I think I will make limited editions of one print and start at, oh $10,000
Posted by Lance Burch on March 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I have some pics that people should pay me a million to never print.
I have been to his studio in Aspen. I think his photo's are great but I think his marketing and self promotion are better (that's not a dig). I think he even convinced someone to create a reality show about him. Pretty interesting character
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 12, 2011 at 11:14 AM
I like a lot of his work, but I also think his self promotion is well....how do I say this without sounding too bad??? Maybe over the top BS??
I have read several articles on this shot already that say this is hype and he really didn't make this amount, but about half this amount (which is still great...but still BS). Plus, his line when asked about this, that he snapped just one shot of it (cough)...really? And then the scene disappeared with the breeze??? So now a breeze makes the scene change?? Really???
I guess everyone knows where I stand. But, I really do like some of his stuff.
An above average photographer with a lead foot on the saturation pedal, an out-sized ego, and self-promotion skills to match. He has a TV show coming to The Weather Channel. I think I'll be watching Iron Chef that night... or maybe go take "one" image.
Posted by Chris Rice on March 12, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Because its art. Lots of fine art sells for more than 1 million dollars. Photography is still art, isn't it guys?
Wanted to add one more thing... if you really reallt want it, go GET it. Unfortunately this stuff doesn't sell itself.
Posted by Pam Colander on March 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM
This came up a while ago...Pppppphhhhffftttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Tom Stermitz on March 12, 2011 at 12:52 PM
That is certainly a pretty picture.
A common criticism of photography is that anybody can do it and it is mere technology recording a scene rather than art. This view devalues photography, doesn't it? I'm not sure we on this forum should buy into that line of thinking.
First million dollar sale I make, I'll take y'all out to a party.
It is a very pretty photo. The abstractness of it appears like an oil painting to me.
Tom is right to some degree. Anybody can do anything if they put their mind to it - paint, sculpt, weld, draw and even make a photograph. However it does take a keen eye and the understanding of light in order to make a compelling photograph IMO. The harsh reality today is the facilitation of photography - the digital age, that makes many much more confident in their abilities. While this is all great for those learning the art, I can understand why it may be frustrating to the veterans.
I am often flustered by comments people make about established and successful photographers. Yes we've all been there and done it, where we bash those who are making a living, because of course we would want that life. The reality of it is, they went and made it happen - they spent many years and TONS of money to market themselves by attending art fairs, gallery showings, having books published, etc.... It just doesn't happen overnight, and I often think some folks believe that it will.
Anyway, thats my 2 cents on the day, off to see the wizard...
For one million, I want the slide or raw file, too, thank you!
Posted by Scott Fricke on March 12, 2011 at 5:09 PM
I saw his gallery in Waikiki last fall, some very nice images (yes he likes saturation). Just goes to show you, you need business and marketing skills as well as photographic talent. And he must have a lot of marketing talent to sell that for $1 million, but all the power to him for being able to do it.
Whatever - I'm happy anytime photography is viewed as fine art and he can make whatever he wants. I don't care. Where's conservation in the work? To have his platform and clintele with zero conservation is.... (fill in the blank). Then he ripped off part of Art Wolfe's TV show name for his new Weather Channel gig...
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 12, 2011 at 7:36 PM
...according to Wikipedia, Lik has sold over $150 million in limited edition prints to date.
Must be nice to be able to edit your own Wiki page.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 12, 2011 at 9:57 PM
I'm somewhat skeptical about this being a "real" transaction, vs a PR stunt. But if he did find someone to pay that much, then I congratulate him on his marketing and salesmanship.
I'll be waiting to hear how much return this buyer gets from his astute "investment".
Posted by Kurt Bowman on March 12, 2011 at 9:59 PM
I am often flustered by comments people make about established and successful photographers. Yes we've all been there and done it, where we bash those who are making a living, because of course we would want that life. The reality of it is, they went and made it happen - they spent many years and TONS of money to market themselves by attending art fairs, gallery showings, having books published, etc.... It just doesn't happen overnight, and I often think some folks believe that it will.
I can't speak for others, but this wasn't the reason I made the comments I made. Think you need to re-read my statement. I personally feel like he is full of (fill in the blank as Dave says). I don't mind successful people at all. I know many on here don't care much for John Fielder's work...but I personally think he is a marketing genius. I never bad mouthed him. I also think Thomas Magnuson's work is above average, but where he really excels is...he is a genius at marketing and god bless him for it...never bad mouthed him. I just don't like a liar and con artist and that is what Lik is to me.
