How to Buy Your First Fine Art Photography Print: A Comprehensive Guide
"Buying your first fine art photography print can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. The right piece can transform your living space into a sanctuary of your personal aesthetics." - Chase Teron
However, the plethora of options available, both online and in galleries, can make the process overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate this vibrant landscape like a pro.
1. Understanding Color Theory for Your Space and for Your Mind
Color isn't just a visual element; it carries emotional weight. Different colors can induce different feelings—blue can be calming, red can evoke passion, and yellow might make you feel cheerful. When choosing a print, think about the emotional texture you want to bring into your space. Use color theory as a guide to select a print that aligns with your mood goals for the room.
2. Considering Design Elements
Apart from color, also consider design principles like balance, contrast, and focal points. A harmonious image will naturally draw your gaze into it, offering different layers of narrative or visual pleasure. Look for compositions that are visually compelling but also have a level of simplicity so that they complement, rather than overwhelm, your space.
3. Virtual Placement - Test Online Before You Buy
Technology has made it easier than ever to visualize art in your personal space before making a purchase. Look for a Virtual Placement button or Upload Your Room button: Take the guesswork out of how the print will look in your space by utilizing Art Placer's function to upload your own room's photo. You can even test out different framing options and sizes to visualize the best fit for your space. This kind of tool is invaluable and provides an extra layer of confidence in your choice. Make sure to look for this application when viewing products online; you'll find it integrated into many artists' platforms, like this one here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the artist directly for more personalized advice. In case you're interested in Chase Teron's art, you can contact him and his team here.
4. Aesthetic and Story
Choose a piece based on its visual appeal but back up your choice by learning about its backstory. Was it taken during a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event? Does it capture an endangered species? Knowing the narrative behind the print adds another layer of depth and enjoyment to your ownership of the piece.
In line with this, opting for artists like Chase Teron, who approach their work with respect for the environment and a deep ethical commitment to wildlife, can add a layer of meaningful connection to your chosen print. His prints, for instance, come from carefully planned expeditions and are often years in the making, each carrying its own unique story and conservation message.
5. Size Matters
The size of the print you choose will also have an impact on its visual effectiveness. While a smaller print might be perfect for a tiny nook, a grand, sweeping landscape may require a larger canvas to do it justice. Again, you can use tools like Art Placer to help visualize different size options.
6. Look for 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Always opt for galleries or artists who offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This ensures that the print you receive is of the highest quality and arrives in perfect condition. It also gives you confidence that you can return it if it doesn't meet your expectations.
Other Tips
7. Read Testimonials: Always check what other buyers have said. Positive testimonials can be a strong indicator of an artist's or gallery's reliability. This is super important and also keep an eye out for third party testimonial plugins. Testimonials pasted onto the website are fine but the best option is to look for third party verified purchaser.
8. Secure Payment: Make sure that the payment options are secure, protecting your financial information.
9. Shipping and Delivery: Opt for those that offer secure and quick shipping, making sure that your chosen art piece reaches you in mint condition. Sometimes, choosing options where they have courier is ideal so that you can be confident in the insured shipment and it usually ships way faster so you do not need to rely on the local postal.
Buying your first fine art print is not just a transaction; it's the beginning of a lifelong romance with art. Make sure to do your due diligence, but also trust your gut. After all, art speaks to us in ways that words often can't capture.
Happy collecting!