For many years, brick and mortar art galleries were the only way an art collector could purchase fine art photography prints. Typically located in wealthy communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Jackson Hole, La Jolla, Las Vegas Strip, Manhattan, Santa Fe and Santa Monica; photography galleries cater to a very elite clientele. There are also historic photography galleries such as the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley.
Many art galleries work on a consignment basis with photographers. There is no guarantee of sales and the cost of production often falls on the photographer. With high overhead costs for both the gallery and the artist it’s a very high-risk endeavor to enter the gallery business. The pressure to keep the lights on is high so it leads to safe art choices that are more likely to sell to the clientele. I believe that art should be accessible to everyone and not just a small percentage of the population. Art doesn’t have to be low-quality or cheap to be accessible however. My fine art photography prints are available for purchase 24/7 on fineartphotographyprints.com.
Let's answer some questions about photography art galleries:
- Which photography galleries are worth visiting? The Weston Gallery and Photography West in Carmel, The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley, Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica. Galen Rowell’s Mountain Light Gallery in Bishop, California, was also another great gallery which unfortunately closed up shop in 2017.
- Why do fine art photography prints cost so much at art galleries? The more successful galleries are located in locations with very high real estate prices. With high real estate costs comes higher wages and everything else associated with high cost of living. Those costs are passed onto the art buyer.
- Do you exhibit your photos at brick and mortar art galleries? A dozen of my California Wine Country ChromaLuxe metal prints are currently on display at a gallery on the Sonoma Coast. I also participated in a few art shows for charity when I first started out and sold a few pieces. The business model doesn't really work for me though. However, I have also worked with a gallery in Carmel on an art consulting project. I’m always open to participating in project-based work as opposed to consignment work however as project-based work is more likely to be mutually-beneficial.
How can I buy fine art photography prints if I’m not at a photography gallery?
Browse my website galleries for my print collection then call or email me with the Photo ID# associated with the print. I have a small, exclusive collection of limited-edition prints and a larger collection of open-edition photography prints for sale. If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it on this website then let me know. With an image collection of 150,000+ images I might already have the photo available. If I don’t have the photo available, I’m available for commissioned work. Commissioned photography includes the option of exclusivity. I can create unique, one-of-a-kind photography prints just for you and no one else.
