Where to Buy High-Quality Fine Art Photography Prints?

Visualization of an abstract photograph hanging on an interior wall.

Fine art photography prints can be bought online (web galleries, photographers' websites) and offline (galleries, sales exhibitions, art fairs...). When buying art, you should be careful and only buy from reputable dealers or artists.

If you want more than just "a few posters on the wall" for your Airbnb apartment, home, office or even a cafe if you have your taste and style and know what you want, then you need to pay more attention to your choice of photos and not just buy the first one from your local DIY or furniture store. Fortunately, there are many places where you can buy high-quality printed photos today. And that's what we're going to look at in this article.

So what exactly is fine art photography?

Wikipedia gives the following definition of fine art photography:

Fine-art photography is photography created in line with the vision of the photographer as artist, using photography as a medium for creative expression. The goal of fine-art photography is to express an idea, a message, or an emotion.

Know the difference: Photographic Prints vs. Fine Art Prints

If you decide to buy fine art photography, there are two main types of prints to choose from: photographic prints and fine art prints. Both have their unique characteristics and uses. Let's look at the differences between the two.

Photographic Prints

Traditional photo prints are usually printed on glossy or matte photo paper using a digital photo printer. These prints are very sharp, have bright colours and high contrast and, most importantly, are an inexpensive way to print photos.

Photo prints are often used for family photos, travel photos, portraits, landscapes and other types of photos where colour accuracy and affordability are important. They are also often used by fine art photographers.

Fine Art Prints - Giclée prints

Fine Art Prints, on the other hand, are printed with high-quality archival inks on Fine Art acid-free paper. This type of print is designed to last for many years without fading or yellowing. Fine art prints have a more textured surface than photographic prints and offer a wider colour gamut, allowing for more subtle colour gradients.

Fine art prints are often used for art reproductions, gallery displays and high-end presentations where longevity and aesthetic appeal are paramount. They are more expensive than photographic prints due to the use of higher-quality materials and a more demanding printing process.

Photographic prints and fine art prints are both high-quality reproductions of images, but there are some key differences between the two:

FeaturePhotography printFine art print
Paper typePhoto paperArchival paper or canvas
InksDye-sublimation or inkjetPigmented
Lifespan3-5 years100+ years
CostLess expensiveMore expensive
QualityGoodExcellent
DurabilityLess durableMore durable

Where to buy high-quality fine art photographic prints?

There are two ways to get high-quality fine art photography prints - online and offline. If you want high-quality prints that will decorate your home for decades without fading, we recommend that you only buy from reputable retailers or directly from the photographer.

Online galleries

Many excellent online retailers are offering high-quality fine art photo prints. Here are some of the most popular and respected options: 

Fine Art America

Fine Art America is an online marketplace that connects artists with buyers. They offer a wide range of fine art prints, including metal, acrylic and wood prints. Prints are produced on archival paper and inkjet printers. Fine Art America offers a variety of framing and matting options. They also offer a print guarantee, which means that if you are not satisfied with your print, you can return it for a full refund.

fineartamerica.com

fineartamerica logo

Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art is a leading online art marketplace with an extensive collection of fine art photography. They offer a wide range of styles and genres, from landscapes and portraits to abstract and conceptual photography. Saatchi Art also has a strong reputation for quality control, ensuring that all their prints are made from archival materials and printed to the highest standards.

https://www.saatchiart.com/

Saatchi Art logo

Artfinder

Artfinder is another popular online art marketplace with a focus on supporting emerging and established artists. They offer a wide range of fine art photography, including both limited edition and open edition prints. Artfinder is also known for its competitive pricing and easy-to-use platform.

https://www.artfinder.com/ 

Artfinder logo

Rise Art

Rise Art is a newer entrant to the online art scene but has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality prints and commitment to supporting young artists. They offer a curated selection of fine art photography with a focus on emerging talent. Rise Art also offers a unique 'try before you buy' programme, which allows you to borrow a print free of charge for 30 days before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

https://www.riseart.com/

Rise art logo

Society6

Society6 is an online platform where artists and designers can sell their artwork on a variety of products, including prints, textiles, and home décor. They offer a wide variety of fine art photography prints, from established artists to emerging talent. Society6 is known for its affordable prices and its commitment to supporting artists.

