Buying Landscape Photography Prints: Online vs. Gallery vs. Art Fairs

When someone wants to transform a room with the amazing beauty of natural scenes, buying landscape photography prints is a natural choice. But with various avenues for acquiring these prints, the question arises: Where is the best place to buy them? Should you go the traditional route of galleries, the trendy art fairs, or the modern convenience of online stores? This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make an informed decision.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – Lofoten Heaven

The Appeal of Landscape Photography Prints

Unlike abstract or conceptual art, landscape photography captures real-world scenes, often filled with deep emotional resonance. Nature’s beauty can bring a sense of relaxation and wonder to viewers, through its various terrains such as a mountain range, coastal scenery, or serene forests. As a result, owning a landscape print can not only be buying a piece of art, but also an experience of bringing a moment of the natural world into your interior space.

When deciding where to buy your prints, it can be helpful to understand the different avenues available. Each option—online retailers, galleries, and art fairs—offers unique benefits and limitations. Let’s explore these further.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – Sleepy Harbor

1. Buying Landscape Photography Prints Online

Pros of Buying Prints Online

The online market for landscape photography has exploded in recent years. From individual photographers’ websites to large art-related platforms and social media, the range of options is vast.

Convenience and Accessibility: One of the main advantages of buying landscape photography prints online is the ease of access. You can browse hundreds of works from various artists in the comfort of your home, at any time of the day. There’s no need to visit multiple galleries or wait for an art fair to come to town.
Wide Variety of Choices: The internet opens the door to artists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a specific scene, like the Northern Lights or a famous national park, or a particular style, the selection is limitless. You can also filter by size, color palette, or price range, which makes the shopping experience more personalized.
Price Transparency: Many online stores offer straightforward pricing without the markup often found in galleries. You are also likely to find sales, discounts, or promotional offers. Since online platforms often connect buyers directly with artists, you can avoid paying commission fees to middlemen.
Customizable Options: Many websites allow you to customize your order, from selecting the frame to choosing the material (paper, canvas, metal, etc.). This flexibility enables you to tailor the print to fit your decor.

Cons of Buying Prints Online

Despite the convenience, there are some downsides to consider when purchasing prints online.

Inability to See the Print in Person: Buying online means you can’t physically see the print before purchasing it. Colors, textures, and details may appear different on a screen compared to the real-life version. If you’re investing in a high-end or limited-edition print, this could be a significant drawback.
Shipping Costs and Time: Depending on where the artist is located, shipping costs can be high, especially for larger prints. You may also have to wait several weeks to receive your print. There’s always a risk of damage during shipping, though reputable sellers should offer insurance or refunds.
Risk of Scams or Low-Quality Prints: The internet can have mass-produced or low-quality prints that may not live up to your expectations. It is important to research the artist or platform before purchasing to ensure you are getting an authentic, high-quality piece. Customer testimonials from previous clients can be a strong indication of the artist’s reputation.

Recommendations for Buying Online

If you opt to buy landscape photography prints online, stick to reputable platforms and artists. Be sure to read descriptions carefully, look at artist portfolios, and verify that they offer high quality print products that will match or exceed your expectations.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – Valley of Light

2. Buying Landscape Photography Prints from Galleries

Pros of Buying from Galleries

For many, purchasing art in a gallery is a more traditional and intimate experience. Galleries are known for curating high-quality pieces, and there are several advantages to this method of buying landscape photography prints.

Quality Assurance: When you buy from a gallery, you can (in most cases) trust that the piece has been curated and vetted for quality. Galleries often represent renowned photographers or emerging artists with a solid reputation, so you are less likely to encounter counterfeit or poorly-made prints. Additionally, some artists have their own galleries where you can see a large collection of their artwork pieces.
Seeing the Print in Person: One of the most significant advantages of purchasing from a gallery is that you can see the artwork firsthand. You will get a feel for the size, the vibrancy of colors, and the detail in the photograph, all of which are important when investing in art.
Expert Advice: Galleries typically have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the process, explain the artist’s vision, and help you find a piece that resonates with you. This level of personal service is unmatched compared to other purchasing methods.

