written] review - it links to all my PRO-300 articles/videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/

[@johnvaleanbaily246]

Ahh Keith... I was expecting answers to all my paper print type questions... and now it's back to experimenting... which I knew might be the case :) Thank you for the breakdown and explanation, much appreciated. Looking forward to your Canon 300 video.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - as ever, my favourite answer of 'it depends' ;-) 300 stuff will likely be some time before Christmas

[@leonarddumas3427]

wow! Great video! Not what I was looking for but I watched the whole thing, you are interesting, a great vulgariser and it's nice to learn from you, inspiring for my next print project, thank you. Instant like and sub!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest!

[@BetsyJ555]

Thanks so much, Keith! This is a great resource for me as I start to print with my new Pro 200. I lean towards matte but I’ll have to check out lustre and art papers, too.

[@KeithCooper]

Great - it's something to experiment with.

[@robertnelson3179]

Thinking I understand what you are driving at now. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helped...

[@petermaddern6653]

Great information Keith. Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@INFOXlive]

Good comparison and helpful explanations

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@robdrelich8563]

this is a super helpful video thank you!!!!!!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

Just found your channel and love the content so far!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - more on the way ;-)

[@christmay1]

Your shots are so good by the way even though you are showing "paper" your photographs are beautiful.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - appreciate that!

[@samuelwragg8615]

Thankyou once again Very informative

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest

[@DileepaRanawake]

This is amazing, thank you so much sir 🙂

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest

[@danielbeetsma6118]

This is so incredibly helpful. Together with the Epson 18100 review I'm confident i'm making the right purchase. Your emphasis on preference and an artist look was very welcome. Only downside is that now I want the 18100 *and* a pixma pro 200 to mess around with pigment ink on fine art papers ;-))

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks However, the 18100 won't work with art papers and neither it or the pro-200 are pigment ink printers ? Did you mean pro-300?

[@pengdu7751]

great review. thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@waboosje]

Very nice examples and proper information. Besutiful pictures. What I miss is the thickness of the paper, I understand that too can make a big difference?

[@KeithCooper]

Actually, thickness makes very little difference to prints once framed. Thicker paper 'feels' better quality - there is something in it for some papers, but it's still largely marketing :-) It's used as a selling/marketing point to photographers, not people who might have the prints (unless you sell 'loose' unmounted prints

[@waboosje]

@@KeithCooper ah ok, I was told the colours would look lessen good on thinner paper. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

@@waboosje very thin maybe, but it's the coating which is important

[@waboosje]

@@KeithCooper could you pls tell me what would be the best coating for digitals in your opinion? I don't want those to be too thick for I work with several layers.

[@KeithCooper]

No - that's the coating included as part of the paper making process, not something you apply There is no such thing as 'best' - in many ways that's the whole point of the video... Papers not made for inkjet use rarely work well

[@kevinbaylon7660]

Good video. Ppl will pick up some useful pointers if they are paying attention or even watched this all the way through… because the examples you give makes sense to me, especially the two bnws at the end, also using metallic paper for lights of Houses of Parliament(?) pic, also going matte for Cannon Beach and the snow image with trees… these examples are guidelines enough… and I can totally see why you don’t say “use (this brand) of paper” or “use that printer” because, I will add, that there’s also the issue of cost, experience with printing (ie. whether the person is a beginner or experienced printer), familiarity with color profiles and soft-proofing, availability of paper… suppose you were to tell people to use some specific paper or specific printer… people would have problems if they couldn’t follow your advice because the suggested paper or printer was out of budget, not available or infeasible for the audience, for whatever reason… the way I see it, is that paper choice will depend on the image and like you said what image elements or mood one is trying to convey… using glossy for smaller prints vs large makes sense… would this also apply to textured papers? Logically I would use heavy textured papers (ex William Turner or Albrecht Durer) for large prints and not small ones, as a small paper with heavy texture would be distracting…

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it was of interest. Textured papers are always tricky, and as you say don't 'get in the way' for larger prints. They are perhaps useful for more artistic works where the texture can be an element in what you want to show. With them it's so much about your own preferences. For example, I don't think I've ever sold a highly textured print and none of the ones hanging round the house use that style of paper either.

