It’s no surprise that I love photography, it was in fact one of the reasons I first started my blog; as a platform to show off my photography. When you combine photography or art with travel, it becomes an addictive pairing. My apartment is literally plastered in photos I’ve taken along my travels and pieces of artwork I’ve bought along the way. A painting from Indonesia and a little tile from Portugal are just some of the pieces of art I’ve brought home with me. Because I’ve spent so long overseas, taking photos and negotiating prices on artwork, I have a bit of advice I can offer. So if you want to learn how to acquire art paintings and photography, read on:
Photo Credit: ” I Found The Silence” by Martin Stranka on Saatchi Online
1) Learn to Haggle
Unless the price is marked in stone, then there’s probably some flexibility on it. As someone who comes from a country where price tags are as they are, and there’s no room to move, it was quite hard getting used to the process of haggling. The truth is, in a lot of third world countries, especially Asian countries, the first price they give you is an inflated version so they can move it down to reel you in. If you are concerned you’re being over charged, just try walking away… if they wont lower the price, you’re probably pretty close to their bottom dollar.
2) If You Love it Don’t Leave it
I once saw a painting in Paris that was quite expensive, that I really, really wanted. I had the spare money, but a few weeks left of my trip so I decided not to buy it. I still think of it often and wound up coming home with spare cash that could have easily paid for it. If you find a piece that you really adore and even if it’s a little outside of your budget, consider how much it will cost you to get back there to purchase the painting or piece of art… if it’s still even there.
Photo Credit: “Cluster” by Benjamin Garcia on Saatchi Online
3) Create Your Own Art
Most of us couldn’t recreate some of the wonderful buildings we see on canvas, but each person can have their own unique approach to photography. Taking photos of your trip and getting them mounted on canvas is a very special way of displaying your own art work in your home. Another special way to mark your overseas adventures and artistic pursuits is by creating a photo book that you can leave on your coffee table to share with guests.
4) Buy Art Online
Because of the Internet, you can now easily browse for art for your home from the comfort of your bedroom. The benefit of this is that there is a substantially large range of art available to you, so you can definitely find that perfect piece that will suit your home perfectly.
Photo Credit: “Over Under” by Niki Hare on Saatchi Online
These are my favourite tips for collecting art and photography overseas. Have you ever bought anything special overseas? Let us know in the comments below
