Question 7 of 18 · Chapter 2: Choosing
Is a Paper Print Right for You?
A paper print is the traditional, quiet, subtle choice. It has the feel of something a craftsman made by hand in a lab, the kind of print you want to take off the wall and hold. It’s been the go-to since before a guy named Ansel set the standard for prints. Plan on framing it.
I still think paper is the most honest way to print a photograph. It doesn’t shout for attention — you have to actually stand in front of it for a minute before it does much for you.
Paper prints come in everything from small sizes for a shelf to large ones for a big wall. Each one is a photograph I took along the coast or somewhere in New England.
Why Choose Paper Prints?
Paper prints are the classic choice. They sit quietly in a room and don’t fight with it.
Benefits:
- Archival paper for longevity
- Rich blacks, clean whites and strong color
- Made to be framed or matted
- A bit of texture you can see up close
- Fits bedrooms, offices, reading nooks or gallery walls
Who it suits
People who prefer that classic, traditional feeling. It makes you want to take the print off the wall and hold it. It makes me think of a craftsman in a lab, making prints by hand.
Paper or metal?
I can’t answer that for you, only you can. To me it’s a personal choice, and I have a mix of both at home. Paper is traditional, quiet and subtle. Metal is modern, bold and dynamic. The short version is on Should I choose a paper or metal print?
Semi-Gloss or Matte?
Semi-Gloss
- Smooth surface with subtle reflection
- Colors pop, details shine
- Best for colorful landscapes and seascapes
Matte
- Textured, non-reflective finish
- Soft look that suits black-and-white photography
- Good for prints you’ll look at up close
Personal Favorites:
Pro Tip: Semi-gloss is great for strong colors; matte works well with subtle tones or black-and-white images.
Sizes & Placement
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 9×12″ | Small spaces, shelves, gifts |
| 12×18″ | Desks, reading nooks, small walls |
| 18×24″ | Bedrooms, home offices, gallery walls |
| 20×30″ | Living rooms, medium walls |
| 24×36″ | Dining rooms, feature walls |
| 30×45″ | Large walls |
| 40×60″ | Lobbies, very large walls |
Placement Tips:
- Leave 4–6 inches above furniture
- Avoid blocking light sources (unless shadows add drama)
- Group multiple small prints for a gallery wall effect
Framing & Presentation
- Not sure about framing? Call me and I’ll point you to a good framer
- As soon as you finish ordering, start looking for a local framer who knows what they’re doing and can help you choose the frame and mat
- I prefer museum glass, which is UV-protective and anti-glare. When I needed a 100+ year old family heirloom framed, I took it to Providence Picture Frame, a great local place to bring whatever you want framed
- A white mat and a black frame is hard to beat
- Prints arrive ready for a framer
- A frame protects the print and finishes it off
Who makes the prints
The Signature Series, my limited editions, I print myself. Open Edition prints, paper and metal, are made by Blazing Editions in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. I’ve worked with them for years and they do gorgeous work. Either way, they’re built to hold up on your wall for a long time.
Key Benefits of Paper Prints
- A classic look that doesn’t go out of style
- Colors and texture that hold up over the years
- Good for small to medium walls
- Can be mixed with metal prints on the same wall
When you’re ready to look at the photographs, the galleries are here.