Over the years I have taken a few pictures that I think at least approach being art. I sometimes think about giving framed copies as gifts (I've shared most of the pics that would be candidates on this forum) but then I start to wonder if that isn't just ego run amok. Does anyone else have a similar quandary.
My wife gave her nephew one of my images in a frame as a gift.
I've given a few as gifts.
I donated a bunch matted to our high school reunion committee fundraiser many times. All well received by the recipients. (One said she'll have to re-do her bathroom around the prints now, she wound up with two.)
The people who run the cabins in Maine where we regularly stay were elated with a bunch of matted Acadia shots that I sent them as a thank you gift.
I gave a matted framed Maine image to my oncologist as a thank you, she has it hanging in her office.
We don't gift them on a regular basis though.
I have gotten quite a few framed art works as gifts from friends - pen and ink, etchings, lithos, no photos, Coals to Newcastle factor. The gifts are hung and enjoyed every day. Ex to another photographer, though I have given downloadable images on request, I think a nicely framed photo is an excellent gift, esp with the cost of framing!
I wouldn't hesitate. Sharing should be part of gift giving after all. This year I gifted a picture of downtown Pittsburgh to a daughter living in Arizona and another of the family from the last Christmas we were all together. They have some meaning (hopefuly) to the recipient.
You are too close to your own work to judge its value.
You can gain some insight by reviewing the work you did several years ago. You may surprise yourself by its quality. The appreciating eyes of others will tell you something, too.
Thank anybody who praises your work.
Give your photography your best effort. It will show.
The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre claimed he had no ego. Then how did pleasure reach him in this state? Be thankful if you possess a modest ego. It helps to organize your personality.
axiesdad wrote:
Over the years I have taken a few pictures that I think at least approach being art. I sometimes think about giving framed copies as gifts (I've shared most of the pics that would be candidates on this forum) but then I start to wonder if that isn't just ego run amok. Does anyone else have a similar quandary.
anotherview wrote:
You are too close to your own work to judge its value.
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Haha - That's why I ask my wife what she thinks.
Oh, my boss where I used to work has a lighthouse triptych I gave him hanging in his lobby.
anotherview wrote:
You are too close to your own work to judge its value.
You can gain some insight by reviewing the work you did several years ago. You may surprise yourself by its quality. The appreciating eyes of others will tell you something, too.
Thank anybody who praises your work.
Give your photography your best effort. It will show.
The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre claimed he had no ego. Then how did pleasure reach him in this state? Be thankful if you possess a modest ego. It helps to organize your personality.
You are too close to your own work to judge its va... (
show quote)
Convoluted answer to a simple question. California dreaming and the skies are gray....
It's a kind of tribute to your work if another hangs your photograph where others see it. When I had a home studio, I practiced my flash lighting on the youngsters of a local family. The mother liked my work so much, she made a shrine to her children using my photographs. Money and fame cannot buy that kind of social recognition.
Longshadow wrote:
Haha - That's why I ask my wife what she thinks.
Oh, my boss where I used to work has a triptych I gave him hanging in his lobby.
anotherview wrote:
It's a kind of tribute to your work if another hangs your photograph where others see it. When I had a home studio, I practiced my flash lighting on the youngsters of a local family. The mother liked my work so much, she made a shrine to her children using my photographs. Money and fame cannot buy that kind of social recognition.
Kinda make you feel like you're doing something right.
Thanks, Everyone, for your input. I'm still not sure what I'll do, but I do feel encouraged by your comments.
My feeling is that would be an appropriate gift if you think (or know) the recipient will like or appreciate the photo. For example, if you KNOW that they admire your photos, or the subject is especially important to them.
Oh, yes, give your own photographs does stroke the ego. But I reality check myself with others, and I don't do it that often.
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