An amazing thing occurred just recently: purchasing prints became "cool" amongst general society again. I think it's safe to say that most photographers understand the value of a good print, especially when it's placed into a black metal nielsen frame. However, since the digital age, photographs have lived inside our computers, external hard-drives and in our cell phones; rarely being printed and hung on a wall. Aaron Huey, a National Geographic Photographer, decided he was going to change how the world views prints. Introducing the "Outsider Books" site:
Huey used none other than Instagram to sell his prints. All images were printed on archival-quality / 325 gsm paper. Collectors could choose to buy an "unframed" piece (6x6 with Huey's signature on the back), a "framed" piece (6x6, black wood frame, signature on back of the print) or a "matted" photo (again, 6x6 within a 10x10 mat; mat is signed). His tase for sales is very simplistic and to the point and asks buyers to expect a two week turn around on their orders.
Huey claims, "prints make the world a better place. Period". "I’m giving them art that is ready to go, in a form that is familiar to them, and instilling a collecting mentality. I’d rather have these images on walls and in people’s hands than in these zombie boxes we stare at all day… [Instagram photos] are intimate, they are beautiful, but they are not precious. They are for everyone" (Petapixel).
So what does this website have to do with school?! Well, isn't this just a brilliant idea to include in your practice? I would encourage our students who love using Instagram to generate some type of print service for clients. You may not want to start your price at $100/print although, perhaps $30 or $40? Naturally, depending on where you have the images printed from would also effect the cost. Just an interesting idea to consider!
01. Cade, DL. "Aaron Huey Uses an Instagram Print Sale to Teach a New Generation the Value of Prints." PetaPixel RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
02. Huey, Aaron. "On Sale @Argonautphoto Instagram Prints." Outsider Book. Big Cartel, 7 Apr. 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.