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Dec 20, 2022 I did not start out to be a fine art photographer or a fine art anything. I was a working Mom, raising three children, and I took pictures (I wasn't making them at this point) to document my kids growing up and to preserve our precious family memories. I captured a lot of crazy childhood stunts, touching and sometimes tearful moments that narrated our family journey. I still take family pictures, but today's images include my kids and their kids. My near hyper-active interest in family photography caught the attention of close friends with photographic skills several pay grades past mine, and they invited me to a South County Photo Club meeting https://southcountyphotoclub.com/ . I had no idea what to expect, but within 30 minutes, I was stunned at the member's enthusiasm and the amazing pictures these club photographers shared. "How do they do that," I asked myself, and I went home that night inspired and excited. I wanted to do what they were doing. I needed to make, not take, better pictures, and I joined the next week. An Art Photography Journey Begins I attended more meetings and teaching sessions, and gradually, my pictures became more than casual snapshots. I was developing a sense of timing, finding visual narratives, and displaying a personal expression. Technical flaws melted away as I learned more and upgraded my gear. I was pleased with my learning journey, but then my journey took another turn. Landscape photographer and friend Martha Hernandez convinced me to attend a National Park Photography Expedition (NPPE) Masterclass www.nppemasterclass.com . Through this experience and ten more of their workshops, I learned creative camera skills, advanced post-production techniques, and the world of landscape art photography. NPPE also offered me a mentorship in art photography with an emphasis on interpretive landscape. The program is similar to a low residency MFA with hands-on instruction, and that helped me to see and create images that were a vision beyond documentation. Wahoo! Somebody Buys My Art Photography Prints I began to submit my work for publication, and I was a bit shocked and, of course, delighted that editors were selecting my western landscape images for their websites and magazines. Then through social media, people contacted me to buy my art photography prints. It was exhilarating and a confidence builder to make a first sale, which encouraged me to try other opportunities. Thus, I made an application to The Festival of the Arts https://bit.ly/3ix6zfq , a prestigious art festival in Laguna, California. After weeks of nervous waiting, I got the jury notice that my work would be in the 2022 summer festival. It was a week before family and friends could peel me off the ceiling as I was rocked at being selected, and then I got busy. The workload of planning, printing, framing, and a million other promotional tasks came at me with hurricane force, but the Festival team, photography friends, and my mentor gurus jumped in to help this novice artist. I got 'it' done, and the Lynn Beeler Fine Art Photography Exhibit went live on opening night. The Learning Space For me, participation in a major fine art festival meant that other professionals and customers believed in my art photography, and I sold my art prints. But my exhibit area was also a learning space, a real-time classroom, and visitors to my booth would talk about how they felt about art and the personal impact new pieces would have on the walls of their homes, offices, and hospitality spaces. Through these informal talks, I learned that home art buyers consider two things: decoration and inspiration. More importantly, I realized that while I create and love the work I make, I am also making art prints not for everyone but for anyone with whom I share things in common. The Journey Continues Family picture-taking is still a big part of my life, but I constantly explore new themes, ideas, and techniques to create landscape art and still-life work in my north light studio. I make art for me, but I also hear the back-of-mind whisper that my art photography prints can positively impact those who find appreciation in the beauty that abounds in the world around us. To the extent that people wish to purchase my work, I hope they do so for the inspiration they find and the joy of owning art pieces that will celebrate how they feel about where they live and work. Onward!

April 10, 2023 Hello, friends and art photography collectors, In today's post, we will delve into the world of fine art photography and how you can bring a touch of age and sophistication into your home and office spaces. After all, it's spring, our hillsides have turned green, birds are chirping and the warm sunshine motivates us to spruce up our home and office So, with a little know-how, you, too, can curate a breathtaking collection of captivating images that will enrich your everyday life and fill your home and office with spirit and interest. Let's get started. Step 1: Learning Your Style First things first, let's explore your taste in fine art photography. Here are a few tips to get your creative juices flowing. Visit local galleries and museums to acquaint yourself with various styles and artists. Browse online photography gallery websites. Consult interior design magazines and websites for inspiration on incorporating fine art photography into your home decor. Review my collections to discover creative art online that explores the truth and beauty of life and the world around us. Windows and Doors Sunrise Floral Western Wanderings 2 Step 2: Setting a Budget No need to break the bank when purchasing fine art photography prints! Consider these factors when setting your budget: How much are you willing to invest in a single piece or collection? Excellent art prints come in various sizes and editions, which govern their offered price. On my site, we offer many attractive options for all budgets. What is the potential resale value of the photographic artwork? It's hard to predict these numbers, but some things to consider are the size of the artist's edition and image popularity. Most of my collectors can insure their work with an appraised initial investment value. Will you require professional framing and installation? Art prints are normally framed, but there is a movement to purchase acrylic or metal-mounted art prints. These require no framing. Step 3: Purchasing Your Masterpieces Now that you've found your style and set a budget, it's time to start building your collection. Here are some pointers for purchasing fine art photography: Buy from reputable galleries, online retailers, or directly from the artist. In today's art décor market, more home and office décor buyers buy art directly from the artist. There are some economic advantages, but building a relationship with the creator of your work is a great way to follow their future work and keep abreast of your art values. Request a certificate of authenticity (COA) to ensure the value of your investment. I am California based artist, and COAs are required by law on all collectibles over $100.00. Consider limited edition prints or signed works to add exclusivity to your collection. I think this is important because limited edition prints generally have a higher long-term value, and signatures are a must on most works and provenance information which tells you how and when the artwork was created. Step 4: Framing and Displaying Your Art With your stunning pieces in hand, its time to showcase them! Follow these guidelines to create an eye-catching display: Select high-quality, UV-resistant glass and acid-free matting to protect your photographs from fading and discoloration. Choose frames that complement both the artwork and your interior design. Position your fine art photography at eye level and avoid direct sunlight or harsh lighting that could damage the prints. Create a dynamic arrangement by mixing different sizes and orientations (landscape, portrait, and square). Step 5: Mixing It Up Don't be afraid to mix and match! Fine art photography can coexist beautifully with other forms of art in your home or office: Pair black-and-white photographs with colorful paintings for a bold, striking contrast. Combine various art forms like sculpture and textiles to create a diverse and engaging visual experience. Use thematic or color connections to unify your collection and create a cohesive design. Conclusion: There you have it—a simple yet elegant guide to purchasing and displaying fine art photography in your home and office. Remember, the most important aspect of collecting art is to choose pieces that resonate with your heart and bring joy to your life. Now, it's time for you to embark on your own artistic adventure and create a picture-perfect space that truly reflects your unique style. Lynn Beeler lives in Yorba Linda, CA, and wanders the American Landscape in search of imagery that connects with her sense of aesthetics and place. She works with high-resolution cameras and creative post-production tools to extend her artwork's emotional range and purpose. Lynn graduated from the National Park Photography Exhibition Masterclass program and completed the NPPE Master's study Mentorship in 2021. Her work will be featured in the Laguna Pageant of the Master's Festival of the Arts from July 5 to September 1st. You can see her portfolios at www.lynnbeeler.com , and her work often appears in art magazines that collectors and art décor directors follow.