When you decide to buy fine art photography it becomes a personal exploration, distinct from the persuasive narratives often encountered online. In an era saturated with articles advocating for nature photography prints as mere aesthetic additions, I present a different perspective. The essence of purchasing fine art nature photography lies in genuine appreciation, transcending external influences. Art should resonate on a personal level, transcending trends and empty walls. This guide navigates the nuanced decisions involved in buying fine art photography, from choosing the right image and space to understanding print mediums, frames, and lighting. This comprehensive guide aims to enrich your journey and enhance the transformative power of high-quality wall art.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Tree of Grace
The question of whether or not to buy fine art nature photography is often posed in the age of the internet, where numerous articles advocate for the benefits of incorporating nature photography prints into one’s living or working spaces. While these articles may serve as marketing tools for photographers, I offer a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of purchasing fine art nature photography out of genuine appreciation rather than succumbing to external influences.
My candid approach is that if someone needs to convince you to buy photography, you probably shouldn’t. The act of buying fine art photography should be a personal journey driven by an emotional connection to the piece, with the understanding that the value should be apparent to the buyer without external persuasion.
I believe in the significance of finding art that resonates with the individual. The chosen artwork should move the buyer on a personal level rather than merely following trends or filling empty walls. If nature prints don’t align with personal taste, individuals should explore other art forms that do.
Having said all of that, if you are a person who truly appreciates fine art photography for the way it makes you feel when you look at it, this article is for you. If you are looking to transform the look and feel of your room with a large format fine art photo print, you absolutely can do that. I believe in the transformational power of high quality wall art, because I have seen it.
PRO TIP:
Read Why Buy Nature Wall Art – Or Should You?.
Read Understanding the Value of Nature Photography Prints.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Morning Glory
When you buy fine art photography you have to make two main decisions, among other smaller ones. Those decisions are: “What image am I buying?” and “Where will I hang it?”.
Sometimes the art collector knows that she/he wants to brighten the bedroom with an art piece, but is just not sure what the right photo print is. This is the scenario when you “know the space but not the image”. Meaning, you have already settled on the location of where to display a brand new photo artwork and now it is just a matter of figuring out what would go well in your room.
Other times it is the reverse. You “know the image but not the space”. What does that mean? It means you have somehow come across a fine art photograph that has just won your heart for one reason or another. You are in love with it and have to have it. Now you have to decide the best wall for where it should be displayed. Maybe you have gone so far that you have already purchased the printed photograph and have it in your possession. This is a common scenario when people buy from art fairs.
When buying fine art photography there is no right or wrong approach. However, it is good for you to understand where you personally are in the process, because then you will know the parameters within which you need to make the rest of your decisions.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Glory Over the Ocean
Before you buy fine art photography you may find that you “know the image but not the space”. Let’s examine this scenario, which is easier because the options are quite finite. Unlike the opposite scenario “you know the space but not the image” here the choices are not limitless. You only have so many rooms and walls in your home or office to choose from.
The factors you have to consider in this scenario are several:
On the other hand your starting point may be that you “neither know the space nor the image”. If that is your situation, I would recommend starting with the space first and then selecting the right image for it. In my opinion this is an easier process than the reverse. The reason for this is that you will be starting with the narrow choice and then moving to the wide. That way you won’t find yourself having to fit a square peg into a round hole.
PRO TIP: Read Interior Design With Nature Photography: Complete Guide.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Sentinel of the Sea
If you are considering buying fine art photography but have not selected the perfect image yet, I would recommend finding your display wall first (see previous section). If you have that out of the way, now you need to find an artwork that will compliment your space quite well.
There are many considerations that go into this. Do you want the fine art photo to be a focal point and a central decor in your room or do you just want it to nicely blend with the rest? Do you want it to pop and grab attention the moment someone sets foot in the room, or do you want it to take a while to be noticed? Have you selected a wall space which is properly illuminated – if not should you look for a brighter image which does not require much additional light? Should you get a long and wide image or a narrow and tall one? Is a triptych, or grouped art, better for your interior or a single piece would serve a better purpose?
The choices and combinations could be quite different. However, one factor needs to play a major role – what type of images do you personally like? Is it mountains, forests, rivers & oceans, canyons & deserts, abstracts, etc. What type of fine art photo will warm your heart the most? That is what you are after.
