by Gavin Seim: Ever admired classical art? I think all photographers should take time to look closer at it. You owe it to yourself and your clients to start placing large pieces on their walls. We’ve single handedly ruined much of the furniture quality appeal of photographs. No, it has nothing to do with digital, too many people with cameras, or weekend warriors. It’s “our” fault. We’ve trained ourselves and our clients to think small. People walk through our doors thinking in eight by tens, five by sevens and wallets and we encourage them. It’s making photography a cheap commodity. It’s time to change all that with real Wall Portraits.
Why should an eleven by fourteen hang on your wall? Chances are the wall it hangs on is much larger than that. We’ve fallen into a rut and think that small is all people want for their homes. Often the first response I get when I talk about large prints is “people aren’t buying these in my area”. The fact is that people aren’t buying because you don’t know how to sell. I live in small town America and I’m finding out for myself that people will buy if you show them the value of a beautiful wall portrait.
When you walk into a furniture store are they afraid to show you the larger dining set? Do they act like it’s a stupid to buy the quality leather sofa instead of the cheap import? The only reason clients are asking for eight by tens is because we’ve trained them to. Try showing them a thirty inch wall canvas of their beautiful family and see how they respond. Now you’re selling fine furnishings.
Rather than making my own argument, let me allow history to help us. Below are some classical works, listed with original sizes. We think of these as classics, but when made they were meant to hang on someones wall just like our photographs. Take a few moments to really look at them, then I’ll be back. If you want to and be inspired in print, check out some books like Sargents Portraits Of The 1890′s, Frederick Church, or J.W. Waterhouse.
38"x32" - Gather Rosebuds While Ye May by Waterhouse 1909
80"x52" The Voyage Of Life, Manhood by Thomas Cole, 1842
Continue reading ‘Large Wall Prints. Why the 8×10 Is Stealing Your Impact & Your Profit:’
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: Nick Brandt
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