[@pyrsconr]

Thanks for this .. regarding the two black and whote prints .. the architectural image .. was that printed on Luster paper? Lots of great information here.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes the darker one is a 275 or 300 gsm lustre - the wells cathedral shot is on a 310gsm smooth (natural) rag

[@retropixer]

Great guidance in this video, thank you.. You’ve referred to a ‘continuum’ of terms/names of the styles (kinds) of papers. What is the full list? I am assuming it starts with metallic on bright/shiny end and ends with mattest matte? Thanks again.

[@KeithCooper]

Very much depends on marketing used Have a look at the list from someone like Permajet or Fotospeed

[@lohcut]

Hi Keith First of all thank you for the great quality content you share - both in writing and in video form As a rookie printer I'd tremendously enjoy an article or a video on the differences between the semi-gloss papers. I mean lustre vs pearl vs semi-gloss vs semi-matte and so on. Basically what are the differences/progression going from glossy to matte, what are the differences in sheen, granularity, smoothness/texture of the paper type I tried to find a definitive answer or guide but I'm afraid one such guide does not exist or there are many contradicting each other

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for the suggestion - I think that's one (initially) more for an article where I can include higher resolution images and then think about how to cover it in a supporting video - one for the to-do list! It's one where I'll need dye and pigment ink printers to show the difference, since it's on high gloss surfaces where the difference is often clearer.

[@jefflastofka9289]

I like Canon's glossy with my new Pro-200, but like you say the large prints can be a reflection nuisance. I also have their luster and matte to try. Is there a ranking of various paper names in general? Maybe metallic first, then (Canon papers for instance) Pro Platinum, Glossy, Semi-gloss, Matte and then Fine Art. I see here in the US, Red River has quite a listing of papers and they have recommendations for printer models, so I'll try some of theirs after experimenting with the Canon papers first as you recommended.

[@KeithCooper]

Absolutely no ranking whatsoever - other than what you might decide for yourself.

[@jefflastofka9289]

@@KeithCooper I didn't mean preference ranking:-) I meant glossiness ranking, but no matter, I'll learn as I go. Communication is so difficult. One person uses a word intending one thing and the reader/listener sees/hears the word and takes a different meaning. I see this happening all the time.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - yes ;-) There are measurements sometimes included in paper specifications, but they are not common and often not using the same system. Due to the way metallic papers work, they may actually be less reflective by some measures - there is also paper white colour to be considered - all in all paper specs are a bit of a minefield for many comparisons.

[@Cruiserboxer]

Love the videos. I have just purchased a Canon Prograf 300. On your advice, I would like to download your test print pages. I have had a look on your website, but I can not find them. Are you able to help me find them. Many thanks, John

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks There is much more of my print related stuff at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/ The test images are at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ and a proper [categorised] index of my videos at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/keith-cooper-photography-videos-index/

[@jandart8002]

I always use the same named paper as the printer. I find it works the best.

[@KeithCooper]

This varies a lot. With basic consumer printers it can help, but with the larger photo printers I test it is no longer so. They have the ability to use icc paper profiles and many more media types. Remember that Canon and Epson often get their paper from the same paper makers that also produce boxes with other brand labels on them. Where things are much less predictable are once you try and use cheap papers in cheap(er) printers.

[@pamelajarvis7728]

Really helpful Keith thanks. Just bought Epson 15000 and have read your review as well as video thanks. Have looked everywhere but cant see that anyone produces a selection pack of different papers. Do you know of any please? Also when you say Art paper what do you mean re purchasing? I do watercolour and oils so have appropriate paper for each but a video on buying specific papers for printing would be a help…any chance? Forgive me if you’ve already done one and I’ve missed it! Sort me out in that case 😂!! Thanks again 👍

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - depends where you are? I only know UK suppliers. By art papers, I'm typically referring to heavier matte paper (cotton rag for example) Do note though that such papers in printers like this must be specifically intended for inkjet use. Using normal watercolour paper often produces very poor results See also my video about why test packs can be a bad thing for a new printer user ;-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ2QaKtrodl9rqc

[@pamelajarvis7728]

Thanks very much Keith. I’m in the UK . If I could trouble you for Uk suppliers sites it would be helpful as a bit lost on this. Thanks for the tip on test packs. Will watch. Thanks again…

[@KeithCooper]