Posted by Jack Garrett on March 12, 2011 at 10:16 PM
I'm going to start a blog soon and I've been doing a lot of reading on how to make it successful. Marketing does play a key part in it but you also need to have a good product in order to make the sale. I have to agree that Mr Lik has captured this scene beautifully...I love the colors and the abstract look. He has probably worked hard to market himself as well so I'm not being critical of that for sure. I'm gonna read up on photo marketing and I'll pass on any good info I find. There are some people on this forum that have unbelievably good images.
Posted by Art Escobado on March 13, 2011 at 12:16 PM
It's a nice image and the guy knows how to market - obviously it took a awhile to build up to this point - alot of people cry BS. I haven't read the back-story so I can't comment. One thing remains and looks to be a best practice in selling photography -descriptive, emotional, language accompanying the image. Describing what led to the shot and how the shot was made creates a powerful psychological response in people, especially if the image is good. Everyone here seems to know who he is and what he does. If I made a half mill on a shot by being an equally great writer as well as a great photographer, I'd be very pleased.
Posted by Chris Rice on March 13, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Kurt that wasn't directed at you, furthermore I'm not sure why Lik's actions would interfere with anyone's personal agendas on this board - I mean there's a reason why HE isn't a member of NPN, right? With anything, there are levels of success, its just how much success do you want is what makes the difference.
Unfortunately in business (and that what this all is), people lie, cheat, step on some toes and stab some backs in the process. It's total crap, but it happens every day. I'm sure Lik has had his fair share of these activities in order to excel. I suppose if any of us were in this position we'd be doing it the same way. Think of all the competition out there - how are YOU going to stand out in a huge sea of really talented and accomplished photographers?
Yes he is a marketing genius! I've watched a lot of his little videos and stuff. I used to think he was a total cheese blank. I still think he goes a bit far with the BS, but I also imagine if out in the field one on one with him, he would be a pretty fun and interesting guy to have as company. You can't fault someone for finding that formula for success.
As far as the million dollar image goes, it's a beautiful shot. But nothing better than countless images I've seen posted here and on NPN. It's a reflection shot. Anybody halfway competant with a camera that was there could have captured that shot. he was just the one who was there, and has the name recognition to demand a price. Now, whether the whole story is even true or not is a mystery. Just my opinion.
I don't begrudge anyone their success either. My impression of Lik's stuff from his Aspen gallery was that there was some real pretty shots, but ive seen much more impressive stuff from folks on NPN on an almost daily basis. I couldnt understand for example why he showcased (in Aspen) a shot of the Bells that looks like virtually every shot of the Bells i've seen on the web. Course, Lik obviously knows what sells, so maybe he has it figured out and im clueless. I just wasnt overly inspired by his work, with a few exceptions. The gallery lighting was amazing, that's for sure--his big prints just glow! I just don't understand why he and others like him rise to the top when I can think of three or four photogs from RMNP alone that are more deserving. Evidently personality, sound business decisions etc play a big role.
The photo in question is nice, but it's not particularly special. It would get about 24 comments in the Landscape Forum It's the standard fall foliage-reflected comp that has been done a zillion times before. I do think the white birch lines elevate it to a slightly better than average level, but anyone who bought this as an investment is likely to be dissapointed.
Posted by Robert Park on March 15, 2011 at 2:30 AM
An undisclosed recipient paid 1 million huh!
If I paid 1 million I would want to have full transparency to document the sale for future traceability and authentication at respected auction houses like Christies. The more publicity my million dollar print received the more valuable it would be.
Personally, I smell a ra....
Posted by Jack Brauer on March 15, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Good for Lik for marketing himself to the point where he can make a sale like that!
What I really wonder about is the buyer... talk about "hook, line, and sinker"... What a sucker. I mean, regardless of the quality of Lik's print, if you had million bucks to spend on photographic prints, think about what an incredible collection you could amass if you just put a bit more time and effort into it!
If I was going to spend a million dollars on a fine-art photograph, that photo would not have been it. It's a nice shot, and he's obviously talented and knows marketing, but I wouldn't pay a million for it. Heck, it's not a shot I would buy a print of period. It's a matter of personal taste of course, but there are thousands of shots I would rather have hangin on my wall than that one. And I don't think that fine-art prints shouldn't be sold for such obscene amounts of money, but I'd rather see a Guy Tal piece go for that much than the photo in question. Of course, if I took that photo, I would probably be quite proud of it...
