When one begins to collect fine art, one question seems to arise: Is there money in fine art photography?
As a fine art photography gallery that has operated for over 30 years, ROSEGALLERY has been a significant presence in the fine art photography market. In short - the answer is YES - there is absolutely money in fine art photography. However, we would like to unpack some of the most commonly asked questions we get surrounding the business of fine art photography from new fine art photography collectors and enthusiasts.
Question 1: Do people buy Fine Art photography?
For those who have yet to collect or purchase fine art photography, or even fine art in general, the first question they often have is - Do people buy fine art photography? The answer to this is yes! So many more people collect fine art photography than you may expect - for those who have yet to look into beginning their collection, it can feel out of reach. However, established collectors with large bodies of work are only a small slice of who buys fine art photography. Over our 30 years in business, ROSEGALLERY has sold works to major institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. amongst many others. We have also sold to many major private collections reminiscent of what you may think of as a typical collector, such as that of Michael G. Wilson, whose extensive collection makes up the Wilson Center for Photography. However, many of our sales are to people who are newly starting our collection, both local, across the country, and internationally, and many of our clients are first-time buyers who simply fell in love with a photograph.
Question 2: Is Fine Art photography a good investment?
Fine art photography is a great investment as it serves you in two ways - it often appreciates and becomes a valuable asset. The work of many modern photographers have bee For example, Artist Man Ray holds the record for the most expensive photograph sold, with his work “Le Violin d’Ingres'' selling for $12.4 million dollars in 2022. This recent sale showcases photography’s relevance as an art form and its legitimacy as both a monetary and cultural asset.
However, it is also valuable in the sense that it is a tangible investment that brings you enjoyment. Many collectors are very enthusiastic about art and have started their collections purely off their own interest and enjoyment of the arts. As a collector, you directly support and help an artist’s career when investing in their work.
Question 3: What type of Fine Art photography sells best?
Many people also come to us wondering which type of photography is in highest demand? And what type of photography actually sells best? The answer to this is not so straightforward. Though many of our up-and-coming contemporary artists have gained significant press and seen an increase in value in recent years, what people gravitate towards is as varied as the people who walk through our doors. There are many types of fine art photography that fits the interests of numerous individuals. Just like there is no one type of collector, there is no saying what sells best because everyone has a niche that excites them most!
While photographs sell at blue-chip galleries and numerous fine art auction houses, the fine art photography market is still very much accessible. ROSEGALLERY is home to many photographers such as Graciela Iturbide, Kennedi Carter, Jo Ann Callis, Tania Franco Klein, and Martin Parr amongst many others. Galleries like our own are what make up the heart of the fine art photographic market. These galleries are spaces where one can view both emerging contemporary photographs as well as those made by artists of the early 20th Century such as Manuel Alvarez Bravo and Dorothea Lange.
To learn more about beginning your collection, please reach out to us personally, and let us know you would like to learn more!
Another way of purchasing art is with Art Money. We partner with Art Money to make art more accessible. Art Money empowers people to buy art, supporting artists, galleries and a sustainable creative economy. We provide a commission enabling the no interest business model. In return, we get paid immediately, the artist gets paid, you take your art to enjoy now and pay over time. Win win. Click here to find out more.