Cons of Buying from Galleries

Despite the personalized experience, buying from a gallery has some drawbacks.

Higher Prices: Art galleries often mark-up the price of prints to cover their overhead costs, including rent, staffing, and commissions. As a result, you may end up paying significantly more for a similar print you could find online.
Limited Selection: Unlike the vast array of options available online, galleries are constrained by physical space. While the selection may be carefully curated, it is often much smaller, and finding the exact landscape or style you are after can be more challenging. Of course, they may have additional options that you could choose from, which they can show you on a computer screen.
Pressure to Buy: Gallery settings can sometimes feel intimidating or high-pressure, especially for first-time buyers. You may feel rushed into a purchase, rather than taking the time to explore your options fully.

Recommendations for Buying from Galleries

If you prefer the gallery route, take your time to visit multiple locations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage with gallery staff to understand the story behind the artwork. If you are looking for well-known photographers, galleries that specialize in photography are your best bet.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – Forest Whispers

3. Buying Landscape Photography Prints at Art Fairs

Pros of Buying from Art Fairs

Art fairs are becoming an increasingly popular way to purchase landscape photography prints. These fairs, often held annually, or around national holidays, in major cities, tourist locations, or art hubs, provide a unique opportunity for buyers.

Direct Access to the Artists: One of the most significant advantages of art fairs is that you often get to meet the artists in person. This direct interaction allows you to understand the story behind the piece, the photographer’s technique, and ask questions about the work.
Unique and Emerging Artists: Art fairs are excellent for discovering up-and-coming photographers whose work may not yet be represented in galleries or online. You can often find unique pieces that are not available anywhere else.
Tactile Experience: Like galleries, art fairs provide a chance to see and feel the prints in person. You can inspect the quality, framing, and material used before making your decision. You can also have a personalized landscape photography buying experience, without the marked up pricing effect of galleries.
Negotiable Prices: Unlike galleries, where prices are often fixed, art fairs provide some flexibility in pricing. Since you are dealing directly with the artist, there can be room for negotiation. Whether you negotiate or not however, chances are that you will walk away with a better deal than at a gallery.

Cons of Buying from Art Fairs

While art fairs are a fantastic way to connect with artists, they do have their downsides.

Limited Time: Art fairs are temporary events, usually lasting a day, or a few days. This limited window can make it hard to fully explore your options or revisit a booth for further consideration.
Crowded and Overwhelming: Depending on the size of the fair, it can be overwhelming to navigate through dozens, if not hundreds, of booths. It is easy to feel rushed or distracted, especially if the fair is crowded.
Inconsistent Quality: While many talented photographers showcase their work at art fairs, not every piece will be of gallery-quality. It is important to carefully assess the print’s craftsmanship before purchasing.

Recommendations for Buying from Art Fairs

If you are attending an art fair, look at all the available artists and their landscape photo prints. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with the photographers and learn more about their work, process, and print quality. If you generally like their work but don’t quite see the perfect piece, ask them to show you their portfolio. Also, find out if they sell their prints online, and if so, consider exploring their online portfolio and purchase later.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – Aspen Rainbow

Online vs. Gallery vs. Art Fairs: Which is the Best for Buying Landscape Photography Prints?

Ultimately, the best place to buy landscape photography prints depends on your priorities and preferences. If you are seeking convenience, variety, and affordability, the online route is hard to beat. On the other hand, if you value the tactile experience of seeing prints in person and receiving expert advice, galleries provide a more personalized approach. Lastly, art fairs offer a blend of both worlds, with the added bonus of meeting artists directly.

A Balanced Approach

You don’t have to limit yourself to just one method. For example, you might start your search online to get a sense of the style and budget you are aiming for. Then, visit galleries to see high-quality examples in person or attend art fairs to discover new and emerging photographers.

SHOP Landscape Photography Print – In the Evening Light

Conclusion

Whether you buy your landscape photography prints online, at a gallery, or at an art fair, the most important thing is that the artwork speaks to you directly. If you are not in love with it, things like price, quality, size, etc. will have little value.