Digital BW, The Print

A more in depth writing on the subject is here-
http://www.brooksjensenarts.com/catalog01.htm#editions

I have a great deal of respect for Brooks as not only a voice for high
standards and integrity in photography, but as an artist.
I do however take very slight issue with him about this. I agree with
everything he has to say in the above link, but think the more
simplified pdf makes some assumptions that are not always in play.
I've taken the position that it is possible to work with those whose
interest is primarily sales, and still not fall into a practice that I
would consider misleading.
In other words, because someone does limited editions does not
necessarily mean they are strategically creating artificial scarcity
(to paraphrase Brooks).
We all have to pick our battles, it's an age of compromise unless you
are independently wealthy. I am arrogant enough to think my work has
something to offer and want it to be seen. If I were choosing to take
the highest possible road artistically, I'd make every decision about
it without compromise and I would die with it all in boxes under the
bed in my trailer house. There are those who can do that, I am not one.
Since I came up against this issue time and time again with
gallery/sales people, in fact some were insistent, I decided I would
meet them part way. I pick a high number, I will probably never make
that many prints of a given image in my lifetime, and would be sick of
it if I did. That way, they are numbered, dated etc.., and if some
buyer needs the comfort and chooses to see it as such, limited. Not
terribly different from simple numbering. I know people that literally
do 5, with extraordinary high prices, this is very different.
The roll between artists and sales entities is adversarial enough, and
I need to find ways for us to work together. They don't seem to be
backing down on this issue, so this is what I've settle on for now.
I can't say I'm 100% comfortable with it, but as I said, we have to
pick our battles.
It's hard enough trying to get anyone to look at landscape work these
days...
Your comments are welcome,
Tyler

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton Jones"
<cj@...> wrote:
>
> Hello All,
> 
> The most eloquent statement on this subject that I've ever read is by
> Brooks Jenson, editor of Lenswork magazine.  Here's a link to it
> 
>  http://artshowphoto.com/pages/whatsizetheedition.htm
> 
> 
> You can also download it in pdf form from this page on his web site
> 
>  http://www.brooksjensenarts.com/catalog01.htm
> 
> 
> I know many long-timers are familiar with it, but it's worth
> mentioning now and then for the benefit of any readers who haven't
> seen it.  I reread it now and then and always gain new insights.  
> 
> IMO, it is one of the more significant contributions he has made to to
> the world of Fine Art BW Photography.
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
>