5 Things You Need to Know Before Investing in A Fine Art Nature Photographic Print

When you invest into a fine art nature photography print, there are a few things you should know beforehand. In order to make the best decision for your needs, it's important to understand the different types of prints available, as well as the care and maintenance required to keep them looking their best. Here are five things you should consider before making your purchase.

Ribbons of Serenity

A serene morning in autumn at Mossbrae Falls, in Dunsmuir, California.

1. What is a fine art landscape photograph, and what makes it different from other types of photography?

A fine art landscape photograph captures the beauty of the natural world in an aesthetically pleasing way. This type of photography often emphasizes light and color, and it may use various techniques to create a sense of depth and texture. The goal of a fine art landscape photograph is to evoke an emotional response in the viewer, rather than simply to document a scene. As such, these photographs are often highly stylized and beautiful, and they can be found hanging in art galleries and homes around the world. While there are many different types of photography, fine art landscape photographs are truly unique works of art.

2. Limited Edition or Open Edition?

Ooooo, tough question! It really depends on what you're looking for in a print. If you want something that's unique and will stand out from the rest, then a Limited Edition print is the way to go. But if you're not too fussy about owning a piece that is only restricted to a hundred editions, then an Open Edition print is probably just fine. Of course, there's also the price to consider. My Limited Edition prints increase in price with every 10 that are sold, as they become more scarce (They are limited to editions of 100). If you're on a budget, an Open Edition print might be the better choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Just choose the print that speaks to you and you'll be happy with your decision.

Fall into Shasta's Splendor

Mount Shasta in autumn during a spectacular sunset in Northern California.

Strict Production Limit of 100 Editions.

3. What medium should you use? Should you frame it?

With all the different options for fine art photography mediums, it can be tough to decide which is best. If you're looking for a classic look, paper is always a good choice. If you're choosing this for the cost savings, however, make sure you budget for the frame as well. Canvas is the most economical option, as it's a cheaper medium that doesn't require a frame. Canvas gives more of a painted look to the print. For something more modern, metal can add an interesting pop of vibrance. And if you want your photograph to really stand out, consider printing it on Lumachrome TruLife. If you want more information on the different medium types, check out my blog post on them. As for framing, that's entirely up to you! If you want your photograph to blend in with your home décor, choose a frame that compliments the colors in the photo. If you want it to be the star of the show, go for a bolder frame. Ultimately, the decision of how to print and frame your photograph is up to you!

4. Where and How Big?

So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a fine art print. But now you're faced with a new conundrum: where should you put it? And more importantly, how big should it be?

First things first, you'll want to avoid hanging your print in direct sunlight. The sun's ultraviolet rays can damage the pigments in the paper, causing it to fade over time. Instead, choose a location that receives indirect or diffused light. This will help to protect your print from UV damage and keep it looking vibrant for years to come.

The Majestic Three

The Three Brothers at sunrise after a fresh snow in Yosemite National Park, California.

Another important aspect of choosing the right print for your home is making sure that it is properly sized for the space. If you choose a print that is too small, it will get lost on the wall and look out of proportion. On the other hand, if you choose a print that is too large, it can overwhelm the space or wall and make the room feel cluttered. So how do you know what size to choose?

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the right size print. First, consider the scale of the room. A large print will look out of place in a small room, while a small print can get lost in a large room. Second, think about the wall space you have available. If you have a lot of empty wall space, you can go bigger with your print. But if you have limited wall space, you'll need to be more selective about the size of the print. Finally, take into account the furniture in the room. You don't want your print to be so big that it dwarfs the furniture, or so small that it gets lost among larger pieces. For those wall spaces that don't have any furniture around them (And for some that do), I usually size a print for 65-75% of the available wall space.

Tahoe in Paradise

Paradise Lake in Magalia, California, revitalized by a fresh winter storm.

5. How to care for your fine art photographic print.

As any photographer knows, a fine art photographic print is a delicate thing. Not only is it sensitive to light and heat, but it can also be damaged by dirt and fingerprints over time. That's why it's important to know how to properly care for a fine art photographic print. The first step is to gently clean it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. This will remove any dust or dirt that could potentially damage or scratch the print. If there are any harder to clean spots, you can use a small amount of water applied to the microfiber cloth. If all else fails, you can try using a cleaner such as ammonia-free Windex, applying it to the cloth also. Just be sure to use it sparingly, a little at a time. With a little bit of care, you can keep your fine art photographic print looking its best for years to come.

Now that you know the basics of buying fine art nature photography, it's time to take the plunge and purchase that perfect print for your home. But before you do, be sure to keep these five things in mind. With a little bit of research and consideration, you're sure to find the perfect print for your space. And once you do, you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come. Thanks for reading!


I hope this article helps guide you through your art purchase. If you have further questions, please reach out and connect with me directly through my website.