Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What are Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs), and should photographers care about them?
We've discussed OBAs before on the channel, and one of the most common follow-up questions has been: "How do OBAs actually affect a print in practice?" Rather than talking purely in theory, we wanted to put it to the test.
To help demonstrate the differences, Julian Baird has kindly lent us one of his images, allowing us to compare prints and explore how papers with and without OBAs behave under different viewing conditions.
In this video, we take a closer look at what OBAs actually do, why they're used in photographic papers, and how they can influence the appearance of a print. We also discuss whether OBAs are something photographers should actively consider when choosing papers for display, fine art work, or archival printing.
If you've ever wondered why some papers appear brighter than others, why prints can look different under changing light, or whether OBAs really matter, this video will help separate the myths from the reality.
Let us know in the comments: do you consider OBA content when choosing a paper, or is the final look of the print all that matters?
Fotospeed's OBA Free Papers:
Legacy Gloss: fotospeed.com/legacy-gloss-325.html
Natural Soft Smooth: fotospeed.com/natural-soft-textured-315.html
Platinum Cotton: fotospeed.com/platinum-cotton-305.html
Platinum Baryta: fotospeed.com/platinum-baryta-300.html
Matt Baryta: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-matt-baryta-310.html
Art Smooth: fotospeed.com/art-smooth-200.html
Platinum Etching Cotton: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-platinum-etching-cotton-310.html
Natural Textured: fotospeed.com/natural-textured-315.html
Art Smooth DUO: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-art-smooth-duo-210-short-grain.html
Metallic Gloss: fotospeed.com/metallic-gloss-275.html
Metallic Lustre: fotospeed.com/metallic-lustre-275.html
Julian's Youtube channel: youtube.com/@jbairdexp
🎬 Subscribe to the Fotospeed YouTube Channel for more videos on printing, paper choice, and creative photographic processes.
🇺🇸 USA: Fotospeed via MPEX:
mpex.com/photography/scanning-printing/inkjet-ink-paper-supplies.html?category_uid=MTA2OA%3D%3D&page=0&sort=quantity_and_stock_status-DESC&manufacturer=6631
USE CODE MPEXFS10 to receive 10% off your order at MPEX
EU customers order through Color Europe: https://www.coloreurope.eu/shop/fotospeed-3417s1.html
Sign up to the Fotospeed Newsletter: fotospeed.com/newsletter
FREE Ebook "Art of Printing" download:
fotospeed.com/fotospeed-academy
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fotospeed – Whatever your photographic requirements, let our passion for image-making provide the solution.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fotospeed, inspired by image makers around the world, Fotospeed began life manufacturing quality darkroom chemistry and specialist fine art printmaking processes.
With 35 years of the photo trade dealing with printing paper and chemicals. The wide selection of papers available range from the everyday photo glossy to the Fine Art textured paper that can turn a photo into a painting. Lots of research and development have helped Fotospeed to create the perfect paper no matter what final result is needed and the ability of the paper to receive the photo inks has been fine tuned to perfection, giving even coverage whatever the subject matter.
With a respected reputation for quality and service, Fotospeed is now an established distribution company for worldwide market leading brands such as Hahnemuhle Fine Art Papers, Kaiser Photographic equipment, Herma Adhesives and Canson Infinity Papers.
Whatever your photographic requirements, let our passion for image making provide the solution.
Meet the team. Everyone at Fotospeed is dedicated to ensuring that your requirements are met. From the moment your order is placed to the point it is dispatched. If you need technical support, advice or information we are available for help.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
#WinterPhotography #SnowPhotography #PrintingTips #Fotospeed #SamGregory #FineArtPrinting #LandscapePhotography
► Whatever your photographic requirements check our website ➡️ fotospeed.com
► Subscribe: youtube.com/channel/UC5p5sf-JOSo8uP-63w3OKSg to see more videos.
► Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/Fotospeed
► Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/fotospeed
► Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/FotospeedUK
► Find us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fotospeed-distribution-77627884?trk=hp-identity-photo
What are Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs), and should photographers care about them?
