How to start collecting photography
Sophie Wright, Magnum’s global cultural director, explains how to start snapping up quality images
Photography is considered a universal language in this era of social media, with many of us documenting our lives by posting images online. Yet despite the mass move into amateur photography, or possibly because of it, demand for quality printed works by professional photographers continues to grow.
Indeed, photos sold at the top end of the market command prices similar to those for contemporary art, with single images by renowned snappers Andreas Gursky and Richard Prince achieving as much as $4m (£3.25m) each. Classic works by 20th century masters such as Edward Steichen have also sold for millions at auction.
Fortunately for collectors with less cash, far more affordable quality photos are available too, including Magnum Photos squares, which sell for $100 (£80) for a signed or estate stamped print and can be purchased online or directly off Instagram.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The internet is a good place to start searching for work you like, as well as providing an easy way to purchase. But to get a true sense of the market, aspiring collectors should visit photography fairs, where they can look at a wide selection of different content and also meet the gallerists and dealers that sell it.
For would-be buyers in the US, the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) fair in New York is a great option. Over in Europe, Paris Photo is the leading fair, but Photo London and Unseen in Amsterdam are well worth a look too.
These events give visitors the chance to view diverse print types, papers, and types of framing and presentation, as well as a broad range of content and approaches. And the organisers also strive to provide insight into trends, institutional collections and curatorial approaches.
On a more general note, don’t be afraid to seek out and talk to gallerists either: it’s in their interests to support and encourage interest in the market.
Ultimately, however, the key to making the right choice is to buy what you like. A lot has been written about investing in art as a source of assured returns in a turbulent economy, but you should always select images that speak to you. After all, you're the one who's going to live with it.
For more information, visit magnumphotos.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: unwind at this picture-perfect resort
The Week Recommends The retreat that's ideal for recharging your batteries while experiencing life on an Indonesian island
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The World War Two experiments that made D-Day possible
Under The Radar Scientists performed gruelling tests on themselves paving the way for the iconic invasion
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Is the Supreme Court about to criminalize homelessness?
Talking Points The court will decide if bans on outdoor camping are 'cruel and unusual'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: experimental portrait photography
the week recommends Their careers are separated by time but joined by their shared interest in spectral, dream-like atmospheres
By The Week UK Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published