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How photographers get collected by museums, art collector insights, bear watching camera saves a life
Sometimes, it all boils down to serendipity.
Alison Zavos
September 16, 2023
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PREMIUM
How Photographers Get Collected by Museums
“There are many ways that a photographer can have their work included in a museum collection,” the artist Dave Jordano reflects. Sometimes, it all boils down to serendipity: after a photography website published a story on his project Detroit: Unbroken Down, for example, he was contacted by the Library of Congress. They asked to purchase a portfolio of work.
Other times, it comes down to finding suitable collectors. After Jordano sold a print at a benefit auction, that collector donated it to the Houston Museum of Art. Curators have also spotted his work at outside exhibitions and contacted him directly about acquiring prints. In some cases, he’s given museums a “two for the price of one” deal. “A lot of museums have limited budgets and are very pleased if you sell one print to them and donate a second one,” he explains.
“It’s the ultimate compliment for a photographer to have their work included in a museum collection,” Jordano tells us.
ON FEATURE SHOOT
Sofia Coppola Authors Her First Ever Photo Book
While working on the set of The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola made a point of wearing a dress. The film community was, in many ways, “a boy’s club,” and the choice was deliberate. “I was determined to still be feminine while directing,” the director writes in her first book, Archive (MACK).
Archive is a book of photography, first and foremost, featuring work by the director and her friends and collaborators. For her part, Coppola frequently uses a Contax T3 camera; she also likes Kodak Portra film, a fitting choice since it was first introduced in 1998, at around the same time as she was working on The Virgin Suicides. Her photos from Lost In Translation were printed on the go at a one-hour photo printer in Japan.
From Paris Hilton’s closet to Jennifer Coolidge’s New Orleans home—filming locations for The Bling Ring and The Beguiled, respectively—the book features hidden-treasure moments throughout Sofia Coppola’s career. We begin in the ’90s with The Virgin Suicides and continue to the present day with Priscilla.
PHOTOGRAPHERS TO WATCH
© Devin Yalkin (@devinyalkin), from the series Nemesis
Tell us about one of the most innovative, inspiring, or pioneering photographers to watch in 2023.
“Devin Yalkin's photos don't really look like anyone else's. He's got a unique way of making photos that elevate any story on which he's working – whether it's a portrait or a deeper reportage project. His images carry emotion and weight that you just don't see very often, not done well and not done consistently. He is one of my favorite photographers working today.”
Are you a photo editor, curator, art buyer, or other photo professional who would like to contribute to this “Inspiring Photographers to Watch” section? Let us know who you're inspired by!
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NEWS
Lost hiker is saved by a bear-watching camera in Alaska. Incredible story.
Artsy releases “Art Collector Insights 2023”
13 Older Photographers show the NYT what makes them “feel seen.”
The Bird Photographer of the Year winners have been announced.
PROJECTS WE LOVE
©Ana Hernandez (@ana_hernandez_art), winner of the Most Creative Camera
Thrifted Pinhole Challenge
On August 17 (“National Thrift Store Day”), photographer Heather Palecek challenged her @thriftedpinhole followers to turn something from a thrift store into a pinhole camera. Barbie, appropriately timed, won for the most creative camera.
Photo taken with the Barbie pinhole camera ©Ana Hernandez (@ana_hernandez_art)
CHATGPT GUIDE
Last chance to pre-purchase 101 ChatGPT Prompts for Photographers (at a discount)
We've invested countless hours in research and brainstorming to provide you with the ultimate tool for prompting ChatGPT in your photography journey. Over 1,000 creatives have already downloaded our mini guide, and whether you’re an emerging photographer or a professional, there is something in here for you. If you haven't grabbed your copy, download it here for free.
And for the next 24 hrs., our full guide, “101 ChatGPT Prompts for Photographers”, is still available for pre-order at $20. After that, the price goes up, so be quick!
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