@@pamelajarvis7728 Ask Chris at Paper Spectrum. They are my local paper supplier here in Leicester. He's my go-to paper expert for help with my paper reviews going back over 15 years (long pre-dating all this youtube stuff - which is always secondary to my written work ;-) )

[@pamelajarvis7728]

@@KeithCooper Thanks so much Keith. Will do! Just downloaded your test images…brilliant !! See exactly what you mean re using decent pictures 😂. All the best 👍

[@jamiesimon1975]

very informative!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - it's a question I'm often asked, but there is rarely the simple answer people want ;-)

[@obafonas]

Mr Keith thanks for this video. I need you recommendation, I'm new to printing, I'm starting with A3 printing for frame design and outdoor poster. My questions is which a3 paper is best for portrait frame design for offices and homes, what paper is best for poster ads. Thank you

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - there is no best... For portrait use semi-gloss or lustre has long been popular Outdoor is a very different matter - I don't do any signage work. That depends on the printer and ink type as well...

[@josesimasyt]

Thanks Keith, that is a very good prespective on this issue. I am curious though about your "not famous name papers". I have been trying Ilford, Hahnemuhle and Epson, can you suggest other interesting brands to try?

[@KeithCooper]

A lot depends where you are. The thing is that local suppliers to me (Leicester UK) sell a range of paper types. There are only so many actual paper makers/coaters around ;-) I get asked a lot about papers in the US, but if they are not sold here, I can't test them... My videos are a very recent addition to my work - see here for all the papers I've specifically tested over the last few years www.northlight-images.co.uk/keith-coopers-paper-reviews/ The key is to look at the paper specs of the papers - once you're familiar with them you start noticing similarities ;-) (note though that I've seen 'marketing drift' in specs so a 305gsm might morph into a 310gsm when a different label appears on the box ;-) )

[@josesimasyt]

@@KeithCooper thank you, I was not aware of your paper reviews (which are fantastic!) and they will be very useful to me. I am re-starting photography, now in digital, coming from a film/darkroom background and papers nowadays are very confusing. I forgot to say I am in Portugal so it is easier to source the papers than if I were in the US. Finally, I might as well congratulate you on the Shift Lens book which I am nearly finished with.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - hopefully something similar will suit what you need Glad you like the book! If there are any areas not so clear, just let me know at Northlight? - I'm always looking for ideas for new video/articles connected with tilt/shift use ;-)

[@alberto.cartaxo]

Thanks for your videos Keith Cooper! Your review on ET8550 and emphasis on paper quality gave me a lot of confidence on my purchase. One follow up on this video regarding paper type is photo framing. I got so happy with my new printings I want to hang them on the wall, but I´ve read that glossy paper + normal glass normally are not a good match. It would be delightful to know your thought about it. Maybe no glass? Maybe luster paper? Also, which color to choose?

[@KeithCooper]

Frame colour is normally above my pay grade for our home ;-) I will have a look at adding this to my videos list...

[@jameswalker7874]

Very thorough as usual. I particularly like the effect of the metallic paper, how would you suggest displaying this? A side point, but what is your opinion of the quality of the square Cokin grad filters? I'm struggling to provide any "straight" information regarding them.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - the metallic papers need movement of the viewer or print to get the real benefit of the 'look'. I've never framed one of these so I'm not sure how any glass would affect things. I've used the papers for prints in folders/handouts, where they would get handled and the effect noticed. I've not tested those filters, but I'm not a regular user of filters like that partly due to the types of lens I use. I've some reviews of some of the K&F versions on the Northlight Images site. Actual Cokin filters are not something I've come across since their popularity in the 1980's ;-)

[@jameswalker7874]

@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith, will see what you have to say re the K&F filters

[@marklola12]

love the videos they have helped can i ask something i am stuck on....... i am going to start doing a3 prints and i am struggling on what packaging to use to send to customers. i accidently bought the wrong A3 postal tubes off amazon as they were only 46mm in diam and when testing a print in it i had to roll it ultra tight which resulted not just in massive curls but kind of creases too since it had to be rolled tight. I spoke to a packing supplier and they had the long postal boxes which are 108mm wide which would be great but when i asked them they said there will still be curling and reccoment the card backed envelopes. i keep hearing different things from people saying prints can be more damaged i card backed envelopes, but when ever i have had big prints etc they have always come in these long recangled/squared postage tubes. am i right in assuming these would be best as they will always be a bit of curling on prints when posting i just got the 970 which you reviewed and so far it is fantastic i had been doing small prints on a hp tango printer as i have a hp instant ink sub but its amazing to see how bad normal printersd are for photos and art printing compared to something like the 970 also i always got smudging when i touched the prints even ages after them drying ...prints from my 970 coime out dry lol

