Selling a Photograph

lubitel · 10-11-2005

Well I'll be damned. Somebody actually wants to buy a print from me. Never sold one. Now with paintings, its relatively simple. Paint it, sign it, sell as is. But with Photos... Do Photographers actually sign their work? If so then where?

The negative has been scanned and modified in PS, so I it will be printed from a digital file, in a local photo store. What kind of paper should I use? Any other tips?

thanks.

kbg32 · 10-11-2005

I usually sign on the back. Around where the bottom edge of the image would be, on the right side when you flip the print over. If it is titled or captioned, I put that on the left side. C

Congratulations!

Stephan · 10-11-2005

You could do a stylised vectorial signature with illustrator or freehand for example to put on your prints.

aizan · 10-11-2005

sign and date in pencil as kbg described. don't write on the front like a n00b!

lubitel · 10-11-2005

I think I'd rather sign it by hand.

What about paper, is there a certain kind thats best suited for "artsy prints".
Then I could say something like "This has been printed on xx Archival, xx quality Paper, and signed with a Sharpie extra bold"

Marc Jutras · 10-11-2005

Apparently (from the print swap rules page), if you're using RC paper, it's OK to use a fine sharpie (since pencil won't work) on the back, in an area of the image that is dark enough so that the writing won't show through the paper.

T_om · 10-11-2005

Standard artists protocol applies to prints just as to other art work.

They are: If the print is mounted, date and sign on the mount below the lower right corner (facing the print). If the photo has a title, it goes below the lower left corner of the print. If the print is unmounted, sign in the lower border, just as you would if mounted. If there is no border, sign the back.

(The use of Sharpie ink markers and Gel pens is considered bad form and amateurish in art markets, HOWEVER, with today’s resin coated papers the thin line Sharpie Markers may be used just as you would a pencil to sign a print.)

Please note, the only time you sign the back is when there is NO border or mount to sign on front. The front side is ALWAYS the favored side.

Tom

StuartR · 10-11-2005

I was looking at some Henri-Cartier Bresson prints the other day that were signed on the back...and they had borders. I think it is just up to the artist. I agree with your guidelines though, that's how I do it. As for what paper? For a good pearl/semi gloss, I recommend Ilford Galerie. If you want a matte style, you should consider Epson Velvet Fine Art or one of the more specialty papers like Bergger (whose vccb warmtome semi-gloss fiber paper is just heaven in a traditional dark room).

Poptart · 10-11-2005

Does god sign the sky?

theory · 10-11-2005

Is there any sort of particular pencil that should be used when signing a print, or just any old graphite will do?

I'm curious because I'm displaying some pictures at my school in the near future.

aizan · 10-11-2005

4-6b for fiber. micron by sakura for rc.

10-11-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by lubitel

Well I'll be damned. Somebody actually wants to buy a print from me. Never sold one. Now with paintings, its relatively simple. Paint it, sign it, sell as is. But with Photos... Do Photographers actually sign their work? If so then where?

The negative has been scanned and modified in PS, so I it will be printed from a digital file, in a local photo store. What kind of paper should I use? Any other tips?

thanks.

The October 2005 issue of PopPhoto has an article dealing with this subject. Not much of a fan of the mag but this article might be useful for ideas regarding paper.

As for signatures...seems like a lot of folks here have various protocols for you to follow ... guess it's "dealer's choice"!

T_om · 10-11-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poptart

Does god sign the sky?

Why, yes... he does.

I saw one of his signed creations the other day. Take a look.

By the way, God's name is Herman. I've seen lots of his stuff. Pretty good too.

Tom

PS: A standard protocol is just that, a standard... like the sunny sixteen rule. It does not mean everyone sticks to it all the time.

Aardvark Aallen · 10-11-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poptart

Does god sign the sky?

every day.

10-11-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poptart

Does god sign the sky?

No, She doesn't.

xcapekey · 10-11-2005

saw some ralph gibson prints at a gallery and he signed on the back in pencil...

nwcanonman · 10-11-2005

I use a rubber stamp with my full name and the copyright sign- © (date in ink) - on all prints and slides that leave my hand.

Stephan · 10-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poptart

Does god sign the sky?

Depends what you've been smoking when you stare at the clouds

TPPhotog · 10-12-2005

I usually find that framed pictures are easier to sell as they buyer doesn't have to go to the trouble of getting the post production work done.

I date and sign on the mount below the lower right corner with a graphite pencil and if the photo has a title it goes in the lower left corner of the mount.

hoot · 10-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwcanonman

I use a rubber stamp with my full name and the copyright sign- © (date in ink) - on all prints and slides that leave my hand.

Uh, how exactly do you stamp a slide?

aizan · 10-12-2005

ooh, if you mount the photo, make sure to also sign the photo. you don't know what'll happen to it in the future, and it may need to be remounted.

TPPhotog · 10-12-2005

Narrrr if they decide they want a different mount and the signature is important to them they can always buy another print LOL

Erl · 10-12-2005

Do whatever sells and run!

Am I serious? Not sure now!

After my long promised exhibition I will take note of what I do.

lubitel · 10-12-2005

Thanks for all the tips!