Where do you use Metallic Paper?

[loeee]

I am going to have this photo printed fairly large for framing. Is this the sort of shot that would benefit from being printed on metallic paper? What would be the benefit?

[lputman]

What a great photograph loeee. I don't know that it would benefit from being printed on metallic; but, it wouldn't hurt it.

I printed my B&W magnolia on metallic and I absolutely love it. I also printed a huge sunflower close up on it and absolutely love that one too.

[loeee]

I don't think I've ever even seen a print on metallic paper. What's the main difference in the way they look?

(And thanks for the nice comment on my photo)

[lputman]

The best way for me to say it is it adds a little "umph" to the photo. My sunflower is hanging in my cubical at work and I've had people come in and just get all up close and personal to it and turn and look at it at different angles (it's quite funny). It makes it pop more.

[KmH]

Almost 3-D with the right image. Get a small print done on the metallic to see how it will look before you print it big.

[Glendower]

Originally Posted by loeee

I don't think I've ever even seen a print on metallic paper. What's the main difference in the way they look?

(And thanks for the nice comment on my photo)

Get the Paper Sample Kit from Mpix.
Mpix.com - Paper Types

[lyncca]

It really emphasizes highlights and shadows, so you may want to do a smaller test on it before spending the money on a large version since this does have a lot of high and low areas. I printed one of my "Smoke Ribbon" series on metallic (in the general gallery) and it turned out fantastic!

[gilfish]

I saw an ad in one of the magazines for this type of print and it was VERY expensive! Sorry don't remember the name of the place

[loeee]

I get my prints from Mpix, and it is more expensive than the regular paper. I just don't know if it would be the thing for this shot, since I have no experience with it.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Glen, I think I will order the samples, good idea.

[Glendower]

The Mpix samples will certainly help guide your decision-making.

[Rense]

see this faq from kodak.
high contrat black and white is beautifull, yellow/brown also. In your case I think it is best to print on glossy paper. But you can always try, makes life a fun thing to do.

[loeee]

Life IS a fun thing to do.
I might order a small one on metallic, but the big print is for a gift and I need to have it by the middle of July, so I don't want to mess around too long.

[Ellbee99]

Lois,
I order from Mpix sometimes too. The metallic really isn't that much more than the regular in larger prints. If you get the FedEx next day you can know right away.

Personally, I think there are too many greys and muted tones to make the difference worth getting metallic paper. I find that metallic works best with bright colors. Grey tones don't work as well. Stark whites or black yes...greys...not so much.

If you convert to b&w the true b&w paper would look good.

Just a thought.
Lori

[Rain Lily]

I gotta respectfully disagree with Lori on this one (sorry, Lori! ) I had my Christmas cards done on metallic paper and they were very low key, and muted - not so much gray, but browns - the only bright color was the red, and it's kind of dark as well, and I guess you could say the flesh tones. They looked fantastic and I loved them.

[Ellbee99]

No problem Sis, but....the greys and muted bluish green tones are what may not work as well as she would like in metallic. Browns work great! Metallic can also make certain skin tones look odd, but not all of them. That is why it really is a good idea to order a small version (though small prints in metallic are much more expensive than small prints on regular e surface paper) and see if it prints as she would like.

A lot of white or greyish tones can look odd in metallic.

[swampler]

Originally Posted by Ellbee99

I order from Mpix sometimes too. The metallic really isn't that much more than the regular in larger prints. If you get the FedEx next day you can know right away.

Or even cheaper than next day shipping, just order it on glossy and metallic both. This way you can compare side by side, AND not have to order again and pay separate shipping, wait time, etc. Especially since it is only one image rather than an entire order.

[Rain Lily]

Maybe so, Lori, but from my experience, I've not noticed gray colors to be a problem with the metallic. I've had b/w printed metallic as well as these muted tones (her shirt is gray in the Christmas card, btw) and there are so many different shades of gray in a b/w - I just don't think this would be a problem. Of course, I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, LOL.

But definitely it wouldn't hurt to get a 4x6 or 5x7 printed first, to see how it comes out - I'd print it both ways, and then decide. If Lois is using Mpix, ordering it by USPS Priority Mail will save $5 on shipping and get it to her in just a few days - I sent an order in Tuesday, it shipped Wednesday and I got it in the mail today, for half the price of overnight. That's what I'd do, and request the sample papers from Mpix as well, since she's got til the middle of July.

[loeee]

You folks are so much fun. I just love Photo Camel. I feel like if I wait just a little longer, you will make up my mind for me and I won't have to think so hard.

[Ellbee99]

Originally Posted by loeee

You folks are so much fun. I just love Photo Camel. I feel like if I wait just a little longer, you will make up my mind for me and I won't have to think so hard.

Seriously, don't wait...order a smaller sample of both and make your decision from there. You can always give the smaller ones as gifts too.

[Not4wood]

I had one print tested on the Metalic Paper from MPIX and it was great. Your image will pop big time with the reflections on the water. The silver metalic in the paper is great with either water or anything that is close to shiny or silver.

I think you'll like the results, and sending in for a small test is a great idea. I had tested it to make sure it would work so I could see the results if I needed something in the future.