PHOTO PRINTING

researched and explained.
this is the result of figuring out way too many options for photo printing in 2011,
in terms of quality, photography tradition, and the environment. 

SUMMARY

I'm backing ARCHIVAL INKJET printing for various reasons:
1) it has more color dynamic range than digital C prints,
2) it's slightly more archival than C prints.
3) it involves less toxic chemistry, the inks are water based.
4) it gives the option to print on 100% cotton paper.
5) cotton paper is stronger and naturally acid free and lignin free.
6) it's made from a biproduct of cotton textile production.
I'd also pick a paper that's made in the US without optical brighteners,
and that isn't resin coated (polyethylene, petroleum)

the brands and paper lines
that meet these requirements are:

museo
silver rag (glossy, slight texture?)
portfolio rag (matte, extra smooth)
museo max (matte)

moab (by legion)
entrada rag natural (not entrada rag bright) (matte)
I havent had a chance to see samples yet.


RESEARCH LEADING TO DECISION:
click here to expand post