[@KeithCooper]

I tend to use spare 3" tubes from roll paper. I rarely send out prints smaller than A2 though. I do however roll the print with two sheets of archival tissue paper front/back which makes for much more even rolling.

[@marklola12]

​@@KeithCooper thats great help thank you so 3 inch i may got the the 7.5cm diameter ones

[@XtianApi]

Very helpful

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was of use

[@createdbyLez]

Hi Keith….to the point and always very honest opinion. Without going through over 100 comments I wonder if I could ask where I could download the test image please ? Apologies in advance if it’s already been asked/answered.

[@KeithCooper]

In the notes for the video!

[@createdbyLez]

@@KeithCooper ….I never, (and I’m sure others may be the same) realised there were notes attached to KZbin videos 🤷🏼‍♂️…..I’ve looked and don’t see anything that says ‘notes’ …..what am I missing 🤔

[@KeithCooper]

Immediately under the video, before the comments start. There is my name, a little picture of me and two lines of text Under that it says 'show more' It's where I put all the links and notes for any video The one you want is www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ How are you viewing the videos? If the notes are not clear on some platforms, I perhaps need to change the text a bit...

[@createdbyLez]

@@KeithCooper I view them on my iPad Pro and I see that to the right of your video description there is a very small arrow shape which I clicked on and up came your notes. There weren’t any dots next to your photo so I guess the display is different on the iPad. Hope that helps others in future too and thanks for helping me on the way.

[@KeithCooper]

That's very helpful thanks - Karen uses an iPad a lot, I'll see if she can check how the videos look. I don't personally use YT, so feedback like this is very useful. I'll take this as part of YT's efforts to minimise any text that people might read, and reduce the chance of them leaving YT :-(

[@robdrelich8563]

a decision challenge comes in when creating an exhibitiion. the look in my view needs to be consistent so I imagine there could be certain level of compromise needed 'one paper to rule them all' sort of thing.

[@KeithCooper]

very true, you can mix media but this needs to be very much dependent on layout - images alter perceptions of those near them

[@robdrelich8563]

@@KeithCooper totally. its a challenge as I find people are often set on the perception of what they first see. I wonder, luster finish makes a good all around compromise especially when printing large. small prints I find conceptually less challenging. and putting prints behind glass takes away from the image impression by adding a new layer of light reflectivlity. do you have any suggestions as to exhibting without glass? how would you do this?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes- use of glass can be problematic - depends on the environment. I've shown stuff in normal frames/mats but with the glass missing. Works well for some art papers and can look quite striking - fingers investigating the lack of glass can be an issue ;-)

[@robdrelich8563]

@@KeithCooper excellent !!! Then it's just the matter of finding frames sold without glass - I'll probably be exhibiting / decorating in larger than 1m on a side photos. In an industrial space - do you still frame or is there a good frameless solution? Am thinking of possibly to mount directly on the walls? I know these are al matters of taste. But also matters of cost My photos are all film shot so grain comes into play at times

[@KeithCooper]

I've had prints laminated to foamboard and laminated with a matt film. Direct mount to wall, but watch for flexing with moisture Went to a local signmaker - printed with border and then cut after laminating Frames without glass came from a local framemaker/pictureframer See the top image on the page at www.northlight-images.co.uk/print-gallery/prints-on-show/

[@brucehergert804]

Keith, wouldn't a test print of a collage of my own photos be more valuable than a stock test print image?

