I got up at sunrise yesterday to take this photo, and posted it later in the morning. I am surprised (happily) by the response I’ve gotten to it. A couple of hundred people have now contacted me to tell me they love the photo, and when I get a response like that, I put the photo up for sale.
I do this in part to make money, of course, but also to make sure that people who love my photos get a chance to have one printed on great ragg paper and signed. I price it as low as I can without reducing the quality, it’s $125 unframed and signed, plus shipping.
My printer, the very accomplished Image Loft in Manchester,Vt., prints them very lovingly and carefully makes them as perfect as they can be. I love the work they do.
This is a good way for me to sell my photos, it took years to figure it out. Maria puts the photos up on her Etsy Shop, and I only order prints to meet the demand.
So far, and as of 8 p.m. Sunday, nine people have purchased a print, a lot for a photographer these day. Etsy says a whole bunch put it in their carts while they think about it. That’s great for an art print photograph, first day. Thank you.
Maria says she is selling 20 prints in this Etsy offering, there are 11 left. It’s not a limited edition, we can print more if there are more orders. (It will take about two weeks to get the prints, package them and have them delivered.)
This system works, it took me long enough.
Maria puts it up on her Etsy Shop, which makes it easy for her. People who love a photo can get it, and I can recoup the printing costs and some money to help pay for the equipment.
I believe this is the most loved photograph I have taken in some years, including the famous Heron In The Pond from last year, if you don’t count the birth or death of animals.
It’s interesting, when people like a photo they tend to tell me it’s the best photo I’ve ever taken. I couldn’t possibly gauge the best photo I’ve taken, I’ve taken nearly 50,000 pictures since I became a photographer, about nine years ago.
For most people, the best photo is one that touches them deeply, that’s what I try to with my photographs, especially when I see a sunrise like this one.
I love this photo, but honestly, I’m not sure why it has struck such a deep nerve. I know from past experience that lots of people say they want to buy a photo, but when reality sets in – cost, bank account, etc. – very few actually do.
I understand that, the impulse is flattering and means a lot.
The praise matters.
And some people really do want to buy this photo which tells me it does have power and meaning. I keep my photo prices as low as they can get for a quality art printing job. The glossy stuff they sell online is just not good enough for me and my photos, they are my angels heading out into the world.
The quality of printing really matters in a photo like, I don’t want anyone thinking or feeling the photograph was just what they were expecting.
l’d love to know more about why this photograph has struck such a deep chord, feel free to comment right her on the blog or on my Facebook Page.
Jon, it’s hard to explain the attraction of this photo, but it is gorgeous! It’s almost an “eery ironic joy”: middle of December…the sun is breaking through the early morning mist and shining invitingly on your gem-stone path as if defying the little pile of leftover snow,,,the trees are waving their “arms” up in greeting toward the sun and disintegrating clouds…I love it! I just want to jump into the photo, walk down the path and welcome the day on your Muskoka (Adirondack) chair!
Wish I could afford a copy of your photo, but it’s nice to know I can still order one in the future.
Fran
Thanks Fran…
Your beautiful picture tells a beautiful story. The story can be whatever the viewer sees. To me, that is what makes art, visual or written. Each person responds in their own way as a result of their own experiences. I have never relied on art critics or book reviews to interpret what I see.
I love that there are two chairs but that the chairs do not mirror each other. Each chair is its own identity. I could hear the wind chimes gently tinkling. The implements leaning against the tree speak to me. But the trees grab my soul. They are untouched, growing according to water and light and the whims of wind and storm. They have not been pruned or trimmed or tidied; they are real. The stepping stones lead the eye and mind to the fence and gate which seem to beckon the mind to possibilities beyond the moment. And I’m thinking there is something magical on the tree topped hill in the distance. There is beautiful life in this picture.
Thank you for sharing it and offering it.
Yes, I agree it is soul grabbing. There is something about paths like that in nature. We are all on our soul paths and we are all connected to Mother Earth. Perhaps it reminds us somewhere very deep within what the path to the Divine is, so it is calming and peaceful in our heart and soul.
Thanks, the photo is for sale, for $125, you can see it on Maria’ Etsy Shop, fullmoonfiberart..thanks for the good words..
There is mystery to it. A kind of tribute to the unknown. There is promise to it. A promise of a new day and the triumph of light over darkness. The path leads you into the unknown and reassures that the journey will be an awakening
This photo has a textural beauty to it that made me just say Oh God. And that’s it – I feel like God is the sun, and will just keep rising, no matter what we humans do.
For me, it is mysterious and inspiring. I love it.
Jon, by George, I think I’ve got it!
Your photo looks like this anteroom before you stride into a frigid, bleak expanse of Winter. It gives you a transient energy and the days feel very fleeting as if you have to hurry up and finish whatever you’ve started. 🙂
Fran
The Great Mystery so many are drawn to in this photo perhaps.
I’m so grateful I purchased the Heron picture. Right before I moved to a new home state after 64 years where we have creeks everywhere and herons bless us with their presence.
I don’t know if it’s the lens you used, or the fog. This has an aura of mystery to me. The first thing my eyes focused on was the path. I saw the chairs, the fence and the gate and want to run out to explore what isn’t in the photo – with a safe place to come back to.
Jon, I also love this photo. I think it speaks of the hope of a new day, the sun rising in the mist, and invites the viewer to come on in and sit awhile and be present.