Laura Young Photography

Select Canvases on Sale Now Through February 9th.

You missed out on "The Doors We Open" but I do still have several canvases in stock, a number of which are currently on sale, like my lovely beans here. I only have ONE of each of the canvases in this gallery and, although I can produce more if you miss out on one you like, they will definitely not be availalble at these prices again (even the full price of $120 will not be an option for me to offer you on future prints due to my own production costs). So, if you see a canvas you like, do take full advantage of this sale. 

And, yes, it DOES matter if you are on my mailing list. Subscribers get steeper discounts and unadvertised sales and access to my new works. If you would like to be on my mailing list, sent your request to my name (laura) at laurayoungphotography.com

A Little Perspective and What's Ahead: What's Coming and What's Going

I've printed and produced, I've dabbled and toe-dipped, I've dreamed and planned and to say I learned a lot in 2011 is to put it mildly.

Here is a fast rundown of what I've taken away from the first several months in this new life and what it means as I move into the new year.

• This is hard work!  I mean, I knew it would be but...wow.  There are a million reasons why art costs what it does. And, yes, that means that, starting with any new production of my works, there won't be any bargain basement pricing. I was so happy just to be getting photos out of my computer I was willing to do almost anything to make them available to others when I first started out. I have learned that underselling means I risk locking myself into a level of production that is below where I want to be.
• Quality is worth the investment. I've used a few different production companies and have tried several different media. They aren't all created equal. There is nothing worse than worrying about whether an item you sell someone will hold up well over time. Future production will strictly be giclee prints and backed canvases. The price will be higher but if I am going to be taking prints back and forth to shows and exhibits, I need them to be durable, able to show well and ship well.
• There is a reason people use professionals. I thought I could save money for you and me both by framing some of my own work. Ironically I forgot to figure in the TIME it takes to frame (especially when you don't have a framing workshop to operate in.) I imagine my language will improve dramatically with framing off my plate...color is best left to the photos, not the expressive nature of the thrifty framer.
• Custom work is really fun. I LOVE the collaborative nature of this. Give me a budget, show me the room, tell me the print you like and turn me loose. I do hope to have more opportunities to do this for people. It's been a real treat for me.
• Some people do want to do their own framing. Not everyone, but some.  So, I will be making all of my prints available for purchase, unframed. More on that in the next couple weeks or so. For people who like to get ideas for framing possibilities, I will keep a gallery of past framing work up at the website.
• Care packages are a little more trouble than they are worth. I feel bad about it, but it's true, I'm not going to offer care packages in the future. I'd rather spontaneously make them for people than sell them for a living. Who knows, maybe a little extra gift will make its way into the hands of folks who purchase my work. I always like to add a 'cherry on top', especially if I can do it of my own free will as the mood strikes. Maybe I'll add some fun treats as a sale bonus sometimes...we'll see.
• Greeting cards and all that fun stuff costs too much to produce to make it worthwhile. Alas, like the care packages, this is not a direction consistent with where I am heading artistically. That doesn't mean that I won't produce them any more as add-ons, because some of the cards are quite lovely. I'm just not going to sell them as a separate line. I'm too small and it's too time intensive for the return on the investment of time and production costs.
• People go to coffeehouses to buy...coffee.  It's been great to have places to hang my work...free places that don't charge a commission...so much better than having work in my closet and it's helped me keep the purchase prices down for everyone. I've been blessed to have my work in spaces where the patrons actually LOOK at the art (definitely not the case everywhere) and I HAVE sold some work through my coffee house showings so I'm certainly not going to swear that off as a place to present myself BUT I'm going to be picky about where I go. More importantly, I have to look for places people go to buy...ART...if I want to sell art. And that may mean (WILL mean) sales commissions (from 20-50%, with 35% being typical) added to my print costs. And there are also hanging fees and rental space to add on top of that.  It also will mean an increase in my production costs as I work to show my images to their greatest potential. You really may not have grasped how inexpensively I have been offering my pieces until now. That window of opportunity is closing as I type this.
• I have to listen to my gut. I don't love everything I've produced, even if other people have fallen in love with some of the images. And while I do understand that selling work to people that THEY like is more important than me liking it, I also find myself being MUCH happier when I love the work, too. I am THRILLED when someone purchases one of my favorite prints. That's how I want to feel about every print that I sell. Therefore, I am reserving the right not to produce some photos, no matter what you say.
• It's to everyone's advantage to purchase my work via my website. I just don't know that many people are going to find me that way. Selling from my home means no commissions or rental or hanging fees to pay so I can bypass those costs and you get work delivered to your door (usually with a treat or two inside). The thing is, as someone who is still largely unknown, no one is searching the web for my photos. Of course, if YOU like my work and want dibs on it at the lowest price I am able to offer, you can let me know to put you on my mailing list. And if you know people with whom my work might resonate, send them over. It's word of mouth on the web where this part of my life is concerned. (your mouths).
• Time is precious. I have to factor this in, whether I factor it into my prices, or in chosing where and how to focus my energies. I was willing to throw myself headlong into ridiculously long hours to get myself moving. That isn't good as a lifestyle. Discernment and a realistic assessment of investment (financial, emotional, temporal...) is going to be given greater attention now that I have a few good lessons under my belt.
• Some day I have to do a coffeetable book.  I did a portfolio book for myself and I've had many requests from people to buy one. I just can't afford to make it affordable (I can't buy in the quantity to make it feasible for you to own at a realistic price). It may not happen this year, but it's already in my head (sort of) so I will be ecstatic when I can actually do it. (Maybe I'll try a kickstarter project for this...)
• Some of my work is meant to be exhibited but is unlikely to be purchased. I do need to figure out how to do an exhibit of my end of life photos. I do have some really cool ones (and even other people say it, not just me). But this is a completely different animal, things for exhibit that won't make good home decor...hmmmm...another seed to germinate...