[@KeithCooper]

Good question, but absolutely not IMHO ;-) - How do you know your images are 'correct'? [eyesight, photography, editing, screen quality/calibration] - Using your own images brings in an emotional element - just not wanted here The test image is there to test that things are working correctly. See the _full_ description of all the parts of the one I use on the test image download page on the Northlight site www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/ I would never use any of my own photos - too much knowing what I feel they 'should look like' It took a lot of work to create the specialist B&W one back in 2005 - it's been downloaded several hundred thousand times. Making a sufficiently good colour one would be a lot of work

[@brucehergert804]

@@KeithCooper That makes sense for sure. I appreciate your point of view on all of the subjects you cover. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - it's a perfectly reasonable question. It's just the more testing I did, the more I appreciated having images which meant nothing to me other than a set of colours/tones/detail

[@emilycross4527]

very helpful, thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@brycekampjes2229]

Thanks for the video. How valuable are test images if they are unprofiled? I printed an icc profile target and a test image when going through a test pack of paper. My reasoning was I couldn't tell the difference between say slight exposure differences between the papers and paper differences. So for me, I've decided not to print test images without making a profile first. What about baryta papers? In some ranges they seem to be a significant part of the good lustre type papers. Amusinging out of the three ordinary gloss papers I have tested, two are similar and one is significantly better with much more shadow detail and colour gamut. It's not the paper from the printer manufacturer which is in the driver. I don't think this is due to my lack of skill making profiles. Paper does appear to be picky about the specific ink set. All three papers are reasonable, one is just much better. definitely

[@KeithCooper]

I don't ever print my normal test image unless I've a good profile and media setting for the paper - was that what you were enquiring about? Different papers perform differently with different inks - this is one of the key reasons I suggest people choose papers ..after.. getting a new printer, not before. The idea of the test images is that you print them as you would a normal image. All of mine have an included colour space. So, if testing a paper with a profile then you print the image as a normal photo, using the working space of the image and the profile for the paper/ink/printer with the chosen media setting. The only initial prints I make with a new paper are a profiling target or possibly some media test images if I'm unsure of the media setting for making the profile. If the printer driver has a B&W mode, then I'll also print my B&W test image as needed.

[@brycekampjes2229]

@@KeithCooper, thanks that is helpful to know. I have a process that is working well enough for me based on profiling with the i1 Studio and Argyll CMS. I may try printing the test image unprofiled with a range of media settings, purely as an experiment to learn about how the printer behaves. My current workflow is inspired by what you describe in your videos and relies strongly on custom ICC profiles. This makes comparing different papers very easy. My previous workflow back in the days of film scanners and CRT monitors relied on sticking to a manufacturer's paper which was listed in the printer driver. That relied more on a "wet" dark room approach of printing, then adjusting the on screen image to make the changes wanted on paper. This would often take a few sheets of paper to get the right results. For making a few nice prints on one paper type that was probably reasonable as the cost of a monitor calibration instrument covers many draft prints. My comments are partially asking questions, partially thinking out loud, and partially for the person I was a few months ago.

[@f3m467]

Hi Do You Know if Canon made a Accounting Manager supporting the Pro-200» ? tks

[@KeithCooper]

No - not for consumer type printers like the 200.

[@f3m467]

@@KeithCooper its a shame :( tks for your fast feedback :)

[@clintmacarthur7895]

I’m struggling to find paper to print antique photos onto. All the matte types I have been suggested through photo printers are still shiny and don’t keep in theme with the rest I have. Frustrating.

[@KeithCooper]

There are lots of matt papers not the least bit shiny... What printer?

[@f3m467]

Hi I have the pro-200. i got it just today. and i saw you use a software ( can remenber the video ) from Canon for best Print. What software is that? I Edit In Lightroom or Photoshop Sorry my poor english. I'm from Portugal.

[@KeithCooper]

PPL, see the main PRO-200 review www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-200-printer-review/

[@f3m467]

@@KeithCooper tks :) Work Flawless now.

[@LOTUSARTSTUDIO-gx8yf]

Sir, can i print with dye-ink in Satin paper or luster paper

[@KeithCooper]

Yes (well, with any of the printers I've tested, and with OEM inks) - ideally with an appropriate profile.

