stephen.w
Established
I agree about the Parr -- wonderful photo.
The Gilden is probably the one I would most likely spring for, but not at $100, for what is, as you say, essentially a high-quality museum postcard.
Wow, tough crowd.
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
The two questions that need to be asked are: 1. How many of each print will be issued? Is it an open ended print run? and, 2. How is the print produced? Different productions have different values?
Personally, I suspect that if you are interested in the particular work of a photographer purchase a signed copy of one of his books. They often have limited runs.
Personally, I suspect that if you are interested in the particular work of a photographer purchase a signed copy of one of his books. They often have limited runs.
photomoof
Fischli & Weiss Sculpture
There are so many editions, hard to know which to buy. The first edition from Zürich: Conzett & Huber, 1969, is seldom offered signed, but the Harvard University Press edition is nicer anyway, and as you say is getting up there, $175 for mint unsigned copies. Signed copies of later editions are still nice, and a bargain IMO.
However if I wanted a print, honestly I would spring for a larger print. Beetles and Huxley for instance currently have a half dozen much more interesting prints @ around 4000 USD. One can often do much better at auction on his work.
I have a small Lurie Simmons, "Jimmy the Camera," and often wish I had purchased the larger size. 6x6 is really small.
The little prints are just for fun, but you are right. If one is shopping for a particular image in a larger size, prices will vary wildly, you really have to do your homework, and not be in a hurry. It is not unusual to save 50% over commonly advertised prices. I would not buy from Magnum, but would buy from a dealer.
plummerl
Well-known
All of this talk of the prints being too small, is somewhat bewildering! I have many prints shot with my Rolleiflex, that were printed on 8x10 (silver) paper. Amazingly, they are all 6x6 square images. Framed in an 11x14 frame, I have never thought of them as "too small". They are not meant to be studied from across the room.
I can't wait for mine to arrive.
I can't wait for mine to arrive.
$100 puts these firmly in a spot that is affordable for most people. It's a lot harder to spend thousands on prints. Sure, they are small. Most likely 3x5" on 6x6" paper for many of the 2:3 ratio ones. However, it is still legit and, uhmmm...cute.
KM-25
Well-known
Agreed on Koudelka...
While in transit to Look3 yesterday ( any folks from RFF here? ) the boxed set showed up, my wife checked it out and said it is really nice. Part of my plan with it is to use copies of the contact sheets along with a regular edition of the book for when I do guest presentations at our local college which has a great photo program.
The Davidson print is mostly to insert in the book, I would have preferred around 8x8 or 10x10 if I were to display it.
dreilly
Chillin' in Geneva
I wonder if the black and white prints suffer because you're viewing them on screen, while the color prints conversely benefit from the luminescence of the screen? I was also taken with the color ones (the Parr and the Bendiksen) while the black and white ones left me a little flat.
The small size actually intrigues me. I like in a 200 square foot trailer with very little wall space, so tiny art for tiny houses.
Are these in any way decent investments?
The small size actually intrigues me. I like in a 200 square foot trailer with very little wall space, so tiny art for tiny houses.
Are these in any way decent investments?
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
I just ordered the D'Agata print. It'll look nice matted and framed. I really admire his work.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
I don't see the point of buying one of these 6x6" prints for $100 when I can buy photo books of most of these photographers for much less.
I'll reserve my judgement until I see the actual prints. A $200 gamble isn't so bad.
Steveh
Well-known
Having started the thread I'm still on the fence whether to buy one or not, the size thing and the relative value versus a photobook is making me pause. Back to have another look...
yoyo22
Well-known
When I bought my first original print I was keen on owning something original - a photo directly derived from an original negative. To me having such a piece of original art to look at and enjoy makes me feel close to the actual moment captured as well as the process. It is so different to a photo in a photo book.
It has kinda become an addiction for me. Even my wife has gotten used to those "strange" photos hanging all over the apartment.
It has kinda become an addiction for me. Even my wife has gotten used to those "strange" photos hanging all over the apartment.
photomoof
Fischli & Weiss Sculpture
No it's not, but what you are getting is not really as interesting as buying prints from photographers, at say the Bushwick Open Studios. http://artsinbushwick.org/
All I can say is I own really famous photographer's prints for $150. Of course you have to wait.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
I have tons of photo books but the idea of buying artwork never entered my mind due to the usual high cost. Sure I have purchased prints from local artists for $100 or so but I like the idea of owning a print from a Magnum photographer however small (or silly).
photomoof
Fischli & Weiss Sculpture
My point however, it is possible to buy a $10,000 image for only $100. Or better still you can trade with friends.
I should have traded more when I was young, I missed incredible opportunities.
I should have traded more when I was young, I missed incredible opportunities.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
I certainly can't afford $10k but $100 is doable. I don't expect to get $10k's worth but I really like the photo and will enjoy it. Besides while I don't know how well Magnum is doing financially I don't mind throwing a few bucks their way to say thanks sort of.
jpressman
Well-known
Thanks for the link, I got the Webb. I won't pick up a book quite so often, but I will look at a framed image that's on a wall a lot. I'm excited to have one!
ian_watts
Ian Watts
Yes, these prints should be better than off-set reproduction in a photo book (though I have some recent books – like the Vanessa Winship retrospective book from Fundacion Mapfre – which has astonishingly good print quality) but it is worth pointing out they are not directly printed from a neg. These are c-type digital prints (aka Lambda or Lightjet prints) made from scans. Still nice, of course and I would almost certainly buy one of these prints if I liked any of the selection enough to want to frame it and put it on the wall. $100 is a good deal.
No it's not, but what you are getting is not really as interesting as buying prints from photographers, at say the Bushwick Open Studios. http://artsinbushwick.org/
All I can say is I own really famous photographer's prints for $150. Of course you have to wait.
I understand and can see your point. However, I bought ones of photographers I had already liked for awhile. Therefore they are really interesting for me. No reason I can't do both.