Discussion
21 replieshttp://www.petapixel.com/2011/01/13/australian-landscape-photographer-peter-lik-sells-photo-for-1-million/
I think I will make limited editions of one print and start at, oh $10,000
I have been to his studio in Aspen. I think his photo's are great but I think his marketing and self promotion are better (that's not a dig). I think he even convinced someone to create a reality show about him. Pretty interesting character
I have read several articles on this shot already that say this is hype and he really didn't make this amount, but about half this amount (which is still great...but still BS). Plus, his line when asked about this, that he snapped just one shot of it (cough)...really? And then the scene disappeared with the breeze??? So now a breeze makes the scene change?? Really???
I guess everyone knows where I stand. But, I really do like some of his stuff.
Wanted to add one more thing... if you really reallt want it, go GET it. Unfortunately this stuff doesn't sell itself.
A common criticism of photography is that anybody can do it and it is mere technology recording a scene rather than art. This view devalues photography, doesn't it? I'm not sure we on this forum should buy into that line of thinking.
First million dollar sale I make, I'll take y'all out to a party.
Tom is right to some degree. Anybody can do anything if they put their mind to it - paint, sculpt, weld, draw and even make a photograph. However it does take a keen eye and the understanding of light in order to make a compelling photograph IMO. The harsh reality today is the facilitation of photography - the digital age, that makes many much more confident in their abilities. While this is all great for those learning the art, I can understand why it may be frustrating to the veterans.
I am often flustered by comments people make about established and successful photographers. Yes we've all been there and done it, where we bash those who are making a living, because of course we would want that life. The reality of it is, they went and made it happen - they spent many years and TONS of money to market themselves by attending art fairs, gallery showings, having books published, etc.... It just doesn't happen overnight, and I often think some folks believe that it will.
Anyway, thats my 2 cents on the day, off to see the wizard...
Oh, Tom - you're on buddy. Go make that sale!!
Must be nice to be able to edit your own Wiki page.
I'll be waiting to hear how much return this buyer gets from his astute "investment".
I can't speak for others, but this wasn't the reason I made the comments I made. Think you need to re-read my statement. I personally feel like he is full of (fill in the blank as Dave says). I don't mind successful people at all. I know many on here don't care much for John Fielder's work...but I personally think he is a marketing genius. I never bad mouthed him. I also think Thomas Magnuson's work is above average, but where he really excels is...he is a genius at marketing and god bless him for it...never bad mouthed him. I just don't like a liar and con artist and that is what Lik is to me.
Unfortunately in business (and that what this all is), people lie, cheat, step on some toes and stab some backs in the process. It's total crap, but it happens every day. I'm sure Lik has had his fair share of these activities in order to excel. I suppose if any of us were in this position we'd be doing it the same way. Think of all the competition out there - how are YOU going to stand out in a huge sea of really talented and accomplished photographers?
As far as the million dollar image goes, it's a beautiful shot. But nothing better than countless images I've seen posted here and on NPN. It's a reflection shot. Anybody halfway competant with a camera that was there could have captured that shot. he was just the one who was there, and has the name recognition to demand a price. Now, whether the whole story is even true or not is a mystery. Just my opinion.
Chris
I don't begrudge anyone their success either. My impression of Lik's stuff from his Aspen gallery was that there was some real pretty shots, but ive seen much more impressive stuff from folks on NPN on an almost daily basis. I couldnt understand for example why he showcased (in Aspen) a shot of the Bells that looks like virtually every shot of the Bells i've seen on the web. Course, Lik obviously knows what sells, so maybe he has it figured out and im clueless. I just wasnt overly inspired by his work, with a few exceptions. The gallery lighting was amazing, that's for sure--his big prints just glow! I just don't understand why he and others like him rise to the top when I can think of three or four photogs from RMNP alone that are more deserving. Evidently personality, sound business decisions etc play a big role.
The photo in question is nice, but it's not particularly special. It would get about 24 comments in the Landscape Forum
If I paid 1 million I would want to have full transparency to document the sale for future traceability and authentication at respected auction houses like Christies. The more publicity my million dollar print received the more valuable it would be.
Personally, I smell a ra....
What I really wonder about is the buyer... talk about "hook, line, and sinker"... What a sucker. I mean, regardless of the quality of Lik's print, if you had million bucks to spend on photographic prints, think about what an incredible collection you could amass if you just put a bit more time and effort into it!