Bottom line: I'm so happy looking ahead.I've met some great people and have learned a ton this year. I've done some work I'm really proud of and have some people in my life with pieces that I love knowing they have.  I've gotten a few new prints done that I really love and have plans to redo some current works to show them off more beautifully. I'm meeting with a possible teacher tomorrow (maybe even gallery space with him) and checking out another gallery on Thursday. Whether I can make the investment right now...that's tough...but I'm getting the balls in motion so stay tuned. And I have my eye on a few other places.  I'm getting some upgraded software for my production and am really looking forward to getting more prints up for you. I'm more deeply committed to this all the time and clearer every day about what is and what is not consistent with what I'm wanting to create.

Stay tuned...

 

 

Laura Young to Exhibit in Two Oak Park Locations

Oak Park is the place to be these days if you want to catch my work. I currently have 3 pieces up at the Oak Park Art League, located at 720 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park (just east of the Chicago and Oak Park intersection).

Three new pieces will be entered (one of which none of you have seen yet), for the next exhibit quite soon. If you have not been to a reception at OPAL, please consider coming down. The art is quite impressive and free wine is always a treat. Come join us for a sipping, noshing and beautiful art at the opening reception of the Oak Park Art League's Mother Earth exhibit on Friday, Feb 10th from 7-9. The exhibit runs from February 10 to March 2, 2012.

And the second location? Prairie Title, an OPAL satellite gallery. More on that to come...

 

Where's Laura? February at 318 (Graham's Coffeehouse)

Yes, I know it's been a while! Lots going on at Laura Young Photography so prepare for a flurry of updates.

First up: This week, Wednesday the 1st, I will be setting up the final installation of my three month run at Graham's 318 (318 Third St. in Geneva, IL).

Works in the current exhibit are now offered at 20% off until the switcheroo takes place. Yes, I do take credit cards and I'd even be happy to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you if you like. Head on out and see what's up there before I take it down.

