With some trepidation (I'm a curious case...I'm quite self-centered, but not egotistical at all—so much so that the empty space where my ego should be can be a problem for me at times), I've decided to have a "minor" print sale of a picture by a photographer who definitely isn't collectible...(long pause)...me.
It will be for a signed print of "Color Picture" made by Digital Silver Imaging (DSI) in Boston. So it's a digital picture printed on traditional black-and-white silver gelatin fiber-base paper.
I have to admit this is not something I would probably normally do. If you've been reading TOP for a while, it's probably pretty clear to you that I don't use this site to glorify or publicize my own work, or try to make myself seem like an important photographer when I'm not. But then again...I figure if I can sell 18 prints, I can cover the cost of Lulu's operation (she's still recuperating, if you're curious—bored and mournful from being kept cooped up all the time), and if I can sell 36 of them, I can cover that and the cost of the next operation too, the one she's going to need on her right hind leg at some point in the future. As a bonus, another six prints after that will cover the cost of the ventilation system for the darkroom. (Maybe I shouldn't mention that, lest it be a disincentive for those who are hostile to darkrooms. Oh, well.)
For those of you who followed the arguments a few weeks ago about limited editions (here and here), I've devised another little twist to this sale, to follow the layers already discussed. I'll tell you about that when the sale is announced.
By the way, despite the long period of silence recently when it comes to Print Offers, I've been very busy with it behind the scenes. I cast about twenty lines in the water, got six (maybe seven) bites, and hooked (hmm, this metaphor is working less well the further it goes along, isn't it?) two beauties, at least tentatively. The trouble is, neither party was free to do it this Spring. We will have some great ones coming up, though.
Mike
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Original contents copyright 2011 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved.
So those last two would be the fish that got away? But honest they were thiiiiiiiiiiis big! ;-)
Posted by: Nathan DeGargoyle | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 06:21 PM
I'm in. I already have one MJ in my collection. Why not two? My best to LuLu. Dogs are worth every penny.
Posted by: Christopher Lane | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 06:38 PM
Dear Mike,
Well, it's damn well about time!
So, how soon?!
My checkbook throbs with anticipation (ahem).
pax / Ctein
Posted by: ctein | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 06:58 PM
As long as the price is what is reasonable for me, I'd go for it. Is it feasible for you to incorporate some additional method of payment? Like Google or Amazon? I've run up against a Paypal limit where they require a US bank account (something I don't have).
Posted by: Nikhil Ramkarran | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 07:24 PM
Mike, I'll bite! (whoops!)
In the mean time, why not put a few of your photos up on the web? Would love to see them.
Posted by: Tony Rowlett | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 07:25 PM
So, they'll be a numbered edition of only 50? :)
Posted by: Al Benas | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 08:50 PM
Not "collectable"? I disagree. I'd like a print of that picture. It seems to have a nice dose of that tonality you mention from time to time.
Posted by: Charles Hueter | Thursday, 16 June 2011 at 10:13 PM
Mike, The one I really liked of yours was the road with snow over the ground, just in case you want an option for your avid readers.
Posted by: Peter | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 12:31 AM
An original Johnston has to be collectible, sign me up
Posted by: Marcus | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 05:46 AM
Mike,
If you did a print run for yourself yearly I'd like to think there would be enough interest. My only worry is that you'd be so busy doing orders we'd be starved for words.
Cheers,
N
Posted by: Nigel | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 06:27 AM
I'm totally on board with this too. Aside from supporting TOP the physical medium of the print sounds intriguing.
Posted by: Peter | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 07:52 AM
Mike,
count me in for at least one, two if I can stretch the budget.
And maybe, the Silver Fairy Godmother willing, you shall have a darkroom.
Posted by: RobG | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 09:01 AM
I think your doing a print sale is a good idea--but I think you knew that. ;-)
BTW, I agree with Peter. Given a choice I would choose the photo you took of the road winding through the snow-covered trees. But that's just me. You should offer whatever you want to offer.
Posted by: Gordon Lewis | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 11:44 AM
"Given a choice I would choose the photo you took of the road winding through the snow-covered trees."
But...we already had that print offer....
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 02:04 PM
I'll definitely get one.
Posted by: Avi Joshi | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 05:39 PM
Given that we are all invested in the story of Lulu now, why not offer a print of this She Shall Rise Again hound? I'd sign up for that.
Posted by: Harriet Rubin | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 06:19 PM
I think you will discover that you have way more than 18 fans.
Posted by: Robin Dreyer | Friday, 17 June 2011 at 07:52 PM
My girl, Skylar, wants one! She is 8 years old and already has cancer. We're ready.
Posted by: malcolm | Saturday, 18 June 2011 at 01:02 AM
Good Idea Mike,but I'd rethink the choice of print if I were you.
It just doesn't do it for me I'm afraid,sorry about that others may like it,but not for me.
Michael
Posted by: Michael Roche | Saturday, 18 June 2011 at 01:11 PM
As a supporter of dogs and darkrooms everywhere I'd certainly like to own an MJ 'original'.
The inkjet print you made of 'Migrant Mother' from the LoC collection a few years back still hangs in my studio.
Posted by: Roy Hammans | Monday, 20 June 2011 at 04:16 PM