best paper for printing high quality digital photographs?

Question

If I want to print art-quality photo images, what paper, ink, and printer would you recommend?

Answer 1

Most of the pros I know use Epson with Epson Inks and Papers, they are formulated spcifically for eachother, though the same can be said of HP and Canon.

I would suggest going to your local professional photo shop and ask to see samples of what they use. You'll need a big budget to be able to match what they do - especially if you want to go larger than 13x19. There's no substitute for seeing first hand the results before making a choice like this.

HP have an entry level printer that will do 24" wide starting at $1200 (US) other brands a closer to $2000 for entry level large format.

To get the "Art" quality you seek the printer will need more than the typical 3 or 4 nozzels of most inkjets, the pro ones have 6 or more to get the full range of colour tones and grays.

Answer 2

How big do you want to print them, and how much money do you have to spend? Are you primarily printing B&W or color? Will you be printing massive quantities for sale or just a few?

There are far too many options for a simple answer.