It occurred to me recently that many “new” photographers are greatly undervaluing their prints.

Now, it may be that the quality of materials and processes are lacking, or that they are selling open editions (no limit to quantity), but I think I know the most harmful culprit.  I believe the market is being set by people that may not fully understand what goes in to the production of a great print.

So, I had the idea to shoot an entertaining and factual video that follows a photographer (me… surprise, surprise) from start to finish, including what it takes to capture a photograph worthy of printing and selling.  Then, of course, the less-than-glamorous process of locking oneself in the isolation of the digital darkroom to fully realize the original intent of the image.  And so on.  I’m sure you get it, but I really do hope to create a visually compelling story of the birth of a great photographic print.

I aim to do this for all of us.  All of us photographers out there that sometimes struggle with how to price our work.  All of us that struggle with a largely uninformed public as to what we actually do.  “You just bought a nice digital camera and go take pretty pictures, right?”  Or my favorite… “You are just better at photoshop than most, so you can make really cool pictures.”

I have a trip to Wyoming coming up in October that I hope/ trust will be the perfect backdrop for this short film.  I hope to have it ready just in time for Christmas…

Please feel free to comment and let me know what I need to be sure to convey through this video.

~ andrew