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May Newsletter
Greetings from
Porter's Camera Store!

How do you turn a ho-hum print into a WOW? Many times it's the paper it's printed on! An excellent photo begins with capturing the image with your camera and ends with the print that comes out of your printer. The correct paper for an image is a very subjective issue because everyone has a different idea about what paper is best for a particular image. Some guidelines to follow:
• Glossy paper generally produces prints with vibrant colors and usually a higher contrast.
• Matte paper will absorb more of the ink causing a reduction in contrast and will work best with subdued images such as a close-up of flowers or portraits.
• Semi-gloss or luster paper is a compromise between the two. It will offer the higher contrast and vibrancy of gloss with less of the distracting glare.
• Whiteness denotes the brightness of the paper. The information is provided in percentages. The higher the number, the whiter the paper. This is good for many black & white images. A warm paper such as an ivory is good for greeting cards or invitations.
• The weight of a paper is generally provided in grams per square meter or gsm. While a thin paper is good for framing, a heavier weight paper is good for making greeting cards, postcards and calendars.

Porter's carries a wide selection of inkjet papers.

The new Legion Digital Art Paper is used by many professional photographers. The Somerset Photo Enhanced textured matte surfaces produce higher sharpness and color saturation than most watercolor papers. The Enhanced Velvet paper is 100 percent cotton and is an acid-free paper for a long-term archival image.
Ilford has an excellent selection of papers in their Galerie line. If you are looking for a paper that has the feel of a true photographic print, this may be what you are looking for. Ilford has a trial pack which includes 2 sheets of each of their papers.
Porter's also carries Inkworks Paper for creative fun. We carry Silver Reflective Film for color graphics and distinctive photo presentations. To make photo T-shirts, try the T-shirt transfer paper or to make colorful window displays, try the clear window decals.

Before making a print, adjust the settings on your printer to match the paper type. Make sure the type of paper you will be using is made to work with the ink you will be using. If you are planning on using thick watercolor or matte paper, check your printer for any adjustments needed for the additional thickness of the paper. Information on the proper settings is included with the paper or available from the manufacturer's web site. But the important thing to remember is, "Don't be afraid to experiment". You'll never know what kind of exciting combinations and beautiful pieces of artwork are available until you get out there and see for yourself

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