Art is Not a Commodity
Art Is Unique to the Artist
Fine art photography is not a commodity. It is unique to the artist, and thankfully, many understand this.
Having viewed my web site, you immediately noticed I market my fine art prints both on-line on this web site and previously at selected Wisconsin art fairs.
The Difference in My Prints
There are a number of features that make my prints different from others, (and likewise, theirs’ from mine):
subject matter
composition
natural colors
emotional appeal
100% cotton rag archival paper
personal signature and print quality
backed with my 30-day return policy
Though it is true that many photographers shoot Wisconsin landscape photography, we each do so differently, in our own style.
Each print’s uniqueness is further amplified as I develop and personally print each print. The final print becomes the ultimate response to my artistic vision. A duplicate print of the same scene by another photographer, therefore, and by definition, does not exist.
Consequently, the resulting art work is not a commodity. It is a creation unique to the artist, (in my case, to me).
Those who invest in my fine art prints fully understand and appreciate this uniqueness.
The “Commodity” Market
When individuals review images of an online site offering many photographers’ images, all images tend to be viewed with equal value (as a commodity). Lost is the recognition of the quality and artistic vision encapsulated into the final print from the specific photographer and artist.
My experience with some corporate art consultant purchasers has been similar to the “quick multiple image site review”. As long as the buyer has a print of a nature scene (as an example) well under budget for their client, regardless of how it is composed or printed, their job is complete.
At this level, all photography is a commodity. The cheapest solution is their target. “Just get something” meets the goal.
I do not market to the “commodity” art market.
The “Great Exposure” Market
Similarly, there is the “great exposure” market. The concept with this market is simple. The entity uses the print (or photography) for little or no payment. The photographer, in return, gets “great exposure” and the “opportunity” to sell many prints. This may sound like a wonderful idea (and it is for the entity receiving the art work for free). There is one glaring issue.
Each of us has bills to pay. From what I’ve discovered, “great exposure” doesn’t replace real money when it comes to paying those bills.
Just as with “commodity” market, “great exposure” without appropriate payment, is not something I’m interested in.
Unique - Composition, Develop and Print
My fine art landscape photography is unique, because of the way I shoot, compose, develop and then encapsulate my vision for this image in the final print.
My customers fully understand and appreciate this difference. They proudly display their prints within their home or office and enjoy their print each day.