PRO TIP: Read Interior Design With Nature Photography: Complete Guide.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – The Heavens and the Earth
Choosing the perfect print size for your wall art is crucial to achieving an elegant and harmonious decor. To make the right decision, you need to consider various factors.
First, understand the limitations set by the vendor/artist from where you will be buying your photography. Look at the maximum print sizes offered and make sure that what you are looking for is available. If your desired size exceeds these limits, you can explore alternatives such as finding another artist. Alternatively, you can opt for a triptych display, which would allow you to get the image you want in the size you want, but it will be in 3 pieces.
Budget constraints should also be taken into account, as larger (and high quality) prints can significantly increase costs, especially when considering shipping.
In addition, when buying fine art photography be mindful of your wall’s physical size and features, accommodating elements like outlets or vents. The type and size of furniture in the room, the presence of other art, and the intended focal point should guide your choice.
Consider the viewing distance, keeping in mind whether the photo print will be observed up close, from a distance, or both. Grouped prints can be treated as a single entity when determining the appropriate size.
Visualizing the print on your wall, either using art visualization software or simple methods like tape or paper, is crucial to making an informed decision. While there are principles to guide you, ultimately, the perfect size is one that aligns well with your preferences and complements your interior. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in achieving a visually pleasing result.
PRO TIP: Read How to Choose the Right Print Size for Your Wall.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Norwegian Magic
Choosing the best print medium when buying fine art photographs is crucial to successfully decorating any interior space. In this section, we will briefly explore the four most common types of fine art print mediums: paper, canvas, metal, and acrylic.
Paper prints are one of the most popular print mediums for fine art photographs. They are affordable, versatile, and offer a wide range of possibilities. There are several types of paper available, including matte, glossy, and fine art papers. Matte paper is a great choice for images with a lot of detail, while glossy paper can make colors appear more vibrant.
Canvas prints have become increasingly desired in recent years. They offer a unique texture and depth to fine art photographs that cannot be achieved with paper prints. There are several types of canvas available, including traditional, gallery wrap, and framed canvas. Traditional canvas art is stretched onto a wooden frame and is perfect for framing. Gallery wrap canvas art is stretched over a thicker wooden frame and has the image wrapped around the sides, making them perfect for displaying without a frame. Framed canvas prints are traditional canvas prints that are framed, giving them a more polished look.
Metal prints are a modern and unique way to display fine art photographs. They are printed directly onto aluminum sheets, creating a sleek and glossy finish. Some of the benefits of metal prints are their vibrant colors, high gloss contemporary look and feel, and extreme durability and longevity. Metal prints are considered a high-end / high quality print medium.
Acrylic prints are another modern print medium that has become a favorite for nature and landscape photographers, focusing on high end fine art. They are printed onto highly specialized photo paper and face mounted with acrylic sheets, creating a high-gloss and durable finish. One of the unique properties of acrylic is its clarity and depth. Acrylic prints are also known for their vibrant colors and gallery quality display. At the top of the price range acrylics deservedly stand as the best image print medium.
PRO TIP: Read Choosing the Best Photo Print Medium.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Far in the North
Selecting a frame when buying fine art photography is another decision, assuming you want to frame the artwork in the first place. Mounting a high-quality frame around a landscape print can create an impressive piece of wall art that can make the print stand out and transform a room interior. However, with numerous framing options available, it can be difficult to decide which one fits your fine art photo best. Using quality materials alone does not guarantee a great result. The frame and liner type must be carefully selected to bring out the best in the photo image.
Whether you should frame a fine art photo print or not is subjective. There are benefits to either option. Framing a photograph creates a separation between the art and the wall, marking a clear delineation between the print and the rest of the room interior. When done well, the frame makes the art print stand out and guides the viewer’s eyes straight onto the image itself. A frame around a fine art photograph also makes it more complete, adding an element of wholeness around its contours that accentuates the art in a more prominent way. Framing a print properly can bring a classic fine art gallery or museum style mood to the room, making a powerful statement that can cause the wall art to dominate the interior in a very positive way.