https://society6.com/ 

Society 6 Logo

ArtPhotoLimited

ArtPhotoLimited is an online gallery that specializes in limited edition fine art prints. They work with a select group of photographers to create high-quality prints that are made on archival paper and museum-quality inks. ArtPhotoLimited offers a wide variety of styles and genres, from landscape and portraiture to abstract and conceptual photography.

https://www.artphotolimited.com/ 

Art Photo Limited - Logo

Lumas

Lumas is an online gallery that offers a curated selection of high-end fine art prints. They work with renowned photographers and artists to create museum-quality prints that are made on archival paper and pigment inks. Lumas' prints are known for their stunning detail and their ability to capture the essence of the original artwork.

https://eu.lumas.com/ 

Lumas gallery logo

Photographers' websites

Buying fine art prints directly from photographers' websites offers a unique and rewarding experience for art lovers. It provides a direct link to the artists, allowing you to gain insight into their creative process, support their work and receive a high quality art print that is true to the artist's vision.

Brick-and-mortar galleries

Brick-and-mortar galleries offer a unique and immersive experience for art lovers seeking fine art photographic prints. These physical spaces offer the opportunity to engage with art on a personal level, interact with experts and discover hidden gems within a curated collection.

Art fairs

Art fairs provide a vibrant and dynamic environment for art lovers to discover and collect fine art photographic prints. These events bring together a diverse range of galleries, artists and collectors, providing an opportunity to experience artworks first-hand, engage with artists and make unique acquisitions.

Limited vs. Open editions

Limited edition fine art photography prints are produced in a predetermined number of copies, typically ranging from 10 to 500. The artist or the gallery determines the number of prints in the edition, and once all copies have been sold, the print is no longer available to purchase. This exclusivity can increase the value of limited edition prints, making them more desirable to collectors.

Open edition prints, on the other hand, are not subject to a predetermined number of copies. The artist or the gallery can print as many open edition prints as they wish, and the prints are typically available to purchase indefinitely. As a result, open edition prints are generally more affordable than limited edition prints.

Mongolian Landscape - Framed photography print for sale
"S" shaped flower - B&W Photography Framed Print
Silhouette of a tree and the rising sun - Framed photography print

Collectibility: If you are interested in collecting fine art photography prints, limited edition prints may be a better choice, as they have the potential to appreciate in value over time.

Affordability: If you are on a budget, open edition prints may be a more affordable option.

Exclusivity: If you prefer to own a print that is not widely available, a limited edition print may be a better choice.

Personal preference: Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of print is right for you is to consider your personal preferences and priorities.

Signed prints

While limited edition prints offer the promise of exclusivity, there is always the risk that the photographer may change their mind and produce more copies than originally planned. This can devalue the print and make it less desirable to collectors.

To eliminate this risk, signed editions provide a more secure investment. When a photographer signs a print, they are essentially putting their own stamp of approval on it. This signifies that they believe in the quality of the work and are willing to put their name on it.

As a result, signed editions are typically more valuable than un-signed prints. This is because they offer a sense of authenticity and provenance that is not present in un-signed works. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for signed prints, knowing that they are purchasing a piece of art that is truly unique and valuable.

For collectors who appreciate the artistic process and the unique value of each print, signed editions are a must-have. They offer a tangible link to the artist and a piece of art that is truly one of a kind.

A Lonely Bench by the Lake in Mongolia - Framed photography print
Minimalist Flower - Framed Photography for Sale
Thistle Flower IV. Framed photography print

Authenticity: A signed print is a guarantee that the print is authentic and has not been tampered with.

Provenance: The signature provides a record of the print's history and ownership, making it more valuable to collectors.

Collectibility: Signed prints are more collectible than un-signed prints, as they are considered to be more rare and more valuable.

Uniqueness: Each signed print is unique, as the artist's signature is a personal touch that cannot be replicated.

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