SCHRAMMR@WLSVAX.WVNET.EDU
Tue, 20 Jul 1999 19:55:25 -0400 (EDT)
IMHO the price of a print should be based on:
1. The cost of producing it. Platinum costs more than
cyanotype. 3 color gum is much harder to produce
VDB. Big prints cost more than small prints.
2. The overall quality of the print. An experienced printer
would, naturally, be likly to make a better quality print
than a beginner.
3. The uniqueness of the print. Is it a one-off or number
84/1500.
4. The artistic value of the print. Hard to define but may
be related to subject. i.e. even if it costs 50 cents
I wouldn't by a platinum print of something disgusting.
(but thats just me).
5. Maybe a minor matter but presentation is important. i.e.
the mating and framing.
6. The reputation of the artist.
7. Weather or not the print is signed.
8. The market. Things cost more in New York City than in
Frog Hollow, W. Va.
In any case I think it would be helpful if some of the list members would
quote some actual prices. I will start. In the last two years I have sold
four platinum prints of three pears, 8 x 10, matted to 11 x 14 plain mat
(off white-black core) in anodized black metal frames for $150.00 each.
This is in the Wheeling, W. Va. area. Nearest large city is Pittsburgh
which is 60 miles away. This is real good for this area. Mostly people
around here buy paintings of Elvis on black velvet. I have not sold
anything in Frog Hollow. Some larger (11 x 14) monochrome gum and VDB
or cyanotype over gum. Have sold for $275 but most of those were bought by
institutions for their collection( not mental institutions-colleges and
universities). I have also done considerable trading with local (non-photo)
artists. I have donated some small (4 x 5) prints to auctions for worthy
causes e.g. The Wheeling Symphony where they sold for more than I would
have charged, but had I charged that they probably would not have sold.
I havn't decided what to charge for my daguerreotypes yet, but its going to
be a lot of money considering the cost of materials and equipment and the
fact that I can make 20 8 x 10 platinum prints in the time it takes me to
make one daguerreotype. Anyway Dags are rare. Hmmmmm I wonder what a
daguerreotype of Elvis would sell for?
OK. Lets hear from some of you.
Happy printing to all,
Bob Schramm
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