Last Updated on 03/25/2025 by Nilofer Khan
A photograph is never finished unless you see it in print. That’s why some of the greatest photographers continue to print their work in the digital era, to finally see their image come to life. The tactile experience of holding the image, for instance, is what adds to the drama of photography. However, one of the critical aspects of making your print look close to the image you saw is the use of photo paper. To help photographers get the best, the German photo lab, WhiteWall, has collaborated with one of the best paper makers in the country, Hahnemühle, to expand their fine art paper lineup with the release of six new exclusive fine art papers.
WhiteWall and Hahnemühle collaborated once again to unveil six fine art photo papers at the 2025 Wedding & Portrait Photography International (WPPI) Convention and Expo held in Las Vegas. These papers present the growing print technology, which also reflects Hahnemühle’s 440 years of expertise in papermaking. In addition, the photo papers will be available to users in April and will use WhiteWall’s printing technology and framing to get the best experience. Here is a look at the new papers:
- Photo Rag Baryta: This warm-toned, barium-coated cotton paper helps to provide vivid colors, high contrast, with a slight textured surface.
- Photo Rag Ultra Smooth: An extremely smooth photo paper that offers a velvet-like surface with minimal texture, Thus is ideal for soft but detailed image rendering.
- German Etching: This photo paper is traditionally produced with cylinder mould. However, the Hahnemühle German Etching is a copperplate printing paper, created using 100% alpha-cellulose. As a result, your photographs will get a distinct texture and a soft, luxurious feel.
- Photo Rag Bright White: This is a bright white cotton paper and a matte premium inkjet coating which keeps the details in tact. For instance, the deep black will appear as they are.
- Bamboo: World’s first fineart inkjet paper, it is made from 90% sustainable bamboo fibers and offers soft and light textured surface. This is the most eco-friendly option for photographers who wish to prioritize the environment, without compromising on quality.
- Photo Rag Metallic: A high-gloss cotton paper, this offers a shiny surface that creates a silver-metallic effect.
The six photo papers will be available in customizable formats ranging from 9 × 9 cm to 300 × 105 cm, and one can also frame them with WhiteWall’s elegant white border or a passe-partout. WhiteWall and Hahnemühle also note that prints will feature fine tonal gradations, vibrant colors, and impressive detail precision. Having reviewed WhiteWall print services in the past, we can only imagine how great the combination would be. In addition, the WhiteWall and Hahnemühle collaboration is further highlighted by Hahnemühle Certified Studio Platinum status, which is given to selected collaborators who have excelled in fine art printmaking.
This is a pretty great opportunity for photographers who love to get their work printed and who want zero compromises. The papers offer a wide variety to choose from, based on your needs, and with WhiteWall’s printing techniques and frames, one can get the desired results. This is also a perfect opportunity for one to sell their limited edition works using the unique paper, which will do justice to their photograph. In fact, the Bamboo photo paper is a clear example of how wildlife photographers can promote their work in the most sustainable way.
If you are keen to look at the photo paper, head to WhiteWall’s website.