Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Which type of paper provides the widest tonal range and highest resolution?

1. Matte paper

2. Luster paper

3. Glossy paper

4. Watercolor paper

The correct answer is: Glossy paper

Glossy paper is known for its ability to reflect light, which enhances color saturation and contrast in photographs. This reflective quality allows for a wider tonal range, making darker areas appear richer and more vibrant, while also enabling finer details to emerge with a high level of clarity. The surface of glossy paper is smooth, which helps in achieving sharper images with greater detail, resulting in higher resolution prints. In contrast, matte paper tends to absorb more light, leading to softer colors and a narrower tonal range, which may not showcase deep blacks as effectively. Luster paper strikes a balance between glossy and matte, offering a slight sheen that helps with color depth, but it may not reach the dramatic tonal ranges that glossy finishes can provide. Watercolor paper, while excellent for artistic applications, often has a textured surface that can diffuse details and colors, further reducing resolution and tonal accuracy in photographic prints. This makes glossy paper the superior choice for achieving the best tonal range and resolution in photographic printing.