10 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Fine Art Photography

The accessibility of photography seems to make it a medium for everyone. From influencers documenting their fashion choices to commercial advertisements, there are images everywhere we look. Yet, don’t let the saturation of the field fool you.

Fine Art Photography is a rising star in the exclusive world of Art Collection.

Far from your average smart phone shot, museum-worthy pieces by master photographers are wise choices for investors and art lovers alike.

As discussed in our Fine Art Photography Investment Guide, photographs such as Andreas Gursky’s “Rhien II” have sold for millions. The investment value of these masterworks is part of the growing shift in the art world. Now, photography is finally being placed in the same realm as the centuries-old arts of painting and sculpture. The relative affordability of Fine Art photography compared to these other mediums makes it a good starting place for an aspiring art collector.

A curated fine art photography collection will enhance your space with color, luxury, and personality. Choosing to purchase the work of a real artist, rather than mass-marketed prints, means you’re directly supporting the artist’s journey.

Limited-editions ensure that your purchase will be one-of-a-few masterworks produced by the artist. These exclusive editions will bring individuality and rare beauty to your home as well as having real value.  

Let’s get started with our 10 reasons why you should start your Fine Art Photography collection today. Because, after all it’s never too late to find a new passion!

1. Photography is on the Rise in the Art World 

Compared to paintings or sculptures, photography is more financially accessible … for now. With the rising popularity of the medium, some photographs are already commanding top dollar prices and this will only increase.

The good news is that there are still price points for every collector. Photographs can range from 150 USD to 6.5 million (the world record setting amount paid for Peter Lik’s “Phantom”.) However, if you are looking to purchase work from a well-known photographer expect higher prices.

From there it is up to you, your budget, and your investment style. Do you want to buy an established bestselling photograph to track how much the price increased from the first copy sold? Or would you prefer to acquire one of the first copies of a limited edition for a lesser price and wait to see how it rises in popularity?

For more detailed advice about how to choose the photographer and the photograph head to our How to Guide.

2. Your Fine Art Photography Collection Will Be Completely Original 

Nobody likes to be a copycat. When you buy chain store artwork, you know that 1000s of others have the same city scene, botanical print, or copy of a famous painting hanging in their home. It’s true that seeking out art that you love will take more time and money than finding something at IKEA. But isn’t that part of the fun?

Going through this process can teach you about Art, Interior Design, color theory, investment techniques, and your own personality.

When you look at your chosen piece on your wall it will truly speak to your individuality, rather than simply being a part of the background.

3. You Will Support Real Artists Not Factory Art 

This category goes hand in hand with #2.

Original Art is made by individual Artists.

Fine art photographers spend each day creating work that reveals their artistic vision. Each photograph is both incredible to look at and has an original story behind it. Can the same be said about an image that was reprinted a million times because it fills a certain niche in a home design store?

When you invest in the work of an actual Fine Art photographer you’re investing in the continuation of their career. If you love their work, help them make more of it.

4. Go for Rare with a Limited Edition

Limited edition photography makes it possible to own a valuable “few-of-a-kind” piece of art. These editions come with a certificate of authenticity and the artist’s signature, to ensure their value over time.  

Many potential art buyers struggle to understand the difference between a limited edition and an open edition. Photographs can simply be reprinted, can’t they?

Why are limited editions so much more expensive? Let’s use a book analogy to clear things up.
Imagine having purchased one of the first copies of Shakespeare’s Collected Plays, known as “First Folio.” Back in 1623, you might have paid a luxurious 15 shillings (134 pounds taking into account current day inflation.) Now, that same book is worth millions of pounds.  A copy of “First Folio” went for 5.2 million at Sotheby’s auction house in 2006.  
Yes, Shakespeare’s “Collected Plays” have been reprinted millions of times. Almost anyone who went to high school in The UK or America has read at least part of the collection. Yet, the publisher can never make another first edition. The handful of these rare books that exist will only increase in value as time goes on.

Fine Art photographers limit how many copies they make of a particular piece for exactly this reason. They want the value of their work to remain in this exceptional world of rarity.

Once an edition is sold out, according to the fine art photographer’s code, it will never be reprinted. This is why it’s important to grab that stunning limited edition image that you’re eyeing before someone else does!

