I learnt the hard way that cheap photo paper gives you cheap prints. Obvious really when you think about it, but there is no doubt that using the manufacturer's own brand paper gives the best photos. High street own label papers I found particularly poor, often giving a metallic 'bronzing' sheen on the print. I spent a lot of money on a good HP photo printer so always buy HP paper now. Same goes for inks, so-called compatibles may be all right for office documents but are a waste of money for photos.