FAQ About Fine Art Photography
What is the best advice for what I should buy for my first fine art photography piece?
Buy something that speaks to you personally and moves you emotionally. Sometimes that is a memory of childhood or a loved one who is no longer with you. Art can be an investment but if you can't look at it and get a good feeling when you see it, is it really worth it? If you can afford Ansel Adams that's great, and it will likely appreciate, but collecting a piece from a lesser known photographer for a fair price can have more upside and if it gives you fulfillment - you can't go wrong.
Buy something that speaks to you personally and moves you emotionally. Sometimes that is a memory of childhood or a loved one who is no longer with you. Art can be an investment but if you can't look at it and get a good feeling when you see it, is it really worth it? If you can afford Ansel Adams that's great, and it will likely appreciate, but collecting a piece from a lesser known photographer for a fair price can have more upside and if it gives you fulfillment - you can't go wrong.
How should I care for my artwork?
When you clean the print surface, stay away from Windex, cleaners and solvents are not recommended. Do not use too much water either, this can also damage the print, it can also leave behind spots or streaks. Instead, use a soft dry microfiber cloth, or compressed air in a can. Dust off your print often to keep it looking its best for years and years!
When you clean the print surface, stay away from Windex, cleaners and solvents are not recommended. Do not use too much water either, this can also damage the print, it can also leave behind spots or streaks. Instead, use a soft dry microfiber cloth, or compressed air in a can. Dust off your print often to keep it looking its best for years and years!
Any suggestions on where I should hang my artwork?
Avoid hanging print in direct path of air conditioner vents, if unavoidable, plan to dust even more frequently. Limit the humidity in the room where you hang the print. That is especially true for framed fine art canvas prints. If you are looking for an art piece for a room with high(er) humidity or moisture, like a bathroom, consider purchasing your piece on metal. An acrylic print usually lasts up to a year outside, where it is exposed to the elements, but it will look great for decades if you hang it inside.
In general, it is best to show print(s) off by displaying them at eye level with indirect or ambient light. Do not use spotlights to highlight your print, as it bounces off the surface easily and usually washes out the image rather than enhancing it. White LED lights are recommended as they are usually the closest to natural light without UV and produce very little damaging heat.
Avoid hanging print in direct path of air conditioner vents, if unavoidable, plan to dust even more frequently. Limit the humidity in the room where you hang the print. That is especially true for framed fine art canvas prints. If you are looking for an art piece for a room with high(er) humidity or moisture, like a bathroom, consider purchasing your piece on metal. An acrylic print usually lasts up to a year outside, where it is exposed to the elements, but it will look great for decades if you hang it inside.
In general, it is best to show print(s) off by displaying them at eye level with indirect or ambient light. Do not use spotlights to highlight your print, as it bounces off the surface easily and usually washes out the image rather than enhancing it. White LED lights are recommended as they are usually the closest to natural light without UV and produce very little damaging heat.
Do you print your own images?
Yes and No. I print and stretch my own canvas prints, but many forms of printing photographs is an artform in and of itself, and I am too busy spending time in nature and creating new works. But: I work closely with an industry leading printer in creating the highest-quality prints that are trusted by the biggest names in photographic art. I have complete control over the final image, and I often spend hours during the editing process fretting over things like accurate color representation.
Yes and No. I print and stretch my own canvas prints, but many forms of printing photographs is an artform in and of itself, and I am too busy spending time in nature and creating new works. But: I work closely with an industry leading printer in creating the highest-quality prints that are trusted by the biggest names in photographic art. I have complete control over the final image, and I often spend hours during the editing process fretting over things like accurate color representation.
Is there an additional charge for shipping?
There is NO extra fee for shipping in the lower 48 US states
Generally, shipping to addresses beyond the lower 48 US states is charged at cost. That cost varies based on the destination, along with the weight and the dimensions of the final package. Also keep in mind that additional duties and taxes may apply. This is based on the destination country’s laws and regulations and needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
My collectors’ pieces are available to adorn walls in homes across the globe. Contact me before placing an order, so I can get you an accurate quote on shipping costs.
There is NO extra fee for shipping in the lower 48 US states
Generally, shipping to addresses beyond the lower 48 US states is charged at cost. That cost varies based on the destination, along with the weight and the dimensions of the final package. Also keep in mind that additional duties and taxes may apply. This is based on the destination country’s laws and regulations and needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
My collectors’ pieces are available to adorn walls in homes across the globe. Contact me before placing an order, so I can get you an accurate quote on shipping costs.
If I don’t like my piece — can I return it?
