do artists support each other?

back alley

back alley

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i see some prints for sale in the classifieds...it got me thinking...do we as photographers support each other or other artists/photographers?
i'm guessing not.
gear goes pretty quickly in the classifieds but that satisfies a different need for both parties, buyers and sellers.
we seem to have a hard enough time discussing photography here and i think a hard time parting with our cash as well.
 
I have several prints of various folks, though none from anyone here. I did buy Dan Wagner's book. I imagine that a lot of folks just have their own art in the house.
I did for the longest time.
 
I wouldn't consider the RFF classifieds a good place to sell prints so I wouldn't pass judgement based on that. I get more interest from people through IG who see a print and ask for a price. Or I just make prints and post them on instagram where people see more work.
 
Joe,

The NYC Meet-Up is one big support group. We do a lot to support creativity, knowledge, gear, fellowship, and provide a safe place for photographers of all levels.

In the world of fashion I learned that there are two worlds: one is elite and exclusive; but there is a group of struggling designers here in NYC who colaborate, support each other, and have a strong sense of community.

I hope to emulate the latter.

Cal
 
I don't know about photographers so much, but painters and printers and such look out solely for number one. If you're selling something, that means I lost a sale!

Or, to sum it up like the gallery sales person did in a very good photography gallery in Mesilla, N.M. (now defunct)......"Photographers are bad enough, but painters are the worst! They will come in the door in a huff, and I don't care if I have the Mona Lisa hanging on the wall, they will march right past it and demand "why is my piece being hung in such a crappy location'?

Just like in real estate, a gallery showing is all about location, location, location. Back by the bathroom in the corner, you ain't gonna be selling nuthin.
 
Calzone said:
Joe,

The NYC Meet-Up is one big support group. We do a lot to support creativity, knowledge, gear, fellowship, and provide a safe place for photographers of all levels.

In the world of fashion I learned that there are two worlds: one is elite and exclusive; but there is a group of struggling designers here in NYC who colaborate, support each other, and have a strong sense of community.

I hope to emulate the latter.

Cal
Click to expand...

plus there is beer!
 
Bought Dan's book and also two prints from the classifieds just now. Seller confirmed they are gelatin silver darkroom prints. I think some of the images are very good - in the middle of the action. I think it's ok to sell prints here on RFF, supports those who go out and make images happen. Better than just musing about gear, which I am usually guilty of.
 
I hope to buy one of Jonathan's (jojomon) prints. If I can make a selection. The images I most like of his (check out his website) are not in the ad.

I like seeing prints for sale in our Classifieds. I've meant to purchase some, but get distracted and forget. Occasionally I manage to follow through. I seem to remember various members having some nice books and prints with quite a bit of interest from other members here. I can only imagine some "support" has made the rounds.

Where I live, there is support among the artist community. But it has its bounds for reasons stated above. There is also strong patronage about (but only recently with the economic recovery), and I think that makes it easier.
 
I own a gallery in San Pedro (Los Angeles) and while I sell my photography there, I also support other artists including photographers. Our last show "Musicians" featured the work of long time, and very talented, commercial photographer Peter Figen. It did very well.
But.. even though I posted a link to it on this site announcing the show, not one person from RFF showed up! And we have a large LA RFF community.

A shame really, but the reality is that the majority of people on photo websites care not about creating images, but about collecting gear.
 
Support can take different forms. I just had lunch with two photographer friends and we spent 2 hours brainstorming to help the only one of the three who isn't retired. I don't know how much help we were to him but the beer was cold.
 
A shame really, but the reality is that the majority of people on photo websites care not about creating images, but about collecting gear.
Click to expand...

I have to say I fully agree with this. One could ask the OP question anywhere but it should be said.... this is not solely an art board... Mush more so a gear board.

Artists support each other like farmers support each other and carpenters support each other.
It's a pretty simple ..... You can't produce something nice unless you can appreciate what makes something nice. Consuming what you love is vital to producing it in kind!
 
I appreciate rybolt's comment. I've spent many (many) hours holding reflectors and strobes for a local photographer/friend. I've negotiated access to restricted locations for other photographers. Directed potential clients to local artists who I feel are good at certain kinds of imagery. So on. I only buy prints, or other works, when I truly feel I have a place for it in my home and its a work I really connect with, etc. I enjoy doing that when its appropriate, but yeah I'm particular in a functional way. I don't want to end up with 10 non-working cars in my front yard along with a toilet planter. [seems like a non-sequiter, but its not]
 
in my experience, most artists support each other. Not necessarily by buying each others work, but more by helping each other, as a couple have said above.
My Wife and I belong to the Livingston Fine Art Association which has more than 75 members. Everyone is supportive of others - no back biting or trashing. Of the bunch, there are five photographers, and we are treated just like the others. At shows we help each other set up, will sit in another s booth if they have to step away for a few minutes, and will send customers to another booth if it's what they are looking for.
There are exceptions, but our group is great.
 
I'd rather buy a book of someone's work than one print. I like seeing a body of work when I look at photography. I've bought some RFF member's books.
 
Huss said:
I own a gallery in San Pedro (Los Angeles) and while I sell my photography there, I also support other artists including photographers. Our last show "Musicians" featured the work of long time, and very talented, commercial photographer Peter Figen. It did very well.
But.. even though I posted a link to it on this site announcing the show, not one person from RFF showed up! And we have a large LA RFF community.

A shame really, but the reality is that the majority of people on photo websites care not about creating images, but about collecting gear.
Click to expand...

Huss,

Recently I was part of a group show held at a Manhattan Mini Storage facility. Many NYC, New Jersey, and even from Philly RFF friends came out in good numbers to support me.

Cal
 
I've been an RFF member for nine years and have sold a lot of prints to fellow RFF members. Its been a long time since I sold anything, but my sales outside RFF have dropped off badly too. The economy is still very bad and many people who used to buy prints just aren't able to do so anymore.
 
I think you need to separate the Fine Art photographers from the Commercial or Editorial photographers though there will be some overlap.
My comments above were directed at the Commercial section. In my area there is a huge amount of co-operation among commercial photographers. They lend each other gear, share locations and even assist for reciprocal help. It's a lot like a farming community in that everyone is invested in everyone else's success.
In the Fine Art market there's quite a bit more back-biting and criticism. Though there are some photographers who travel and go out and shoot together I don't know any who actually BUY each other's work. They may swap prints from time to time but little money will change hands. As far as books are concerned, that's a whole other market and few Fine Art people that I know can afford to have books printed on spec. Even with todays technology and lower cost it's a challenge and a risk.
 
RFF classifieds is something finicky, to be polite. I bumped into prints for sale couple of times and....
Supporting photographers? Why? Why I have to support someone with pictures I don't like? Just because someone calls him an artist/photographer?

I have nothing against of buying prints here to support charity from person I do care for, but buying just because someone has claimed to be an artist/photographer, while pictures showing the opposite, sorry, not going to happen...
 
i'd love to join a group, either online or offline that discusses photography as an art but the reality is i know nothing of art. i never studied it or read much about it. i know what i like but that carries little weight i would think.
 
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