WHERE TO PURCHASE FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS

As the proprietor of Randy Bott Photography, it can be time-consuming to distribute fine art prints to the public. In recent times, there has been a surge in websites that sell various art forms like sculptures, paintings, and fine art prints. However, establishing an online presence as a photographer can be quite challenging due to the high level of competition. Fortunately, websites such as Artfinder.com or Fineartamerica.com simplify the process by taking the hard work out of it. By creating a profile and uploading their work to these platforms, artists can leave everything else to the website.

In the past, purchasing fine art photographs was a complicated process. It involved scouring the Yellow Pages of a phone book for fine art galleries, driving to the gallery (if one was located nearby), talking to the front desk person, and so on. The other option was to wait for art fairs, which typically occurred during the summer months. However, if one wanted to purchase a print in the winter, they would have to start all over again and flip through the Yellow Pages. Today, with the plethora of websites offering fine art prints, the process has become much simpler.

A lone juniper tree at sunset in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado.
Black Canyon Twisted Juniper

In the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this juniper tree caught my attention with the alpen glow on the horizon. A lone juniper tree stands in quiet solitude, its gnarled branches reaching outward against the backdrop of a stunning alpenglow. The sun has just dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden light that illuminates the tree’s silhouette from behind, creating a striking contrast between the warm hues of the sky and the dark outline of the juniper. The twisted, weathered branches of the tree are bathed in shades of pink, orange, and purple, as the fading light wraps around the leaves and branches, highlighting their texture and rugged beauty. The surrounding landscape is bathed in the soft glow of twilight, with the distant mountains barely visible through the glowing haze. The air is cool and crisp, carrying a faint, earthy scent from the juniper's needles. This serene moment captures the quiet majesty of the tree, its form softened by the glowing light, standing resilient and strong in the fading warmth of the day. Limited edition print from the Landscape gallery.

Direct From The Artist

Purchasing fine art prints directly from the artist is often the best option. It allows for a more personal connection between the buyer and the artist. When buying directly from the artist, they can provide additional information about the artwork, its creation, and offer customization options, such as different print sizes. This is not always possible when buying from third-party websites like Singulart.com or Saatchiart.com. Additionally, buying directly from the artist typically means lower prices, as there are no commissions paid to galleries or other intermediaries. If you're interested in purchasing fine art prints, take a look at my Fine Art Galleries and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or requests.

Fine Art America

Fineartamerica.com is a convenient and comprehensive platform for purchasing fine art photography prints. Artists can easily create a profile, upload their images, and start selling prints hassle-free. The company takes care of everything from printing, framing, matting, and shipping on behalf of the artist. The artists have control over setting the price and choosing the available print sizes, while Fine Art America handles the rest. After deducting their modest 5% commission, the profits are sent directly to the artist. This is a significant advantage, as traditional galleries usually take a much higher commission of 50%.

This business model makes it effortless for photographers to sell their prints without the need to create their own website or find a print shop. In addition to fine art prints, Fine Art America also offers home decor products such as bags, coffee mugs, pillows, and more. Their Print On Demand (POD) service ensures that the artwork is not printed until an order is received. With 16 manufacturing facilities located in 5 countries, Fine Art America can provide products to any corner of the world.

Crashing waves at Cape Disapppointment State Park with the lighthouse.
Cape Disappointment Waves

During the big storms in winter, Cape Disappointment will never disappoint. Despite the chaos of the sea below, there is a sense of tranquility in the presence of the lighthouse. It stands as a reminder of steadfastness amid nature's fury, a symbol of guidance and hope in a place where the power of the ocean commands respect and admiration. Cape Disappointment, with its wild waves and timeless lighthouse, captures the essence of coastal drama and natural grandeur. Limited edition print from the Ocean and Lighthouse galleries.

Art Finder

Artfinder.com is an online marketplace designed for artists to sell their fine art prints. Similar to Saatchi Art, artists are responsible for creating the prints and handling the shipping process. After creating the artwork, artists must take a high-resolution photo of it and upload it to their Artfinder profile. One benefit of using Artfinder or Saatchi Art is that artists can limit the number of prints available, which can create greater value compared to open edition prints.