On the other hand, some people prefer the look of frameless fine art photo prints. If you are one of those art collectors, this is a reason not to have your art print framed. Another reason to not frame your art is because you want a clean, simple, and minimalist style. Some people prefer just that. In addition, if your room already has that contemporary look and feel to it, a fine art gallery style framed print may not fit best. A third reason you may skip the frame, with the purchase of a new fine art photograph, is cost. Adding a frame to any art usually costs more. Placing a cheap frame on an expensive print does not make sense. Therefore, a good quality frame will add to the price tag. Furthermore, frames add to the overall art physical dimensions and weight, which adds to shipping costs.
In conclusion, choosing the right frame for your landscape print is an art itself. There is no black and white formula, and it takes a keen eye to discern the best framing selection in any situation.
PRO TIP: Read Choosing a Frame for a Landscape Print: How To – Practical Guide.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Ocean Gateway
When considering the purchase of fine art photography, there are key factors to bear in mind. To make a well-informed choice, it’s crucial to first reflect on your preferences and priorities. The process begins by selecting the perfect image, followed by contemplating factors such as limited edition availability, print size, quality, price, and the option to view the print in person. Additionally, the decision of whether to buy directly from the artist or through an intermediary plays a significant role in supporting the art community.
In determining where to acquire fine art photography, it’s beneficial to clarify several considerations. Your stance on each of these considerations will help narrow down your options. While the order of these considerations is not fixed, starting with the selection of the image is recommended. This is important because your liking of the piece that will adorn your space is crucial. You don’t necessarily need a very specific idea of the ideal picture, but having some concept or narrowing it down to a theme can be helpful. This allows you to compare similar images from different photography sources within the same category.
When seeking to purchase fine art photography, consider the variables important to you, such as: type of image, limited vs open edition prints, print size, print quality, price range, buying directly from the artist vs through a middle man, etc.
Various avenues exist for purchasing fine art photography, including buying directly from the artist or from online marketplaces like Lumas, Saatchi Art, etc. It’s worth noting that buying directly from the artist is the optimal way to support the art community.
PRO TIP: Read Where to Buy Photography Art.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Flowing Grace
Negotiating the purchase of fine art photography requires skill and understanding to create a mutually beneficial transaction.
Understanding the quality and value of the artwork is paramount in negotiations. Emphasizing the importance of evaluating the content, image quality, and physical materials used in the print. Additionally, understanding the subjective nature of the value, considering extrinsic, intrinsic, and personal aspects, is crucial.
Before entering negotiations, comprehending the full pricing structure is essential. Buyers need to be aware of potential additional costs such as shipping charges, taxes, and insurance. The source of the purchase, whether directly from the artist or through a gallery, also impacts the pricing, with direct purchases often being more cost-effective.
Several negotiation “don’ts” should be avoided to steer clear of offensive practices. Undermining the art, lowballing, and comparing prices between photographers is not encouraged. Also testing the waters if not genuinely interested in buying is not recommended. Serious inquiries should follow an understanding of the artwork’s uniqueness and its value first.
On the positive side, productive “dos” for negotiations include determining if the price is negotiable, inquiring whether some flexibility might exist. Exploring different (less expensive) print mediums, considering open edition prints, asking about upcoming sales, and making multiple purchases are recommended strategies. Moreover, negotiating better prices can involve buying inventory items, offering to pick up the print locally, paying in cash to avoid electronic payment fees, and even proposing goods or services in exchange for a discount.
In conclusion, effective negotiation of fine art prints involves a comprehensive understanding of the artwork’s quality, value, and pricing structure. Respectful and informed negotiation approaches can go a long way as opposed to offensive practices.
PRO TIP: Read Negotiating Fine Art Prints When Buying Photography.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Whirlflow
So, you’ve acquired a stunning piece of fine art photography, and now you’re faced with the task of hanging it on your wall. The question is, how do you do it like a professional?
By now it is assumed that you have already made decisions about the artwork, its location on the wall, and its position concerning other elements in the room.
To ensure the correct position, consider the vertical and horizontal alignment, as well as ensuring the art is perfectly level horizontally.
Different hanging systems require varying approaches. Whether it’s cables & rail, direct wall mount, frame cable, or French cleat, understanding the system first is crucial for accurate positioning.
For each hanging system, calculate anchor positions accurately and mark them on the wall. Use a pencil to create small “+” marks to guide the placement of screws or anchors.
