Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
This discussion is limited to the nature of the work efforts and success of living photographers whose work sells in Exhibitions, Art Galleries and perhaps are collected by followers............ and even found in the art resale market at auctions and on consignment.
We follow the discussion here, but in a narrower scope of attention. To achieve the latter, here are the necessary assumptions, understandings and "rules of engagement":
1. Today, rightly or wrongly, the term "photograph" has come to include images made by cameras with sensors that don't necessarily output directly to the medium on the substrate of the sensor as in analog true photography of old. Only with analog media, such as film, do electrons ejected by incoming light react with the light-sensitive substrate to directly generate the minute marks in proportion to the incoming incident light at that exact spot. With that said, this discussion nevertheless applies to all pictures that art galleries, collectors and museums happen to call "photographs" in these modern times, even when they are actually just prints!
2. Do not consider the terms "Fine Art" as this is not used by dealers or curators for art that sells way above simple multiples of the picture's production cost.
3. If you have zero interest in getting work to galleries or exhibitions were substantial sales of pictures are made, no need to express dismissal of this idea, as we all are well aware that it's no trivial task to either produce, let alone successfully market even one's best pictures. Thanks in advance for your forbearance in sitting this one out!
4. Besides photography for mementos, family fun, documentation, journalism and other commercial outlets, one sought-after end result in photography, (for the purpose of Art ) is "Gallery Representation" where folk who want valuable art buy - hence sales for more than trivially covering costs. All discussion here must be relevant to achieving that limited purpose.
I do hope you will share your ideas and insights on what it takes to get one's work into the art market.
Asher
We follow the discussion here, but in a narrower scope of attention. To achieve the latter, here are the necessary assumptions, understandings and "rules of engagement":
1. Today, rightly or wrongly, the term "photograph" has come to include images made by cameras with sensors that don't necessarily output directly to the medium on the substrate of the sensor as in analog true photography of old. Only with analog media, such as film, do electrons ejected by incoming light react with the light-sensitive substrate to directly generate the minute marks in proportion to the incoming incident light at that exact spot. With that said, this discussion nevertheless applies to all pictures that art galleries, collectors and museums happen to call "photographs" in these modern times, even when they are actually just prints!
2. Do not consider the terms "Fine Art" as this is not used by dealers or curators for art that sells way above simple multiples of the picture's production cost.
3. If you have zero interest in getting work to galleries or exhibitions were substantial sales of pictures are made, no need to express dismissal of this idea, as we all are well aware that it's no trivial task to either produce, let alone successfully market even one's best pictures. Thanks in advance for your forbearance in sitting this one out!
4. Besides photography for mementos, family fun, documentation, journalism and other commercial outlets, one sought-after end result in photography, (for the purpose of Art ) is "Gallery Representation" where folk who want valuable art buy - hence sales for more than trivially covering costs. All discussion here must be relevant to achieving that limited purpose.
I do hope you will share your ideas and insights on what it takes to get one's work into the art market.
Asher