Compared to painting, sculpture, and graphics, photography is a relatively new form of art. However, it already has plenty of various directions and lots of connoisseurs. If you plan to start collecting fine art photography, you should consider the number of nuances. In this blog post, we share some valuable tips that will be useful if you want to become a conscious collector.
Useful tips for collecting fine art photography in 2022
Understand the subject
It is important to understand the history of photography, its styles, actual trends, art and technical innovations. Start with reading professional sources about photography such as Photograph Magazine, iPhoto Central, and blogs run by experienced photographers and art curators. Follow the news about new gallery exhibitions and auction sales.
Choose the direction
After you expand your horizons and get acquainted with different directions and artists, choose those closest to you. Focus on one thing, don`t dissipate your attention, and you will be able to make a great synergy collection.
Use connections
Communicate with other collectors, photographers, curators, and experts. This will help you get lots of new information and become more adept at collecting fine art photography.
Don’t run after the fashion
Analyze the market, explore what was popular earlier and what is popular now, but make your own conclusions. If you plan to concentrate on collecting contemporary photography, be careful with acclaimed artworks. Some works, which make the audience talk about them today, are just a current trend, and it is possible that fashion for them will end tomorrow. Better focus on works that can become a harmonic part of your collection and a good investment in the future.
Take into account price-quality compliance
When collecting fine art photography, pay attention to the type of printing, print quality and condition, edition size, luminosity, and surfaces. Learn to differentiate between damage and restoration traces, spots, acidic mounts, adhesives, creases, and curves. All these details affect the value, so make sure the price is justified.
Consider storage conditions
Provide a sustainable place for artwork storage at your home. Take care of frames and insurance, and create a safe place for exhibiting art, considering appropriate temperature and humidity conditions.
Collecting fine art photography doesn’t require a huge budget, but it is important to take into account the specifics of works, market, technology development, and other nuances if you want to acquire really great and quality pieces. We hope the above-mentioned tips will help you create an awesome collection to enjoy for years to come.