Once you’ve marked the exact spots on the wall, securing anchors is crucial for a safe and stable installation. The type of anchor and the way you place it will also be determined by the type of wall you have: drywall, plaster, studs, brick, etc.
To summarize, you want the artwork to first be positioned securely on the wall, in order to avoid falling and getting damaged. Second, it needs to be perfectly horizontal and well centered on the wall it is displayed on.
PRO TIP: For a full step-by-step instructions, read How to Hang Wall Art: The Complete Guide.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Autumn’s Textures
Understanding how to light fine art photography in your home or business is crucial for bringing it to life. Whether you’re a seasoned fine art collector or a first-time purchaser of a masterpiece, grasping the nuances of illuminating photo prints is essential.
Merely hanging an expensive piece of photography fine art in a dimly lit room defeats the purpose. Art, be it a painting or photograph, crafted by a dedicated artist, is rich in details, shapes, and colors meant to be appreciated. Unfortunately, displaying fine art in inadequately lit spaces can obscure these elements. Conversely, with careful lighting, a fine art photo print can radiate its full glory, presenting the photographer’s intent. In essence, meticulous lighting has the power to breathe life into a masterpiece.
When illuminating a photo print, avoid direct sunlight. While fine art photography may appear captivating in direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can harm the artwork. Sunlight accurately renders colors and spans the entire visible light spectrum, but it also emits ultraviolet and infrared light, causing deterioration in colors and print quality.
Understanding the existing ambient light in the room is crucial. Consider both the intensity and color temperature of ambient light, as they impact how the photo print will be perceived.
Determining the right light intensity involves balancing ambient light and ensuring the art piece stands out without being intrusive. Evaluate wall color, texture, and personal preferences to decide the optimal brightness.
Carefully consider the distance between the light source and the photo print to avoid heat damage. The angle of illumination matters, with a 30% angle often recommended for optimal fine art lighting.
In conclusion, proper photo print illumination involves a careful balance of factors to showcase the artwork in its best light while ensuring longevity and minimizing potential damage.
PRO TIP: Read Photography Art Illumination Complete Guide.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – Ethereal
If you have purchased a priceless fine art photography artwork and want to ensure it remains vibrant for a long time, you may want to learn about caring for it. Caring for photography wall art is a multi-faceted approach. This section examines the cautions and actions one can proactively take in order to extend the life of their photography fine art purchase.
It is important to understand what factors can cause decay in order to properly care for wall art. According to the Image Permanence Institute (IPI), some of the forces which cause decay of photographs are light, heat, pollution, moisture, and even the framing materials themselves. These forces can cause damage such as yellowing, cracking, delamination, mold, and fading.
Light has a damaging effect on photographs. However, not all light types are equal. Each light type carries a different amount of UV energy, which is the damaging element. The Image Permanence Institute states that “Each type of light (tungsten, fluorescent, and sunlight) contains different amounts of UV energy. Sunlight contains the highest UV levels and is the most damaging, followed by fluorescent. Tungsten carries very little UV energy.”
Heat can cause yellowing, cracking, and delamination of a photo print. Heat can cause damage even when UV-protective glass is used.
Pollution can cause fading, yellowing, and cracking. The air in a room can become polluted from the outside. The pollution can be in the form of ozone, oxides of nitrogen, or other gasses. In addition, the room air can be polluted by cleaning agents, cooking fumes, and cigarette smoke.
To protect your photo art prints from these factors, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to frame your prints. Avoid hanging your prints in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Regularly dust your prints with a soft, dry cloth. If you need to clean your prints, use a microfiber cloth and a small amount of water. Avoid using cleaning agents or solvents, as they can cause damage to your prints.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your fine art photography investment and enjoy your wall art prints for years to come.
PRO TIP: Read Best Ways to Protect, Care for, and Clean Wall Art Prints.
SHOP Fine Art Photography Print – California Dreaming
Gintchin Fine Art offers exclusive limited edition fine art photography by Lazar Gintchin, a nature and landscape photographer specializing in large format size prints. Each image in Gintchin’s portfolio is a unique and limited edition print. The gallery includes high-quality wall art prints in acrylic and metal mediums, providing a luxurious fine art presentation. With a diverse range of genres to choose from, art enthusiasts can curate a collection that reflects their aesthetic preferences.
