Difference Between Glossy Photos and Matte Photos
Main difference
The main difference between glossy photos and matte photos is that glossy photos have a glossy finish and matte photos have a more subtle, neutral finish.
Glossy Photos vs. Matte Photos
The photos are printed on different textures of photo paper in various sizes. Two common types of photo paper are glossy and matte. Glossy photo prints have a glossy finish. Matte photos have a more subtle, neutral finish. Glossy photos have a brilliant quality that allows existing colors to come to life. They look more impressive than a matte photo. Matte photos lack the polished quality, so they don’t have the same vibrant and elegant look as glossy photos. The glossy finish on glossy photos reflects light very well and looks bright, vibrant, and rich in color. The matte finish on matte photos doesn’t reflect much light and looks darker and duller. Due to its glossy and shiny surface, the glossy photo collects fingerprints and dust. If not handled carefully, it results in a dirty appearance. A matte photo although it does not look flashy and shiny, it does not catch dust and fingerprints are not visible on it. Therefore, glossy photos are easy to mess up. Matte photos look neater. Matte is the preferred texture for black and white prints. Glossy photos are a bit expensive. Matte photos are more affordable. Glossy photos reflect light, so this can be a problem when viewed under strong light sources, such as sunlight or powerful light bulbs. Matte photos don’t reflect light, so they’re easier to see in almost any light condition. Matte photos are more affordable. Glossy photos reflect light, so this can be a problem when viewed in bright light sources. such as sunlight or powerful light bulbs. Matte photos don’t reflect light, so they’re easier to see in almost any light condition. Matte photos are more affordable. Glossy photos reflect light, so this can be a problem when viewed under strong light sources, such as sunlight or powerful light bulbs. Matte photos don’t reflect light, so they’re easier to see in almost any light condition.
Comparison chart
| Photography – Images Photos | Mate’s Photos |
| Photographic prints that have a glossy/gloss finish | Photographic prints that have a subtle, neutral finish |
| catches dirt | |
| Easily | Don’t catch dirt |
| Look | |
| vibrant and bright | boring and neutral |
| Reflection | |
| reflect the light | They do not reflect light |
| Speed | |
| Expensive | less expensive |
What are glossy photos?
Glossy photos are on glossy photo paper and are shiny in texture. This type of photo has brightness levels ranging from low to high. The glossy coating on these glossy photos makes the colors appear more vibrant. Allows the smallest details to be visible. The brightness of glossy photos makes them attractive to the eye. Glossy photos bring your prints to life by giving them an ultra-smooth, glossy finish. It is very reflective with bright and bold tones. These types of photographs are attractive in many ways, but they also have some drawbacks. Bright photos are good for colorful shots. The glare from bright photos causes glare in a brightly lit room, making viewing a bit difficult. What’s more, Glossy texture is easy to catch fingerprints when holding. This type of photo paper is not good for black and white prints. Due to this nature of trapping dirt, glossy photos can look dirty if not handled very carefully. The coating and paper behind that glossy photo is the same as a matte image, except for the final coating. It adds that extra layer of glitter that makes photos sparkly. It tends to give the image an apparent boost of color, making it attractive to the eye. Glossy photos also look stylish when placed in an album. Glossy photos are expensive types of photos. Glossy photos also look stylish when placed in an album. Glossy photos are expensive types of photos. Glossy photos also look stylish when placed in an album. Glossy photos are expensive types of photos.
Characteristics
- shiny surface
- reflect the light
- Easy to catch dirt/fingerprints
- Expensive
What is Matte Photos?
Matte photos are the opposite of glossy photos in that they lack that polished quality. Matte photos are printed on a type of paper that doesn’t look vibrant and elegant. They have a fairly neutral and subtle texture. Matte photo prints do not attract dust or fingerprints. Plus, they’re less likely to get dirty over time. Matte photo paper is best for black and white prints. These types of photos are cheaper. They are mainly used for printing brochures and flyers. Matte photos have a classic, smooth, glare-free finish. This paper won’t show fingerprints as easily as glitter and looks great at any size. Matte photos are preferred for glass frames due to their anti-reflective qualities. Matte photos may appear slightly grainier due to their enhanced texture. Matte photo paper is sharp and smooth. Also, it looks very professional. The skin tones in them are true and the colors are consistent. However, matte photographic prints do not have a high elegant quality. Matte photos are often used by professionals because they lack gloss and result in duller colors. It helps make the paper ideal for highly detailed photographs, i.e. shots of the building. Also, this makes the texture of the image more pronounced. Matte photos do not show blemishes when handled. These types of photos are a great choice for scrapbooking. buildings plans. Also, this makes the texture of the image more pronounced. Matte photos do not show blemishes when handled. These types of photos are a great choice for scrapbooking. buildings plans. Also, this makes the texture of the image more pronounced. Matte photos do not show blemishes when handled. These types of photos are a great choice for scrapbooking.
Characteristics
- less vibrant colors
- Used for black and white photos
- Don’t get dirty/messy
- less expensive
- They do not reflect light
Key differences
- Glossy photos are a type of photos that have a glossy finish, while matte photos are a type of photos that have a more subtle, neutral finish.
- Glossy photos look more impressive, vibrant and attractive while matte photos look dull and dull.
- The glossy finish on glossy photos reflects light very well and looks bright, vibrant, and rich in color, conversely, the matte finish on matte photos doesn’t reflect much light and looks darker and duller.
- Glossy photos collect fingerprints and dust on the other side. Matte photos do not collect dust and fingerprints are not visible on them.
- Glossy photos are more expensive, while matte photos are more affordable.
- Glossy photos reflect light in the opposite way Matte photos do not reflect light.
Final Thought
Glossy photos and matte photos are two different types of photos due to the difference in the texture of their photo paper.
