Am I crazy? Am I really suggesting photographs as an investment? . I am talking about the work that Christie’s and Sothebys photo experts love, but won’t offer for sale because they don’t meet their financial minimums. The word nurture is not in their vocabulary. Elaine made an important observation. She knows about the ups and downs of the photography market. She has experienced it with me for over 50 years. Never try to paraphrase a writer, but this is roughly what she pointed out .
Now that the interest rates have lowered lower than a bass in Don Giovanni, an investment in an under $5000 photograph can give you a seriously excellent work. The hunt will open the doors of photographic history which is always fascinating. These prints will increase in value over the years..not in a crazy way of some of the conceptual contemporary work, but in a steady and realistic way. I know., I live off the proceeds of my print sales.
There is one very large difference about this type of investment..it can bring you pleasure every day. You can look at it in the morning; you can look at it at night; you can share the pleasure with your loved ones and friends. If it is properly prepared and displayed it will last longer than anyone now with their feet on the ground.
A good photographic gallery is the best place to get up close to this work…the actual print. The gallery people are surprisingly helpful with information about the history and era of the prints they show you. They will give you the same attention even with a modestly priced print. They want to cultivate people’s interest in photography.
A first step is to view the images online. It has never been easier during the history of photography. My website is now approaching viewers from 50 countries. These viewers have the opportunity to be interested in my work… or not. It would be boring if everyone liked the same genre. I am just happy they see the work. That is a first step. It is not the same as looking at an actual print. You can look at a digital print: you can look into a silver gelatin print.
Try it, I think you will like it.
Have to stop now. I am washing the first prints of “Three Guys, Manhattan 2009” and they need me.
george