Julia Kozerski

So...last year I got in touch (via email) with Julia Kozerski whose work I had seen in the 2012 PDN Annual.  I was interested in the photographic documentation of her weight loss because, as I said in class last week, this was something I had intended on doing myself at one point.  In the end, I think she had a lot more courage than me.  I think, also, that my focus would be less on the event and more on the psychological and emotional impact of that.  I still think about how I would/could develop a project based on that experience (and I have mostly considered photographing others as well as myself), but in many ways I have moved on to other experiences I suppose, like that of being a mom or a wife.  But sometimes I still feel the need to express the emotions associated with this experience because of the pain and difficulty it actually produced.  I think I am more interested in playing on others' perceptions of me and how it affects me...and somehow finding a way to integrate that into a visual representation of what it is to be unrecognizable to those who have known you for years and how that actually makes you feel ignored for a variety of reasons. 

Anyway, we had a few email exchanges...shared our experiences...wrote about how difficult it is afterwards and how hard it is to have a normal life again, losing friends along that journey, etc.   She seemed to be on a good path, finding her way in the world and also finding her way photographically.  I hadn't thought much about her since then, but just received an update from her a few days ago in which she talks about all her recent success with her series called, "changing room" in which she photographs herself at different stages of her weight loss inside dressing rooms.  She was interviewed on NPR.com and her project published on a variety of websites:  Jezebel.com, Daily Mail, Buzzfeed, People.com, New York Daily News, MSN and she was invited to appear on Good Morning America and CNN.  In addition to all that, she was just interviewed today on Rachel Ray show.

I bring this up for two reasons.  1. Because it is a reminder that you should follow your intuition.  I thought that doing something based on that experience would be very successful and it was, only I didn't do it.  2. Also as a reminder that submitting to magazines is always a good idea as it can launch your career in ways you never imagined.

Take a look at her website if you have a chance.
http://juliakozerski.com/home

Lauren Rosenbaum, Thomas Dodd and Pricing

As someone who would actually like to sell her work at some point in time (so far with very little success), I'm interested in how others price their photographs and whether they choose to make editions or not. 

On Saturday I went to see Thomas Dodd's work at the Granite Room during FLUX.  I really enjoy his images (maybe because he uses some similar techniques to mine in blending).  They have the kind of surreal, dreamy quality that I enjoy. 

Thomas Dodd "Force of Nature"

I was shocked by the prices he had for the framed prints on the wall.  They were about 16x20 prints and were priced between $110-$95.  ????  Why so low?  Is this what he normally sells them for?  Did he cut the price for the show?  If so, is that a smart move?  Isn't it general knowledge that you don't discount your work?  I waited around to talk to him, but never got a chance as he was talking to others.  But I'd be curious to know what others think of this pricing?  It made me think my photos were overpriced.  He is clearly putting lots of work into the pieces as it's all digitally manipulated.  I wondered if it had to do with the quality of the print on display maybe...

Then I was looking online at some other artists that I like such as Lauren Rosenbaum who has some beautiful photos of her children.  I love this kind of work because my son is often my most consistent model and children have this ability to capture a variety of emotions.  I'm always impressed to see how a photo can freeze a moment of emotional depth in a child, sentiments we often consider solely reserved for adults.  Children spend a lot of time observing, staring off into the distance looking or waiting for something.  I have so many photos of my son looking out into the horizon...life is such a discovery and they are so open.  Her images capture those kinds of moments.  They are simple but beautiful.

 Lauren Rosenbaum "Rejoice"

Lauren Rosenbaum "Dance"

 

Lauren Rosenbaum "Reflect"

 

Lauren Rosenbaum "Dash"

 

 Lauren Rosenbaum "Waiting"

 

When I looked at at her pricing, I found it interesting that she has limited editions based on size and an the option of open edition prints as well.  This is kind of like having the best of both worlds.  Here's what she states about her pricing:

"Print Information: All archival pigment print photographs are produced under the artist's direct supervision. Each image is offered in two sizes, as follows:

30x30" image, printed on 36x36" paper (or 24x30" image size for rectangular images), produced in a limited edition of 25 prints (plus two Artist Proofs). Prices start at $1,000. and increase as the edition sells out.

10x10" image, printed on 14x14" paper (or 8x10" image size for rectangular images), produced in an Open Edition. Prints are priced at $400.

Print prices are set by the artist and are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Soulcatcher Studio for current pricing information."


This seems like a good idea maybe...