Falling through the cracks again

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I submitted the featured photograph and those two others below to Yolo Arts exhibit “Color/ texture / pattern” call for art. To my surprise, they accepted the three!

You may be thinking that I am so happy about it. Think again, and keep reading.

Matting and framing accounts for most of the price of an image that is ready to hang!

One of the least understood aspects of buying photographic prints is the cost of matting and framing. Many buyers assume that most of the price goes to the photographer or the printing itself. In reality, matting and framing often account for the majority of the total cost of a finished piece.

Take a common example: a photographer sells a 12×15 inch print for $300. On average:

  • $40–$70 goes toward the actual fine-art printing (archival paper, pigment inks, test prints, lab fees).
  • $150–$220 can go toward professional matting and framing.
  • The remainder covers the photographer’s time, editing, overhead, studio costs, and profit.

Each image will cost me at least 150 for printing, matting and framing (very cheapest framing). This is about 450 total!

In order to cover the costs, and profit a little, how much do I need to charge for each?

And then, would you buy them?

Artist life is tough.

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Wall Art Botanical Images

Wall Art Photography projects

Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous

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2 responses to “Falling through the cracks again”

  1. Steve Schwartzman Avatar

    You’ve offered a good reminder of why so few fine art photographers make a living from it. Even so, parabéns.

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    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      Obrigada!

      Like

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