Market Information

There are multiple sources of photographic art, falling into one of two general distinctions - primary and secondary markets. There will be some cross-over, but you get the picture.

Primary markets are generally the only sources for work by active photographers. They include galleries, dealers, and at times the artists themselves.

Secondary markets are generally the only sources of works by deceased or inactive photographers. Generally, you will not find works by active photographers on the secondary market. The secondary market includes auction houses, galleries, and private dealers. To say that The Ansel Adams Gallery is an active secondary market for work by Ansel Adams is to say that we regularly buy, sell, and consign his work.

There are advantages and disadvantages to working with each market type.

Auction houses can be sources of good deals and unusual prints. There can also be an 'excess of testosterone' and bidding wars that take prices well beyond expectation. As a collector, you do not know what you will get nor at what price you may get it. All auction houses sell 'as is', and all sales are final. This matters if you are not 'market savvy' or have not inspected the print. Caveat emptor. That said, auctions are excellent places to get a hands-on experience in inspecting many photographs by well established artists at one time.

Galleries and dealers have similar market roles and features, the differences relate primarily to accessibility and awareness.

The following comments refer specifically to The Ansel Adams Gallery, other galleries and dealers may have different policies. We guarantee that all of the work sold is in either excellent or pristine condition (There are sometimes exceptions, noted in writing, for a particularly important or special photograph by Ansel Adams). We inspect each work, and if it doesn't meet our rigorous standards, it is returned to the artist for repair or replacement. Works by Ansel Adams may be taken to a conservator for restoration. Photographs may be returned to the gallery within 10 days of purchase. The prices are fair and fixed. Our unique history makes us responsive to both the artist and the collector. The fact that we are in business after 100 years suggests it's a good way of doing things.

We recently introduced a Certificate of Authenticity system for the Ansel Adams photographs we sell. This is a two part system that is securely tied to a single photograph.