We've discussed OBAs before on the channel, and one of the most common follow-up questions has been: "How do OBAs actually affect a print in practice?" Rather than talking purely in theory, we wanted to put it to the test.
To help demonstrate the differences, Julian Baird has kindly lent us one of his images, allowing us to compare prints and explore how papers with and without OBAs behave under different viewing conditions.
In this video, we take a closer look at what OBAs actually do, why they're used in photographic papers, and how they can influence the appearance of a print. We also discuss whether OBAs are something photographers should actively consider when choosing papers for display, fine art work, or archival printing.
If you've ever wondered why some papers appear brighter than others, why prints can look different under changing light, or whether OBAs really matter, this video will help separate the myths from the reality.
Let us know in the comments: do you consider OBA content when choosing a paper, or is the final look of the print all that matters?
Fotospeed's OBA Free Papers:
Legacy Gloss: fotospeed.com/legacy-gloss-325.html
Natural Soft Smooth: fotospeed.com/natural-soft-textured-315.html
Platinum Cotton: fotospeed.com/platinum-cotton-305.html
Platinum Baryta: fotospeed.com/platinum-baryta-300.html
Matt Baryta: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-matt-baryta-310.html
Art Smooth: fotospeed.com/art-smooth-200.html
Platinum Etching Cotton: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-platinum-etching-cotton-310.html
Natural Textured: fotospeed.com/natural-textured-315.html
Art Smooth DUO: fotospeed.com/fotospeed-art-smooth-duo-210-short-grain.html
Metallic Gloss: fotospeed.com/metallic-gloss-275.html
Metallic Lustre: fotospeed.com/metallic-lustre-275.html
Julian's Youtube channel: youtube.com/@jbairdexp
🎬 Subscribe to the Fotospeed YouTube Channel for more videos on printing, paper choice, and creative photographic processes.
🇺🇸 USA: Fotospeed via MPEX:
mpex.com/photography/scanning-printing/inkjet-ink-paper-supplies.html?category_uid=MTA2OA%3D%3D&page=0&sort=quantity_and_stock_status-DESC&manufacturer=6631
USE CODE MPEXFS10 to receive 10% off your order at MPEX
EU customers order through Color Europe: https://www.coloreurope.eu/shop/fotospeed-3417s1.html
Sign up to the Fotospeed Newsletter: fotospeed.com/newsletter
FREE Ebook "Art of Printing" download:
fotospeed.com/fotospeed-academy
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fotospeed – Whatever your photographic requirements, let our passion for image-making provide the solution.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fotospeed, inspired by image makers around the world, Fotospeed began life manufacturing quality darkroom chemistry and specialist fine art printmaking processes.
With 35 years of the photo trade dealing with printing paper and chemicals. The wide selection of papers available range from the everyday photo glossy to the Fine Art textured paper that can turn a photo into a painting. Lots of research and development have helped Fotospeed to create the perfect paper no matter what final result is needed and the ability of the paper to receive the photo inks has been fine tuned to perfection, giving even coverage whatever the subject matter.
With a respected reputation for quality and service, Fotospeed is now an established distribution company for worldwide market leading brands such as Hahnemuhle Fine Art Papers, Kaiser Photographic equipment, Herma Adhesives and Canson Infinity Papers.
Whatever your photographic requirements, let our passion for image making provide the solution.
Meet the team. Everyone at Fotospeed is dedicated to ensuring that your requirements are met. From the moment your order is placed to the point it is dispatched. If you need technical support, advice or information we are available for help.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
#WinterPhotography #SnowPhotography #PrintingTips #Fotospeed #SamGregory #FineArtPrinting #LandscapePhotography
► Whatever your photographic requirements check our website ➡️ fotospeed.com
► Subscribe: youtube.com/channel/UC5p5sf-JOSo8uP-63w3OKSg to see more videos.
► Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/Fotospeed
► Find us on Instagram: instagram.com/fotospeed
► Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/FotospeedUK
► Find us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fotospeed-distribution-77627884?trk=hp-identity-photo
