RanFjorden. Norway.
In whichever perspective we contemplate it, whether framed or unframed, this photograph capturing the enigmatic beauty of RanFjorden, Norway, expertly printed on Hahnemuhle cotton rag Giclee paper, exudes presence and promises to be a cherished art addition to home or office.
As we emerge from the epic European Inclusivity Ride / iResolve challenge, it's now the opportune moment for me, the author of past blogs and the commissioned photographer tasked with capturing Ajmal Samuel's journey for the ASF Foundation, to unravel the rich tapestry of our extensive visual archive.
Our mission? To harness this trove of imagery in ways that will best serve Ajmal and his foundation across myriad avenues. Chief among our endeavors is the creation of limited edition fine art prints.
In this blog, our lens focuses squarely on the universe of fine art photography, where a chasm of contrast defines the prices photographs can command. From the humble beginnings of an unnamed photographer, offering their work for a modest $100, to the stratospheric heights scaled by renowned artists like Jeff Wall and Cindy Sherman, whose work fetch 6 figure sums. To fully grasp this intriguing realm, let us begin with an exploration of the fundamental principles that underpin the art of photography.
Art Photography
Art photography is a creative and expressive form of visual art that utilizes the camera as a medium to convey a unique artistic vision. It distinguishes itself from traditional or commercial photography by emphasizing the aesthetics, emotions, and concepts behind the images rather than solely capturing objective representations of reality. In contemporary art circles, art photography holds high regard for several reasons.
First, it serves as a bridge between traditional art and modern technology, blurring the lines between different artistic disciplines. Photographers explore themes, narratives, and emotions through their work, often delving into complex concepts and employing a wide range of techniques to create visually striking and thought-provoking images.
Second, the high regard for art photography also stems from its ability to capture and comment on the rapidly changing world. It reflects the zeitgeist, raises social and political questions, and captures the essence of a particular time and place.
Regarding the extreme differences in the prices that photography can fetch, this can be attributed to several factors. Unnamed or emerging photographers might sell their work for lower prices due to a lack of reputation or notoriety. Their work has yet to establish a significant following, which affects its market value. Renowned photographers like Steve McCurry, known for their exceptional skills and impactful work, can command higher prices because of their established brand and creative merit.
On the other hand, artists like Jeff Wall and Cindy Sherman have taken photography to new heights by employing conceptual and highly staged approaches, which require extensive planning, production, and often the incorporation of large-scale installations. The rarity and complexity of their work, combined with their established reputations, contribute to the steep prices their pieces can command in the art market.
In essence, the pricing of art photography depends on factors like the artist's reputation, the complexity of the work, its uniqueness, and its critical and commercial appeal, all of which make it a fascinating and intellectually stimulating area within contemporary art.
With all of the above in mind, it is now our wish to present the photographic works in three form agenda.
Inspiring Disability Awareness: Above all, our mission is to kindle the 'can do' spirit within those facing adversity and inspire them to reach for ambitious goals. We plan to host events across Asia and Europe, where these captivating images will be showcased alongside engaging talks and discussions. The primary aim here is to motivate individuals to embark on similar adventures and travel challenges, reinforcing the universal understanding that travel has the power to nourish the mind, invigorate the body, and enrich the soul with fresh perspectives and experiences.
E-commerce Portal: We are in the process of establishing an e-commerce platform on the Ajmal Samuel website, offering 'OPEN EDITION' prints for purchase. Proceeds generated from these sales will be reinvested into the Ajmal Samuel Foundation, contributing to future adventures and philanthropic endeavors.
Prestigious Gallery Showcase: Our ultimate aspiration is to feature these extraordinary images in esteemed commercial galleries across the globe, including prominent art hubs such as London, Oslo, and Hong Kong. Here, we will offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind LIMITED EDITION Giclee prints to discerning business leaders, associates, and friends. Presenting this remarkable work to our A-list patrons through reputable galleries not only amplifies the impact but also augments the desirability and value of each print.
The revenue we make from the sales of this work, supports the Ajmal Samuel Foundation and provides financial liquidity to develop new projects that could very well be of interest to you, the collector.
SIGNATURE EDITION SIZES & EDITION NUMBERS
(Please note that prices increase as editions sell)
EXTRA LARGE (2AO)
118.9 x 168.2cm paper size
98.9cm x 148.2cm image size
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
LARGE (A0)
84.1cm x 118.8cm paper size
74.1cm x 98.9cm image size
Edition 5 + 1 AP
MEDIUM (A1)
59.4cm x 84.1cm paper size
39.4cm x 64.1cm image size
Edition 5 + 1 AP
SMALL (A2)
42.0cm x 59.4cm paper size
32cm x 39.4cm image size
Edition 5 + 1 AP
EXTRA SMALL (A3)
29.7cm x 42.0cm paper size
19.7cm x 32.0cm image size
Edition 5 + 1 AP
To provide you with a vivid illustration of the captivating allure of photographic prints, we invite you to explore a trio of promotional videos, each celebrating the exquisite essence of fine art photography.
Furthermore we would like to explain paper types and the printing process;
SIGNATURE EDITIONS PRINTING PROCESS
Makes of inks
-Epson
Archival Pigment inks. (Colour fade resistant up to + 1-00 years)
Makes of Paper
-Hahnemuhle: Originating from Germany and coupled with a rich heritage, Hahnemühle as a brand has been making premium fine art paper since 1584. Used by the most discerning artists, painters and photographers worldwide, it is considered one of the best archival papers in the world available for artists to express their work, without compromising on quality.
Paper Types
Semi Gloss
Photo Silk Baryta 310gs:
Cellulose based inkjet paper with 310 gsm
Smooth, non-textured surface
White
Silky gloss finish
Matt
PhotoRag BrightWhite 310gsm:
310 gsm, 100% cotton
Bright white
Characteristic, beautiful defined felt structure
Matt premium inkjet coating for outstanding print results
Acid- and lignin-free
In conclusion, we've delved into the foundational aspects of fine art photography and outlined a structured approach for the curation and presentation of our evolving archive of photographs. This framework extends to considerations of paper sizes and editions, paving the way for a carefully designed artistic journey.
Title: Blue Pagoda. Battambang. Kampuchea
LARGE (A0)
84.1cm x 118.8cm paper size
74.1cm x 98.9cm image size
Edition 5 + 1 AP
When it comes to pricing our prints, we acknowledge the intricacies involved and intend to engage in meaningful discussions with photography art consultants and gallerists to align our pricing strategy with the established principles of the art market.
Above all, our grand vision is for the Ajmal Samuel Foundation to transcend its role as a platform solely for disability awareness initiatives. We aspire for it to be a wellspring of inspiration and a bastion for the collectability of art photography, connecting the worlds of art, disability awareness and social/personal impact and inspiration in a remarkable union.
We're thrilled to unveil the continuing story of art and commerce in the months to come, and we're eagerly anticipating your sustained support and enthusiasm. Join us again for our next blog in just one week from today.