5. Fine Art Photography Adds Luxury to Your Space 

If you flip through the pages of any high-end decor magazine you’ll notice the rooms are filled with beautiful art. Far from mass-market ordinary, these images lend worldly sophistication to any room.

Interior designers know that designing a room around original artwork, through harmonizing colors and styles, will anchor the space. A well-curated collection can make all the difference between boring and brilliant.  
In addition, fine art photography can be a talking point for your guests or clients. The stories behind the photograph and the artist are infinitely more interesting than describing your weekend shopping trip to the mall.

6. Fine Art Photography is Timeless 

Mass-marketed photography can quickly look dated in part because it is over saturated in the market. Whereas, fine art photography will evolve with your style and spark interest again and again.

Part of the investment value of a fine art is the fact that it can remain a part of your decor for years to come. Everytime you hang your photograph in a new place or change the trends around it, it will still stand out as an elegant addition.    

And the best part? Fine art photography holds its value over time.  So as long as you take good care of your investment piece it will truly be timeless.

7. You Can Bring Your Travels (Or Your Bucketlist) Home With You

Phenomenal photos of interesting locations and portraits of the people who live there can provide an escape from your daily life.

Travel is a popular category of Fine Art Photography because it can stimulate the memory of a beloved voyage. Or it can serve as aspirational living. You may never make it to the misty summit of that mountain in Sapa, Vietnam. But having an artistic photograph of the location can still transport you there.

A fine art travel photographer can travel to the ends of the earth and tell the stories of the people and places of which we can only dream.

In addition, landscape photographs create a sense of depth and space in any room. A large scale photograph can trick the eye into looking past the wall and entering into the lands beyond. Choosing a photograph with a processing technique that offers a 3D effect can go even further towards creating this illusion.

 

8. Use Art to Create a Special Mood in Your Space

The mood of your decor will change with the subject of your photograph. An image of a lush green forest can create a serene effect and decrease anxiety. A city scene can add an industrial edge to an urban design scheme. An intriguing portrait can act as a “guardian of the room”, drawing people to hear the story behind the subject’s eyes.

Choose a few pieces that you love first and then think about how they makes you feel.

What sort of atmosphere will the photo create in your space? What spirit are you trying to evoke? Trendy? Zen? Worldly? Surprising? Luxurious?

Whether you’re drawn to portraits, landscapes, urban or abstract images, a fine art photo will add texture and interest to your interior design. From there, the mood is yours to create!

9. The Experts Reveal that Fine Art Photography Holds Its value

Don’t take our word for it. Experts in the field of art collecting have declared that Fine Art Photography is a rising form of investment.

The art market has been around for centuries but there’s always room for new artists and mediums to make a splash. Articles in Robb Report, The Guardian, and Sotheby’s point to the growing trend towards collector’s acquiring top priced contemporary photographs.

The starting price of a limited edition can depend on many things. It takes into account the fame of the photographer, the demand of collectors for similar pieces, the processing technique or materials used, the subject and historical importance.

Do your research and invest within a budget that you’re comfortable. Choose a work that you love and your photograph is sure to stand the test of time.

This brings us to our final reason:

10. Buy it Because You Love It

Purchase Art that brings you personal joy.

Never buy a fine art photograph simply on recommendations from gallery owners or art dealers.  You’re the one who will live with it day after day, which means you’re the most important expert!

Start by choosing a few pieces that you can’t look away from. For whatever reason, they should spark an emotion inside of you. Then research their value, including the artist and the standards with which they were produced before you make your final choice.

Without a personal connection to the work, it will only end up sitting in a storage archive somewhere. And what’s sadder than a piece that an artist has poured all of his/her soul into that is never seen?

Start a collection that you love. The rest will fall into place from there.

We hope you enjoyed our series on How and Why to Invest in Fine Art Photography. Please let us know if we left any question unanswered!
 

Need Some Inspiration? 

Head over to our online store where you’ll find our curated collection of  Limited Edition Original photographs.

Finding Tranquility in Art

Discover more of our photographs featuring the color green. 
Think about how each one makes you feel. Which shade matches your personality? Which image will refresh and rejuvenate your home?