The attraction of photography
The purchase of a first art photograph is always linked to pleasure, to the emotion felt at the sight of an image, of a beautiful print, it is a strong moment of pleasure, of passion. This is often how one starts a collection. Pleasure and passion must be the main reasons for buying, especially for a first work.
If one wants to buy a photograph with the aim of starting a collection, there is knowledge to be acquired and precautions to be taken in order to avoid being disappointed, spoiling one's pleasure, regretting one's purchase, or even losing money. All of this will help to better understand, apprehend, and appreciate the 8th art.
This article is mainly about collecting, but most of the advice given is also valid for a single purchase.
Things to check before purchasing a photograph
Photography is a medium of artistic expression that is unique in that it is not evaluated in the same way as other visual arts, which are generally based on single works. As its recognition as an art form is relatively recent, there is a lot of data available to help us understand it and art photography is well referenced. The number of events around photography, with more and more exhibitions is also important. It also has the advantage of being generally less expensive than painting or sculpture, which is why it appeals to many collectors. Nevertheless, how can one find one's way through the immense diversity on offer? There are a number of things to consider when starting a photography collection to ensure that you buy the right prints to avoid disappointment. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your new collection.
To acquire a knowledge of photography, a photographic culture.
In photography, it is important to know how to detect photos with a real artistic interest. This means knowing how to differentiate a photographer without real style or creation, who tend to draw too much inspiration from other photographers. This implies acquiring a basic knowledge of photographic culture and history and knowing the works of great photographers to better identify original work of real interest.
Photo books are an excellent way to become familiar with these major artists and to acquire an "eye". Exhibitions, which are numerous and varied throughout the country, are also an excellent way of improving one's photographic culture with the advantage of exercising one's eye on "real" prints and judging the media and printing techniques, in addition to the photography itself. This discovery of photography can also be done by visiting art galleries exhibiting photographs. This culture will also help to identify new talent in the 8th art.
Paying attention to the quality and specificity of the print
It is important to know the different types of photographic support and papers. This starts with knowing how to differentiate between types of paper, which can be matte, satin or glossy. Their quality is important, with papers that can be top of the range, from well-known brands such as Hahnemühle or Canson among others. The type of paper is also important, terms like "baryta" or "fine-art" should no longer hold any secrets for you. This paper can also be laminated to a rigid backing, such as dibond or other.
The printing method and the printer are also very important and must be identified. The printer must work with quality equipment, calibrated with inks that are guaranteed to last. Photographers often have their own "printer specialist" who knows their wishes, styles, or tastes in terms of colour or black and white density...
All these elements are of paramount importance, as the choice of the paper is an integral part of the artist's artistic approach, with an important impact on the appearance and perception of the photograph. A high quality print is also a guarantee of the conservation of the work over time, the best digital prints currently have a guaranteed lifespan superior to that of silver prints, well over a hundred years in good conservation conditions.
Determining the price of a photograph
In the art photography market, the price of prints can vary from a few hundred euros to several million in some cases.
The value of the artist (his or her value on the art market) is a crucial factor, and it is important to be well informed about it.
One should not lose sight of the particularity of photography that differentiates it from, for example, painting: it can be reproduced, it is not unique. This point is important, since the more limited the number of print is, the greater the value, and vice versa.
Moreover, it is important to know that only the first 30 prints of a photo, signed and numbered, have the value of artwork, in France. This notion is important in particular for tax exemption for professionals in France. It is therefore essential when buying a print to know the total number of prints (which must be indicated on the back of the photograph) and to have a guarantee of authenticity.
The size and quality of the print, type of paper, ink, the seriousness of the laboratory and the printer specialist, but also a possible framing also has an impact on the value of the print.
Prints made using so-called alternative processes, such as rotogravure, which very few laboratories know how to make, should also be considered, giving a particular value to the photograph thus made.
Visiting exhibitions and galleries and talking to specialists will give you a better understanding of the photographic market and reduce the risk of error.
Set a direction for your collection from the start.
As with all the plastic arts, the diversity of the offer is plethoric and eclectic.
Photography can be abstract or figurative, black and white or colour, digital or film. All this without mentioning the theme or the period.
When buying a photograph or photographs with the aim of collecting them, it is a good idea to define a theme at the outset, which may concern the style, technique, period or subject. The budget is also an element to take into account. You should know how to set limits for yourself, by setting one criterion or even by combining several. This will avoid making acquisitions that will be regretted later and getting lost in your research.
Of course, one should not "lock oneself into a straitjacket that is too rigid". The aim is simply to help with research, to ensure the coherence and harmony of a future collection, and that it remains a pleasure.
How to display and preserve photographic prints
The place where the artwork will be displayed is an important criterion to take into account. Your photographs will be part of your interior, of your life, it must be able to fit in. The first point to take into account is the size. The photograph must not be "enclosed", it must have a minimal space around it. You also have to take into account the distance available; you can't put a very large format in a narrow corridor, for example. One can also imagine diptych or triptych arrangements. The size of the photo is an important criterion and must be referenced in the documents accompanying the work.
Conservation is also important, especially avoiding exposure of the work to strong direct light, but favouring suitable LED lighting, UV-free light, with a neutral or cold colour temperature that better enhances the colours of your photographs. In any case, lights with warm colour temperatures should be avoided.
Humidity is also an enemy of the conservation of your photos, which must be taken into account.
Favouring art galleries as a starting point
A gallery owner is always passionate about art and has the expertise and knowledge of the artists he represents. He will be able to give you all the necessary information on the prints and their author and guide you, technical information but also the context, the circumstances of the shooting or the photographer's approach, and even anecdotes that are always fascinating. In a gallery you will also have the assurance of making a guaranteed acquisition with all the documents proving the authenticity and value of the work: invoice, certificates of authenticity, signatures... The guarantee of starting your collection with passion and security.
At the ART2REVE gallery, several photographers are represented, with very different styles and approaches that we will be pleased to share with you.
