Glossy finishes are the generic print of choice. They work well when the shot needs to show detail, but the glossy finish can be used for just about any print.

Matte finishes are the same cost as glossy prints, but they are not quite as versitile. Matte hides detail and usually results in a softer feel to the image. Colors can appear richer and the photo usually takes on a warmer tone. Matte is great for pictures of people or other subjects where too much detail detracts from the image as a whole.

Canvas is a heavy weight material with a leathery feel to it. Unlike photo paper, canvas is very textured and its use results in a more "painted" feel to the print. A larger amount of detail is lost when canvas is used, but the end result can feel more substantial than a print on photo paper. Because of the extra quality, canvas is more costly and the canvas prints are not matted, instead they are placed on "stretch-frames" and presented flush against the outer decorative frame.

Photo prints can be ordered matted and affixed to foam-core sheets.
see matte options

Canvas prints can be done with matting, but I typically present the stretched canvas in the frame without any matting.
see frame options