[@chrislognshot]

also what your take on double sized photo paper

[@KeithCooper]

'Double sized' ? Not a term I've come across I usually print photos at a minimum of A3 or A3+ (13" x 19")

[@chrislognshot]

@@KeithCooper DOUBLE-SIDED PAPERS KIT from red river paper out of texas

[@chrislognshot]

Includes two 8.5x11 sheets of each: 60lb. Polar Matte Double-sided 50lb. Premium Matte Double-sided 86lb. Pecos River Gloss Duo 50lb. Arctic Polar Luster Double-sided UltraPro SemiGloss Duo 255 (formerly UltraPro Satin Duo 255) 32lb. Premium Matte Double-sided

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - double sided... I've no idea about those papers with pound weights though - no-one outside of the US still uses that as a measure of paper, so I don't know what it's equivalent to. DS Can be tricky to use in that you need to wait for one side to properly dry so the printer feed mechanism doesn't mark the paper - obviously this varies by printer. I have tested some double sided card for greeting cards, and tried some double sided paper in a review a few years ago, but generally, performance depends a lot on the printer and your care in its use Most papers like this, of any quality, will almost certainly not work in any printer duplex unit

[@chrislognshot]

@@KeithCooper i ask red river about it and said they tested them on ip8720 printer by canon

[@RonK]

I'm new to printing and found many papers exist only A4 or bigger. Is it a thinkable path to cut an A4 in halves or even quarters, at least for test prints? Or is this a total no-no?

[@KeithCooper]

Half of A4 [widthwise) is A5 - this is a supported size on many printers. For some test prints I'v also only printed at one end of the paper, the used the paper a second time A6 (half of A5) is a less well supported size Just be careful to use a good cutter for this - printers do not like uneven/bent edges For layout checks use copier paper

[@RonK]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for the answer!

[@samirhossain7121]

Sir, me and my friends are thinking of doing a poster business...like movies,games etc themed..Which type of printing paper will be best?? We want a 12 x16 size paper and a little bit hard type of paper..(with low budget of course)

[@KeithCooper]

No idea I'm afraid - my testing is aimed more at photography/fine art printing. You need to talk to commercial printers about this sort of business - the economics and materials are completely different to what I look at.

[@samirhossain7121]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for the reply

[@ultraprimez]

Wow! You are a life saver. I think you can help me out. I use Epson L1800 A3+ Eco Tank 6 ink. The printer default ICC profile are below. I normally use VMS Delux Colour Inkjet Paper A4 210GSM & VMS Digi Print RC 240GSM Matte Inkjet and A3+ Nova PrismaJet Digital Plus+ RC Glossy 270 GSM for Photo Printing. Epson L1800 can print. Matte Photo Glossy Photo Quality Inkjet Premium Glossy Premium Luster Premium Semigloss Ultra Glossy Sir can you kindly suggest me what types of paper can i use on my printer. And yes i do monitor calibration for my monitor (BenQ SW2700PT). I also do paper profiling. I have a doubt about what colour space should i select for new document in Photoshop or use don't color manage under advanced options when creating new document for edit and print. By default to my monitor color space is Adobe RGB and i have calibrated it to panel native. And inside Photoshop color settings i have set working color space to Adobe RGB instead of sRGB. I use x-rite i1Studio Device for profiling.

[@KeithCooper]

See the ET-8550 review and videos for paper suggestions and notes Start here... www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@Notmy00000]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@DanSme1]

Silly…2:25. If choice of paper, ink, printer, and results is all subjective “matter of taste,” then why should I be watching this video? Sorry, but you’re sounding like some ‘60s professor who has absolutely nothing objective to share. Your audience doesn’t want to engage in full-on “trial-by-error” learning. Go ahead, share your opinion(s) of what is or works best. It’s your mistakes that are of value, if we can not make those having watched your videos.

[@KeithCooper]

No, not at all - the pictures I show on different papers are my choices. If people want to follow that then they can do it. It's very difficult to meaningfully show nuanced differences in print characteristics in a video. However, my point is that these are my opinions on what looks best and I would encourage people to experiment and see if they agree. My opinions are offered as a starting point, not some edict. The whole point here is that there are no certainties in this aspect - anyone wanting a prescriptive or step by step approach will potentially be disappointed in much of my writing and videos, and that won't change ;-) Sorry, but I'm also going to suggest that you don't know what 'my audience' does or does not want any more than I do. I attribute to them the understanding to appreciate how this relates to their own photography and desires to print it.

[@pizzablender]

Keith explains very well what goes into selecting a type of paper for a task.

[@Avarce13]

Thanks! very helpful!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helped!