Unfortunately, no. All sales of my artwork are final because each one is a custom print made just for you. But if you have questions about your print, or if it got damaged in transit, please reach out to me immediately and I will work with you and the print lab to try and get it replaced. Although I will do everything I can, please note that once I send the file off to the lab for printing and shipping, I can no longer be held liable for the unlikely event of a piece damaged during transport and although the shippers may have some responsibility, it is important to document exterior damages to delivery company before accepting package, even if you are just suspicious, you can always open it in front of drive to insure condition.
Unfortunately, no. All sales of my artwork are final because each one is a custom print made just for you. But if you have questions about your print, or if it got damaged in transit, please reach out to me immediately and I will work with you and the print lab to try and get it replaced. Although I will do everything I can, please note that once I send the file off to the lab for printing and shipping, I can no longer be held liable for the unlikely event of a piece damaged during transport and although the shippers may have some responsibility, it is important to document exterior damages to delivery company before accepting package, even if you are just suspicious, you can always open it in front of drive to insure condition.
I'd like to meet the artist before investing that much money, how could I meet you in person?
Whenever possible, I like to meet my collectors! The easiest way to do so is to attend one of my upcoming art shows. If that's not possible, please email or text me so we can arrange a phone call, FaceTime session or the like. I always enjoy talking about my art with collectors!
Whenever possible, I like to meet my collectors! The easiest way to do so is to attend one of my upcoming art shows. If that's not possible, please email or text me so we can arrange a phone call, FaceTime session or the like. I always enjoy talking about my art with collectors!
HOW DO I KNOW IT'S AUTHENTIC ?
The easiest way is to become an expert in whatever you collect art (sculptures, Paintings), but in fine arts, generally it is best (and easier) to buy artwork from accredited, reputable dealers. This can be very expensive since the dealer must make a commission the gallery has very high overheads. With my work you are confident of it authenticity because you are buying it directly from the artist. I also issue a written Certificate of Authenticity with matching numbers to your piece so that you have written evidence of provenance. Bottom line: If you buy art, you should get its authenticity guaranteed in writing.
The easiest way is to become an expert in whatever you collect art (sculptures, Paintings), but in fine arts, generally it is best (and easier) to buy artwork from accredited, reputable dealers. This can be very expensive since the dealer must make a commission the gallery has very high overheads. With my work you are confident of it authenticity because you are buying it directly from the artist. I also issue a written Certificate of Authenticity with matching numbers to your piece so that you have written evidence of provenance. Bottom line: If you buy art, you should get its authenticity guaranteed in writing.
WHAT IS A PROVENANCE?
A provenance is the life history of the piece of artwork, and normally starts with the artist selling it, or giving it as a gift, or passing through a dealer, etc. All of my works have a direct line of Provenance that comes directly from the artist to the collector. When you re-sell a piece of artwork, the provenance often includes the record of that piece, exhibitions, reviews it has had, etc. You can contact me with the information of the transfer of ownership, I keep records on all pieces if transfers are shared with me. The original COA is the only COA a work will ever be issued. Authentication of my works can be performed in person if COA is lost, but this is often inconvenient and expensive.
A provenance is the life history of the piece of artwork, and normally starts with the artist selling it, or giving it as a gift, or passing through a dealer, etc. All of my works have a direct line of Provenance that comes directly from the artist to the collector. When you re-sell a piece of artwork, the provenance often includes the record of that piece, exhibitions, reviews it has had, etc. You can contact me with the information of the transfer of ownership, I keep records on all pieces if transfers are shared with me. The original COA is the only COA a work will ever be issued. Authentication of my works can be performed in person if COA is lost, but this is often inconvenient and expensive.
IS ART A GOOD FINANCIAL INVESTMENT?
If you are looking to buy art as a financial investment, then you should try buying stocks instead. Most reputable dealers in fine art are at least aware of the "potential" investment factor of a work of art, but there's no secret formula or "insider knowledge" as to what future prices for a piece of art will be. It all depends on many factors, most of which are quite unpredictable as artists' popularity and demand rise and fall and sometimes rise again. Reputable dealers can and will often give you their informed opinion, but that is all it is: an opinion! There are of course, works of art that are always "on the rise," such as works by the masters or very well-established (often dead) artists, but when buying work by contemporary, living artists, the key rule should still be to buy what you like, and avoid anyone that suggests that you should buy it as an "investment."
If you are looking to buy art as a financial investment, then you should try buying stocks instead. Most reputable dealers in fine art are at least aware of the "potential" investment factor of a work of art, but there's no secret formula or "insider knowledge" as to what future prices for a piece of art will be. It all depends on many factors, most of which are quite unpredictable as artists' popularity and demand rise and fall and sometimes rise again. Reputable dealers can and will often give you their informed opinion, but that is all it is: an opinion! There are of course, works of art that are always "on the rise," such as works by the masters or very well-established (often dead) artists, but when buying work by contemporary, living artists, the key rule should still be to buy what you like, and avoid anyone that suggests that you should buy it as an "investment."