And if you are looking for nice Valentine's gifts, the works I am putting up for February are all very lovely scenes for Springtime, flowers and romance. Do make your way over and enjoy the lovely beverage and noshing selections as well. 318 is one of my favorite places around here (and that was before they started showing my work!)

Unframed Images In Stock and Can Be Sent in Time for the Holidays

I've posted all but 3 of the unframed images I have in stock and available for purchase at the website in this gallery.  You can always order other sizes, but I have these and hand and can mail them immediately if you still want to get something as a gift for someone for the holiday. Most are smallish and standard sizes so you can frame them super easily (and inexpensively) since everyone is running frame sales these days. I've got to ship a few things today so you can even get same day shipping if you see something you like and act fast...

The three images that are coming are an 8 x 10 a mushroom detail ($10), a fern frond like my blog header 7 x 20 with a wide white border so the image itself is 5.5 x 15 ($25) and a center of a fern as an 11 x 11 square print ($18). Feel free to email me if you want dibs before I get them up on the side. 

The images currently posted range from $10 shipped to $135 for my largest fine art giclee print. I just have one in stock of most of these, 2 of a few, so snatch them up if you like them.

Unframed Images Now Available at Laura Young Photography

I'm just getting these posted now, but if you like "Social Butterfly" I have a couple 6 x 8 unframed, signed photos available. I'll be adding more images as the day goes on. Here is the new unframed photo gallery. I have limited copies available (just 2 of the Social Butterfly). Price includes shipping. I'll have a giclee of a Spanish door, a giclee of Bouquet...not sure what else, but keep watching...I think some 8x10 lotus...

I did have 2 of the "The Doors We Open" but they already flew out the door. That's why it pays to talk to me if you see something you like. You never know what I might have that just hasn't made it to the site yet...(and don't forget, I do custom work tailored to your budget).

New Gift Sets Available and Ready to Ship for the Holidays

The gift sets have been flying out the door but I do have these 6 available for purchase and they can still make it for the holidays if you act quickly. Prices vary from $55 to $135 and include shipping and holiday gift wrapping. I'll also send a personalized note card at no extra charge if you would like. If you are wanting international shipping, please contact me for a shipping quote. Go here to view the selections.

Free Journal with Canvas Purchase Thru 12/12/11

This week's special at Laura Young Photography: Get a free hard cover, magnetic closure journal ($15 value) free with any gallery-wrapped canvas purchase. 25 images to choose from, but only 1 of each available.  Free shipping in the U.S.

Miller Pop Up THIS SATURDAY, December 3rd, 5-9

Gene Ayres is making sure Lake Street is in fine form for the Pop Up Gallery night this Saturday, December 3rd. Once again artists will be located along Lake Street in numerous venues. I will be located in the Dance Academy (pictured here) as I have been for the first two events, and will have new images that have not been showcased there yet. I'll also have some of my truly scrumptious carrot cake, hot cider, probably some brownies, and another fun raffle so do come by and say hi.

I'm offering special prices on my work that evening to do my best to put art within the reach of everyone there in thanks for the warm reception that the community has given the artists who are so dedicated to revitalizing Miller Beach.

Come See Me at the Geneva Christmas Walk TOMORROW December 2

Well, we don't have this snow YET but there will be plenty of hot chocolate and good cheer at 318. I just hung 18 pieces this morning as their resident artist for the next 3 months. In addition to Santas and Sock Monkeys there are koi and lotuses and all kinds of fun stuff up now.

 If you come to the Christmas walk tomorrow, all my displayed works are 20% (Friday only). And as always, most of my pieces are one of a kind so if you fall in love with something don't leave without it or you may not see it again. I'll be there from 5-10 if you want to come by and sip some tasty beverage with me. This is my favorite coffeehouse and Geneva's Third Street is my favorite stretch of quaint and delightful shopping boutiques of any of the Chicago suburbs I have been in. Definitely worth a trip! 

I'll be rotating my installations there over the next three months so be sure to stop in whenever you are in the area. You can't beat their drinks, as well.