filmtwit
Desperate but not serious
Magnum is trying a new way to sell print collections
https://shop.magnumphotos.com/colle...istros&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Linkpost
What do you think?
https://shop.magnumphotos.com/colle...istros&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Linkpost
What do you think?
______
Well-known
Well, the problem with digital prints is that instead of buying them for $250, you could just do a screen capture, downsize the image to 8x10, take the files to Costco or wherever, and have a set printed for about $15 total (not that I am encouraging you to do so). Unsigned digital prints don't appreciate in value.
redsky
Established
plummerl
Well-known
Not to mention provenance. These offerings seem to be very affordable, with some great images.
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
The basic idea of a set of subject connected prints within an envelope is a sound alternative to other means of distribution e.g book. It isn't new as collections were often produced for tourists instead of single postcard purchase. On my desktop I happen to have a pack of 10 photos of BERN printed in concertina form with each photo measuring about 10 x 7 cm. Lots of these envelope packs were sold in the 1960s and 70s but seem to have gone out of fashion.
So you buy a pack of Magnum photos - what would you do with just the ones you like especially in the size printed? If these were artistic prints rather than journalistic, if they were each signed and numbered, there might be a restricted market. But they aren't. I doubt if even the enthusiastic photographer will be interested.
So you buy a pack of Magnum photos - what would you do with just the ones you like especially in the size printed? If these were artistic prints rather than journalistic, if they were each signed and numbered, there might be a restricted market. But they aren't. I doubt if even the enthusiastic photographer will be interested.
______
Well-known
Of course I do. I am absolutely certain the digital C-prints Magnum provides are nicer than the inkjet ones I could get at Costco, but...
By the way, a C-print isn't anything special. I've got shoeboxes full of them. That's what you got back when you took your film to the drug store back in the day. Just a few years ago my daughter worked at CVS as a summer job between high school and college. In addition to stocking the shelves and handling checkout, she was certified by Kodak to make "C-prints" for customers from their digital files while they waited. Maybe she could get a job at Magnum "printing" these portfolios.
This has what has gotten a little ridiculous. What was once a black and white print is now a "silver gelatin print." What was once a color print is now a "C-print". Not to be outdone, those printing on an inkjet printer and now printing "giclée prints". It sounds French so it must be special. Ostentation is the order of the day.
So, instead of buying something, you can steal it? And how do you know they won't appreciate in value? They are stamped by Magnum.
______
Well-known
Like I said: "not that I am encouraging you to do so"
OMG - stamped by Magnum.
Have you looked at the portfolios? Which one would you buy as an investment?
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
i think it's a nice initiative. At the moment they have only 4 sets and none of the 4 are something i am interested in, but if they extend it to e.g. a set by Capa on Budapest 1947 i might be interested in that.
Some of the single 6x6 prints they sold recently are already selling on the secondhand market for more than the list price... so yes, it is kind of an investment. Won't make you a millionaire of course.
Some of the single 6x6 prints they sold recently are already selling on the secondhand market for more than the list price... so yes, it is kind of an investment. Won't make you a millionaire of course.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
It looks like a less expensive alternative to the notion of a 'folio' collection of prints that I've been doing, albeit a less expensive printing, no signature and limited provenance, and a lower cost enclosure.
Seems a great way to get some prints out there at a reasonable quality level and price, to me, and allows more photography buyers a way to see and enjoy some of these photographers' work.
"Collectable" value obviously won't ascend the way signed, editioned prints do but almost anything can become 'collectable' over time. Remember that the collectable value is of interest only to the buyer; sellers get no return on collectable valuation of their works in second sale transactions. If you're buying prints to enjoy the work, it makes no difference what the collectable value might become.
G
Seems a great way to get some prints out there at a reasonable quality level and price, to me, and allows more photography buyers a way to see and enjoy some of these photographers' work.
"Collectable" value obviously won't ascend the way signed, editioned prints do but almost anything can become 'collectable' over time. Remember that the collectable value is of interest only to the buyer; sellers get no return on collectable valuation of their works in second sale transactions. If you're buying prints to enjoy the work, it makes no difference what the collectable value might become.
G
mich rassena
Well-known
There's a vast difference between what is sent to your screen and what is sent to the printer. A high-quality scan or full-size JPG might be tens of megabytes or more. I doubt they're just giving that away. The images on their website are only 2048 pixels on the long edge, and compressed for the web. So you could have the fuzzy version for $15. I suppose that's why some websites put an ugly watermark over the image, something I consider more of a blight than your theoretical amateur piracy.
That said, I don't see any image in this series compelling enough to be willing to pay $30 for each print. Which is not to say it's not good work. I just don't have that kind of disposable income and question its investment potential. I'd rather spend the money on film, gear and photography road trips.
Like I said: "not that I am encouraging you to do so"
OMG - stamped by Magnum.
Have you looked at the portfolios? Which one would you buy as an investment?
Ok, well... I would buy because I enjoy them, not because of an investment. However, you are making like because they are not signed and are digital prints, that they could never appreciate in value. Photo books appreciate in value. I'm thinking the fact that they are stamped shows legitimacy and authenticity. Many established galleries in NYC are selling digital prints.
______
Well-known
I'm guessing they are signed by the artist and not stamped with the name of his agency.
And they are not selling for $30 a print either. And Magnum is not just any agency.
______
Well-known
Which portfolios will you be buying?
finguanzo
Well-known
My prints are bigger than yours....
Huss
Veteran
Akshully Costco's regular prints are not ink jet but they use light sensitive silver halide paper. So you get a "real" photo print from Costco.
Pretty cool really.
None of them... but I'm not sure why you are asking this. I'd have no problem buying one if it included the photos I want.
emraphoto
Veteran
huh, never knew. i think i like that