Digital BW, The Print

Mark,  

  Here is a case where I completely disagree with you.  

  Quality products usually cost more. And quality providers generally offer some type of guarantee or warranty or commitment to quality.  The type of "warranty" I am speaking of reminds me more of a Mercedes than a Yugo. 

  If an artist sells a piece of artwork, that is what the buyer is buying.  The image, the form, the creativity expressed.  

  If there is any questions on the part of the buyer about longevity,  I think the photographer who does not "back up" his print (if sold as archival) is the one to suspect and not buy from. ON the other hand if a photographer told me he used the best, most expensive archival materials available (for the medium) and...AND...told me that he was satisfied that the print/image would last my lifetime...I would have increased confidence.  If this photographer also told me that if the image faded to oblivion (not necessarily the same as tone or color shift or even yellowing of paper in sunlight) and that he would replace the print for me during my lifetime...a lifetime warranty...I would have "no argument" and would buy the print with his assurance.  

  I cannot think of a better way to "warranty" the image/print than to offer to replace it if needed.  That is standing behind your work.  I see nothing "cheap suit" about that.  

  Of course the buyer should consider the source too.  If buying at a sidewalk art fair from a guy that looks "fly by night" I would not have a great sense of security.  IF on the other hand the photographer was an established professional (as you are) or a "local" artist, I would feel more secure in the transaction.  If the guy is traveling from town to town in a RV selling prints...it may be a harder  judgement call on the buyers part.

  Regards but Disagreement with your position. 

  Steadman

  Mark Wrote: (SNIP)


  The whole approach of upfront-offering them a free replacement 
  print just makes me weak in the knees. Somehow I feel like a 
  Yugo Dealer; "We build them out of aluminum cans, but we'll fix it 
  for free, EVERY single time it breaks!" That really inspires 
  confidence, huh...? Makes me wanna go shopping for a cheap 
  suit.

  -M.Tucker





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