To sell their prints on Artfinder, artists must apply and have an online presence. The commission for selling on Artfinder is between 33% to 40%, which the website claims is reinvested into promoting the artists. Setting up a profile and selling prints on the site is free for artists.

Singulart

If you're looking for truly unique fine art photography prints, Singulart.com is an excellent choice. This online gallery offers only single-edition prints, meaning no other copies of the artwork will be made. Singulart is highly selective in its artist approval process, considering only those with national recognition and global potential, who have held solo exhibitions and received prestigious art prizes. While the commission rate is not explicitly stated on the site, it's safe to assume that it's similar to the 50% rate charged by most galleries. Each piece of art comes with a signed certificate of authenticity, and in the case of photography, each print is signed and numbered for added exclusivity.

21st Street bridge in tacoma bridge in black and white.
Bridge to Somewhere

The 21st Street bridge in Tacoma, Washington, stands tall against the dark sky. In black and white, the 21st Street Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, emerges as a striking example of industrial architecture. The bridge’s steel framework, intricate with beams and supports, creates a dramatic contrast against the sky, with its bold lines and geometric shapes drawing the eye. The surrounding cityscape, with its buildings and the shimmering waters below, is softened by the absence of color, enhancing the focus on the bridge’s structure. The play of light and shadow across its surface adds depth and texture, emphasizing both the strength and elegance of this utilitarian yet beautiful piece of engineering. The monochrome palette underscores the timeless quality of the bridge, evoking a sense of quiet power and urban history. Limited edition prints from the Black and White gallery.

Saatchi Art

Saatchiart.com is a highly regarded online gallery that specializes in paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography at a variety of price points. Unlike Fine Art America, artists are responsible for handling printing, shipping, and other logistics. Saatchi Art is not a Print On Demand (POD) company, so after creating a profile on the website and photographing the art they wish to sell, artists must upload the photographs and wait for the artwork to sell. Once a piece is sold, the artist packages and ships it directly to the buyer. Saatchiart.com then takes a commission of 30% of the sale price. Although the commission is quite high, the artist does not need to create their own website or drive traffic to their site, as Saatchiart.com takes care of those tasks.For buyers, Saatchi Art provides a complimentary art advisory service, similar to a personal art curator. This service assists buyers in finding the perfect piece of art that complements their decor, budget, and design concept.

Conclusion

There are many websites and galleries where you can buy fine art photography prints, with some offering limited editions while others offer open editions. Limited editions tend to be more valuable than open editions, such as those found on Fineartamerica.com. While purchasing directly from the artist is the best option as no commissions are paid and the artist's website is always up to date, it may not always fit within your budget. Therefore, it's important to explore various sites and galleries to find what works best for your budget. Ultimately, your budget should be considered as a key factor when purchasing fine art photography prints.

black and white image of the capitol building in Washington State.
Justice

Whether in color or black and white, everyone sees the justice system of America in a different light. the Washington State Capitol Building stands as a monumental symbol of strength and elegance. The grand dome, towering above the surrounding grounds, is a striking focal point, its detailed architecture enhanced by the interplay of light and shadow. The symmetrical columns and classical design evoke a sense of timelessness, while the surrounding trees and gardens provide a calm contrast to the building's imposing form. The absence of color allows the intricate textures of the stonework and the curvature of the dome to stand out, highlighting the grandeur and architectural beauty of this historic landmark. The scene conveys a sense of solemnity and reverence, evoking the enduring significance of the building in the heart of Olympia. Limited edition prints from the Black and White gallery.

470 nm hyper color infrared photo of the space needle from Kerry Park
Hypercolor Space Needle

Infrared photograph of the Space Needle in Seattle with a Hypercolor 470 nm infrared filter. The Space Needle rises boldly over Seattle’s skyline, transformed into a surreal spectacle in hypercolor infrared. From Kerry Park, the iconic tower gleams with futuristic brilliance, its metallic structure glowing in radiant silver and electric blue tones. Surrounding the Space Needle, the city’s skyscrapers shimmer in deep purples and vibrant greens, their sharp lines softened by the surreal palette. Limited edition prints from the Infrared and Vertical galleries.