Collecting Photography
©Benjamin Baltus
Why collect contemporary photography?
Like paintings, sculptures, or design, photographic artworks are collected by institutions, businesses, and private enthusiasts alike.
The art of collecting photography
When you have a passion for photography, why not build a collection of your own? I often tell those seeking advice that collecting should be a pleasurable pursuit, and one should primarily love the works they acquire. This is certainly how I approach the formation of my own photography collection. Each acquisition is the result of a personal connection. Whether it's related to the moment of purchase, the subject of the photograph, the photographer's journey, or the aesthetic of the image, it's crucial to have been moved and to have experienced emotion.
Furthermore, collecting photography is akin to collecting one's own memories. Unlike the family photo album, which is passed down through generations and belongs to the past, a photography collection is very much alive and shaped by encounters and moments that are uniquely one's own. It resides deep within our intimacy and even our subconscious at times.
Some photography collections are themed or highly focused on a particular practice or period. Some collectors place great emphasis on print quality, while others only purchase complete series. Everyone has their own art and approach to personalizing their photography collection.
Encounter with the artwork and the artist
Above all, it's about encountering an artwork and often an artist.
This is what makes contemporary photography collections alive: you meet the artists! When we talk about art collections, we often think of their archival, museum-like, and static aspects. With photography collections, we remain in something real and vibrant, forcing us to look at the world and its intricacies.
Additionally, collecting photography provides access to the art scene and emerging artists. The spectrum is broad, from an emerging photographer in need of support to a photographer with a confirmed career. Prices also vary significantly, making the medium of photography quite accessible compared to other artistic domains.
The rules of collecting photography
Collecting photography also comes with specific rules. It requires a certain technical knowledge of the medium to understand the means of dissemination.
After the emotional connection, there must be room for rationality. This is where organizations like ours become valuable partners in building a photography collection. This ensures that you don't make mistakes and guarantees the specificity of the "artwork." Because I've made mistakes in the past, and I, along with my team, are highly vigilant. We assist both the artist in defining the mode of dissemination and acquisition of their work and our clients in making the best choices for their photography collection.
Faced with the speculative bubble of NFTs, online platforms selling simple photographic prints, and sales of video artworks on USB drives, how do you navigate this complex contemporary photography market? We at Hangar navigate the intricacies of this market and can provide answers that ensure the establishment of a solid and enduring photography collection.
