Guide to Buying Photography

Guide to Buying Photography

Photography can enhance any environment by bringing personality, colour, and a sense of place into a room. Whether for a home, office, or hospitality space, selecting the right piece involves balancing personal preference, design principles, and the overall feel of the space.

Personal Style and Taste

When buying photography there are a few key considerations, and it starts with your personal style and taste.The first step is to choose photography that resonates with you, and to do that you need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What type of photography speaks to me? (e.g., landscapes, urban/street scenes, or abstract work)
  • Does the image evoke a positive emotion or memory?
  • How does the colour palette align with my personal style?

Consider the space when selecting photography for your home, office, or hospitality space. It is important to think about where the art will be displayed and not forget to measure that space to ensure that you select the right print size.

When it comes to large spaces, a large print can make a bold statement, anchor the room and create a conversation starter especially when hung over a sofa, bed, or reception desk. In smaller spaces consider smaller more intimate shots, or a series to create a gallery wall that welcomes guests.

Framing and presentation are also vital considerations when considering the space that the art will be displayed in. Simple black or white frames are classic, while wooden frames can add warmth. Consider whether the space calls for traditional framing or a more contemporary style, or unframed prints. I believe that frames are a very personal choice, so I only offer a traditional styled classic black frame (white and wood coming soon) styled to suit most spaces. If you feel that a different style is needed for your space you can order an unframed print and bring it to a specialist framer. If the piece will be displayed in a well-lit room, consider non-reflective glass to minimise glare.

If you decide that a framed print is your preference, I recommend adding a border between the frame and the photo to provide space which allows the image to "breathe". All my photography is printed with a border for this very reason.

Interior Designer Tips

Interior designers approach art selection with an emphasis on harmony, scale, and cohesion in the overall design. One of their first key tips would be to complement the room’s colour palette. Match or contrast colours by choosing photography that either complements the dominant colours in the room or provides a contrasting accent to stand out. In spaces with neutral tones, a vibrant photograph can become a focal point. In more colourful rooms, a pastel toned or black-and-white image may add a sophisticated touch.

Interior designers also consider the mood and context of a space. For a home, designers might suggest calming landscapes or serene abstracts to create a relaxing environment. For example, a living room may suit a large statement piece over a sofa. A bedroom would typically suit calming, nature-filled scenes, to evoke relaxation. A hallway may suit a collection of smaller prints to create a gallery wall that welcomes guests into your home. In professional settings like office spaces, photography can be motivational or reflective for a creative workspace. Hotels and restaurants often benefit from photography that ties into their branding and/or local surroundings, such as regional landscapes or cultural themes.

Practical tips for buyers

Start with budget considerations. High-quality photography can be a great investment, but prices can vary based on the artist's reputation, the size of the print, and the medium it is printed on (e.g., canvas, or paper). Another important determinant of the price is the quality of production. For example, I sell “fine art prints” which refers to the fact that they are all printed on the highest quality acid-free fine art photographic paper, using the finest quality pigment inks, on a specialised high resolution inkjet printer to ensure an archival quality print rated to last at least 80 years.

Decide on a budget before browsing, and remember that you can start small and build a collection over time.

Proper lighting can enhance the impact of a photograph. If the space lacks natural light, consider adding spotlighting or picture lights to highlight the artwork.

In some settings, such as hospitality or office environments, consider rotating art to keep the space fresh. This allows you to showcase different pieces throughout the year or to reflect seasonal changes.

My Collection-Specific Tips

At johnaustin.ie, I offer a number of fine art photography collections that capture the world in a unique and timeless way. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home, office, or hospitality space, my photography brings the beautiful outside world into your life.

Browse my collections to find the perfect piece for your space today.

Irish Landscape Photography: Ideal for buyers looking to bring a sense of tranquility and connection to nature and Ireland into their space. Pair these works with rooms featuring natural tones and textures for a cohesive look.

Urban and Street Photography: Best suited for modern or industrial-style interiors. These dynamic images bring energy and movement into a room, often working well in offices or creative spaces.

Abstract Photography: For minimalist or contemporary interiors, abstract photography adds a layer of intrigue and sophistication. These pieces work well in spaces with clean lines and neutral colour palettes, allowing the abstract forms to take centre stage.

Buying Photography for Someone Else

If you are buying photography as a gift for a friend or loved one, unless you know them really well with regard to the buying tips above, it may be best to purchase a gift voucher instead and allow them to decide which piece would suit their space best. Gift vouchers are available to purchase on johnaustin.ie

In Conclusion

Investing in fine art photography is a personal and meaningful decision. By combining your own preferences with some interior design principles, you can find a piece that enhances your space and brings joy for years to come.

That’s it for this update. I’ll be posting again soon with new additions to my Fine Art Photography Collections and other news.

If you want to be the first to know, please subscribe to my newsletter below and feel free to pass along to any friends or family members that you think may be interested in my photographic adventures.

Cheers

John in handwriting
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